Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Essay Example for Free

Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Essay Social networking sites have become extremely popular among the youth as well as the professional people. Keeping in mind, the growing popularity of these sites and the effect it has and the benefits that it brings along, it can be easily predicted that its popularity is sure to grow much more. The social networking websites are more like the virtual meeting places where people can just chill and hang out with friends. They can discuss on different topics, share information, and exchange files and pictures. We admitted the fact that using social networking is one way to enhance our social interaction with other people. Because of our technologies there are many ways that can help our works faster and easier. However, everything has a positive and negative side. Similarly, the social networking sites are also made up of their set of advantages and disadvantages; it is a one way to communicate our distant relatives or families, it’s a big help for the people who needs jobs especially there are online jobs offered in social networking and also it’s a way for some students who wants to finish their study due to their personal problems because there are many distance learning here in social networking. But among those advantages we can get from social networking, there are still many disadvantages that can affect to the users. Students are the one who are really affected for the disadvantages of social networking. According to the some surveyors many students are addicted to some social networking. That can lead them not to go to their classes’ hours. There are some social networking’s that are prohibited for minor children. Because of that, the cases now for the minor children like harassment, rape and etc. are getting higher. Because some are getting influence by what they have saw or learned from that social networking. In using social networking, it must be minimal and the users should know how it affects to her /his life so that there will be no regrets at the end. Do whatever you want as long as it can lead you on a better way and a peaceful life.

Monoamine Oxidase (Warrior Gene) and Maori Behaviour

Monoamine Oxidase (Warrior Gene) and Maori Behaviour Monoamine Oxidase (Warrior Gene) and  Its Relation to Maori Behaviour Roberto S. Recto Jr. Abstract This essay tackled primarily on the significant link between Monoamine Oxidase (Warrior Gene) and Maori behaviour. Specifically, this may determine the possible causes of the aggressiveness of the Maori population group as observed by other researchers and scientists as explained on their arguments. The study discussed the census of the population and conviction rate of Maori population with other population group. This study also correlates the specific behaviour of an individual to other factors such as parenting and environmental factors, not solely to the warrior gene. Irregularities in Monoamine Oxidase’s level in the body have negative effects that were also discussed on this paper. Domestic violence during childhood was also explained briefly and its negative effects to behaviour of an adult person. Negative behaviours that developed may be controlled and managed especially here in New Zealand with the help of the legislation. Introduction Maori population is 682,200 out of the total New Zealand population of 4,433,000 as of 30 June 2012 according to New Zealand’s latest statistics. Maori make up 15.4 percent of the total population here in New Zealand. Despite a few number of Maori people lives in New Zealand, they commit more crimes and are punished in prison than any other population group. Reasons for this apparent fact have not yet been fully discovered or defended (Statistics New Zealand, 2012). 8,618 is the total count of prisoners in New Zealand, 51 percent (4,391) of which are Maori, 33 percent (2,835) are Europeans and 12 percent (1,006) are Pacific people (Statistics New Zealand, 2012). Some studies may blame domestic violence or poverty as the cause of Maoris committing crime. Others may also blame it way back on their ethnicity and culture. David Rankin, a Ngapuhi elder once said that they have come from a warrior race but because of colonization, they have no more battles to fight and they have too much time on hand so that their inner violent energy is not used up (Dinsdale, 2012). But what is the real cause of this? If nature, culture or ethnic origins are the not the cause of this Maori behaviour, what else? Just this decade, a new controversial idea was offered that became an issue both on scientific and political commentators. Dr. Rod Lea, a researcher from New Zealand and his contemporaries proposed that Maoris carry a â€Å"warrior gene† (Monoamine Oxidase) that makes them more prone to aggressive behaviour that may lead to violence, risky behaviours and criminal acts. He also said that it obviously means that they will be violent or may do risky behaviours but that doesn’t mean that once you are a carrier of this gene, it won’t automatically make you a criminal (Lea, R., Chambers, G. 2007). There may be some other factors at play that may affect their behaviours such as lifestyle, upbringing-related exposures and others. This specific gene was also associated to high rates of alcoholism, smoking and gambling in the said population group (Once were warriors: gene linked to Maori violence, 2006). Monoamine oxidase as the warrior gene Monoamine oxidase aka the warrior gene was coined by a scientific anthropologist Ann Gibson on an Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. (Gibbons, 2004). These enzymes are are involved in the breakdown and synthesis of neurotransmitters. Examples of which are serotonin and dopamine which controls emotions and moods. Being part of the breakdown, Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is capable of manipulating and influencing the person’s mood, emotion, feelings and behavior. Levels of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the brain conclude how fast metabolism of these neurotransmitters occurs. Variations in level of MAO’s in the brain can affect the individual from panic attacks and anxiety disorders to violence and aggression (Anonymous, 2004). The Argument As stated on the introduction Dr. Rod Lea is a researcher from New Zealand. He and his contemporaries proposed that Maoris carry a â€Å"warrior gene† (monoamine oxidase) that makes them more prone to aggressive behaviour. The â€Å"warrior gene† has been linked to criminal acts and associated with risk taking, plus gambling, drug dependence and aggressiveness. Though this gene has been linked to different aggressive and risk taking behaviours, there is no concrete proof that this is the cause of such behaviours. Dr. Nicola Poa a research fellow at Christchurch School of Medicine negated Dr. Rod Lea’s idea. She said it is unheard or unlikely to link a behavior to its said host. Dr. Nicola also said there is a huge ethical behavior behind every action of Maori people. She also stated that it would be a big leap to conclude and connect that this gene would affect the behavior of an individual. She suggested that psychologists and psychiatrists should be involved in this kind of study. Genes are just the basic building blocks of a human being (Stokes, J., 2006). On the other hand, Dr Sam Hancox, a doctor in Otago Universitys at Dunedin Multidisciplinary Area, proposed that the connection between genes and human behavior should also take into consideration environmental factors. He said that a single gene can’t explain everything. It will always be a mixture of different factors (putting emphasis on environmental influences). I quote Dr. Sam Hancox: There is no specific gene for making a great rugby participant, but then if you have the wrong player or participant, no amount of coaching and teaching is going to guarantee he will be an All Black team player. You have to have the perfect set of genes and the perfect set of coaching and teaching. (Stokes, J., 2006). Another research was conducted in 2002. The Otago-based unit researched the results of changes and variation of the Monoamine Oxidase on maltreated and abused children. This research proved that one of the greatest factors of human behavior is his environment and experience. Researchers found some of the population group that they conducted their research on developed antisocial behaviors with high levels of Monoamine Oxidase, despite being maltreated. However 85 per cent of those who are severely maltreated and abused with low levels of the â€Å"warrior gene† also developed antisocial behaviors (Stokes, J., 2006). Another scientist emerged and contradicted Dr.Lea’s research and hypothesis. Dr. Gary Hooks point of view challenges the idea and concept that Maori’s are genetically wired to be aggressive, wild and commit acts of violence. Dr. Hook said there was an obvious flaw on Dr. Lea’s hypothesis especially in their scientific reasoning. Not only was the science criticized, but the ethics of claiming that genes are to blame in Maoris behavior is also questioned. He agreed that conviction rates for domestic violence of Maoris are more compared to other population groups in New Zealand but there is no indication that this is because of Monoamine Oxidase gene that are present in their bodies. This gene has nothing to do with their behavior. Maori nature was not the reason for high criminality rates, he said. Maybe the cause of such behaviors is due to the fact that Maoris are colonized for 160 years by a â€Å"Eurocentric† justice system. (Chapman, K., 2009) Dr. Rod Lea’s argument has been usually weak and unsupported because other factors may affect the behaviour of an individual such as the way they are brought up, social status, economic status and other lifestyle factors. (Stokes, J., 2006). Behavioural effects of MAO irregularities Accepting the argument that the â€Å"warrior gene† is related to Maori’s behaviour and traits is weak. There is no proof of exact evidence that this gene underlies a behavioural variation in man. Was the hypothesis made by the scientists and researches are way too impossible? Or was it a reasonable explanation for violent behaviours? MAOs are extremely vital for proper functioning of the brain as they inactivate or activate neurotransmitters. When this genes are in great quantity, there will also be great inactivation of these neurotransmitters. Depression, criminal deeds, phobias, dependence, addiction and other Neurological disorders can occur. (Batts, S., 2006). Abnormal Monoaminase Oxidase levels may manifest negative behaviors such as the following but not limited to Anxiety, personality disorders, antisocial behaviors, violence and risk taking, aggressive behavior, impulsive aggression, mental disorders, obesity, impulsivity, depression and suicidality impaired impulse control, mental retardation (such as autism, seizures, sleep disturbances) and panic disorders (Raumati Hook G. 2009).This might be the reason why scientists are associating this gene to Maori Behaviors. It seems like these scientists are placing the Maori culture under the category of mental health that being a Maori is a disease. They should also put into consideration that behavioural abnormalities cannot and should not only be isolated as to genetics. Environmental conditions should also be in the picture. The warrior gene versus Childhood experiences versus Maori self determination Concluding or proposing that the gene is to blame on Maori behaviour is the same as categorizing Maori behaviour as psychopath, with borderline psychosis or with psychological problem. Yes there are a huge number of diseases and ailments that may be associated with Monoamine Oxidase deficiency, but for the majority of people it functions quite well and consistently. Though conviction counts for domestic violence of this population group exceed those of other group, there is still no definite indication that the genes carried by Maoris functions differently from other ethnic groups and certainly has no evidence that it has something to do with having an aggressive or negative behaviour. (Stokes, 2006) Unpleasant childhood experiences negatively influence adulthood and how a man sees life, as seen on a recent study. The study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). According to the study, one out of four young adults was relentlessly maltreated during their childhood days and approximately half of adults in England have suffered an unpleasant childhood experience. Approximately one out of ten adults has experienced four or more undesirable experience during their childhood.There are different kinds and forms of childhood adversity; it may range from physical abuse to emotional neglect and stress. Examples of these forms of experiences are sexual abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, physical neglect, substance abuse in home, mental illness in home, incarceration of family member, parenteral separation or divorce and witnessing against mother (McDonald, K. 2014). Tino Rangatiratanga or Principle of Self-determination is the sovereignty, independence, self-control and self-determination of the Maori people. The idea of Tino Rangatiratanga reinforces and allowing MÄ ori to take control of their own culture, fate, destiny and fortune (Smith, G.,1990). This may also be a factor in Maori behavior wherein they believe that they are the man for themselves. They control what they can. And Maori parents may or may not carry this behavior during their parenting that may affect the upbringing of their child. This may lead to negative behaviors as supported by the previous arguments. Despite of all the criticisms to Maori population group, they still have good traits in their hearts and culture. Manaakitanga is defined as being hospitable. They take a great pride in entertaining and hosting visitors to their land. Manuhiri on the other hand means the highest honour and respect are given by these people to visitors. Kaitiakitanga means guardianship (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, n.d.). In relation to our study, Maori people are stewards and guardians of their own land. They are keeping it sacred and healthy for their â€Å"children† and â€Å"grandchildren† to inherit. Conclusion As a conclusion of this paper, Genes are not to blame on how people would behave in a society. Genes may be a factor, but it is still not concrete enough to prove everything. Environmental factors should also be taken into consideration especially on Maori’s parenting preference. Parenting has always been an issue not only in Maori’s population group but in every culture on how children would grow up. As I have learned on Values Education during my grade school days, a child’s mind is a clean paper wherein parents are the authors of what the content would be. I also believe that unpleasant childhood experiences will negatively influence adulthood that may lead to aggressiveness and negative behaviours. Every culture and population group have their own positive and negative charaecteristics that other culture may notice. Being aggressive and observed as being violent does not and should not only pertain to Maori’s population group. Putting the spotlight on this population group regarding aggressiveness is quite biased, to think that other population groups are way more aggressive to the point that they are killing and mutilating body parts of their own people. So for me, choice is the biggest factor of what you would become; a choice of who you want to be and what you want to be, combined with environmental and other factors. And if ever negative behaviour arises, it can be managed with the help of good support systems such as our family, friends, government or private institutions and others. Management of Domestic Violence As we discuss this research, domestic violence became a highlight. New Zealand has a law regarding rehabilitation and management of this matter. Domestic violence can never be prevented because it is a choice, but we can manage the outcome it has done with the person involved. Managing the outcome may prevent negative effects that domestic violence has done to an individual. The Domestic Violence Act of 1995 provides rehabilitation programme for those who are victims of domestic violence with protection orders. The Court contracts with other approved organizations and specialized individuals to offer programmes and rehabilitation. These said programmes contribute to the law’s principal goal of providing better protection for the victims of domestic violence. When the court decides that there should be a Protection Order, the person involved may request a programme that may provide information, support (whether psychological, emotional, physical etc.) and education that is related to domestic violence. This request can be made until the third year of the release of the Protection order.( Cram, F., Pihama, L., Jenkins, K., Karehana, M., 2002). Word Count: 2363 words â€Å"References Anonymous (2004). Progress in monoamine oxidase (MAO) research in relation to genetic engineering. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14697876 Anonymous (2006). Once were warriors: gene linked to Maori violence. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/once-were-warriors-gene-linked-to-maori-violence/2006/08/08/1154802890439.html Batts, S. (2006). The Maori, MAO Inhibitors, and the â€Å"Warrior Gene†. Retrospectacle: A Neuroscsience Blog. Retrieved from http://scienceblogs.com/retrospectacle/2006/08/10/the-maori-mao-inhibitors-and-t/ Chapman, K. (2009). Maori â€Å"warrior gene† Research Slammed. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2855426/Maori-warrior-gene-research-slammed Cram, F., Pihama, L., Jenkins, K., Karehana, M. (2002). Evaluation of Programmes for Mà ¤ori Adult Protected Persons under the Domestic Violence Act 1995. Ministry of Justice. Retrieved from http://www.kaupapamaori.com/assets/evaulations_programmes.pdf Dinsdale, M. (2012). Maori a violent people Rankin. The Northern Advocate. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450objectid=11051172 Gibbons, A. (2004). American Association of Physical Anthropologists meeting: tracking the evolutionary history of a â€Å"warrior† gene. Retrieved from http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/304/5672/818a Keller, T. E., Cusick, G. R., & Courtney, M. E. (2007). Approaching the transition to adulthood: Distinctive profiles of adolescents aging out of the child welfare system. Social Services Review, 81, 453-484. Lea, R., Chambers, G. (2007). Monoamine oxidase, addiction, and the â€Å"warrior† gene hypothesis. Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 120(1250). Retrieved June 12, 2008, from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/120-1250/2441/. McDonald, K. (2014). Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Adult Behaviors.Psych Central. Retrieved on January 26, 2015, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/06/28/adverse-childhood-experiences-affect-adult-behaviors/ New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (n.d.) MANAAKITANGA, KAITIAKITANGA HOSPITALITY, GUARDIANSHIP. new zealand trade and enterprise retrieved from https://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/how-nzte-can-help/te-kete-tikanga-maori-cultural-kit/manaakitanga-kaitiakitanga-hospitality-guardianship/ Raumati Hook G. (2009). â€Å"Warrior genes† and the disease of being MÄ ori. MAI Review. Retrieved from http://www.review.mai.ac.nz/index.php/MR/article/viewFile/222/243 Smith, G. H. (1990) Research Issues Related to Maori Education. Retrieved from http://www.rangahau.co.nz/research-idea/27/ Statistics New Zealand (2008). Retrieved from http://www.stats.govt.nz/default.htm Statistics New Zealand (2012). Retrieved from http://www.stats.govt.nz/tools_and_services/media-centre/additional-releases/maori-population-estimates-15-nov-2012.aspx Stokes, J. (2006). Maori warrior gene claims appalling, says geneticist. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1objectid=10395491 â€Å"

Compensating Wages for Dangerous Job Workers

Compensating Wages for Dangerous Job Workers Explain why workers with dangerous jobs are paid more than workers with less dangerous jobs The competition in the job market has shown an upward turn, when we talk about the opportunities for the job seekers. There are diversified fields for the job seekers based on their qualifications and experience. But another factor is also very vital when a person seeks a job; his / her own choice regarding environment and the workplace safety is equally important. Some people like to work in offices due to the peaceful, neat and clean environment but the same â€Å"paradise† may be â€Å"hell† for others just because they cannot handle the mental stress attached with the office jobs e.g. Accounting, Finance etc. On the other hand some people enjoy the jobs in the field of marketing, which would not be accepted by those who like to work in isolation. But there are some jobs, which are considered dangerous due to the nature of the workplace, or the work that needs to be carried out. Although none of the workers may like to work in dangerous conditions the compensation of fered attracts individuals to come into this field. So, keeping in view all these factors the compensation package of the employee can be assessed (Roberts, Burton Bodah, 2005). Normally the jobs, which require higher skilled individuals is highly compensated when compared to jobs that require only lower or lesser skills. It is considered that the differential amount paid to the higher educated persons, is in compensation for the additional sacrifices and payment made by the person to obtain the skills and education necessary (Dumond, Hirsch MacPherson, 1999). The workplace area and the safety at workplace catches the attention of the employees to demand extra wages. Smith used the words ‘hardship, ‘disagreeable and ‘dirtiness for the work of colliers in Newcastle to explain why they earned two or three times more than common laborers in Scotland (1976). The statistics have been collected by the Bureau of Labour Statistics These statistics have been published on CNN referring to an 18 year old logger who was killed on December 3, 2002. It clearly depicts that the risk factor involved in these jobs classifies them in the category of additional compensatory jobs. The Timber Cutters are facing a high risk and the rate of mortality has been the highest for them when compared to other jobs. People involved in fisheries are at second with fatality rate of 71.1. Pilots and navigators are at third with the mortality rate of 69.8. All these people work out of doors except the structural metal workers. People involved in driving, sailing, and even flying in the list given below as high risk workers. These are outdoor jobs, which are considered the most dangerous jobs. Therefore people in these jobs need the security and compensation as an attraction to continue doing the job. Employers, therefore offer special allowances and compensation along with medical facility, insurance, housing etc. It is not only the risk that is involved in the job that increases compensation for these workers but many other factors. However the discussion of those factors is outside the scope of this paper and therefore will not be mentioned here. Some salient factors have been given below which shows why workers with dangerous jobs are paid more. One is that there is a direct threat to a workers health and life in a dangerous profession. If a worker is hurt due to the nature of job, he may loose a part of his body and sometimes even his life (Schumacher, Hirsch, 1997). This could happen even though there are many workplace health and safety regulations in place and even though the supervisors and the employees themselves are trained on how to maximize safety in the work area. Further a direct threat to the life of a worker is also a threat to the stability and security for his or her dependants. This is because if the worker looses his life or his ability to work (due to injury or disability) the dependents would loose their safety net and can be made destitute (McDuff, 1999). Different jobs have different health hazards Different jobs have different health hazards and by implication different life expectancies. Workers in dangerous jobs are assumed to get a higher wages to compensate for the lower life expectancy and by measuring the size of that premium you can get a rough measure of the value of an extra year (Schumacher, Hirsch, 1997). It turns out that this calculation gives a strong effect: the benchmark calculation assumes that a ten percent increase in life expectancy will generate a 0.24 percentage points increase in adjusted GDP growth (Osburn, 2000). Workers may also need compensation for the stress and anxiety they have to face due to the dangers they are exposed to in the workplace (Mcgoldrick, 1995). For example armed forces stationed in high altitude locations are awarded extra allowance for the isolation at glaciers. The dangerous jobs also need a high level of hard work and physical efforts, which is normally more than the efforts required in normal physical labour. Therefore the extra physical effort of the workers must be compensated by the employer, and this is another reason why employees in dangerous of physically demanding professions get higher wages (Miller, Mulvey Norris, 1997). Concluding the discussion above, it is evident that the dangerous jobs are facing high risk increasing the life uncertainty of the workers. They need life insurance for their life for their families and dependents. Critically appraise the findings of empirical studies that have estimated compensating wage differentials. In labour economics the term Compensation differential is use to describe and analyze the relationship between wage rate and the corresponding risk, unpleasantness and any dangerous attitudes that are entailed in the job. The term compensation differential is also known as â€Å"equalizing difference† or even â€Å"compensating wage differential†. A compensating wage differential refers to the additional compensation that is paid to a worker or an employee in order to motivate the individual to take on a job that is considered undesirable or even a dangerous in comparison to other jobs that are available in the market (Schettkat, 1993). However it is noteworthy that â€Å"compensating differentials† does not apply only to dangerous and undesirable jobs, but also to extremely desirable jobs with special benefits. In the case of the latter, instead of being paid a higher compensation, the individuals concerned will be willing to accept a lower pay as the job entails benefits that are special and cannot be found elsewhere or with any other jobs. The difference here is however that instead of the compensation differential being positive it will be negative in the case of the latter example (Schettkat, 1993). A lot of models have been presented by different authors around the globe regarding compensating wage differentials and many studies have been undertaken in this area. Based on these studies, surveys and analyses, findings have been published in the journals, newspapers and websites. These publications stressed the compensating wage differentials not only for the workers exposed to death due to accidents but for other reasons as well. The term ‘Risk Premium is also used as an alternative to the compensating wage differentials for the workers doing dangerous jobs. Marin and Psacharopoulos (1982), in the first paper using British data from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) Occupational Mortality Decennial Supplement 1970-72, find evidence of a wage premium for exposure to fatal risk. Sandy and Elliott (1996) and Arabsheibani and Marin (2000) using similar data over the period 1979 to 1983, and Siebert and Wei (1994) using Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data for 1986 to 1988, all find evidence of a fatal risk premium. Another study has been carried out in the Hong Kong regarding compensating wage differentials laying special emphasis on the risk associated with the workplace fatality. The data has been collected from the 1991 census and then it has been merged with the accident data provided by the Labour Department. A theory has been presented by Thaler and Rosen in 1976. The estimation of compensating wage differentials has been carried out with the following formula W = a0 + a1X + a2p + e Where w is the wage rate, X a vector of individual and job characteristics, including the usual human capital variables; p is a measure of job risk and e is an error term. Over the past two decades studies have estimated compensating wage differentials by using this equation. The result normally suggests that a positive and significant compensating wage differential for the jobs with mortality risk is found mostly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Japan. Another important factor the compensating wage differentials has been identified as; child penalty. The fact that mothers tend to earn less than women without children seems to be well established in the economic literature and is called child penalty or family gap. Several researchers found raw wage gaps of almost 20% for the US, 13% for the UK and up to 20% for Germany. In order to investigate the impact of motherhood on the choice between pecuniary and non-pecuniary job characteristics the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP; 1984-2003) was used by Felfe in 2006. The sample of interest consists of women during their fertile years, defined as the age from 16 to 46. The dataset provides detailed information about personal and job characteristics, about pecuniary and in particular non-pecuniary ones. Besides it reports satisfaction with the job what is used as a proxy for utility and allows testing if both pecuniary and non-pecuniary job characteristics determine jointly the satisfaction of a mother. The longitudinal nature of the data allows observing mothers around first birth. Th e dataset used is the German Socioeconomic Panel (GSOEP), which is a yearly repeated survey of Germans and Foreigners in West and East Germany (1984-2003). Since 1984 the GSOEP follows the members of the panel. In 2003 the GSOEP provided information about more than 12000 households consisting of more than 24000 people In order to test the hypothesis of the child penalty as a compensating wage differential, the following methodology, divided in three parts, has been conducted. A first step was to investigate if motherhood really affects the job characteristics, i.e. if not only the pecuniary but also the non-pecuniary job characteristics change after motherhood and thus the loss of wage might be compensated with an increase in amenities. In order to estimate changes in job characteristics around and after motherhood, an event study analysis has been used which studies the effects of first birth on a variety of job characteristics. A second necessary step was to show if and how certain job features enter the utility of mothers. According to theory of compensating wage differentials both pecuniary and non-pecuniary characteristics determine jointly the utility of a worker. In case a mother is willing to give up part of her income in order to have a more family friendly job, certain job characteristics have to compensate for this loss in wage and thus raise the utility of a mother. In order to test this empirically, satisfaction regressions has been used. In a last step the actual compensating wage differential has been measured, i.e. how much of their wage mothers are willing to give up for having a job with more amenities (less disamenities). Therefore as a last step a hedonic wage regression has been run including certain (dis-) amenities as control variables. Conclusion The conclusion of the above discussion reveals that the compensating wage differentials have been studied by many of the analysts around the globe using different methodologies and statistics. These studies helped the users understanding the trend regarding compensating wage differentials and the impact on workers. REFERENCES Abraham, J, Lluis, S. (2008) â€Å"Compensating Differentials and Fringe Benefits: Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 1997-2004†, retrieved on July 28th, 2009 from Christie, L. (2003) â€Å"Americas most dangerous jobs The top ten most dangerous jobs in America†, CNN Money, retrieved on 28th July, 2009 from Dumond, J. M., Hirsch, B. T., MacPherson, D. A. (1999). â€Å"Wage Differentials Across Labor Markets and Workers: Does Cost of Living Matter?†. Economic Inquiry, 37(4), pp. 577-608. Dupuy, A. Smits, W. (2009), â€Å"How Large is the Compensating Wage Differential for RD Workers?† Retrieved on July 28th, 2009 from Felfe, C. (2006), â€Å"The child penalty A compensating wage differential†, retrieved on July 28th, 2009 from Lanfranchi, J., Ohlsson, H., Skalli, A (2009) â€Å"Compensating Wage Differentials And Shift Work Preferences* Evidence from France†, retrieved on July 28th, 2009 from McDuff, E. M. (1999). â€Å"Social Support and Compensating Differentials in the Ministry: Gender Differences in Two Protestant Denominations†. Review of Religious Research, 40(4), pp. 307-330. Mcgoldrick, K. (1995). â€Å"Do Women Receive Compensating Wages for Earnings Uncertainty?†. Southern Economic Journal, 62(1), pp. 210. Miller, P., Mulvey, C., Norris, K. (1997). â€Å"Compensating Differentials for Risk of Death in Australia†. Economic Record, 73(223), pp. 363. Osburn, J. (2000). â€Å"Interindustry Wage Differentials: Patterns and Possible Sources†. Monthly Labor Review, 123(2), pp. 34. Polachek, S. W. Siebert, S. W. (1993) Economics of Earnings. Cambridge University Press. Roberts, K., Burton, J. F., Bodah, M. M. (Eds.). (2005). Workplace Injuries and Diseases: Prevention and Compensation : Essays in Honor of Terry Thomason. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Schettkat, R. (1993). â€Å"Compensating Differentials? Wage Differentials and Employment Stability in the U.S. and German Economies†. Journal of Economic Issues, 27(1), pp. 153. Schumacher, E. J., Hirsch, B. T. (1997). â€Å"Compensating Differentials and Unmeasured Ability in the Labor Market for Nurses: Why do Hospitals Pay More?†. Industrial Labor Relations Review, 50(4), pp. 557-579. Siebert, W. S. Wei, X (1998), â€Å"Wage Compensation for Job Risks: The Case of Hong Kong†, Asian Economic Journal, Vol 12 No. 2, retrieved on July 28th, 2009 from â€Å"The Human Development Index. A better way of measuring welfare? Notes on Nick Crafts, ‘The human development index and changes in standard of living: some historical comparisons†. European Review of Economic History, Vol 1, (1997), retrieved on July 28th, 2009 from REFERENCES The Bureau of Labour Statistics, retrieved on 28th July, 2009 from

Aspects of Life in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Trifles Essay

Aspects of Life in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Trifles In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the protagonist, Hamlet, has arrived â€Å"from his university studies to find Claudius, his uncle, ruling Denmark and married to his mother, Gertrude. Her remarriage within two months of his father’s death has left Hamlet disillusioned, confused, and suspicious about Claudius† (DiYanni 1394). These types of crimes do not only happen in a person’s imagination, or in a made-up play, but also in our society today. Our society is just as immoral as Claudius and Gertrude. On the other hand, in Susan Gaspell’s contemporary play, Trifles, women are strong in character, protective of one another, and in charge of the situation, unlike Gertrude. Therefore, both Shakespeare and Gaspell have similar aspects of portrayal of the role of women, murder, and loyalty; and different aspects such as incest, suicide, and revenge. First, in the play, Hamlet, the males are depicted as dominant, strong, and rational; and the females are portrayed by opposing traits such as passive, accepting, hesitant, frail, and emotional. For instance, Hamlet referring to his mother as â€Å"Frailty, thy name is woman!† (I.ii.146) means that women are images of weakness, that women are weak-minded, easily led, and have no strength of character. To Hamlet, his mother's action of remarrying so quickly after her husband’s death to her brother-in-law, is a proof of her frailty. In today’s society, people also marry within the family thinking that there is nothing wrong with this scenario. However, this aspect discussed in the play cause great controversy because many people think that as long as there is love it does not matter who a person marries... ...h ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. 1394. Driver, Tom. The sense of history in Greek and Shakespearean drama.2nd ed. New York: Columbia University Press. 1961. Glaspell, Susan. Trifles. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 5th ed. Ed. Robert DiYanni. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2002. 1616-26. O'Dell, Nick. â€Å"Same-sex marriages open door to consensual incest, polygamy.† 8 Oct. 2003. . Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 5th ed. Ed. Robert DiYanni. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2002. 1394-1496. Suicide Prevention Website. Texans for Gun Safety. 2003. 06 Apr. 2004. . The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments. King James. Barbour Books. Uhrichsville: Ohio, 2002.

The Use of Laughter in Poetry by Langston Hughes Essay -- Biography Bi

The Use of Laughter in Poetry by Langston Hughes Jessie Fauset explains in her essay The Gift of Laughter that black comedy developed not as a method for blacks to make people laugh, but as a necessary emotional outlet for black people to express their struggles and hardships. The "funny man" took on a much more serious emotion than appeared on the surface level. Comedy was one of the few means black people had available to them to express themselves. The paradoxical definition of laughter is applicable to all human beings; the limited means of expression is unique to those in an inferior place in society, such as the black Americans of the Harlem Renaissance. In a sense, what makes the struggles represented by the black comedian comic is the white audience member's ability "to retain mastery over himself and the situation" (Swabey 184). The white audience can laugh at the struggles and hardships on stage because of their refusal to accept the role they have played in the oppressions that caused them. Marie Collins Swabe y also writes in her book Comic Laughter that "By uncovering neglected hypocrisies, illusions, vanities, and deceptions in the behavior of persons and societies...while making us laugh, also removes in part our blindness with regard to certain factual and moral weaknesses in mankind" (11). Generally speaking, comedy makes us aware of certain character flaws. Fauset entertains this idea in her essay by wondering, "...if this picture of the black American as a living comic supplement has not been painted in order to camouflage the real feeling and knowledge of his white compatriot" (161). Whether or not the black comedy of the Harlem Renaissance caused an epiphany for the white audience is not cl... ...nd His Continuing Influence. Ed. C. James Trotman. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995. 119-129. Phelps, Thomas C. "An Introduction to Arnold Rampersad." Langston Hughes: The Man, His Art, and His Continuing Influence. Ed. C. James Trotman. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995. 19-34. Rampersad, Arnold, ed., and David Roessell, assoc. ed. The Collected Poems ofLangston Hughes. New York: Vintage Books, 1994. Simpson, J.A., and E.S.C. Weiner, eds. The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd Edition. Vol. VIII. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989. Swabey, Marie Collins. Comic Laughter. Archon Books, 1970. Tracy, Stephen C. "Langston Hughes: Poetry, Blues, and Gospel--Somewhere to Stand." Trotman, C. James, ed. Langston Hughes: TheMan, His Art, and His Continuing Influence. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995: 51-61.

Does Capital Punishment Deter Crime Essay

In the article Inequality: Causes and Consequences, Kathryn M. Neckerman and Florencia Torche discuss the existing patterns, causes and consequences of economic inequality in the United States, including inequality of earnings, wealth, and opportunity. Their research refers to the social and political causes and consequences of inequality in such areas as â€Å"health, education, crime, social capital, and political power† (Neckerman & Torche, 2007, p. 335). In addition, they discuss world inequality, exploring the major inequality trends across different nations. The researchers of this article have the major goal – to help readers to better understand the roots of this social problem and its effects on people, organizations and labor markets. In fact, economic inequality in the United States constitutes a social problem which required the appropriate solutions. According to George Ritzer (2004), â€Å"problems associated with economic inequality are closely linked to the level of development, with inequality being a far greater problem in developed nations than in less developed countries† (p. 10). Undoubtedly, such social problem as economic inequality can be found both in developed and developing countries. In the United Sates, this issue is of great importance as the American nation is based on the principle: all people are created equal and should be treated equally. Most Americans believe that they are a part of the middle class that command a large part of American society. However, today there is an evidence of certain economic differences between the rich and the poor, although the United States provides equal opportunities for personal development. According to Neckerman and Torche (2007), in the United States, the obvious economic disparities started to rise in the1970s, while the increased economic disparities can be easily identified today. One of the sociological researches, the long-term Luxembourg Income Study of 2000, proves the fact that economic inequality is much higher in the United States than in other industrialized countries. And â€Å"only two industrialized countries, Mexico and Russia have more income inequality than the United States† (Brinkerhoff et al. , 2007, p. 147). It has been found that the lower class10% of American population has become extremely poor, while the upper class 10% has become extremely wealthier. The increased income inequality is closely connected with the changes in the economic system of the United States. The research shows that 80% of Americans work in service and retail occupations which pay lowers wages in comparison with the manufacturing jobs that â€Å"once dominated the US economy† (Brinkerhoff et al. , 2007, p. 147). In addition, practically all economic divisions try to replace well-paid permanent workers with lower-paid part-time workers. Thus, the above mentioned changes combined with declining level of union membership and â€Å"a stationary minimum wage† has contributed to the lower incomes of poor and working class Americans. The primary patterns and causes of inequality in the United States based on the article Inequality: Causes and Consequences are focused on the three areas of inequality: inequality in wealth, inequality of opportunity and wage inequality. The authors of the article pay special attention to the recent trends and are based on the major factors that are driving distributional outcomes in the United States. To start with, one of the major causes of inequality in the United States is wage inequality which remains stable despite economic crisis. High skilled employees get higher wages than unskilled workers. In addition, inequality matters in contemporary society help to better understand the differences in economic well-being of all Americans. The authors of the article believe that inequality at one point in time may affect inequality in the next generation, what gives explanation to the issue of equality of opportunity, or the so-called social mobility (Neckerman, & Torche, 2007, p. 39). One more cause of inequality in the United States is inequality in wealth. Today â€Å"wealth is more unevenly distributed than income,† according to Neckerman and Torche (2007, p. 338). In the United States, wealth inequality is connected with the increase of states by the well-paid employees. In fact, wealth increase is one of the basic motivators of behavior of Americans. As wealth is concentrated in the hands of the smaller part of the population, wealth inequality can be viewed as one of the most important causes of inequality in the United States. I support the above mentioned causes and patterns of inequality in the United States because the authors’ ideas are based on the reliable sources, such as numerous sociological and economic researches conducted by the experts in economic issues and based on the proper statistical data. Moreover, the causes of inequality represented in the article have already been identified by many economists and sociologists. Finally, I support the causes and patterns of inequality provided by the authors of the article because they are similar to my personal views and ideas on this subject. For example, I believe that wage inequality in the United States is affected by the following factors: the increased international trade and considerable technological changes, the growth of immigration and improved training practices and education. It is clear that the increased international trade and technological improvements in all ranges of human activity require highly skilled workers, promoting wage inequality. In addition, increased level of immigration of unskilled workers â€Å"results in a decrease in the supply of skilled workers relative to unskilled workers†(Carbaugh, 2011, p. 3). This fact means that immigration promotes wage inequality in the United States. Wage inequality between skilled and unskilled workers can be reduced due to the adequate education and training of workers. Thus, my ideas concerning the major causes of inequality in the United States are similar to the authors’ ideas. Economic inequality in the United States may have a number of consequences not only for the country’s economy, but also for all Americans. According to Neckerman and Torche (2007), economic inequality in the US society may â€Å"reinforce privilege among the affluent and disadvantage among the poor, reinforcing economic inequality in the next generation† (p. 340). This fact means that children from low income families can get less education and their earnings in adulthood will be lower. It is necessary to agree with this consequence of economic inequality because today many children from poor families have no chance to get good education and, as a result, they have low level of education. Without parental support, it is very difficult to get a good education. Children have to pay for their education. In case parents do not provide financial support to their children, they have to find a job in order to pay for their studies at colleges or universities. In addition, economic inequality may lead to poor health of a particular population. The authors of the article state that social inequality has negative consequences for human health because â€Å"it undermines social capital, or because it is associated with poorer social welfare provisions or other institutional arrangements that disadvantage the poor† (Neckerman & Torche, 2007, p. 341). In fact, there may be some other effects on human health, such as direct and indirect effects of stress on human health (alcohol/drug abuse, depression, mental disorders, etc. ). This fact is true because if an individual has no money to buy medication, food and services, he/she will not be able to improve health. There is clear evidence that poverty and economic inequality may lead to health problems, according to Ichiro Kawachi, who links economic inequality to mortality (2000, p. 86). Finally, economic inequality in the United States has negative consequences for social order. According to the recent researches and theories, the individual’s decision to commit a crime is often â€Å"driven by the potential criminal’s calculation of expected returns; in this framework, inequality may raise the expected returns from property crime† (Neckerman & Torche, 2007, p. 343). It is necessary to agree with this statement as economic inequality is closely connected with criminal behavior of individuals. According to the frustration-aggression theory, income inequality can be viewed as â€Å"the major source of frustration† (Pare, 2006, p. 9). Many individuals in our society want to assess and compare the level of their happiness with others. This unavoidable social comparison process means that â€Å"dissatisfaction with income inequality leads to frustration and violence† (Pare, 2006, p. 9). When looking at economic inequality worldwide, the key issues that researchers should be concerned with, are based on more economic global change, economic growth in some countries and declines in other countries. I believe that the majority of developing countries will be left behind in an ever growing global economy. It has been found that most researchers are focused on the study of disparities within the United States and other industrialized nations. Many developing countries which face economic inequality are not discussed in the media. It is very important to explore global inequality and its consequences for all nations. It is clear that disparities across nations may lead to conflicts and misunderstanding. Neckerman and Torche (2007) discuss some possible consequences of global inequality, including â€Å"relative deprivation, the concentration of power† (p. 346). Grahame F. Thompson (2007) explores the relationships between the growing international economy, global inequality and globalization processes and states that â€Å"there is no single and correct way to measure global inequality† (p. 182). In fact, global inequality is a rather complex phenomenon which cannot be described without evaluation of the consequences of the global economic growth. One of the economists, Stanley Fischer, considers that there are two contradictory trends in global inequality. Actually, he states that global inequality between different nations was increasing during the period of 1980 – 2000. In order to decrease global inequality, the poor countries would have had to experience much â€Å"higher rates of economic growth than rich countries† (Thompson, 2007, p. 178). On the other hand, he states that if rich countries continue to grow faster than poor countries, then global inequality would increase. In addition, global inequality is affected by globalization. Many globalization critics point out to the fact that globalization has worsened global inequality, while the defenders of globalization state the opposite. As global inequality refers to the disproportionate distribution of income and wealth across all nations, different nations have unequal benefits from economic operations. According to Ritzer (2004), global inequality increases because the poor nations obtain a smaller part of a fixed per capita income for the world, what leads to the rise of poverty. However, there is clear evidence that globalization can compress global inequality. In fact, globalization leads to the faster diffusion of production technologies to poorer nations, what leads to reduction of global income inequality. The existing global inequality is the result of uneven regional growth rates during the past centuries, when the majority of Western countries moved ahead, while many Asian and African lagged behind. Today sociologists have learned much about economic inequality. However, there are still many questions about the major causes of economic inequality in today’s environment. The empirical studies show considerable changes in the minimum wage and union membership, as well as other institutional factors that affect economic inequality. It has been found that economic inequality is a complex phenomenon that influences the lives of all individuals in the world. The rise in economic inequality is not a transitory process, and it has certain implications for social and political life, health, crime, educational attainment and other consequences. The researchers have found that the major patterns and causes of economic inequality in the United States are inequality in wealth, wage inequality and inequality of opportunities. In addition, a considerable increase in immigration over the past 20 years increased income disparities in the United Sates. According to the recent research, the majority of immigrants come from poor countries to the United States in order to find a well-paid job. One more factor of economic inequality is different education attainment of individuals. The US Census Bureau indicates that occupational achievement of individuals and the ability to perform tasks with the use of scarce skills provide higher incomes. Thus, education remains one of the major factors that influence income distribution, there by having a considerable effect on economic inequality. Global inequality may have certain implications for international relations, as well as it may increase relative deprivation among nations. Besides, global inequality may have social and political consequences, â€Å"depending on the individual’s perception and interpretation of inequality, mediated by social relations, institutions and cultural context† (Neckerman & Torche, 2007, p. 351). Thus, a number of solutions have been suggested that would support a more equal or fair economic environment within the United States and worldwide. First of all, it would be better to reduce inequalities in earnings. In order to reduce inequalities in income, it is required to develop and implement the appropriate policies, such as introducing a minimum wage at a reasonable level, reducing unemployment in the United States and worldwide, adopting progressive taxation system, according to which â€Å"tax rate should be increased with the increase of income level†, redistributing labor resources more effectively, providing total control over the existing monopoly prices, providing social security policies, such as pensions, unemployment allowances, etc. (Jain & Khanna, 2007, p. 66). Secondly, wealth inequality should be reduced through effective taxation system. According Mott Tracy (2010), â€Å"wealth inequality is much more severe than income inequality and is the major contributor to income inequality† (p. 136). The individuals, who have accumulated wealth, should be ready to pay wealth taxes. Thirdly, inequality of opportunity should be eliminated through effective strategies, such as providing equal opportunity to getting education, healthcare services, etc. (Becker, p. 137). In fact, many nations realize the importance of equal opportunity today, and try to make opportunity accessible to all members of society.

Another Brick in the Wall

This song was written by Pink Floy’d. It was recorded April-November 1979 and was released to the public on December 1979. The song can be found on â€Å"The Wall† album. The song is written with three parts: part one is referred to as reminiscing, part two is referred to as education, and part three is referred to as drugs. Part two is the most recognized part of the whole song. â€Å"Another Brick in the Wall† hit number fifty-seven on the disco chart. Part one of â€Å"Another Brick in the Wall† starts off with a soft and long guitar solo, this solo hits a few louder notes throughout this part. You can hear a teacher yelling at students. Floy’d comes in with soft vocals; he only gets louder in a few parts. All the vocals are softer than the other two parts. In all three parts the line â€Å"all in all it was just a brick in the wall† is repeated. This line is a symbol for people building up a wall to protect themselves from emotional harm. Part one is about Pink’s childhood life. This part is reminiscent about Pinks’s father; this is shown in the lines â€Å"daddy’s flown across the ocean and what did you leave for me. † The first line shows the separation from his father due to the military. His father was killed in Italy, so the separation from him was a great issue for him. Pink uses the word ocean as a metaphor for the afterlife that lies past a great body of water. He is both physically and mentally separated from his father. Reminiscing ends with another soft guitar solo. Part two, education, is the most famous part of â€Å"Another Brick in the Wall†. Floy’d tries to show his childhood struggles with cruel teachers whom he blames for adding more bricks in his wall. Since its release, there have been accounted stories of children and adults adopting this song as an anarchistic hymn. They use it to fight back against their years of educational oppression. The line â€Å"we don’t need no education† does not suggest that we do not need education, but, in fact it is a double negative which means the â€Å"don’t† and â€Å"no† cancel each other out producing we do need education. Part two has added the drums and a synthesizer to its musical items. The guitar is still used here. In a part of this song Floy’d has children singing the same stanza he sang earlier. This part of the song also ends with a guitar solo with the drums being played in the background. Part three â€Å"drugs† is much shorter than the previous two parts but it starts out with a sound of smashing then you hear a guitar and drums starting to play. At the same time, Floy’d starts singing with the line â€Å"I don’t need no arms around me. And I don’t need no drugs to calm me. † This part symbolizes his pain and how he dealt with it: drugs and loving arms around him. He uses part three as an attack against the world. He uses the line â€Å"I have seen the writing on the wall† as a metaphor for him seeing what life can throw at you and you have to stand strong if you want to survive. The song ends with the sound of the synthesizer fading into nothing.