Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Marketing and Marketing Communications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing and Marketing Communications - Essay Example Raising visibility requires the same press release appearing in all credible newspapers, the same commercial over all television channels, the same radio jingle over all radio channels, similar hoardings in all important shopping malls etc. Credibility calls for faultless service to the customer. It requires adherence to quality and reliability. Recently Honda Motor Company, Japan's second largest auto maker, recalled 298,231 cars in Japan to repair a fault in the fuel pump relay that could have stopped the engine. In the recent past Microsoft launched its Windows Vista operating software amidst much fanfare and media glare, which raised the level of visibility for the product. Part-II (Three questions to be answered out of six) Ans-2: Internal and External factors influencing Pricing decisions Pricing is a very crucial aspect for managing the business. While carrying out the pricing decisions, a company has to take a comprehensive look at all its internal factors as well as the prevailing market scenario, economic policies and legal framework for the market and the product. Most of the companies begin pricing deliberations based on their own internal cost structures. Internal factors affecting the pricing decisions are basically the profit and cost factors. How the company arrives at the total cost of the product and how much profit is expected from the product makes. In general costs are divided in two components fixed costs and variables costs. Costs of labor, material, energy, supervision, R&D contribution, marketing, administrative, transportation, taxes, channel costs, factory overhead etc. are some of the internal cost components which form part of the pricing decision. On the other hand external factors affecting...While carrying out the pricing decisions, a company has to take a comprehensive look at all its internal factors as well as the prevailing market scenario, economic policies and legal framework for the market and the product. Most of the companies begin pricing deliberations based on their own internal cost structures. Internal factors affecting the pricing decisions are basically the profit and cost factors. How the company arrives at the total cost of the product and how much profit is expected from the product makes. In general costs are divided in two components fixed costs and variables costs. Costs of labor, material, energy, supervision, R&D contribution, marketing, administrative, transportation, taxes, channel costs, factory overhead etc. are some of the internal cost components which form part of the pricing decision. On the other hand external factors affecting pricing decisions include the existing pricing strategy resorted to by the competitors/ alternative products, market profile, customer's buying power, geographical conditions, economic policies prevailing in the country/ market, legal provisions for carrying out business in the market, acceptability of the product in the market, number of competitors and their profit margins etc. Tender Pricing: This type of pricing is based on actual costs of different sub tasks in producing the product.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Into thin Air and To Build a Fire Essay Example for Free

Into thin Air and To Build a Fire Essay Nature is the natural force that governs life: weather and events beyond the control of man. Nature is utterly indifferent to man. Even though man cannot control nature, man can defeat nature. However, human errors can cause nature to defeat man. The two main guides, Rob hall and Scott Fischer in Into thin Air and the Man in â€Å"To Build a Fire† errors played a huge role in their battle against nature. In Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air and Jack London’s â€Å"To Build a Fire†, man’s propensity to underestimate nature’s strengths and excessive pride led to nature’s victory. In Into Thin Air, the guides’ propensity to underestimate nature’s strengths was one of the human errors that led to man’s defeat. During the expedition, Scott Fischer was one of the main guides to underestimate nature. Before summiting Mount Everest, author Jon Krakauer recalls Scott Fischer stating that he â€Å"built a yellow brick road to the summit†, (Krakauer, 86). Scott Fischer’s tone shows that he is underestimating nature’s strength because he ruled out the perilous obstacles the climbers would encounter while summiting. In addition, in the story â€Å"To Build a Fire†, the man’s tendency to underestimate nature caused him to lose his battle against nature. While traveling through the Yukon, the man encountered the severely cold weather. However, he continued to travel because he believed he could defeat the weather. Jack London writes â€Å"Fifty degrees below zero meant eighty odd degrees of frost. Such facts impressed him as being cold and uncomfortable and that was all. It did not lead him to meditate upon his frailty as a creature of temperature†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , (Jack London, pg. 1). The man’s thoughts illustrates that he is underestimating nature’s ability due to lack of knowledge on the fragility of humans; humans always need to be in a stable environment. However, he believes he can survive in fifty degrees below zero temperature without facing any serious life threatening conflicts. In Into Thin Air, lead guide Rob Hall’s excessive pride caused nature to win. The expedition was full of people who were extremely prideful. Rob Hall was one of the most prideful people on the expedition. Author Jon Krakauer recalls a comment made by Rob Hall during the expedition. He states that hall â€Å"bragged on more than one occasion that he could get almost any reasonably fit person to the summit†, (Krakauer, 284). This description proves that Rob Hall is extremely prideful because he completely disvalues the risk aspects of climbing to the top of Mount Everest. Furthermore, Rob hall’s pride led to the down fall of the expedition. When Rob Hall guided everyone on the 1995 Mount Everest expedition safely, he was sure he could guide another expedition and have the same outcome as the 1995 expedition. In the end of the novel, the author states â€Å" After everyone came out of that summit attempt alive, Hall may have well thought there was little he couldn’t handle†,(Krakauer, 284). Rob Hall’s thought illustrates that his pride led to the down fall of the expedition because he did not acknowledge the fact that every expedition is different. Climbing a mountain is extremely unpredictable. He made an enormous mistake by believing from the 1995 expedition. In â€Å"To Build a Fire†, the man’s excessive pride leads him into conflict when he does not heed the advice of others who had experience similar situations. Jack London writes â€Å"All this the man knew the old-timer from sulphur creek had told him about it the previous fall, and now he was appreciating the advice†, (Jack London, paragraph 20). This description illustrates that the man, in his egotistic mind, never believed he would encounter any obstacles and disregards the old-timers advice. It is not until he encounters a hazardous problem that he truly sees the significance of the old-timers advice. In the novel Into Thin Air, man’s propensity to underestimate nature’s ability allowed nature to beat man. Scott Fischer’s comment regarding the summit allowed nature to beat man because it made the climbers lower their guards and not focus on the things that could go wrong while summiting. His comment probably convinced many climbers that climbing Mountain Everest was extremely easy and that they didn’t have put their all in climbing because they had a perfect guide who had everything figured out. If Scott Fischer had focused on things that could go wrong and made a plane, then they would have been able to defeat nature’s strengths. In addition, in the story â€Å"To Build a Fire†, the man allowed nature to beat him due to his propensity to underestimate nature. The man did not fully comprehend the mean of fifty degrees below zero. To the man, it meant only cold and uncomfortable. However, fifty degrees below zero temperature can cause dangerous life threatening problems due to the fragility of humans. If had better comprehend the real meaning of fifty degrees below zero temperature, then nature’s strengths could have been defeated and he would not have lost his life. In Into Thin Air, Rob Hall’s excessive pride caused nature to beat man. Rob Hall, the lead guide of the expedition, had repeated success at getting everyone to the top of Everest. This made him extremely proud. Over time, his pride got the better of him by making him complacent. If Rob Hall had focused on getting the clients to the top safely, then he could have beat nature. However, Hall’s excessive pride caused him to not heed the obstacles him and his clients might have encountered while climbing Everest. Furthermore, in â€Å"To Build a Fire†, the man’s pride also allowed nature to beat him. When the inexperienced man arrived at the Yukon, he decided to disregard the advice given to him. He was so confident that in could survive traveling the severely cold Yukon Territory. If the man had taken the old-timers advice and used it to make rational decisions, then he could have survived. In Into Thin Air and â€Å"To Build a Fire†, man’s tendency to underestimated nature’s power and extreme pride allowed nature to defeat man. Nature always pushes man to his limits. It is up to the man’s decisions that illustrates whether man will win or if nature will win. Man is nature’s enemy. One little human error can lead to nature’s victory.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Aldo Vallone :: The Divine Comedy

The Dante research of Aldo Vallone1 spans forty years, from the publication of his Prime noterelle dantesche (1947) and his bibliographic update of N. Zingarelli's Dante, to his recent annotated edition of the Commedia (1985-87)2. To retrace Vallone's Dantesque journey step by step would involve some 200 items, covering the whole spectrum of Dante scholarship and including interpretive studies of individual works as well as surveys of Dante criticism. We can here indicate only the salient moments of Vallone's critical contributions. The Vita nuova has frequently engaged Vallone's scholarly interest. His editions of the text appeared in 1954 and, with a critical anthology, in 1972 (the latter was expanded in 1975). His attention to Dante's poetic apprenticeship is documented by the analysis of the first nine chapters of the libello, the lectura of chapter XXV, and the study of the prose connectives in the libello.3 Analogous interest is shown in the studies on Dante's early prose: the essays on Dante's Latin and on the vocabulary, syntax, and style of the Convivio. In these studies Vallone analyzes not only Dante's rhetoric but his  «spiritual make-up » as well, underscoring the points of contact with the poetic language of the Commedia.4 In a revealing passage of his  «internal lectura » of Dante's lyric poetry, Vallone reflects on his own methodology:  «I propose a reading which aims to illuminate Dante's "lyrical substance". His poetry contains and offers from within all manner of interpretation. My approach is not simply "explaining Dante with Dante". It strives to locate and verify the internal coherence of the poetic text, in which each feature conforms to an internal necessity and has its rationally appointed place within the whole. My reading identifies in the text the subterranean echoes and hidden links between one verse and another; it undertakes to distinguish the vibration and "force of resistance" under the surface of the word. I intend to pinpoint Dante's intimate reasons for the choice of a given word: a choice that cannot be determined solely by personal taste, but always reflects the poet's experience of life, the rules of his art, and the social context. It is a multiform approach that o perates simultaneously on more than one level. It allows, encourages, even forces the reader to verify his reading at every step. One textual detail recalls and conditions another; and the sum total coincides with the meaning of the opus.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Ethics and Diversity Management Policies Essay -- Business Ethics

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to analyze best principles for implementing and support ethical behavior in an organization and diversity management. The researcher will recommend policies for ethics and diversity management. Furthermore, the researcher will identify policies for monitoring unethical behavior and injustice in an organization. Finally, the researcher will provide the rationale for selected policies. Ethics Policies According to Golja and Paulisic (2010) ethics is defined as a system of moral principles, the rule of conduct recognized in respects to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture and the moral principles of an individual. Camps and Majocchi (2010) defines ethics as rules of conduct, in other words ethics is treating others as you would want to be treated. According to the authors, the best principle for implementing and supporting ethical behavior in an organization is to first champion leadership to support and enforce ethics policies. Once leadership support is ascertained then an assessment should be done to determine what ethical policies are needed to meet the needs of the organization. After receiving the results from the assessment, managers should solicit employees for input and to volunteer with writing and reviewing policies. Throughout this process of establishing ethical policies, employees should be informed and made aware of how the policie s will affect behavior and business practices. Lastly, upon completion of the policies, employees should receive a copy through e-mail, as well as, for clear practice post the policies to the organization’s bulletin board and web-site (Camps & Majocchi, 2010; Mele, Debeljuh, & Arruda, 2006; Schnebel & Biener... ...nizations. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(1/2), 203-211. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy. edmc.edu/docview/198047458?accountid=34899 Stoner, C. & Russell-Chapin, L. (1997). Creating a culture of diversity management: Moving from awareness to action. Business Forum, 22(2/3), 6-12. Retrieved from http:// search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/docview/210208758?accountid=34899 Tsahuridu, E. & Vandekerckhove, W. (2008). Organisational whistleblowing policies: Making employees responsible or liable? Journal of Business Ethics, 82(1), 107-118. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/docview/198214067?accountid= 34899 Weaver, G. (1993). Corporate codes of ethics: Purpose, process and content issues. Business and Society, 32(1), 44-58. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/ docview/199381185?accountid=34899 Ethics and Diversity Management Policies Essay -- Business Ethics Introduction The purpose of this paper is to analyze best principles for implementing and support ethical behavior in an organization and diversity management. The researcher will recommend policies for ethics and diversity management. Furthermore, the researcher will identify policies for monitoring unethical behavior and injustice in an organization. Finally, the researcher will provide the rationale for selected policies. Ethics Policies According to Golja and Paulisic (2010) ethics is defined as a system of moral principles, the rule of conduct recognized in respects to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture and the moral principles of an individual. Camps and Majocchi (2010) defines ethics as rules of conduct, in other words ethics is treating others as you would want to be treated. According to the authors, the best principle for implementing and supporting ethical behavior in an organization is to first champion leadership to support and enforce ethics policies. Once leadership support is ascertained then an assessment should be done to determine what ethical policies are needed to meet the needs of the organization. After receiving the results from the assessment, managers should solicit employees for input and to volunteer with writing and reviewing policies. Throughout this process of establishing ethical policies, employees should be informed and made aware of how the policie s will affect behavior and business practices. Lastly, upon completion of the policies, employees should receive a copy through e-mail, as well as, for clear practice post the policies to the organization’s bulletin board and web-site (Camps & Majocchi, 2010; Mele, Debeljuh, & Arruda, 2006; Schnebel & Biener... ...nizations. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(1/2), 203-211. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy. edmc.edu/docview/198047458?accountid=34899 Stoner, C. & Russell-Chapin, L. (1997). Creating a culture of diversity management: Moving from awareness to action. Business Forum, 22(2/3), 6-12. Retrieved from http:// search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/docview/210208758?accountid=34899 Tsahuridu, E. & Vandekerckhove, W. (2008). Organisational whistleblowing policies: Making employees responsible or liable? Journal of Business Ethics, 82(1), 107-118. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/docview/198214067?accountid= 34899 Weaver, G. (1993). Corporate codes of ethics: Purpose, process and content issues. Business and Society, 32(1), 44-58. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/ docview/199381185?accountid=34899

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Rhetoric in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Essay

Throughout various plays and pieces, rhetoric is used to persuade characters into committing to a significant action or decision. In William Shakespeare’s plays, rhetoric is used regularly by characters that plan to persuade others into doing certain actions that satisfy their own personal opinions and needs. As it can lead to many dangerous outcomes, the art of persuasion, evoked through uses of rhetoric, can be seen as a lethal weapon that has the power to cause damage and harm. Similarly, the use of rhetoric also has the power to reveal truths and identities, that have been hidden and kept secret and are only able to be discovered through the schematic initiation of persuasion. To completely persuade someone else, a character must use rhetoric to overcome one of three key decision-making factors: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos. In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, appeals to Logos, Pathos, and Ethos are effectively used to reveal character, as seen in Cassius, Antony, a nd Brutus respectively, throughout the play. Cassius chooses to persuade different characters through appeals to Logos, which indicates his true qualities and aspects, and how they reflect his motifs. To appeal to Logos, one must appeal to the logical side of a person’s mentality; they must use reasoning and syllogism to persuade another person into believing that their opinion is completely logical, and is therefore the best decision to make. This can be seen in Cassius numerous times, and it establishes how he is calculating, logical, and cold. In the second scene of the first act, Cassius tells Brutus that Caesar is not the godly king the he sets himself up to be, and persuades Brutus that Caesar must be overthrown. Cassius convinces Brutus that Caesar is not fit for the thrown by using recollections of past experiences, in which Caesar can be seen as frail and impotent, to insult Caesar and convince Brutus that he is surely not strong enough to be crowned the leader of Rome, â€Å"His coward lips did from their colo ur fly, and that same eye whose bend doth awe the world did lose his lustre†. (1.2.122-124) The message is that Caesar is weak, and is no stronger than the average mortal Roman. If Caesar is weak and frail, how will he be able to lead an entire nation? This use of syllogism appeals to Brutus’ Logos, and convinces him that it is only logically fit to have a strong and capable man as leader, if there were to be a leader, through the simple cause-and-effect method. This is an example of Cassius being calculating, logical, and cold as he calculates that Brutus can be persuaded through a reasonable, syllogistic appeal, he uses logic to show Brutus evidence that Caesar is weak, and he is cold to the fact that Brutus is a very close friend of Caesar, and that turning such good friends against each other would be dishonourable, disrespectful, and inconsiderate to the bond they share and the significance of their relationship. Antony uses rhetoric through appeals to Pathos to effectively persuade others, and this reveals how he can be seen as smart, empathetic, and loyal. An appeal to Pathos is an appeal to emotion, rather than logic or credibility. Antony understands the power of one’s emotions, and uses his knowledge of this to persuade people into satisfying his needs by convincing them that their emotional desires are the most reasonable factor in making a decision. In the second scene of the third act, Antony gives a moving speech to the Plebians about Caesar’s death, and how he believes it was a traitorous act by the conspirators, and that his murder must be avenged. Antony knows full well that the common mob is not an intellectual group in the slightest, and chooses to appeal to emotions in an emotionally overwhelmed crowd, showing that he is smart and clever. To persuade the Plebian audience into fully believing that Caesar did not deserve to die, Antony decides to render Caesar’s death as a personal loss to each individual Plebian by overstating the fashion in which Caesar was killed, and by exaggerating the betrayal of Caesar’s close friend, Brutus, â€Å"Through this the well-loved Brutus stabb’d, and as he pluck’d his cursed steel away, mark how the blood of Caesar follow’d it, as rushing out of doors to be resolv’d if Brutus so unkindly knock’d or no, for Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel†. (3.2.174-179) By dramatizing Caesar’s death, Antony convinces the Plebians that Caesar, the man they had loved so much, did not deserve to die in such a gruesome manner, betrayed by his close friends, and thus causes the Plebians to feel resentful and vengeful for the death of such a seemingly innocent man. By persuading the Plebians into believing that Caesar’s dea th must be avenged through an exploitation of their emotional dominance in the decision making process, Antony can be seen as empathetic, as he understands the emotional connection between the Plebians and Caesar and uses it to his advantage, and loyal, as he desires, so strongly, for his best friend to be avenged for such a heinous and disloyal crime. Ethos is Brutus’ rhetorical device of choice, and his various uses of it to persuade other characters shows that he is proud, honourable, and naà ¯ve. In the first act of the second scene, Cassius brings the conspirators to Brutus’ house, where they discuss their plan to kill Caesar. Up until this point in the play, Brutus declares that he is very honourable towards his morals, and only does what he believes is right after considering both sides of an argument. Thus, Brutus can be seen as honourable, and proud of his morals, honour and the fact that he always contemplates the right decision by considering the significance of each factor. Much like the way Brutus presents himself in such a manner during the beginning of the play, Brutus can also be seen as honourable and pride through his uses of rhetoric. In this specific scene, Brutus insists that an oath is unnecessary, as they are all honourable men and plan on doing what is best for Rome, â€Å"No, not an oath! If not the face of men, the sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse-If these be motives weak, break off betimes, and every man hence to his idle bed; so let high-sighted tyranny range on, till each man drop by lottery† . (2.1.114-119) Here, Brutus tries to persuade the conspirators into becoming honourable, if they already aren’t, and believing that their only motif for killing Caesar should be for the greater good of the Roman Republic. This shows that Brutus has pride, as he believes that his mentality of honour is the best mentality for this decision, and he is honourable, as he believes that their actions should only be the most honourable ones. However, Brutus’ pride in his honour causes him to be naà ¯ve and blind to the fact that not every one of the conspirators agrees with his honourable mentality. Brutus’ pride causes him to believe that his personal mentality is the only possible mentality, and renders him blind to the fact that the conspirators are not killing Caesar for Brutus’ honourable reasons. By becoming completely absorbed to the belief that their only possible motif is for honour, Brutus causes himself to be naà ¯ve, through his own honour and pride.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The 8 Most Common Mistakes You Make on ACT English

The 8 Most Common Mistakes You Make on ACT English SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Over the past five years, I've tutored dozens of students on the ACT and seen them miss the same types of questions over and over again. The ACT English section really only tests a handful of concepts, so it's easy to make the same exact mistake onthree or four questions- which really hurts your score. Don't worry, though! I've come up with eightsimple rules you can follow to help you avoid the most common problemson the ACT English and automatically raise your score 1-2 points. Use my ACT English strategies and practice on a lot of realistic questions, and you'll raise your English score. A lot of common mistakes revolve around going with the answer that sounds right rather than the choice that follows the rules. To help you spot the difference, I'llgo through the mistakes most students make in order of frequencyand explain how you can avoid them: Avoiding NO CHANGE Not removing redundant or irrelevant words Insertingtoo many commas Incorrectly punctuating independent clauses Mixing up it's and its Using they instead of he or she Glossing over the question Missing modifier errors Mistake #1: Assuming Every Underlined Portion Includes an Error NO CHANGE seems like it must be wrong, but it's actually correct slightly more than 25% of the time. Don't automatically rule out choice A orF, and don't second guess yourself if you have NO CHANGE as the answer for multiple questions in a row. Instead, if you can't find an error and think NO CHANGE might be the best choice, look at the differences between the answers and try to determine whattypeof question it is. Are all the answers verbs? It's probably a verb tense or subject-verb agreement question. Does each answer have commas placed in different locations? It's likely a comma question. (Keep in mind, however, that some questions test more than one concept.) Once you know what kind of question it is, you can determine whether the original version avoids the error. Is the verb properly conjugated? The commas properly placed? The trick to not being confused by NO CHANGE is treating it like any other answer. If the best version of the underlined portion is the original one, then pick A. For more information on the frequency of NO CHANGE, check out our full analysis. Mistake#2: Leaving in Extra Words Relevanceand redundancy are two of the least intuitive concepts on the ACT English section. Questions that test these topics require you eliminate totally grammatically acceptable phrases that often seem to add information. The key to understanding how to approach these questions is recognizing that not all information is useful. Take a look at this example sentence: Every spring, I go through my yearly house-cleaning ritual and clean my home. This sentence is perfectly grammatical and easy to understand. However, it repeats certain ideas unecessarily. "Every spring" is by definition "yearly," so we don't need the second word. Moreover, the "ritual" is explicitlydescribed as "house-cleaning," so "and clean my home" is redundant. Every spring, I go through my house-cleaning ritual. If an answer restates something that's already been established or adds information that isn't directly related to the point at hand, it's probably wrong. Try taking the extra wordsout and see if the sentence still makes sense (both grammatically and logically). If so, pick the answer that leaves out the unnecessary words. Don't be afraid to choose OMIT the underlined portion, if you think the passage works without the whole underlined section. For a more in depth take on redundancy questions, see our full post on the topic. Mistake #3: Adding Unnecessary Commas Many students believe that you should put a comma any place in a sentence where there's a pause, but this approach will result in your missing a lot of questions. Take a look at the following example: I know Callie thought that accusing Jon, of stealing the headphones, would just cause more problems. These commas may seem correct, but they're actually unnecessary. Although this sentence is fairly long, it doesn't require any commas at all: I know Callie thought that accusing Jon of stealing the headphones would just cause more problems. The truth is that commas are only necessary in very specific situations. A good rule of thumb is "When in doubt, leave it out!" If comma questions are tripping you up, our complete guide to commas on the ACT can help you understand when you need them and when you don't. This is not a wise attitude to take towards commas. Mistake #4: Connecting Independent Clauses Incorrectly One of the most common ACT English comma issues is called a comma splice, it occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses (this sentence is an example!). There are four correct ways to connect two complete thoughts: a period, a semicolon, a colon, and a coordinating conjunction with a comma. Let's look at some alternate versions of the sentence above: Incorrect: One of the most common comma issues is called a comma splice it occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. Incorrect: One of the most common comma issues is called a comma splice and it occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. Correct: One of the most common comma issues is called a comma splice. It occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. Correct: One of the most common comma issues is called a comma splice; it occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. Correct: One of the most common comma issues is called a comma splice: it occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. Correct: One of the most common comma issues is called a comma splice, and it occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. For more information on comma splices and other forms of run-on sentences, take a look at our in depth article. Mistake #5: Confusing It's, Its, and Its' The differences between can seem complicated, especially if you haven't studied them in a while, but they're actually quite straight forward. Its, with no apostrophe, is a possessivepronoun. It's equivalent to "his" or "her," which you'll notice don't have apostrophes either. It's, with an apostrophe before the s, is a contraction of "it is" or "it has." Contractions always have to have an apostrophe to replace the dropped letter or letters. Its', with an apostrophe after the s, isn't a real word. This construction will appear as an answer on the ACT but it's always wrong. When trying to determine whether the word needs an apostrophe, you should replace it with with "it is" (or "it has," depending on context) and see if the sentence makes sense. If so, "it's" is correct. If not, "its" is. Let's go over an example: The cat pinned back its' ears to show displeasure. We know "its'" can't be correct- we just have to determine whether it should be "it's" or "its." Let's plug in "it is" and see if that makes sense: The cat pinned back it is ears to show displeasure. That version doesn't make sense. "Its" is the correct choice, since the pronoun is meant to indicate that the ears belong to the cat: The cat pinned back its ears to show displeasure. For more information on its vs. it's and other apostrophe issues, check out our post on punctuation. This deer may be confused, but you don't have to be! Mistake #6: Using They or Their as a Singular Pronoun When we speak, we routinely use the plural pronouns "they," "their," and "them" to refer to individuals on uncertain gender (e.g. the child, the teacher, the inventor).In written English, however, this usage is considered a pronoun agreement error: the noun is singular, but the pronoun replacing it is plural. Take a look at this example sentence: Incorrect: At the end of many fantasynovel, the protagonist must face their nemesis in single combat. Correct:At the end of manyfantasy novels, the protagonist must face his or hernemesis in single combat. Though it may seemoverly complicated, the second version of the sentence correctly matches noun and pronoun. Pronoun agreement is frequently tested and can be tricky, so consider checkingout our complete guide to pronoun agreement on ACT English. Mistake #7: Not Reading the Question Because most of the questions on ACT English revolve only around underlined portions of the passage, it’s easy to gloss overquestions when they appear. However, as with the other sections of the ACT, it's extremely important to carefully read the questions and think about what they're asking. Usually, the best indication of the answer is right there in the question. This ruleis especially vital toanswering questions that ask about which version of a sentence or phrase is best. It can be tempting to simply pick the answer you think sounds best, but this approach will usually give you the wrong answer. Instead, look atwhat the question is asking for, e.g. "specific details" or "information that sets up a contrast." The ACT English section includesa pretty wide range of questions that usethis format, so if you're struggling with these types of questions take a look at some of our general advice on the ACT English questions and passages. Mistake #8: MisplacingModifiers Misplaced and dangling modifiers- descriptive words or phrases that are incorrectly placed in a sentence- are another type of weird error that oftendoesn't seem wrong. Nonetheless, the ACT includes them fairly frequently, so keep this key rule in mind: a modifier must be next to whatever it modifies. Incorrect: While walking, the banana peel tripped me. Correct: While walking, I tripped on the banana peel. Dangling modifiers (which, like the example above, are introductoryphrases that are separated from the thing they're modifying) are especially tricky. Be on the lookout for sentences that begin with descriptive phrases- they must be followed by the noun theydescribe. For further details on both dangling and misplaced modifiers, see our grammar guide to ACT Englishfaulty modifiers. Keep on going towards the score you want! (Image: Piermario/Flickr) What's Next? Take the time to get comfortable with other frequently tested concepts like subject-verb agreementandpronoun case. Looking to build a study plan? Read our complete plan to studying for the ACT, review what the ACT English actually covers, and take a practice test (or five!). If you're aiming especially high (or even if you aren't), make sure to check out these 9 key strategies from a perfect scorer. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes what you study to your strengths and weaknesses. If you liked this English lesson, you'll love our program.Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands ofpractice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. 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Monday, October 21, 2019

Margaret Beaufort, Kings Mother

Margaret Beaufort, King's Mother Continued from: Margaret Beaufort: Basic Facts and TimelineMargaret Beaufort: The Making of the Tudor Dynasty Henry VII Becomes King and Margaret Beaufort the Kings Mother Margaret Beaufort’s long efforts to promote her son’s succession were richly rewarded, emotionally and materially.   Henry VII, having defeated Richard III and become king, had himself crowned on October 30, 1485. His mother, now 42 years old, reportedly wept at the coronation.   She was, from this point, referred to in court as â€Å"My Lady, the King’s Mother.† Henry Tudor’s marriage to Elizabeth of York would mean that his children’s right to the crown would be more secure, but he wanted to make sure that his own claim was clear.   Since his claim through inheritance was rather thin, and the idea of a queen ruling in her own right might bring images of the civil war of Matilda’s time, Henry claimed the crown by right of battle victory, not his marriage to Elizabeth or his genealogy.   He reinforced this by marrying Elizabeth of York, as he had publicly pledged to do in December of 1483. Henry Tudor married Elizabeth of York on January 18, 1486.   He also had parliament repeal the act which, under Richard III, had declared Elizabeth illegitimate. (This likely means that he knew that her brothers, the Princes in the Tower, who would have a stronger claim to the crown than Henry, were dead.) Their first son , Arthur, was born almost exactly nine months later, on September 19, 1486.   Elizabeth was crowned as queen consort the next year. Independent Woman, Advisor to the King Henry came to kingship after years of exile outside of England, without much experience in administration of a government. Margaret Beaufort had advised him in exile, and now she was a close advisor to him as king.   We know from his letters that he consulted with her on court matters and chuch appointments. The same parliament of 1485 that repealed Elizabeth of York’s illegitimacy also declared Margaret Beaufort a femme sole – in contrast to a femme covert or a wife.   Still married to Stanley, this status gave her an independence few women, and fewer wives, had under the law.   It gave her complete independence and control over her own lands and finances.   Her son also awarded her, over some years, considerably more lands which were under her independent control.   These would, of course, revert to Henry or his heirs on her death, as she had no other children. Despite the fact that she had never actually been a queen, Margaret Beaufort was treated at court with the status of a queen mother or dowager queen.   After 1499, she adopted the signature â€Å"Margaret R† which may signify â€Å"queen† (or may signify â€Å"Richmond†).   Queen Elizabeth, her daughter-in-law, outranked her, but Margaret walked close behind Elizabeth, and sometimes dressed in similar robes.   Her household was luxurious, and the largest in England after her son’s.   She might be the Countess of Richmond and Derby, but she acted like the equal or near equal of the queen. Elizabeth Woodville retired from the court in 1487, and it’s believed that Margaret Beaufort may have instigated her departure.   Margaret Beaufort had oversight over the royal nursery and even over the procedures for the queen’s lying-in.   She was given the wardship of the young Duke of Buckingham, Edward Stafford, son of her late ally (and her late husband’s nephew), Henry Stafford, whose title was restored by Henry VII. (Henry Stafford, convicted of treason under Richard III, had had the title taken from him.) Involvements in Religion, Family, Property In her later years, Margaret Beaufort was noted for both ruthlessness in defending and extending her land and property, and for responsible oversight of her lands and improving them for her tenants. She gave generously to religious institutions, and particularly to support the education of clergy at Cambridge. Margaret patronized the publisher William Caxton, and commissioned many books, some to distribute to her household. She bought both romances and religious texts from Caxton. In 1497, the priest John Fisher became her personal confessor and friend.   He began to rise in prominence and power at Cambridge University with the King’s Mother’s support. She is supposed to have had the agreement of her husband in 1499 to take a vow of chastity, and she often lived separately from him after that. From 1499 to 1506, Margaret lived at a manor in Collyweston, Northamptonshire, improving it so that it functioned as a palace. When the marriage of Catherine of Aragon was arranged to Margaret’s eldest grandson, Arthur, Margaret Beaufort was assigned with Elizabeth of York to select the women who would serve Catherine.   Margaret also urged that Catherine learn French before coming to England, so that she could communicate with her new family. Arthur married Catherine in 1501, and then Arthur died the next year, with his younger brother Henry then becoming heir apparent. Also in 1502, Margaret gave a grant to Cambridge to found the Lady Margaret Professorship of Divinity, and John Fisher became the first to occupy the chair. When Henry VII appointed John Fisher as bishop of Rochester, Margaret Beaufort was instrumental in choosing Erasmus as his successor in the Lady Margaret professorship. Elizabeth of York died the following year, after giving birth to her last child (who did not survive long), perhaps in a vain attempt to have another male heir.   Though Henry VII talked of finding another wife, he did not act on that, and genuinely grieved the loss of his wife, with whom he’d had a satisfying marriage, though initially making it for political reasons. Henry VII’s older daughter, Margaret Tudor, was named for her grandmother, and in 1503, Henry brought his daughter to his mother’s manor along with the whole royal court.   He then returned home with most of the court, while Margaret Tudor continued on to Scotland to marry James IV. In 1504, Margaret’s husband, Lord Stanley, died.   She devoted more of her time to prayer and religious observance.   She belonged to five religious houses, though she continued to reside in her own private residence. John Fisher became the Chancellor at Cambridge, and Margaret began giving the gifts that would establish the re-founded Christ’s College, under the king’s charter. Last Years Before her death, Margaret made possible, through her support, the transformation of a scandal-ridden monastic house into St. John’s College at Cambridge. Her will provided for continuing support for that project. She began planning around her end of life.   In 1506, she commissioned a tomb for herself, and brought Renaissance sculptor Pietro Torrigiano to England to work on it.   She prepared her final will in January of 1509. In April of 1509, Henry VII died.   Margaret Beaufort came to London and arranged her son’s funeral, where she was given precedence over all the other royal women.   Her son had named her his chief executor in his will. Margaret helped arrange and was present for the coronation of her grandson, Henry VIII, and his new bride, Catherine of Aragon, on June 24, 1509.   Margaret’s struggles with her health may have been aggravated by the activity around the funeral and coronation, and she died on June 29, 1509.  John Fisher gave the sermon at her requiem mass. Largely because of Margaret’s efforts, Tudors would rule England until 1603, followed by the Stuarts, descendants of her granddaughter Margaret Tudor. More: Margaret Beaufort: Basic Facts and TimelineMargaret Beaufort: The Making of the Tudor Dynasty

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Free Essays on Meat Is No Good

Meat Is Useless Meat is Useless Eating meat is part of the daily life of billions of people all over the world. Every day thousands of animals are killed for the production of meat food for people. However, studies have shown that meat is not essential for our existence and gives us nothing more than the other foods on the market. Meat consumption may not harm you or the surrounding environment immediately but there are consequences and sooner or later they will appear. A meatless diet is healthier than a diet containing meat. According to surveys and examinations of the contents of the food products, meat contains more fat than non-meat foods. Since it is very difficult for our bodies to process high quantities of fat and it is being accumulated in our bodies, fat consuming causes many health problems. According to the American Heart Association, the fat in the food we eat should be no more than 30 percent of the total calories we consume daily. However, this is very difficult to achieve when meat is part of our daily meal plan. The only way to stay healthy and continue eating meat is to put a limit on the amount of meat we consume. Unfortunately, nowadays most people are often tempted by the taste and appearance of the meat products on the market and it is very difficult for them to resist. That is why the solution of a balanced diet can not be practically used. Moreover, it has been recently proven that many diseases are commonly prevented, consistently improved, and often cured by a low-fat vegetarian diet. Among them are diseases such as kidney stones, prostate cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, strokes, diabetes, peptic ulcers, obesity, hemmorhoids, salmonellosis, and many others (American Heart Association). Cholesterol can be found in every meat product. This is another particular reason proving that meat is bad. Cholesterol blocks the arteries and ma... Free Essays on Meat Is No Good Free Essays on Meat Is No Good Meat Is Useless Meat is Useless Eating meat is part of the daily life of billions of people all over the world. Every day thousands of animals are killed for the production of meat food for people. However, studies have shown that meat is not essential for our existence and gives us nothing more than the other foods on the market. Meat consumption may not harm you or the surrounding environment immediately but there are consequences and sooner or later they will appear. A meatless diet is healthier than a diet containing meat. According to surveys and examinations of the contents of the food products, meat contains more fat than non-meat foods. Since it is very difficult for our bodies to process high quantities of fat and it is being accumulated in our bodies, fat consuming causes many health problems. According to the American Heart Association, the fat in the food we eat should be no more than 30 percent of the total calories we consume daily. However, this is very difficult to achieve when meat is part of our daily meal plan. The only way to stay healthy and continue eating meat is to put a limit on the amount of meat we consume. Unfortunately, nowadays most people are often tempted by the taste and appearance of the meat products on the market and it is very difficult for them to resist. That is why the solution of a balanced diet can not be practically used. Moreover, it has been recently proven that many diseases are commonly prevented, consistently improved, and often cured by a low-fat vegetarian diet. Among them are diseases such as kidney stones, prostate cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, strokes, diabetes, peptic ulcers, obesity, hemmorhoids, salmonellosis, and many others (American Heart Association). Cholesterol can be found in every meat product. This is another particular reason proving that meat is bad. Cholesterol blocks the arteries and ma...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Postwar Vietnamese Film - CYCLO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Postwar Vietnamese Film - CYCLO - Essay Example Tran Anh Hungs brilliant film exposes to light how poverty and inexorable pressure of robber capitalism in high-crime area make ordinary people face ethical dilemma and experience problem of choice in a vibrant urban environment of modern Vietnam. Tran Anh Hungs Cyclo is a sophisticated poetic tale of Ho Chi Minh City. It opens the door to a gloomy world of turbulent 90s in the Vietnams largest city, where misery runs in the family from generation to generation and hellish toil does not mean decent life. The movie focuses on times of so-called "doi moi" or market liberalization in Vietnam, when the government of the country took measures to make a transition from a command economy to a market-driven economical system of Western type (Narkunas 148), which was a huge challenge for the nation. During these transition times portrayed in the movie the corruption of state apparatus and hyperinflation of national currency were a commonplace, while unemployment and crime rates soared and caused social unrest in big cities. A great number of Ho Chi Minh City inhabitants were foredoomed to be trapped in a vicious circle of hard poverty and moral decadence, incoming crime waves and abrupt eruptions of street violence, gender bias and ho peless lack of opportunities for younger generation. The protagonists of the movie represent the lower class of Vietnamese society that struggles hard to escape from grasp of misery. Each of them makes morally questionable choices all the way down in hope for better life. However, despite the fact all of the protagonists are tangled in a shady business, they are more to be pitied than censured. The story is told in a somewhat dismal strain. Its chronological narration is far from having a linear progression and often intermingles with colorful surrealistic scenes. The film is rich with vivid imagery, when

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Changing Role of HR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Changing Role of HR - Essay Example These four categories are most basic to the functioning of the modern day organisation. The human resource or human capital element in the organisation ahs emerged as one that perpetuates this role at every level of the organisation through an effective integration of personal and organisational goals. (Johnson, 1996. P 13 to 18) The first role of the human resource in today's organisation is that of a business partner. This has come to the fore with the emergence of various service oriented companies that provide intensive marketing services along with the products that are being produced. The emergence of a marketing network has been crucial to companies like Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, Oriflame Cosmetics and many others. (Green, 2002. P 111) These business partners work independently from home or under the name of their own business in order to cater to people exclusively and bring the products and services of the company to the doorstep of the independent clients. The role of these business partners is to bring business to the company by exploring their personal networks so as to earn commissions on the sales that they make. This is a formal level of institutionalised operations where the organisation profits greatly. This is done by pushing the product in quarters where the effects of regular marketing and promotion cannot reach. It is also an elevated level of salesman ship where the sales agents are offered a share in the business that they make. The advantage of this is that the business partners take a personal interest in the development of a clientele. (Green, 2002. P 111) Further, this serves the two fold purpose of sales and promotion. While there might not be immediate sales in some cases, there is a creation of awareness for future sales. This in turn, leads to increased sales and repeat orders through word of mouth and brand recall. At an informal level, the term business partner can be used to denote the modern day human resource base. This is due to the fact that the human capital in an organisation today is motivated enough to integrate the personal goals with those of the organisation in an effective way. In this way, the goals are achieved at both ends. The management of an organisation attaches great importance to the act of motivating the human capital through the use of incentives that may be material or immaterial. The material benefits include bonuses, promotions and other such means, while the immaterial ones include good reports and feedback. This helps the employee gain confidence and self esteem. Also, it caters to the employees need to achieve a certain social standing. Thus, the employee begins to realise that only by forwarding the goals of the organisation will his or her own goals be met. In this way, the human resource has emerged as a business partner that works in tandem with the organisati on as far as goal achievement is concerned. (Green, 2002. P 111) Change Manager The modern day economy is one that is changing with each passing

Florida Contract Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Florida Contract - Essay Example The handbook helps in minimizing conflict by ensuring employees are treated fairly. Therefore, the employee handbook acts as a binding contract for them. This is because it is written and not complying with what it stipulates can lead to the employer been sued. An employee has certain rights according to the handbook. Some of the rights include compensation to any employee in case of injuries acquired at the workplace. An employer would be liable to an employee in cases of sexual harassment. The laws ensure that employees are safe from discrimination, either because of sex, race, association or religion (Bush, p 42). Employers cannot discharge a female employee due to pregnancy because this is considered illegal, and the employer can be sued. Employers cannot also fire their employees because of their race, religious affiliation, age, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. It is also considered illegal for an employer to fire an employee for abiding in the set laws of the state. However, in Florida employees are ‘at will’. This means that they may be fired for any reason as long as it is not illegal. In conclusion, an employee cannot sue the employer if fired for any act that is considered illegal according to the defi nition of that term in Florida state laws (Bush, p

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Small Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Small Business - Assignment Example Because of the failure South African economy has lost more than R68 million over the period of 1997 to 2000. A study also in Canada shows that 68 % of small and medium enterprises with fewer than five employees, failed within five years. The reason for failure of businesses includes the following areas of concern: The above reason will be our focus in making the business plan for a period picture framing and small craft workshop for furniture. Creating a business plan is essential for small business to be able to develop a path for a strong business. Our business plan for picture and framing woodcraft furniture includes the capital, market selection and business and management skills. Our marketing report shows that since we are producing a furniture and picture frame at not so low price, therefore we are offering our furniture to those whose accept the fact that it is hard to produce a very low price furniture with quality. We are marketing our product to high and medium class people of Kent as well as throughout London. As described in our marketing report and analysis a proper strategy will be implemented to market the furniture. Working capital is important in starting a small business. From here you will be able to start your business by selecting materials which are cheaper but of quality. The company wants to develop a quality furniture for our customer but it has an inadequate working capital. This may cause a failure of the business if we were not able to manage the cash well. Small business failure can inevitably be related to poor or careless financial management (Berryman, 1983; Peacock, 1985). Businesses can increase their capital by looking for a material which would not cost them a lot, or by looking for a lending company with a low interest to be able to have enough capital for the business. The advantage of these actions is that it is beneficial to the company since they have an additional capital but it could be a disaster if they were not able to manage their capital well. Other encourages small businesses owner-managers to install and use accounting information systems (McMahon and Holmes, 1 991). Breen and Sciulli (2002) report that, in order to reduce the cost burden on small business, a number of mechanisms were put in place.. All of this was to encourage small business to utilize computerized technology. However to be able to use the computerized technology proper training and seminars should be conducted for employees. Chittenden and Bragg (1997) report that when a small business is suffering from late payment there is an increase in short-term bank borrowing, or delay in payments to creditors. When this occurs small business then has to over commit themselves which leads to the next two comments that "There is a definite down turn since GST. Money is very much tighter. In an arts and craft business experiencing very much reduced turnover" and "I spend a lot more time monitoring cash flow, with more work and less cash" sums up what the small business owner-manager is experiencing. Petzke and Murphy (2001) reported that the introduction of the GST and consequent rep orting requirements had put stress on marriages and 'ruined some small businesses with red

Education of Students with disorders and disabilities Essay

Education of Students with disorders and disabilities - Essay Example The method used should be able to solve the problem for the student. The teacher should be able to comprehend the content first and then transform it to a form that is easy to grasp by the student (Alter, Brown and Pyle 2011). The method of teaching should enable the student to decode the problem and solve most of the problems. The individual performance of each student is necessary to enable the teacher to know the method that best suits each student. There are various strategies that include the draw a picture method, the guess and check method as well the making a table or chart method. For the guess and check strategy, the teacher should ask the students to make a guess from the information that he gives. The draw a picture strategy helps the students as it creates graphics in their minds that are important in comprehending what they are learning. The same aspect applies to the making a table or a chart method. These techniques can be used to teach both Math and English Language Arts. Using Phonemic games is also important especially in teaching English. It involves moving sound tokens for each sound segment. For example, reversing the word ‘cat’ to ‘tac’ and removing the first letter to read ‘at.’ Anyone can nurture the self-esteem and self-determination of students with special needs. Their self-advocacy skills can also be enhanced for them not to feel as though they are less worthy students. Below are some of the techniques that can help in boosting the self-esteem as well as enhancing the self-determination of these students. One of the ways you can nurture the self-esteem and self-determination of students with special needs is by recognizing and enhancing their talents. The reason this is important is because not all students are talented academically. Whatever a student is gifted in, the teacher or parent should focus on that. You should also help the students to look beyond the school. Yes, it is

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Small Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Small Business - Assignment Example Because of the failure South African economy has lost more than R68 million over the period of 1997 to 2000. A study also in Canada shows that 68 % of small and medium enterprises with fewer than five employees, failed within five years. The reason for failure of businesses includes the following areas of concern: The above reason will be our focus in making the business plan for a period picture framing and small craft workshop for furniture. Creating a business plan is essential for small business to be able to develop a path for a strong business. Our business plan for picture and framing woodcraft furniture includes the capital, market selection and business and management skills. Our marketing report shows that since we are producing a furniture and picture frame at not so low price, therefore we are offering our furniture to those whose accept the fact that it is hard to produce a very low price furniture with quality. We are marketing our product to high and medium class people of Kent as well as throughout London. As described in our marketing report and analysis a proper strategy will be implemented to market the furniture. Working capital is important in starting a small business. From here you will be able to start your business by selecting materials which are cheaper but of quality. The company wants to develop a quality furniture for our customer but it has an inadequate working capital. This may cause a failure of the business if we were not able to manage the cash well. Small business failure can inevitably be related to poor or careless financial management (Berryman, 1983; Peacock, 1985). Businesses can increase their capital by looking for a material which would not cost them a lot, or by looking for a lending company with a low interest to be able to have enough capital for the business. The advantage of these actions is that it is beneficial to the company since they have an additional capital but it could be a disaster if they were not able to manage their capital well. Other encourages small businesses owner-managers to install and use accounting information systems (McMahon and Holmes, 1 991). Breen and Sciulli (2002) report that, in order to reduce the cost burden on small business, a number of mechanisms were put in place.. All of this was to encourage small business to utilize computerized technology. However to be able to use the computerized technology proper training and seminars should be conducted for employees. Chittenden and Bragg (1997) report that when a small business is suffering from late payment there is an increase in short-term bank borrowing, or delay in payments to creditors. When this occurs small business then has to over commit themselves which leads to the next two comments that "There is a definite down turn since GST. Money is very much tighter. In an arts and craft business experiencing very much reduced turnover" and "I spend a lot more time monitoring cash flow, with more work and less cash" sums up what the small business owner-manager is experiencing. Petzke and Murphy (2001) reported that the introduction of the GST and consequent rep orting requirements had put stress on marriages and 'ruined some small businesses with red

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Business Plan College Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Business Plan College - Assignment Example Those skills support Master Minder's goals. The UK's changing demographics have led to families becoming more fragmented with parents of young children often finding they have little or no close family support when they start a family. But professional babysitting agencies are an emerging business trend as they provide a cheap form of childcare and represent an attractive option for busy mothers who need help not only with childcare but also with light house hold duties. Childcare provision in the UK is a clearly segmented market, as a result of legislation and constantly changing market needs. British parents pay high childcare bills and despite Government initiatives and tax changes, there is a growing need for the expansion of private sector services. Service, price and reputation are essential success factors in the childcare services industry. Master Minders will compete well in this industry by offering competitive prices, high-quality childcare services and by maintaining an excellent reputation with parents and the community we serve. We will start our business on the First January 2009.We project healthy revenues and a high net profit for the four first years. The high profit will help the company to achieve its long-term goal which is to franchise and/or to become multi-location. Master Minder's mission is to contribute to the community by filling a need for specialized baby sitters. The company will provide baby sitters with a safe and independent environment. Close personal attention to each child is essential to providing a quality experience for all children; therefore, adequate personnel will be hired to ensure each child has the proper supervision whilst in our care. I.2. Objectives Master Minder's objectives are: To serve clients with needs for select, specialized baby sitters rather than clerical or light industrial baby sitters. To create a service based operation whose primary goal is to exceed customer's expectations. To increase the number of client's served by 10% each year. To develop a sustainable, profitable, start-up business. The long-term goal of the company is to franchise and/or to become multi-location, and eventually sell this business. I.3 Keys to success Keys to success for the company will include: Maintaining a high reputation in the community. Quality care by trainee program for our baby sitters. Maintaining and controlling cost to assure a sustainable profitable business. Offering flexible hours and competitive pricing, discounts and advantages to our customers to gain their loyalty. Master Minders is a temporary and permanent placement baby sitter agency working solely with skilled, professional baby sitters. Master Minders differs from other temporary and permanent placement agencies because of our skilled baby sitters and the variety of its services. Master Minders will be located in Reading. Master Minders will provide Baby sitters and Mother's Help Master Minders does the following for each

Review of related literature Essay Example for Free

Review of related literature Essay This chapter covers a review of related literature which is pertinent to the study. The literature reviewed here provides three different but equally relevant insights on how to approach benefits realization. A. Literature Review The Continuing Role of IS The study Show Me the Money: Advanced Practices in Benefits Realization (2005), by Dave Aron, Chuck Tucker, and Richard Hunter, is a piece of related literature that is particularly relevant to the present research paper. Aron et al.’s work provides for a comprehensive analysis of the benefits realization life cycle, and provides for five key characteristics for effective benefits realization. Show Me the Money discusses how the benefits realization life cycle should actually be divided into three phases: 1) planning; 2) execution; and 3) harvesting. Advanced practices, according to Aron et al. , lead to increased business benefits, higher IS credibility, and improved learning which can be applied to an organization’s subsequent projects. An organization should focus on participating fully on each of the three cycles. The focus on benefits planning allows an organization’s portfolio to be maximized in terms of benefits potential. The work for the organization’s IS does not stop at the execution stage of benefits realization, but must continue on until the harvesting phase in order to optimize benefits. In Table 1 below, the advanced practices for each phase of the benefits realization life cycle is outlined by Aron et al. : Table 1. Advanced Practices in the Benefits Realization Process Source: Aron, Dave, Chuck Tucker, Richard Hunter. (December 2005). Show Me the Money: Advanced Practices in Benefits Realization. http://www. gartner. com/DisplayDocument? doc_cd=137020 The significant difference between basic practices and advanced practices in benefits realization, as seen in Table, shows the continued participation of IS in each and every stage of the cycle. During execution, in the advanced practices row, in particular, IS should contribute to change management. This means that information services’ role do not stop after delivery of the technology. The practices outlined in Table 1 can be summed up in the five characteristics for an effective benefits realization program as provided by Aron et al. in their research: Benefits realization is an end-to-end discipline The business should focus on the benefits life cycle. The organization should expand its focus from the systems development life cycle in order to enhance IS contribution to change management. Some factors to consider (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005): Benefits realization is a persistent need of every organization. ? Shifting IT portfolios make the benefits realization challenge even more pressing. ? Improving benefits realization goes hand in hand with closer business alignment. ? Benefits of IT-intensive initiatives are realized through three phases (planning, execution, and harvesting) ? Advanced practices deliver optimum benefits realization. ? Planning practices lay the foundation Benefits-focused planning will make sure that an organization’s portfolio is maximized regarding benefits potential. Advanced practices should include: use of benefits framework to define benefits; build results chains to identify all the activities needed; integrate benefits into management processes; synchronize all stakeholders around benefits commitments; make benefits coaching a part of the governance team’s role (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). ? Execution practices get the business ready IS execution should involve helping the organization to get ready for change in terms of process, culture, and addressing issues that arise. Focus however should remain on the end results or benefits the organization wants to achieve, with IS continuing to contribute to its implementation beyond delivery of the technology. Some recommendations provided by the Show Me the Money study on this are include: providing support to the organization with change management capabilities; use of empowered problem-solving teams; and adapting project governance in response to issues (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). Harvesting practices ensure that expected benefits are reaped The role of IS should not stop after execution and implementation of the benefits realization program. It should continue on to what Aron et al. have coined as the â€Å"harvesting† phase. This phase involves measuring the benefits that the project is expected to achieve. The organization, business and IS alike, must: manage the entire harvesting phase; run benefits-focused post-implementation reviews; evolve the project governance team into a harvesting steering group; and conduct an independent harvesting audit (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). In this way, the benefits may be quantified, measured, and valued. At the same time, IS and business learning must be analysed and reviewed at this phase. Evaluate and improve benefits realization practices The organization will have a better understanding IS contribution to benefits and how to improve such contribution when they evaluate its benefits realization practices. An understanding of the organization’s benefits realization readiness, an evaluation of its benefits realization risk, and implementation of benefits-focused pre- and post-implementation review tools will result in better business benefits, higher IS credibility, and improved learning for the entire organization (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). In sum, Aron et al’s critical analysis seeks to redefine and emphasize the role of IS in benefits realization. That role should not be limited to the planning and execution stage but must continue on to the harvesting phase. This analysis is in keeping with the â€Å"concept-to-cash† framework of an ideal and effective benefits realization process. In such a framework, Show Me the Money reminds us, IS, and not just business, plays an important role from start to finish.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Sexual Politics Kate Millet (1970)

Sexual Politics Kate Millet (1970) Sexual Politics Kate Millet (1970) Summary of document This article enables the reader to understand the difficulties of gaining equal rights and respect which women faced during the second wave of feminism (1970s). Though it can be possible for females to appear to have a higher class to some men due to the economic, social and educational purposes (Millet, 1970, p36). The writer suggests that the castelike status of a female within patriarchy is most liable for confusion (Millet, 1970, p36). This is due to the writer suggesting a two-tier caste system which meant despite some females may be born into a higher class then some males, it meant that due to the domination of sexual status, patriarchy society has been formed. There are two examples from the text which backs up the point that the writer was making. These are: a black lawyer has a higher status than a white farmer. However, race itself can be used in a caste system which overrides class. This means the white farmer belongs to a higher order of life just as it oppresses the pro fessional in spirit. Also, much of the literature between 1940s -1970s has shown the caste system towards male triumphs over the social status of wealthy and educated women. (Millet, 1970, p36) The writer also suggests that males use bullying and hostile remarks (Millet,1970, p36) as a psychological (Millet, 1970, p36) form of dominant power. Class divisions are not threatened by expressions of enmity or the existence of sexual hierarchy which has been reaffirmed to punish the female quite effectively (Millet, 1970, p36). The writer suggests that the function of class in patriarchy is dependent on how expressive the masculine supremacy allows itself to become in society. However, the writer states a paradox to this point. She states: while in the lower status strata, the male is more likely to claim authority on the strength of his sex alone, he is actually obliged more often to share power with the women of his class who are economically productive. Whereas in the middle and upper classes, there is less tendency to assert a blunt patriarchal dominance, as men who enjoy such status have more power in any case. (Millet, 1970, p36) The writer suggests that Western patriarchy are interested in concepts of romantic love compared to Eastern patriarchy, but this interest could be used to conceal the patriarchal nature of society. She states that it was a Victorian habit, for example, to insist the female assume the function of serving as the males conscience and living the life of goodness he found tedious but felt someone ought to do anyway. (Millet, 1970, p37) She suggests that the concept of romantic love can be used as emotional manipulation which the male is free to exploit (Millet, 1970, p37). This is convenient to both genders due to dominance gained by the male and the concealed realities of the female status and their burden of economic dependency. One of the main effects of class within patriarchy is to set one woman against another, in the past creating a lively antagonism between career woman and housewife. (Millet, 1970, p38) This is means that one envies the other security and prestige, while the envi ed yearns beyond the confines of respectability for what she takes to be the others freedom, adventure, and contact with the great world. (Millet, 1970, p38) Women have less investment in the class system (Millet, 1970, p38). This is due to women having fewer permanent class associations compared to males, also not many women rise above working class in personal prestige and economic power (Millet, 1970, p38) so women do not enjoy the benefits that higher class will offer the males. Usually the white male concedes the female to a higher status than the black male. However, due to white racist ideology being exposed; this has meant these ideological attitudes of racism has now changed to sexism. The writer states the priorities of maintaining supremacy might outweigh even those of white supremacy; sexism may be endemic in our own society than racism. (Millet, 1970, p39) Wider social, economic and political context This book was written during the 1970s which was during the second wave feminism. This second wave of feminism was focused on advocacy of womens rights, in particular equal pay, sex discrimination laws, right to contraception and the legalization of abortion. It can be argued that Radical feminism is opening out the revolutionary struggle in new areas we want control not only over the means of production but over reproduction. (London Feminist Movement, 2010) It is hard to imagine that these women were seen as sexual objects as well not even allowed a view. One of the campaigns was the personal is political. This is where women spoke out about constant sexual harassment, major crimes like rape, as well as being seen as inferior to men. Some important events happened during the 1970s. The Miss World protest in 1970 was significant due to women protesting against the objectification of women as judging women only on their looks is insulting. (British Library, 2014) In 1973, the first R ape Crisis centre was formed in England and Wales to provide co-ordination and support to affiliated member groups and campaigns and lobbies to raise awareness of the issues of sexual violence in the wider community and with local, regional and national government. (British Library, 2014) In 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act was made to render unlawful certain kinds of sex discrimination and discrimination on the ground of marriage and establish a commission with the function of working towards the elimination of such discrimination. (British Library, 2014) Also in 1975, the Employment Protection Act made maternity pay a requirement for employers and stopped employers dismissing when women get pregnant. (British Library, 2014) The Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act in 1976 allowed women to obtain a court order against violent husbands without divorce proceedings. (British Library, 2014) One of the positives that came from 1970s especially for feminists was that Margare t Thatcher becomes Prime Minister in 1979. (British Library, 2014) Authors motives Kate Millett book was one of the first second wave texts to use the term patriarchy to describe the different structures of male power. She believed that patriarchy controlled every aspect of womens lives from sexuality, family, etc.   She suggests patriarchy has the power to shape how women thought as well as how they lived their lives. (Hannam, 2006) Millet suggests that personal lives were affected by the state and by patriarchy, so this enabled the opportunity for feminists to challenge the divisions between the public and the private that was central to liberal political thought. (Hannam, 2006) However, Millett was criticised for being anti-male and maybe seen as radical feminist. Target audience The target audience of this document would be feminists. This is because the document supports feminist ideals even though to some feminists it can seem anti-male. This document allows feminists but any reader to understand her opinions and beliefs during the second wave of feminism as well as using the term patriarchy to describe different structures of male power which was not seen til Kate Millett wrote her book. Usefulness of document This document is useful because this book inspired a new wave of feminism which was revolutionary and radical enough to create change for the women who lived in this period. Without vocal writers like Kate Millett, women may have gained as many rights as they did during this period. It can be argued her book was controversial however, her opinion is praised and attacked but her text is used in women studies which means her aim to get more female literature into education succeeded. Though it can be argued that other feminist wrote the same ideals before Kate Millett, but no one was a bold as her when writing their opinions onto paper. Conclusion Sexual Politics still remains to be one of the founding pieces of the second wave of feminism. Many Feminists have continued Milletts criticism with their own opinions to feminism and society. This book will always inspire another generation of feminists due to passionate and boldness she puts into her book. Bibliography British Library. (2014) Timeline of the womens liberation movement. The British Library. Available from: https://www.bl.uk/sisterhood/timeline# [Accessed 19 January 2017]. Hannam, J. (2006). Feminism. 6th edn. Harlow, England: Pearson/Longman. London Feminist Network (2010). Womens liberation and radical feminism 1970-early 1980s. Available from: http://londonfeministnetwork.org.uk/what-weve-done/what-we-did-in-2010/womens-liberation-and-radical-feminism-1970-early-l980s [Accessed 19 January 2017]. Millett, K. (1970) Sexual Politics. Urbana, IL, United States: University of Illinois Press.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Blame :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Are some people more to blame for a crime then others and if so why? This is a question which many people wonder about today. I think the answer is yes. People who are brought up in a certain way are more likely to commit a certain crime than others. In he following I will consider why certain people are more to blame then others for the crimes that they commit.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before looking at the issue of if some people are more to blame than others we must first look the reasons in which people may commit crimes and the type of crimes. There are a variety of reasons for a person to commit a crime including greed, to be famous, need for money, pure hate, and insanity. The crimes in which they commit range from murder, robberies, or rape.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After looking at reasons why and the types of crimes it is now possible to look at the larger issue at hand. If a person is poor and they are performing a robbery to get some money to feed their baby should they be more to blame than someone who is rich but performing the same robbery because they are greedy. There is no right answer to this but I think that the person who is robbing the store to help his kid is less to blame. I say this because even though the person is poor it is not always his fault. He may not be able to get money for his baby but would still feels the need to provide for it. This is what forces him to rob the store. I feel people should look at him with a bit of compassion because the reason that he was committing the crime was not a selfish one but one that benefits others. On the other hand the rich guy who robbed the store cause he was greedy should be help more accountable for his crime. Since he is rich and did not need the money and onl y committed the crime because of his own selfishness he is more to blame.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  You might say why should the blame be divided differently between the two people if in fact they did commit the same crime. Now it is true that they are both supposed to be equal but are they really truly equal. How can we say that a poor person is equal to a rich one?

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Effects of Alcoholism and Other Misdiagnosed Ailments on Liver Function

To further expand our knowledge on the frightening topic of Alcoholism and its corresponding effects on the Liver, researchers and interested inquirers alike should make sure they fully understand what the term Alcoholism really means. Alcoholism doesn’t have its own section in DSM-V however, it is considered one of the ten substance related disorders that the manual describes. To be classified as a substance abuse disorder, eleven different criteria need to be met. Alcoholism is further broken down into two different severities as well: dependence and abuse. Directly affected by ingestion of alcohol is the body’s filter; the liver. Not only does the liver filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body but it also converts nutrients into substances that our body can use and stores them. Some noted vitamins that can be affected by a faulty liver include but are not limited to: vitamins B1, B3, B6 (Thiamine, Niacin, Pyridoxine ), folic acid and vitamin A. Complex processes involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and Glucogenesis will later be broken down more specifically at a cellular level. Thorough research has indicated that an overabundance of alcohol in a body system can decrease the rate of metabolism and chemical detoxification and can adversely affect digestion. With enough alcohol, the liver can fall so behind with its duties that liver tissue can actually die and further shut this vital organ down completely. There is the possibility of misdiagnosis, however. Other diseases such as Chronic Liver Disease, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have also been linked to liver failure that can mimic symptoms of alcoholism. The goal of this research paper... ... http://widelantern.com/2011/11/drug-alcohol-tobacco-use-broken-down-by- raceethinicity/ Fenway Health (Fenway Health) http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5203&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=FCHC_ Fried, D. G. (2001). Liver: Comparative Anatomy. Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorders (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol- use-disorders/genetics-alcohol-use-disorders Kiefer, D. F., Israel, D. Y., & Martino, D. S. (2003). Alcoholism. NIAAA Publications (NIAAA Publications) http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/FAQs.htm Seitz, H., & Stickel, F. (2006). Biological chemistry: Risk factors and mechanisms of Hepatocarcinogenesis with special emphasis on alcohol and oxidative stress. (4th ed., Vol. 387, pp. 349-360). Effects of Alcoholism and Other Misdiagnosed Ailments on Liver Function To further expand our knowledge on the frightening topic of Alcoholism and its corresponding effects on the Liver, researchers and interested inquirers alike should make sure they fully understand what the term Alcoholism really means. Alcoholism doesn’t have its own section in DSM-V however, it is considered one of the ten substance related disorders that the manual describes. To be classified as a substance abuse disorder, eleven different criteria need to be met. Alcoholism is further broken down into two different severities as well: dependence and abuse. Directly affected by ingestion of alcohol is the body’s filter; the liver. Not only does the liver filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body but it also converts nutrients into substances that our body can use and stores them. Some noted vitamins that can be affected by a faulty liver include but are not limited to: vitamins B1, B3, B6 (Thiamine, Niacin, Pyridoxine ), folic acid and vitamin A. Complex processes involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and Glucogenesis will later be broken down more specifically at a cellular level. Thorough research has indicated that an overabundance of alcohol in a body system can decrease the rate of metabolism and chemical detoxification and can adversely affect digestion. With enough alcohol, the liver can fall so behind with its duties that liver tissue can actually die and further shut this vital organ down completely. There is the possibility of misdiagnosis, however. Other diseases such as Chronic Liver Disease, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have also been linked to liver failure that can mimic symptoms of alcoholism. The goal of this research paper... ... http://widelantern.com/2011/11/drug-alcohol-tobacco-use-broken-down-by- raceethinicity/ Fenway Health (Fenway Health) http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5203&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=FCHC_ Fried, D. G. (2001). Liver: Comparative Anatomy. Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorders (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol- use-disorders/genetics-alcohol-use-disorders Kiefer, D. F., Israel, D. Y., & Martino, D. S. (2003). Alcoholism. NIAAA Publications (NIAAA Publications) http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/FAQs.htm Seitz, H., & Stickel, F. (2006). Biological chemistry: Risk factors and mechanisms of Hepatocarcinogenesis with special emphasis on alcohol and oxidative stress. (4th ed., Vol. 387, pp. 349-360).

Friday, October 11, 2019

Identify the cohort group Essay

I belong to the Cohort group called the Boomers. I am a loving mother of two kids, who wants to see and wishes my children to graduate from college. I am not just a full time student, but also a full time employee for a school system. I am a real diligent student who wants to finish school in the next three years, even if working hard as an employee only earns me a little more money, just barely enough for my family’s living. I do value health very much and wishes to have a peace of mind. When it comes to working, I never waste a minute and I see to it that I am always on time. Greeting my team members is a must for me and having a personal interest in their welfare is also important for me. This probably has something to do with my instinct or feelings as a mother. My family strengthens me to work harder and gives me the enthusiasm when it comes to understanding and helping others. I am a hard-worker that I always have the strength to do my tasks as an employee and as a student, even if I just finished doing all the household chores. My good and strong educational background reinforces me to be dependable. You can always count on me whenever you have problems or worries, whether it may be about work, family, education or other personal issues. I am honest and trustworthy when it comes to issues and relationships that a lot of my co-workers and fellow students confide in me with ease. I wish to be successful not only as a mother, a student or a worker but an individual as a whole. I expect my work values to incorporate more balance when it comes to my work and personal life, though giving priority to my family more would also be possible and acceptable for me in the future. I also expect my work values to be flexible and be enhanced further to work out any obstacle that I might encounter in the next five or ten years. Reference: Miller, G. (1998). Handbook of Research Methods in Public Administration. New York, USA: Marcel Dekker Incorporated.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Family Violence Essay

Family violence is not a new phenomenon, as it has essentially existed since the beginning of time. Only in modern times, however have societies begun to recognize violence and family members as a social problem (Barnett, Miller-Perrin & Perrin, 2005). For many years, the social problem of family violence had not only been heavily ignored, but for a number of years, had not been fully understood. For example, family violence takes many forms and has a number of different names. Family violence, also known as domestic violence, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation (Barnett et al., 2005). Moreover, family violence includes but is not limited to physical abuse such as kicking and punching, but also includes sexual and emotional abuse. Emotional abuse includes controlling or domineering; intimi dation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (neglect) and economic deprivation and in many cases is more severe than physical abuse. The changing visibility of family violence is the leading indicator of the necessity of an historical approach to understanding it (Gordon, 2002). Over the past few years, the general public in the US has become familiar with family violence through news coverage of highly publicizes cases, TV programs and movies. At the same time, researchers have made great strides in recognizing the scope of family violence and the context in which it occurs (Barnett et al., 2005). As sociologists know of it today, family violence is politically, historically and socially constructed (Gordon, 2002). In terms of power relations and functionalism, family violence arises out of power struggles in which members of the family are contesting for resources and benefits (Gordon, 2002). Furthermore, these contests arise from both personal aspirations and change social norms and conditions (Gordon, 2002). It is therefore important to know that family violence cannot be understood outside the context of the overall politics of the family. Historical developments that continue to influence family violence include prominent changes in the situation of women and children (Gordon, 2002). It is imperative therefore for a historical analysis of family violence to include a view of the changing power relations among classes, sexes, and generations (Gordon, 2002). Political attitudes have also affected research â€Å"findings† about family violence. Both psychological and sociological interpretations in the debate often ignore the gender politics of family violence issues, and the gender implications of policy recommendations, not only when women or girls were the victims, but also when women were the abusers (Gordon, 2002). Over the past 80 years, four major types of family violence have be studied and examined; child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse of children and wife beating. In later years, there have been other forms of family violence, which include sibling abuse (which is the most common form of family violence), and elder abuse (Gordon, 2002). Family violence has had many different faces historically, and has been classified in five different stages with different focuses periodically. The first was the 19th century and child saving era, which was from 1876-1910. During this era, there was anti-cruelty to children movement that was influenced by the temperance movement. Emphasis on the cruelty done to kids was placed on the immigrant poor and never the respectable classes (Gordon, 2002). The progressive era was followed by a child saving era which lasted from 1910 -1930 which lead to an emphasis on child neglect. During this era, there was a decrease emphasis on alcohol and identified other forms of stress such as poverty, unemployment and illness (Gordon, 2002). The depressed followed the progressive era where there was an increased defense for the conventional nuclear family. During the World War world war 2 era and the 1950’s child neglect was increasingly seen as emotional neglect and the 1960s and 70s was a period of increased medicalization of family violence which, as sociologists have identified can have extremely negative affects (Gordon, 2002). A lot of attention to family violence began to gain increasing importance during the time of the women’s movement in the 1970s as a concern about wives being beaten by their husbands. Interestingly enough, there was a rise in what some call â€Å"the men’s movement† as response to the problem of domestic violence against men, which is largely omitted in the feminist theory (Barnett et al., 2005). Some flaws in the feminist approach to family violence (as well as others that will be further discussed in the paper), is that it has reduced domestic violence, especially against men as their likelihood of being killed by a female intimate partner has decreased six-fold (Barnett et al. , 2005). OVERVIEW OF SEMINAR READINGS: WEEK 2 Symbolic interactionism is a perspective which seeks to understand how people interact with others (Ingoldsby, Smith & Miller, 2004a). The theory claims that people interact with one another by interpreting each other’s actions (Ingoldsby et al., 2004a). Their response is based on the meanings that they attach to such actions (Ingoldsby et al., 2004a). Thus, human interaction is largely mediated by the use of symbols (Karp & Yoels, 1993). Authors Karp & Yoels (1993) discuss notions of the generalized other and looking-glass self as examples of symbols with which we interact. In one instance, the self emerges from common expectations that others have about social norms within a particular society (Karp & Yoels, 1993). But in another instance, people will self-evaluate themselves against the perceived judgments of others and act accordingly (Karp & Yoels, 1993). The emphasis on symbols brings attention to the roles people play. Role-playing is a key mechanism that allows people to see another person’s perspective to understand what an action might mean (Ingoldsby et al., 2004a). In sum, no situation is static but rather contextual (Ingoldsby et al., 2004a). Individuals then through their own behavior and interaction with others, construct their individual social realities (Karp & Yoels, 1993; Ingoldsby et al., 2004a). Situating family violence within a framework of symbolic interactionism is important in that it provides a context within which people develop their personal interpretations of events. Therefore to understand family violence requires knowledge of the processes through which such interpretations emerge. Rosen (1996) and Mullaney (2007) illustrate ways in which interpretations of the self are at the core of domestic violence. Their findings are essential for understanding how family violence continues over time. Findings also help to account for the formation and preservation of culture and social roles in society. In one respect, interpretations of the self are mediated through two primary orientations of communication: processes of seduction an d processes of entrapment (Rosen, 1996). This first is characterized by forces that tend to draw women into their relationships (romantic fantasies and romantic fusion) and the second by forces that keep them there: survival tactics, cognitive dissonance, roller coaster relationships, traumatic bonding, Romeo and Juliet effects, and peer-family collusion (Rosen, 1996). For example, within the framework of symbolic interactionism, processes of seduction can be loosely defined as a dependent emotional state (Rosen, 1996). Individuals then, connect with partners because they internalize similar understandings of weakness and dependency to communicate feelings of love (Rosen, 1996). The interplay of such communication patterns facilitates an environment of spousal abuse that is likely to continue so long as interaction is repetitive (Rosen, 1996). Processes of entrapment on the other hand, can be argued to demonstrate the externalization of the communication patterns found in processes of seduction. Once meanings of dependency and weakness have been internalized as being both legitimate and appropriate within the context of one’s relationship, these women rationalize such behavior as the norm and thus stay. Survival tactics for example illustrate these efforts, by which women actively engage towards relationship management of an abusive relationship, otherwise internalized as an acceptable social norm. In contrast, Mullaney (2007) identifies low self-esteem as a correlate of men’s violent behavior. Domestic violence then, is a reaction to the attacks or perceived attacks on men’s self-concept (Mullaney, 2007). Mullaney (2007) argues that men will most often justify, yet also minimize, excuse, or blame and offer no apology on account for their violence towards women. These categories serve as scripts through which perceptions of masculinity are restored (Mullaney, 2007). If threatened, masculinity evolves accordingly as men interpret the actions of those around them. For example, women’s irrational spending habits may undermine men’s role as financial provider (Mullaney, 2007). Men would argue that such habits do not align functionally with women’s domestic and social roles (Mullaney, 2007). By doing so, men’s responses are based on the meanings which they attach to such actions and reflect cultural expectations of gender difference. This is problematic because it helps promote and develop stereotypically gendered selves (Mullaney, 2007). Symbolic interactionism then, becomes useful in demonstrating how dominant ideologies of gender are enacted within the interactions of marital relationships, and lend to domestic violence in the process. THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES Feminist Theory The root of feminist theory begins with the inclusion of gender and power. Feminists argue that the distinctions between males and females are not inherent or functional; rather they are socially constructed to create and maintain male power in society and thus the family (Yllo, 1993). This sense of patriarchy reinforces traditional social roles and the relationship between the division of power and gender. The feminist perspective suggests that men use violence to retain their dominance or sense of control within the institution of the family. Thus, the feminist paradigm believes that domestic violence is utilized as another means of the social control of women, and takes roots at a personal, institutional, symbolic and material level. The application of a feminist lens to Rosen’s (1996) article allows for a very different approach to the processes of abduction and entrapment. The feminist perspective would likely explain that the forces drawing women into abusive relationshi ps were largely due to the social expectations of femininity and masculinity. The concept of romantic fantasies can be explored through gender identities. Here society portrays the male as being a strong, aggressive, independent individual and the female as a weak, docile individual that is largely dependant on their partner. For instance, the fantasy of Cinderella eludes that a man can protect a woman and save her from her problems. Feminists would suggest that women fall victim to these relationships due to the inequalities portrayed by traditional gender norms. Feminist theorists would likely explain the concept of romantic fusion as being due to the extremely controlling nature of husbands within a patriarchal marriage. This type of relationship is defined as Patriarchal Terrorism (Johnson, 1995). Here, the woman in the relationship would be forced to part with her individual characteristics and become completely devoted to her husband (Johnson, 1995). Furthermore, the husband may further restrict the identity of the woman by refusing to allow her to go to work or maintain friends outside of the actual relationship. The feminist lens would offer a slightly different interpretation of the processes that restrict women from escaping abusive relationships. Though women may still use coping mechanisms and adhere to other social forces, outlined by symbolic interactionaists, feminist theory suggests two main reasons why they stay in violent relationships. The first reason women stay in abusive relationships is fro the sake of their children (Emery, 2009). In cases such as these women will stay with the intent of maintaining some stability for their kids by trying keeping the family in tact. The other reasons women may stay are due to the normalization of gender norms in society. Feminist theory sees the root causes of intimate partner violence as a causation of living in a society that excuses aggressive male behaviours (Yllo, 1993). In other words, because these behaviours are so normative, some women may excuse the behavior and treat it as the norm. What is perceived as the norm also varies across culture. Even today, many cultures adhere to traditional hegemonic norms and strongly believe women should be completely subservient to their husbands. In cases such as this, abuse may be next to impossible to escape. The application of the feminist perspective to Mullaney’s (2007) article would allow for a similar analysis of the attitudes of men and their reasons for rationalizing their abusive behaviours. Mullaney (2007) suggests that men will often become violent due to low self-esteem and a perceived attack on their self-concept. The feminist lens would suggest that men become violent due to the inequalities in society that allow men an advantage position and with that gendered norms. Traditional hegemonic masculine norms suggest that men should be leaders that are strong, in control and tough. This is what the men in the study were trying to demonstrate. Whenever, they felt that their sense of masculinity was being challenged they would lash out in an attempt to regain control. The Control Model of Domestic Violence further provides a precise framework in displaying the interconnectedness between violence and other forms of coercive control. Simply put, the feminist theory suggests th at men use violence as a tactic of controlling their abused wives from participating in actions they have not sanctioned. Family Systems Theory The Family Systems theory provides a very unique, holistic perspective on the topic of violence in the family. This perspective describes the family as a unit of interacting personalities. Sociologist Ernest Burgess, best summarized this perspective when he stated that the family is more then just a definition; it is a living, super personality that has its essence in the interaction of its members (Ingoldsby, Smith & Miller, 2004b). Each member of the family plays a very important role in the overall functioning of the unit. When applied to the topic of violence in the institution of the family, this paradigm focuses on the family dynamics that contribute to domestic abuse. Subsequently less attention is focused on the individual perpetrating the violence and more attention is paid to the environment surrounding the violence and the role each character in the family plays. The Family Systems perspective offers a diverse interpretation of Rosen’s (1996) article on the processe s of abduction and entrapment. Family Systems Theorists differ with respect to how they feel that women are drawn into abusive relationships. This perspective identifies the connection between family goals, rules and control, and how together one can fully understand the development and causation of domestic abuse (Ingoldsby et al., 2004b). For example in the article by Rosen (1996), it can be seen that by using family systems theory and studying familial interactions that certain females may be predisposed to the Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast paradigms. By looking at how their families’ function, one may be able to see the recycling effect due to unresolved or violent backgrounds these victimized individuals may come from. They may fall into a similar pattern from what they know at home, thereby examining the origins of this behavior and viewing the interconnectedness of how one internalizes family rules and ideas of control. Family System’s Theory offers a unique interpretation as to the role women play in becoming stuck in abusive relationships. In the stages preceding marriage, women will often date their partner, while simultaneously leading separate lives which consist of separate relations. As the commitment in a relationship increases, a couple begins to modify their individual social lives. In these types of situations, both men and women will often make more time for one another. This allows for the woman to feel appreciated and loved. As the relationship continues to progress, incidents of sexual jealously among men will often become a major source of conflict. This sense of possessiveness will ultimately cause the female to begin severing ties with male friends, and become increasingly committed to her future husband (Dobash & Dobash, 1993). Once married, dramatic changes occur and the extreme constriction of the wives social life takes place. With the introduction of children, comes the solidification of traditional gendered norms. Wives become extremely restricted and are left responsible for domestic work, such as the operation of the home (Dobash & Dobash, 1993). This may cause women to become increasingly dependant on their husbands. Subsequently, when sources of conflict occur, such as sexual jealousy, disputes over domestic duties or the expenditure of money, women may feel that they have no mobility and are stick in their current situation. Lastly, Family Systems Theory offers a holistic approach to the factors found in Mullaney’s (2007) article that cause men abuse their partners. Like Feminists, Family Systems theorists also believe that a very important aspect of traditional hegemonic masculinity is the element of control. However, unlike the feminist theory this approach attempts to understand what causes men to lose control. One explanation is that violent men often feel as if they may lose control, if they express their emotions, and thus hold it in. This in turn, causes violent men to generally be less emotionally reactive to stress on a day-to-day basis, then non-violent men (Umberson, Anderson, Williams, & Chen, 2003). Though in the short term, repression may be a successful coping strategy for reducing stress and anxiety, it causes the individual increased predicaments in the long run. Repression turns a violent man into a ticking-time bomb, one that is ready to explode in a violent manner. As a result, unlike feminist theories or social interactionism, family systems theory attempts to understand violence in the family by examining every interdependent part of the family. This includes the part both the victims and the offenders play, as well as the role everyday stresses and ones immediate environment have in contributing to family violence. Social Constructionism The methodological approach of Social Constructionism somewhat contrasts the assumptions of other theoretical perspectives that explore the issue of family violence. This paradigm suggests that the emergence of social problems is heavily due to how society, or more specifically institutions within society such as the mainstream media, portrays the issue at hand. Furthermore, social constructionists are often referred to as claims-makers, in that they present a claim that attempts to define the problem at hand. These claims can be heavily influenced by the agenda of the claims-maker, and will clearly identify the roles of the characters within the construct of the event. For instance, social constructionist’s will identify the perpetrator of the violence as the villain and the abused partner as the victim. The analysis of Rosen’s article surrounding the processes involved with seduction and entrapment, using a constructionist lens, provides a different interpretation to the ways women become bound to abusive relations. This perspective focuses on the subjective definitions that cause social problems and look to frame the phenomena of family violence as a social problem (Loseke, 2005). For instance, symbolic interactionism maintains that some abused women are bound to relationships by the process of cognitive dissonance. In cases such as this, women create discrepancies between what they believe the violence in the relationship signifies and what is actually happening. Constructionists on the other hand will focus very little time into how women construct the violent situations. Instead this perspective theorizes that these women have fallen victims to the violent, controlling nature of their abusive, villainous male partners (Loseke, 2005). The media or other primary claims-makers would further emphasis on violent verbal claims, visual images and specific behaviours. The reason of this is to evoke the emotions of society in order to persuade society that a troubled condition exists. The application of a constructions lens to Mullaney’s article on the reasons and types of rationalizations men provide for spousal abuse would allow theorists a better understanding of the ways victims and villains perceive family violence. The social constructionist lens suggests that men create their own social reality. This reality allows men to rationalize their behaviours. For example, in Mullaney’s (2007) article men would often minimize, justify or even deny abusive behaviours. These men will often excuse their behaviours by blaming social or external factors, such as alcohol abuse and the structural problems associated with poverty. These claims are sometimes able to persuade audiences and have allowed for some villains to be rehabilitated through the medicalization of their deviance. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism is a key tool to examine domestic violence and its various intricacies. In essence, SI theory attempts to look at domestic violence from the viewpoint of individuals and their interactions with other people. This theory explains that individuals are engulfed in a symbolized environment, where the meanings for these symbols are altered within the course of interaction with other people (Karp & Yoels, 1993). For example, in the article â€Å"The ties that bind women to violent premarital relationships: Processes of seduction and entrapment†, SI is exemplified in the notion of cognitive dissonance. If a man were to slap his wife, while she may see this as an expression or symbol of love, many other people would see this as abuse. Therefore, the difference and meanings of symbols is very fluid, changing and subjective. Furthermore, SI theory is extremely effective in allowing researchers to understand and describe the individuals and their behaviors. It allows an understanding of how conflicts and complex behavioral patterns may arise in relationships, and how the interpretations of symbols may play a role in domestic disputes. This theory is quite effective in predicting future behavior (SI theory is advantageous to use as it grows and adapts to changes within society) and the roles they may play in the relationship either as a perpetrator or a victim, and the context in which these roles are played (Karp & Yoels, 1993). Rosen (1996) explains and clumps together several types of entrapment processes, such as placation or isolation, which predicts why and how females are coerced to remain in that sort of relationship. In addition, this theory does lack certain key elements in understanding domestic violence in its entirety. Due to the quite narrow scope of analysis, it is not very useful in understanding more macro levels of interactions such as groups or family systems. Another disadvantage is that it is quite difficult to apply the theory to other cultures, as its findings and hypotheses are based on a singular cultural atmosphere. Since monotony across cultures does not exist, a grand, overarching theory of domestic violence cannot be established, thereby making international or cross-cultural comparisons quite trying. Feminism Domestic violence as viewed through the feminist perspective focuses on the relationship between gender and the division of power in the familial framework (Yllo, 1993). This framework allows domestic abuse to be viewed in a way that is quite distinct from other theories. Feminist theory reveals that the social expectations regarding masculinity and femininity give relationships their shape, which may result in violent and abusive familial relations (Yllo, 1993). Feminist theory allows for the recognition of the effects of patriarchy in an abusive relationship, which is normally neglected in other theories. For instance, the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) looks at the violence in families, however it neglects several other aspects that could contribute to violence. CTS assumes that males and females are both equally violent in domestic relationships however, feminists note that CTS fails to account for the social expectations (Yllo, 1993). The social expectations of the division of power between a male and female within a relationship can give rise to the abuse and therefore, it cannot be assumed that males and females are equally violent and there are statistical measures that portray a gendered view. For example in the reading, â€Å"Patriarchal terrorism and common couple violence: two forms of violence against women† it can be seen that feminism denotes a difference in the types of violence that occur in domestic partnerships and further differentiates between common couple violence and patriarchal terrorism. This article notes that while CTS looks only at a limited number of control tactics, feminism can shed light to several other controlling methods. While, one can see that feminist theory brings up key defining points that are commonly overlooked, it does remain flawed in many respects. Feminist theory is difficult to apply to forms of domestic violence except for spousal abuse; specifically it only examines the abuse directed towards women. It automatically victimizes the female, and thereby situates the male in role of the villain. Another disadvantage of using solely feminist theory is that same-sex relationships are also not taken into account in their analyses, since it is assumed in feminist analysis that males are the perpetrators and use violence in the relationship to control women. For instance in the article, â€Å"The ties that bind women to violent premarital relationships: Processes of seduction and entrapment†, the analyses are based on the observation of heterosexual relationships. It did not look at how and if these processes of entrapment are applicable to homosexual relationships, for instance, do the Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast paradigm still adequately explain why homosexuals remain in violent relationships. It can be seen that there is a victim/perpetrator structure of the violent relationship, however it cannot be concluded that the processes that entrap victims in violent relationship are similar for same-sex couples. Family Systems Theory Family systems theory is a more holistic approach to understanding abuse within the family and further looks into how everyone within this framework is interconnected. Therefore, it explains how the individual affects the family system and vice versa. Through this analysis, one key contribution of this theory is that it paves the way of identifying the connection between family goals, rules and control, and how together one can fully understand the development and causation of domestic abuse (Ingoldsby et al., 2004b). For example in the article by Rosen (1996), it can be seen that by using family systems theory and studying familial interactions, certain females may be predisposed to the Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast paradigms. By looking at how their families’ function, one may be able to see the recycling effect due to unresolved or violent backgrounds these victimized individuals may come from. They may fall into a similar pattern from what they know at home, thereby examining the origins of this behavior and viewing the interconnectedness of how one internalizes family rules and ideas of control. In the article, â€Å"Stay for the Children? Husband Violence, Marital Stability, and Children’s Behavior Problems† it clearly articulates that the violent behavior is internalized or externalized by children by prolonged exposure of violent behavior. The cyclical pattern of violence is foreseeable in these sorts of family arrangements, thereby being consistent with the idea that the system of family and the individuals within it are affected by each other on a constant basis. Family Systems theory also helps identify the different sorts of family structures in terms of their communicational boundaries and also allows the recognition of the various outcomes for a particular situation (Ingoldsby et al., 2004b). Understanding that there are multiple outcomes for a given situation sets a more encompassing investigation and limits the likelihood of leaving something out or missing a key-contributing factor. It also allows a point of differentiation, and assumes that not all people react the same when the situation arises. This is important as it further provides the researcher with a defining and narrowing point as to which sort of family has a higher likelihood for domestic violence to occur and persist. Some of the downfalls of using family systems theory are that it is often criticized that it is too general and therefore, its application remains vague. The vagueness stretches from the assumption that systems theory is not a true theory rather it is a model that is more methodological than theoretical. Social Constructionism Social constructionist theory is a popular theory used to examine the roles played in an abusive relationship. An advantage of constructionist theory is that it clearly identifies the victim and the villain within the construct of the particular event (Loseke, 2005). Claims-makers are portrayed as practical actors constructing successful claims that reflect existing culture, and producing new culture of various social problems, specifically family violence. Social constructionism also allows domestic violence issues to be raised to the forefront and become more public, through the media. Through its application and explanations, this theory can be used to show how knowledge is socially constructed and how that knowledge reflects power and politics in family violence situations. Furthermore, it can give shape to other forms of domestic violence through counter claims making, such as husband abuse. Unlike other theories, constructionism is quite useful in examining other types of abuse and not singularly looking at wife abuse like feminism (Loseke, 2005). Constructionism allows for the understanding of child or elder abuse in the household. This theory also helps understand how people construct realities that keep them in abusive relationships, and how the relationship may be viewed differently to other people. In the article by Mullaney (2007), the construction of the men’s reality of the situation may differ from what abuse has occurred to the wife. The husband may reframe the abuse as â€Å"non-violent† or suggest that in that instance of abuse that it was not the â€Å"real him† that was carrying out the abuse. The disadvantages of using social constructionist theory are that due to the fact that individual events are a crucial component to the analysis, its subjectivity allows much room for debate. This makes it difficult to develop a theory that can encompass all the social realities and have it apply to all domestic violence cases cross-culturally. While looking at the article â€Å"Creating clients: Social problems work in a shelter for battered women,† it can be seen that shelters create an ideal client that one must fit in order to be allowed to be in the shelter. Creating this sort of criteria leaves out many other people who typically do not fit the stereotype or do not meet the conditions set out by the providers even though they are in need of assistance. Using this theory, it seems as though society has constructed an â€Å"ideal† victim and those who do not appear to fit this idealistic view of a victim are often rejected despite their need for immediate attention. Social constructionism therefore does not grant that everyone experiencing violence will be offered assistance, as this is based on the shelter’s perception of what a victim should look like. Family violence is a very serious social problem, and while social critics focus on how to achieve social change in this regard, social constructionists work to achieve new knowledge. Thus, social constructionism does not only pose a potentially dangerous approach to understanding and treatment of family violence, but it also does not examine objective conditions in their own right and seek to solve this social problem; essentially there are â€Å"no real truths† due to the subjectivity of the theory. REFLECTION Although much research and knowledge has been gathered in the field of family violence, there are ways in which this research must progress. Theoretically, family systems theory, symbolic interactionism, social constructionism, and feminist perspectives each have advantages in their application. As previously discussed, they each additionally have faults that hinder the study of family violence. We propose that a new theoretical framework be considered which essentially combines different aspects of each. For example, the notions of cause and effect associated with family systems, with an understanding of roles, salience and identity associated with symbolic interactionism. These theories can additionally be used to critically examine the core concepts of each. For example, how is the process of the looking-glass self influenced by the double-bind. Theoretical application in these ways may lead to new ways of perceiving family violence. The study of family violence also should attempt to increase its scope. Studies of family violence must adjust due to emerging and increasingly common alternative family forms; same-sex parent families and polygamous relationships are such examples. Methodologically, the study of family violence should attempt to attain a more culturally diverse sample. Many of the readings focused on this semester relied on a predominantly Caucasian sample, and studies focusing on different ethnicities would be beneficial. If researchers are to examine alternative family forms they must also establish a methodology that is sensitive to the stigma surrounding different identities, for example the emasculation associated with husband abuse, or the intersection of a homosexual identity within a context of family violence. Researchers should also establish a methodology that accounts for those patterns of violence considered â€Å"less severe† than others such as verbal abuse, as studies pertaini ng solely to physical violence are not enough. Practically, we suggest that researchers focus on early intervention through education. Researchers should aim for the implementation of programs directed to informing children and teenagers about this social issue. With increased awareness may come increased action towards ending the problem. These programs may assist a young person who is dealing with family violence, giving them an opportunity to speak to someone about it. Making the issue visible, giving it a platform to be discussed and early intervention is requisite to decreasing the frequency of family violence. The application of different aspects of the theories discussed this semester will be beneficial to the study of family violence as a whole. The fallacies of one theory may be redeemed through the usage of another. When evaluating such troubling social issues such as family violence, it is important to always think critically. In the cases of physical violence, we know that though symbolic interactionism, family members react to a situation based on their ability interpret the situation. So, it is important to understand the symbols the family uses to understand their interactions and behaviors. If a family is exposed to continuous physical abuse, in what ways do the family members interpret and internalize it? Why is it that many of the abused women came from families where no abuse was present and moreover continue the cycle of abuse? Where has the self worth gone or was it ever there in the first place? We now know some of the reasons why family violence is not reported and a lot of it has to do with the social stigma that is attributed both by those receiving the abuse and those who are the abusers. By building on – rather than challenging – the theories we can expand our knowledge and practically implement programs to assist those dealing with family violence. REFERENCES Barnett, O. W., Miller-Perrin, C. L., & Perrin, R. D. (2005). Family violence across the lifespan: An introduction (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications. Dobash, R. E. & Dobash, R. (1993). Violence against wives. In B. Fox (Ed.), Familypatterns: Gender relations (pp. 299-317). Toronto: Oxford University Press. Emery, C. R. (2009). Stay for the children? Husband violence, marital stability, and children’s behavior problems. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 71, 905-916. Gordon, L. (1989). The politics and history of family violence. 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Loseke (Ed.), Thinking about social problems: An introduction to constructionist perspective (pp. 75-96). London: Aldine Transaction. Mullaney, J. L. (2007). Telling it like a man: Masculinities and battering men’s accounts of their violence. Men and Masculinities, 10, 222-247. Rosen, K. (1996). The ties that bind women to violent premarital relationships: Processes of seduction and entrapment. In D. Cahn & S. Lloyd (Eds.), Family violence from a communication perspective (pp. 151-176). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Umbe rson, D., Anderson, K., Williams, K., and Chen, M. (2003). Relation dynamics, emotion state, and domestic violence: a stress and masculinities perspective. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 65, 233-247. Yllo, K. (1993). Through a feminist lens: Gender, power, and violence. In R. Gelles & D. Loseke (Eds.), Current controversies on family violence (pp. 47-62). Newbury Park: Sage Publications.