Health and illness in later life, inequalities †gender, ethnicity and end of life The WritePass Journal

Health and illness in later life, inequalities – gender, ethnicity and end of life Introduction Health and illness in later life, inequalities – gender, ethnicity and end of life ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007 ; Van Doorslaer et al., 2003).   These groups defining characteristics in include, ethnic, gender, age as well as economic status. Nonetheless, with all this definition of affected constituents by health inequality, the out come is a country where disadvantaged perish at the expense of the advantaged. This report takes a closer look at the intricacies involved with such classifications and the core issues leading to the rise in such deplorable conditions. It is in the light of these occurrences that this report aims at investigating health inequalities and health promotion taking into account gender, ethnicity and socio-economic as well as ageism and racism factors.   Methodology The information collected for this study was from two interviews. The first one was with Ms B is a 69 year old woman.   The interview took place in the front room of her home. The second interview was with Ms A is a 64 years old Black African woman; the Interview took place in her home. The subjects were referred to as Ms A and B for confidential purposes; their real names were not used, but every other detail is as was during the interview. Prior to the interviews, the interviewees had to sign consent forms issued by the institution the interviewer is affiliated. The consent form is made available by the faculty under which the interviewer belongs and is mainly a legally binding document to ensure confidentiality of the contents of the interview. The two first interviews were with elderly women and because of the generational gap; they were both handled with the utmost respect. However, there are instances that Ms A was referred to as ma’am because of her cultural background as a show of humility and respect. Results/findings A close examination of Ms A and Ms B interview reveal information relevant to the aims and objectives of this study. First, Ms B has a GP, who is 8 minutes walk from her residence and has been useful for medical issues such as surgery and other medical advice (12) while Ms A claims she does not need a GP. Ms A believes that her spirituality is an alternative to the help she can get from a GP (8) and does not even remember the last time she visited a GP(9). Ms B has a male Doctor (66) and has been with him for a long time. She claims that he is elder-ish and avoids women issue by referring to her to other female consultants (69). Despite having received several invitations, Ms A has never consulted a GP and claims she is fine (12). She does not remember the last time she visited a GP for any medical issue or advice (15). On the other hand, Ms B claims she has received much information from her local GP; there was a time she had trouble emptying her bowel freely (20) and she sort for a dvice from her GP, who asked her to take plenty of fruits and vegetables (21). She gets helpful information on other medical conditions freely such as Flu and Diabetes from pamphlets (24) as well as the nurse (25). Ms B receives helpful information from her doctor, such as, where to purchase blood pressure kits and how best to use it(27). Both Ms A and B are very active and have plenty of activities to do around their houses. Ms B spends much of her time around the house re-arranging her kitchen cupboard (32). She cooks (39), prepares her skirting board and also spends time relaxing, watching TV while eating her lamb chops (40). Ms A also finds time to arrange her things though she does not seem to devote most of her time in household work as compared to her ministry, she is still yet to arrange the things that she move in with since she was re-housed in October(19). Ms A is very busy with ministry work and does not sit to rest (26). Ms B gets good nutritional advice from her GP and eats right, Weetabix and dry raisins for breakfast (47) and a cup of tea and crackers for lunch with 2 fruits (48). For dinner, she prefers lamb chops, broad beans and carrots (50). Ms B, on the other hand, claims she is a light eater with her diet consisting of predominantly fruits (30). She also goes sometimes without food during her fas ting periods (31). Ms B enjoys quality time with her children and grand children often (52); she also picks up her granddaughter from school (53). Ms A finds pleasure in God, her family both biological and spiritual (33). She is a spiritual person and delights in serving and worshiping all the time (36).   Ms B finds time in her schedule to go shopping (56) when it’s quiet (57) and avoids shopping on Saturdays (58). In addition, she still drives, but does not do long distance (60), she only drives to the supermarket, and when there is no traffic (62), she avoids using the road because it is tiring and keeps her away from reckless drivers (63). Compared to Ms A, Ms B enjoys meeting people as part of her ministry than shopping (39) and uses public transportation, as opposed to private means (42). She enjoys bus rides regardless of whether it is school rush hour or not (45). Ms B has friends she spends time with from time to time, they go shopping have snacks together (72). She also has a good neighbour at the end of the street that she spends time with visiting a local Nursing home (74). Ms B’s friends are good companions (80) they talk about family and engage in other activities such as making tea (82). She does not engage in community activities (85) as she used to in 2008(86). Ms A, on the other hand, socializes with everyone she meets in the course of her ministry (51); however she claims that her social life is in the church where she does volunteer work (52). She gets spiritual support from her ministry (55) and many refer to her as mummy (56). Unlike Ms A, she engages in community activities such as the Easter love fest (59) where she brings drinks and snacks and distributes leaflets to neighbours (60). Discussion Woodwarda and Kawachib (2000), reiterate a well known fact that health inequalities are socially, culturally and economically instigated. This paper aims at exposing evidence in health inequalities and the need for health promotion, as well as highlight gender,, ethnicity and socio-economic factors, Ageism and racism in the healthcare sector. Adequate access to healthcare has been cited as a key factor determining a country’s commitment to reducing health inequalities and promotion. Devaux and de Looper (2012), explain that the need for General Practitioners can be analysed using variables such as age, gender and health status.   In the current study, Ms B has a General Practitioner, who is 8 minutes walk from her residence, while, on the other hand Ms, A sees no need for one. Devaux and de Looper (2012) reveal in their study that people who are financially stable are more likely to visit a GP than those in the lower income level. Ms B in the interview is presented as more stable than Ms A financially. Ms B has time for shopping, cafes with friends, and she can also afford a healthy meal at the end of the day. She even has access to private transportation. Compared to Ms A, who is housed by the council (Shelter, 2013). Van Doorslaer et al. (2003) assert that income related health inequalities are persistent in Eu rope regardless of the fact that many countries have established easy access to physician services. They further posit that there is unequal opportunity in accessing health services across income groups. Ms A seems to be in the lower income category and much marginalized in regard to access to health services. This is a common trend in most developed economies especially in North America and Europe. In an examination of such inequalities, in self reported health and their impact on individual risk factors in the United States and Canada, McGrail et al.(2009), found that income distribution was responsible for more than 50 percent of income-related health inequalities.   The same can be said of the United Kingdom where life expectancy is as high as in both the USA and Canada as a result of great preventive measures against killer diseases, yet the ubiquity of health inequality is constant (Graham Kelly, 2004).   They reveal that while the health of the general population seems t o improve, those in the lower income bracket are far from this reality, and this has been a point of challenge to policy makers. In addition, gender is one of the key causes of health inequalities.Ostrowska (2012), explains that notable differences between male and female health status is a common topic and has become a subject of increasing interest of researchers. According to them, researchers have recorded these differences in a bid to understand them within a bio-medical framework. Health inequalities in regard to gender divergence are indicative of the differences in social roles and status engraved in culturally created perception of femininity and masculinity. It is most likely that Ms A has continually ignored invitations to GP because of cost. It is most likely possible that she could be fine now, but the future is uncertain and more so in regard to her age. Health insurance coverage has become one of the key issues as far as women access to healthcare is concern.   According to Kaiser Family Foundation (2013), health insurance coverage is a motivational factor for women and is effective in improvi ng their health status by enabling access to preventive, primary, as well as, speciality healthcare. This could represent the case with Ms A, with medical cover; she would most likely at least visit her GP for a check up. Racism has been one of the key issues associated with health inequality. Generally, it is said that Native and African American, as well as Pacific Islanders, have a shorter lifespan and dismal health outcomes including high infant mortality rates, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke, deteriorating life expectancy compared to their white and Asian American counterparts (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). The United Kingdom is also faced with this challenge as explains Nazroo (2003 ), who posit that there is high health inequality across ethnic groups in the US and UK, and this has been documented. Woolf et al.(2004), in reference to a study by Dr. David Satcher and Dr. Adelwale Troutman, close to 900, 000 of the deaths of African Americans would have been prevented if their health matched that of their white counterparts. Racial identity is not pathogenic, but is a social issue in many countries that are the basis of profiling. While it is true that not all people from these minority groups both in the US and UK are poor, most of them are and according to Smedley et al. (2003), health follows a pattern that the more the wealth, the better the health. Most of them work in jobs that are in the   lower status and are also less educated than their   white counterparts. This is a key reason why this population   is persistent in the lower socio-economic strata compared to the other ethnic groups. Ms A is a black woman who is more concern with her spiritual condition than her health condition. She seems not to take cognizance of the fact that one she might need medical attention given her age, â€Å"health by choice.† Nonetheless, this could be none of her fault, as an African American, she is disadvantaged, she might not be able to afford the cost or even fail to take on appropriate medical cover (Nazroo, 2003 ). It has been noted in Britain that immediate action is needed to reform the pension plans to match in regard to the disparity between the rich and the poor, a state that could lead to thousands of poor people dying before they reach retirement (Copper, 2013). Just as the ethnic minorities in the developed countries, the older generation is currently one of the constituencies with rising health challenges. It is a population that is experiencing health inequalities (Grundy Sloggett, 2003 ). In England alone, there are 10 million people aged 65 and over (Thorpe, 2011). In this population, most of the are either sick or with some disability, thy account for 60 percent of hospital admissions (Thorpe, 2011). Grundy and Sloggett (2003 ), in their research used information from three rounds of the English Health Survey to understand the variations in wellbeing of those aged between 65-84 years. In their study, they used indicators based on self reports and data collected by a medical practitioner. The study revealed that socio-economic indicator and most prominent, income, was related to the increasing odds of diminishing health outcomes (Grundy Sloggett, 2003 ). Ms B in the current study has already started experiencing the effects of aging a nd conscious of what is expected of her. She is 69 years and seeks regular medical advice from her GP and takes every precaution in order to live a healthy and rewarding life. Ms A, on the other hand, is 5 years younger than Ms B, she might not feel the impact of age on her, but as seen in the above paragraphs, she is bound to feel some of these effects, it is just a matter of time (Grundy Sloggett, 2003 ). The examination of   gender, ethnicity, socio-economic, as well as ageism and racism variables as factors associated with health inequalities,, it is important also to consider the promotional aspect. Health promotion empowers people to consider and sustain healthy lifestyles thereby becoming better health managers (Family Health Teams, 2006). There needs to be promotion strategies that when implemented uses structural solutions that support change in behaviour.   One of the areas needing work is for governments to focus on closing narrowing of the gap between the rich and the poor. However, it is not just the closing of the gap, but making available services that would positively impact the poor. Such remedies include; empowering and mobilizing the people to resort to healthier choices, such as making available healthy food for the masses (Shircore, 2009).   In addition, the vulnerable populations need to be supported to change their behaviour, Shircore (2009), explain an impo rtant point that both physical and mental health are integral parts of quality of life and that evidence is clear that a healthy diets are beneficial to the both. On the other hand, poor housing coupled with poor income adversely affect physical and mental health. In this regard, the need for effective social marketing is imperative in achieving the desired change with both the public and with decision-makers. To achieve this, one of the most effective ways as seen in the current study is to involve the GP in health promotion strategies (Family Health Teams, 2006).   Ms B compared to Ms A had been receiving critically needed useful medical procedures because of her awareness of her health status. While Ms A, claimed, she did not need a GP and did not even remember the last time she visited a GP (9). Ms B had a Doctor (66) and had been with him for a long time. On the other hand, Ms B claims she has received much information from her local GP; there was a time she had trouble emptying her bowel freely (20) and she sort for advice from her GP, who asked her to take plenty of fruits and vegetables (21). She gets helpful information on other med ical conditions freely such as Flu and Diabetes from pamphlets (24) as well as the nurse (25). Ms B receives helpful information from her doctor, such as where to purchase blood pressure kits and how to use of it in checking her blood pressure (27). The focus on patient education, counselling and support is an important health promotion strategy and should be given to every vulnerable person in the categories examined in this study. Conclusion and recommendation As explained by Ms A and Ms B’s economic and health conditions, there are wide disparities between minority groups and dominant populations, more so in developed countries. As an African woman, Ms A was oblivious to the fact that she would need medical at one point in life; such is the attitude that some people in minority groups face life. Nonetheless, there are others who regardless of what they know, are restricted by their economic state. As a matter of fact the common denominator across all this classification whether ethnic, gender, age, is economic stability or sustainability. It is the responsibility of the government and the entire stakeholder to ensure that necessary steps are taken to provide for the needs of these vulnerable groups so as to reduce the effects of such health inequalities. As seen above, certain subsidies can be given to the vulnerable groups to mitigate the effects of health inequalities as discussed. The current study used two case studies to explain several variables. Further research is needed to zero in on specific details as it fails to do justice to all the variables presented, for depth and breadth of the issues investigated, the case studies fail to examine fully within the real-life context all the variables presented. On the gender issue, it would have been helpful if one of the interviewees was a male or in that case have more than two interviewees, the third of a different gender. Bibliography Copper, C., 2013. Britains poor will die before they retire if pension reforms arent matched by health improvements. The Independent , 06 December. Devaux, M. de Looper, M., 2012. Income-Related Inequalities in Health Service Utilisation in 19 OECD Countries, 2008-2009†. OECD Health Working Papers. Family Health Teams, 2006. Guide to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. [Online] Ministry of Health Available at:   HYPERLINK health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/fht/docs/fht_health_promotion2.pdf health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/fht/docs/fht_health_promotion2.pdf   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. Graham, H. Kelly, M.P., 2004. Health inequalities: concepts,frameworks and policy. [Online] Health Development Agency Available at:   HYPERLINK nice.org.uk/niceMedia/documents/health_inequalities_concepts.pdf nice.org.uk/niceMedia/documents/health_inequalities_concepts.pdf   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. Grundy, E. Sloggett, A., 2003. Health inequalities in the older population: the role of personal capital, social resources and socio-economic. Social Science Med, 56(5), pp.935-47. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2013. Women’s Health Insurance Coverage. [Online] Kaiser Family Foundation Available at:   HYPERLINK http://kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/womens-health-insurance-coverage-fact-sheet/ \l footnote-89006-14 http://kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/womens-health-insurance-coverage-fact-sheet/#footnote-89006-14   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. McGrail, K.M., Van Doorslaer, E., Ross, N.A. Sanmartin, C., 2009. Income-Related Health Inequalities in Canada and the United States: A Decomposition Analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 99(10), pp.1856–63. Nazroo, J.Y., 2003. The Structuring of Ethnic Inequalities in Health: Economic Position, Racial Discrimination, and Racism. American Journal of Public Health, 93(2), pp.277–84. Ostrowska, A., 2012. Health inequalitiesgender perspective. Przegl Lek., 69(2), pp.61-6. Shelter, 2013. Who gets priority for council housing. [Online] Available at:   HYPERLINK http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/finding_a_place_to_live/council_housing/who_gets_priority http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/finding_a_place_to_live/council_housing/who_gets_priority   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. Shircore, R., 2009. Guide for World Class Commissioners Promoting Health and Well-Being: Reducing Inequalities. London: RSPH RSPH. Smedley, B., Jeffries, M., Adelman, L. Cheng, J., 2003. Race, Racial Inequality and Health Inequities: Separating Myth from Fact. [Online] Available at:   HYPERLINK unnaturalcauses.org/assets/uploads/file/Race_Racial_Inequality_Health.pdf unnaturalcauses.org/assets/uploads/file/Race_Racial_Inequality_Health.pdf   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. Thorpe, T., 2011. Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our strategy for public health in England. [Online] Available at:   HYPERLINK bgs.org.uk/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=1443:healthylivesstrategycatid=14:consultationsItemid=110 bgs.org.uk/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=1443:healthylivesstrategycatid=14:consultationsItemid=110   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007. Health Inequalities. [Online] Available at:   HYPERLINK http://search.hhs.gov/search?q=African+Americans%2C+Native+Americans+and+Pacific++Islanders+live+shorter+lives+and+have+poorer+health+outcomesbtnG=Searchentqr=3ud=1sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1output=xml_no_dtdoe=UTF-8ie=UTF-8lr=lang_enclient=HHSproxys http://search.hhs.gov/search?q=African+Americans%2C+Native+Americans+and+Pacific++Islanders+live+shorter+lives+and+have+poorer+health+outcomesbtnG=Searchentqr=3ud=1sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1output=xml_no_dtdoe=UTF-8ie=UTF-8lr=lang_enclient=HHSproxys   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. Va Doorslaer, E., Koolman, X. Jones, A.M., 2003. Explaining income-related inequalities in doctor utilisation in Europe:a decomposition approach. [Online] Available at:   HYPERLINK http://www2.eur.nl/ecuity/public_papers/WP5v4.pdf http://www2.eur.nl/ecuity/public_papers/WP5v4.pdf   [Accessed 10 December 2013]. Woodwarda, A. Kawachib, I., 2000. Why reduce health inequalities? Journal of Epidemiol Community Health, 54, pp.923-929. Woolf, S.H. et al., 2004. The health impact of resolving racial disparities: An analysis of US mortality data. American Journal of Public Health, 94(12), pp.2078-81.

Chemistry Abbreviations Starting with the Letter C

Chemistry Abbreviations Starting with the Letter C Chemistry abbreviations and acronyms are common in all fields of science. This collection offers common abbreviations and acronyms beginning with the letter C used in chemistry and chemical engineering. C - CarbonC - CelsiusC - Coulomb C - CytosineCa - CalciumCA - Cytric AcidCAB - Cation-Anion BalanceCADS - Chemical Agent Detection SystemCAR - Commercial And ResidentialCAS - Chemical Abstracts ServiceCAW - Catalyst Altered WaterCB - Conduction BandCBA - Cytometric Bead ArrayCBR - Chemical, Biological, RadiologicalCBRE - Chemical, Biological, Radiological ElementCBRN - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or NuclearCC - Cubic CentimeterCCBA - Chemical Coordinate Bonding and AdsorptionCCL - Contaminant Candidate ListCCS - Carbon Capture StorageCd - CadmiumCDA - Clean Dry AirCDR - Chemical Distribution RoomCDSL - Chemical Data Summary ListCDU - Chemical Dispensing UnitCe - CeriumCE - Chemical EngineeringCEP - Chemical Engineering ProcessCf - CaliforniumCF - Carbon FiberCF - Ceramic FiberCFA - Cetylated Fatty AcidCFC - ChlorofluorocarbonCFRP - Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plasticcg - CentigramCGS - Centimeter, Gram, SecondCHC - Chlorinated HydroCarbonChem - ChemistryCHM - ChemistryCHO - Carbo hydrateCi - CurieCLC - Cross Linked CelluloseCm - Curiumcm - centimeterCML - Chemical Markup LanguageCN - Coordination NumberCN - CyanideCNO - Carbon Nitrogen OxygenCNP - Cyclic Nucleotide PhosphodiesteraseCNT - Carbon NanoTubeCo - CobaltCO - Carbon monoxideCP - Chemically PureCP - Cratine PhosphateCPA - CoPolymer AlloyCPE - Chemical Potential EnergyCr - ChromiumCR - Corrosion ResistantCRAP - Crude Reagent And ProductsCRC - Chemical Rubber CompanyCRT - Cathode Ray TubeCs - CesiumCSAC - Chemical Safety Analysis and ControlCSAD - Cysteine Sulfinic Acid DecarboxylaseCSTR - Continuously Stirred Tank ReactorCu - CopperCVCS - Chemical Volume Control SystemCW - Chemical WarfareCWA - Chemical Warfare Agent

Immigration Reform Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Immigration Reform - Essay Example That is why the current government has come up with proposals to enhance legal migration along the borders. This paper outlines the issues regarding illegal migration across the border of US, alternative plans to account for the undocumented immigrants and proposals on the importance of immigrants. It also proposes the impact of legal migration to the economy of US and betterment of the future. Immigration reform in the US is a proposal that is aimed at increasing the number legal immigrations into the country. For example, the guest worker reform that was supported by President George Bush aimed at ensuring the number of guests who come to work in the US are registered in the country. However, the issue of illegal immigration is a controversial one since the government is unable to handle all the cases of illegal immigrations in the country. The people who support immigration reform stipulate that illegal immigrants into the country cost the US taxpayers approximately $338.3 billion. This issue has been associated with weaken law enforcement in the country thus putting safety of government officials and the citizens of the US in jeopardy. For instance, in 2001, President George W. Bush and the former president of Mexico Vicente Fox wanted to pass an immigration policy whose aim was to benefit the Mexican emigrants in the US (United States Congress b 32). The immigration r eform and Control Act of 1986 stipulates that it is illegal for employers to hire illegal immigrants in the country. However, there was a non-immigrant visa system which allowed the lesser-skilled employees to work in the US. However, since the year 2006 amnesty, the US was said to have approximately 12 million immigrants who were not documented. The number of undocumented immigrants was estimated to make up to 5 percent of the workforce in the US. Moreover, it was also revealed that about 70 percent of the undocumented immigrants had

Whistle blowing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Whistle blowing - Essay Example Internal whistle blowing is whereby a whistleblower communicates any form of misconduct to their supervisor, who then applies the established procedures in the organization to address the misconduct. External whistle blowing is whereby a whistleblower communicates any form of misconduct to external parties like the media or law enforcement agencies (Lewis, 45). A whistleblower can report misconducts, illegal actions, or neglect of duties at work, including; In most cases, an employee cannot suffer a dismissal because of whistle blowing, since this is would amount to an unfair dismissal. In other words, the law will protect them if there was a fulfillment of certain standards. These standards are known as the qualifying disclosures. Normally, the individuals protected include agency workers, employees, individuals who are training with an employer and have not yet gotten employment, and supervised self-employed workers. An employee is only entitled to protection if they sincerely feel that whatever they are reporting is factual and they feel they are informing the right person. In addition, the whistleblower must also believe that their exposure is in the interest of the public. Employees are, however not protected from dismissal when they break the law while reporting misconduct. For instance, when an employee had earlier on signed the Official Secrets Act, or when the misconduct became discoverable in an event whereby another person was seeking legal advice. Moreover, those workers who are not employed.

The Old Man And The Sea: The Old Man :: essays research papers

The Old Man and The Sea: The Old Man Authors use many tactics to reveal a character's personality. In the short story, A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, Hemingway exposes the attributes of his characters through narration and dialogue. The older waiter's characteristics are exhibited through the waiters' conversations and the observations the narrator makes. The author cleverly associates the older waiter with the old man. This connection gives the audience a clear understanding of the loneliness and old age the waiter faces. The older waiter in Hemingway's story identifies with the old man. This is evident through the statements he makes to the younger waiter. In the begining of the work the younger waiter is complaining about the old man staying at the cafe. The older waiter takes up for the old man by explaining that the old man, â€Å"stays up because he likes it† (Hemingway 160). This is the initial time that the older waiter indicates that he identifies with the old man's feelings. This identification becomes more apparent farther in the work. For instance, the older waiter categorizes himself as being one, â€Å"of those who likes to stay late at the cafe†(Hemingway 161). With this declaration, the older waiter places himself in the same group as the old man. Hemingway's comparison of the old man and the waiter becomes unmistakable through the words of the older waiter. Loneliness and old age are the common bonds that the older waiter shares with the old man. This is manifested through the dialogue between the two waiters. For example, when the younger waiter boasts about his youth and confidence, the older waiter jealously replies, â€Å"I have never had confidence and I am not young†(Hemingway 161). The older waiter goes on further to illustrate that all he has is work. The older waiter later displays his loneliness through his compassion for the old man and others like himself. For instance, when the younger waiter remarks that he wishes to go home for the night, the older waiter says, â€Å"I am reluctant to close up because there may be some one who needs the cafe† (Hemingway 161). Through the author's comparison of the old man and the older waiter, he reveals the waiter's loneliness and desire for youth. The narration communicates the personality of the older waiter. For example, the narrator depicts the old waiter as, â€Å"not dressed to go home† (Hemingway 161). The author is implying that the older waiter will be in search of a drinking area, much like the cafe, after the cafe closes. Similar to the old man, the older waiter does not want to go home. The Old Man And The Sea: The Old Man :: essays research papers The Old Man and The Sea: The Old Man Authors use many tactics to reveal a character's personality. In the short story, A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, Hemingway exposes the attributes of his characters through narration and dialogue. The older waiter's characteristics are exhibited through the waiters' conversations and the observations the narrator makes. The author cleverly associates the older waiter with the old man. This connection gives the audience a clear understanding of the loneliness and old age the waiter faces. The older waiter in Hemingway's story identifies with the old man. This is evident through the statements he makes to the younger waiter. In the begining of the work the younger waiter is complaining about the old man staying at the cafe. The older waiter takes up for the old man by explaining that the old man, â€Å"stays up because he likes it† (Hemingway 160). This is the initial time that the older waiter indicates that he identifies with the old man's feelings. This identification becomes more apparent farther in the work. For instance, the older waiter categorizes himself as being one, â€Å"of those who likes to stay late at the cafe†(Hemingway 161). With this declaration, the older waiter places himself in the same group as the old man. Hemingway's comparison of the old man and the waiter becomes unmistakable through the words of the older waiter. Loneliness and old age are the common bonds that the older waiter shares with the old man. This is manifested through the dialogue between the two waiters. For example, when the younger waiter boasts about his youth and confidence, the older waiter jealously replies, â€Å"I have never had confidence and I am not young†(Hemingway 161). The older waiter goes on further to illustrate that all he has is work. The older waiter later displays his loneliness through his compassion for the old man and others like himself. For instance, when the younger waiter remarks that he wishes to go home for the night, the older waiter says, â€Å"I am reluctant to close up because there may be some one who needs the cafe† (Hemingway 161). Through the author's comparison of the old man and the older waiter, he reveals the waiter's loneliness and desire for youth. The narration communicates the personality of the older waiter. For example, the narrator depicts the old waiter as, â€Å"not dressed to go home† (Hemingway 161). The author is implying that the older waiter will be in search of a drinking area, much like the cafe, after the cafe closes. Similar to the old man, the older waiter does not want to go home.

Group Dynamics Essay

What is â€Å"group dynamics†? Perhaps it will be most useful to start by looking at the derivation of the word â€Å"dynamics†. It comes from a Greek word meaning force. In careful usage the phrase, â€Å"group dynamics† refers to the forces operating in groups. The investigation of group dynamics, then, consists of a study of these forces: what gives rise to them, what conditions modify them, what consequences they have, etc. The practical application of group dynamics (or the technology of group dynamics) consists of the utilization of knowledge about these forces for the achievement of some purpose. In keeping with this definition, is not particularly novel, nor is it the exclusive property of any person or institution. It goes back at least to the outstanding work of men like Simmel, Freud, and Cooley. Although interest in groups has a long and respectable history, the past fifteen years have witnessed a new flowering of activity in this field. Today, research centers in several countries are carrying out substantial programmes of research designed to reveal the nature of groups and of their functioning. The phrase â€Å"group dynamics† had come into common usage during this time and intense efforts have been devoted to the development of the field, both as a branch of social science and as a form of social technology. In this development the name of Kurt Lewin had been outstanding. As a consequence of his work in the field of individual psychology and from his analysis of the nature of pressing problems of the contemporary world, Lewin became convinced of society’s urgent need for a scientific approach to the understanding of the dynamics of groups. In 1945 he established the Research Center for Group Dynamics to meet this need. Since that date the Centre has been devoting its efforts to improving our scientific understanding of groups through laboratory experimentation, field studies, and the use of techniques of action research. It has also attempted in various ways to help get the findings of social science more widely used by social management. Much of what I have to say in this paper is drawn from the experiences of this Center in its brief existence of a little more than five years. We hear all around us today the assertion that the problems of the twentieth century are problems of human relations. The survival of civilization, it is said, will depend upon man’s ability to create social interventions capable of harnessing, for society’s constructive use, the vast physical energies now at man’s disposal. Or, to put the matter more simply, we must learn how to change the way in which people behave toward one another. In broad outline, the specifications for a good society are clear, but a serious technical problem remains: How can we change people so that they neither restrict the freedom nor limit the potentialities for growth of others; so that they accept and respect people of different religion, nationality, colour, or political opinion; so that nations can exist in a world without war, and s that the fruits of our technological advances can bring economic well-being and freedom from disease to all people of the world? Although few people would disagree with these objectives when stated abstractly, when we become more specific, differences of opinion quickly arise. These questions permit no ready answers. How is change to be produced? Who is to do it? Who is to be changed? Before we consider in detail these questions of social technology, let us clear away some semantic obstacles. The word â€Å"change† produces emotional reactions. It is not a neutral word. To many people it is threatening. It conjures up visions of a revolutionary, a dissatisfied idealist, a trouble-maker, a malcontent. Nicer words referring to the process of changing people are education, training, orientation, guidance, indoctrination, therapy. We are more ready to have others â€Å"educate† us than have them â€Å"change† us. We, ourselves feel less guilty in â€Å"training† others than in â€Å"changing† them. Why this emotional response? What makes the two kinds of words have such different meanings? I believe that a large part of the difference lies in the fact that the safer words (like education and therapy) carry implicit assurance that the only changes produced will be good ones, acceptable within a currently held value system. The cold, unmodified word â€Å"change†, on the contrary, promises no respect for values; it might even tamper with values themselves. perhaps for this very reason it will foster straight thinking if we use the word â€Å"change† and thus force ourselves to struggle directly and self-consciously with the problems of value that are involved. Words like education, training, or therapy, by the very fact that they are not so disturbing, may close our eyes to the fact that they too inevitably involve values. How can we change people so that they neither restrict the freedom nor limit the potentialities for growth of others; so that they accept and respect people of different religion, nationality, colour, or political opinion; so that nations can exist in a world without war, and so that the fruits of our technological advances can bring economic wellbeing and freedom from disease to all people of the world? The proposal that social technology may be employed to solve the problems of society suggests that social science may be applied in ways not different from those used in the physical sciences. Does social science, in fact, have any practically useful knowledge which may be brought to bear significantly on society’s most urgent problems? What scientifically based principles are there for guiding programmes of social change: In this paper we shall restrict our considerations to certain parts of a relatively new branch of social science known as â€Å"group dynamics†. We shall examine some of the implications for social action which stem from research in this field of scientific investigation. Consider first some matters having to do with the mental health of an individual. We can all agree, I believe, that an important mark of a healthy personality is that the individual’s self-esteem has not been undermined. But on what does self-esteem depend? From research on this problem we have discovered that, among other things, repeated experiences of failure or traumatic failures on matters of central importance serve to undermine one’s self-esteem. We also know that whether a person experiences success or failure as a result of some undertaking depends upon the level of aspiration which he has set for himself. Now, if we try to discover how the level of aspiration gets set, we are immediately involved in the person’s relationships to groups. The groups to which he belongs set standards for his behaviour which he must accept if he is to remain in the group. If his capacities do not allow him to reach these standards, he experiences failure, he withdraws or is rejected by the group and his self-esteem suffers a shock. Consider a second example. A teacher finds that in her class she has a number of trouble-makers, full of aggression. She wants to know why these children are so aggressive and what can be done about it. A foreman in a factory has the same kind of problem with some of his workers. He wants the same kind of help. The solution most tempting to both the teacher and the foreman often is to transfer the worst trouble-makers to someone else, or if facilities are available, to refer them for counselling. But is the problem really of such a nature that it can be solved by removing the trouble-maker from the situation or by working on his individual motivations and emotional life? What leads does research give us? The evidence indicates, of course, that there are many causes of aggressiveness in people, but one aspect of the problem has become increasingly clear in recent years. If we observe carefully the amount of aggressive behaviour and the number of trouble-makers to be found in a large collection of groups, we find that these characteristics can vary tremendously from group to group even when the different groups are composed essentially of the same kinds of people. In the now classic experiments of Lewin, Lippitt and White (1939) on the effects of different styles of leadership, it was found that the same group of children displayed markedly different levels of aggressive behaviour when under different styles of leadership. Moreover, when individual children were transferred from one group to another, their levels of aggressiveness shifted to conform to the atmosphere of the new group. Efforts to account for one child’s aggressiveness under one style of leadership merely in terms of his personality traits could hardly succeed under these conditions. This is not to say that a person’s behaviour is entirely to be accounted for by the atmosphere and structure of the immediate group, but it is remarkable to what an extent a strong, cohesive group can control aspects of a member’s behaviour traditionally thought to be expressive of enduring personality traits. Recognition of this fact rephrases the problem of how to change such behaviour. It directs us to a study of the sources of the influence of the group on its members. Within very recent years some research data have been accumulating which may give us a clue to the solution of our problem. In one series of experiments directed by Lewin, it was found that a method of group decision, in which the group as a whole made a decision to have its members change their behaviour, was from two to ten times more effective in producing actual change as was a lecture presenting exhortation to change (Lewin, 1951). We have yet to learn precisely what produces these differences of effectiveness, but it is clear that by introducing group forces into the situation a whole new level of influence has been achieved. The experience has been essentially the same when people have attempted to increase the productivity of individuals in work settings. Traditional conceptions of how to increase the output of workers have stressed the individual: * Select the right man for the job * Simplify the job for him * Train him in the skills required * Motivate him by economic incentives * Make it clear to whom he reports * Keep the lines of authority and responsibility simple and straight. But even when all of these conditions are fully met we find that productivity is far below full potential. There is even good reason to conclude that this individualistic conception of the determinants of productivity actually fosters negative consequences. The individual, now isolated and subjected to the demands of the organization through the commands of his boss, finds that he must create with his fellow employees informal groups, not shown on any table of organization, in order to protect himself from arbitrary control of his life, from the boredom produced by the endless repetition of mechanically sanitary and routine operations, and from the impoverishment of his emotional and social life brought about by the frustration of his basic needs for social interaction, participation, and acceptance in a stable group. Recent experiments have demonstrated clearly that the productivity of work groups can be greatly increased by methods of work organization and supervision which give more responsibility to work groups, which allow for fuller participation in important decisions, and which make stable groups the firm basis for support of the individual’s social needs (Coch & French, 1948). It is points out future research will also demonstrate that people working under such conditions become more mature and creative individuals in their homes, in community life, and as citizens. A few years ago the Research Center for Group Dynamics undertook to shed light on this problem by investigating the operation of a workshop for training leaders in intercultural relations (Lippitt, 1949). In a project, directed by Lippitt, they set out to compare systemically the different effects of the workshop upon trainees who came as isolated individuals in contrast to those who came as teams. Six months after the workshop, however, those who had been trained as isolates were only slightly more active than before the workshop whereas those who had been members of strong training teams were now much more active. They do not have clear evidence on the point, but they are quite certain that the maintenance of heightened activity over a long period of time would also be much better for members of teams. For the isolates the effect of the workshop had the characteristic of a â€Å"shot in the arm† while for the team member it produced a more enduring change because the team provided continuous support and reinforcement for its members. What conclusions may we draw from these examples? What principles of achieving change in people can we see emerging? To begin with the most general position, we may state that the behaviour, attitudes, beliefs, and values of the individual are all firmly grounded in the groups to which he belongs. How aggressive or cooperative a person is, how much self-respect and self-confidence he has, how energetic and productive his work is, what he aspires to, what he believes to be true and good, whom he loves or hates, and what beliefs and prejudices he holds—all these characteristics are highly determined by the individual’s group memberships. In a real sense, they are properties of groups and of the relationships between people. Whether they change or resist change will, therefore, be greatly influenced by the nature of these groups. Attempts to change them must be concerned with the dynamics of groups. In examining more specifically how groups enter into the process of change, we find it useful to view groups in at least three different ways. In the first view, the group is seen as a source of influence over its members. Efforts to change behaviour can be supported or blocked by pressures on members stemming from the group. To make constructive use of these pressures the group must be used as a medium of change. In the second view, the group itself becomes the target of change. To change the behaviour of individuals it may be necessary to change the standards of the group, its style of leadership, its emotional atmosphere, or its stratification into cliques and hierarchies. Even though the goal may be to change the behaviour of individuals, the target of change becomes the group. In the third view, it is recognized that many changes of behaviour can be brought about only by the organization efforts of groups as agents of change. A committee to combat intolerance, a labour union, and employers association, a citizens group to increase the pay of teachers—any action group will be more or less effective depending upon the way it is organized, the satisfactions it provides to its members, the degree to which its goals are clear, and a host of other properties of the group.

Bram Strokers Dracula The Man Behind the Count Essay

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a story of horror, suspense, and repulsion. The main antagonist, Count Dracula, is depicted as an evil, repulsive creature that ends and perverts life to keep himself alive and youthful. To most onlookers that may be the case, but most people fail to see one crucial element to this character. Dracula is a character that, though it may be long gone, was once human, and thus has many human emotions and motives still within him. Let us delve into these emotions of a historically based monster. Bram Stoker, our author, was born in Clontarf (an area near Dublin), Ireland in early November of 1847. He was accomplished in many fields, including athletics, but he was, and probably still is, seen as the most†¦show more content†¦Tepes and his brother were sent to the Turkish Sultan as ‘official’ hostages a year later, for education in change for loyalty to the Sultan. During a war with Hungary in 1447, Vlad II Dracul (Dracula’ s father) and Tepes’s eldest brother were killed by Hungarian assassins. Wallachia was ruled by Hungary, and the Turks released and gave Tepes an army in order to capture Wallachia. He held the throne for two months before being forced to run away. He then abandoned Turkish ties and appealed to Hungary to become Prince of Wallachia. His following rule, though bloody, brought Romania together like never before. He was made famous by his rule as well since his name â€Å"Vlad the Impaler† came during this rule. He got this name from his use of torture as punishment; his ‘favorite’ act being using a large wooden stake to impale criminals from the groin to the mouth. Soon war began again with Turkey and Hungary, and he was removed and regained the throne a third time before he was killed in a war with the Turks, his head sent to the sultan as proof of his death. Stoker used this historical basis to build Count Dracula, the now vampirised Vlad III Tepes. It would have been many years since Tepes’s rule over Wallachia, and he would have to hide in Transylvania discretely. As a few centuries passed, we can assume things were relatively tame for the Impaler, as he was no longer battling the Turks and impaling