A Review of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed Essay

Few educational thinkers have been more widely influential than Paulo Freire. His classic text, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, has been studied by numerous Left intellectuals, political activists, radical educationists and liberation theologians for almost four decades. Freire’s ideas and theories have been applied by academics, school teachers, adult literacy coordinators, church leaders, counselors, psychologists, social workers, health professionals, language learning specialists, and prison rehabilitation workers, among others. In addition, Freire has inspired (directly or indirectly) thousands of books, articles, interviews, theses, videos, and even theater productions over the years. When he died on 2 May 1997 Freire left an extensive body of written work and a legacy of memorable educational and political achievements. In this light, this paper reviews and critiques Pedagogy of the Oppressed and how this book relates to my work as an elementary teacher. Overview of the Book Drawing on his experiences with rural peasant communities and the urban poor in Brazil and Chile, Freire theorized an intimate connection between education and the process of becoming more fully human. Chapters 1 and 3 of Pedagogy of the Oppressed set out Freire’s ontological and ethical ideas in comprehensive and lucid detail, and Chapter 4 provides an extensive consideration of the politics of domination at a macro level. The discussion of education is primarily located in Chapter 2, and literacy does not figure as prominently as it does in a number of Freire’s other texts. Pedagogy of the Oppressed develops the distinction between banking education and problem-posing education. Freire rejects a banking model of the teaching process in favor of a problem-posing approach, and encourages students to adopt a curious, questioning, probing stance in exploring educational issues. Freirean education demands a deep commitment to the goal of building a better social world, and necessitates active resistance against oppressive structures, ideas, and practices (Roberts, 2000). Some of the theoretical areas explored in Pedagogy of the Oppressed include questions about structure and rigor in liberating education, the nature of critical reading and writing, legitimate and oppressive uses of authority in the classroom, and the process of study. Freire also explores the role of intellectuals in resisting dominant ideas and practices, dialectical thinking and education, the dynamics of dialogue, the distinction between facilitating and teaching, and the bearing language difficulties have on education. In Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire writes that most of Latin Americans living in economic and politically dependent part-societies feel powerless and have internalized the ruling group’s view of them as unalterably stupid. Before participating in the culture groups, words and other codifications in movies and television are seen by them as tools that can be wielded by the rich and powerful only, while they are fated to be objects of culture. This attitude changes as they become conscious of their feelings and social position. Then they begin to see that their condition worsens if they submit to the seductions of the modern consumer culture, spending what little money they have for packaged entertainment and manufactured goods. They discover they are giving up their birthright as creators of culture, turning against their own art and artisan work to gain the illusion of participation in the modern society. They are further motivated as they discover that only they can codify their unique experience. In Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire reports that after analyzing the unreal and sometimes contemptuous messages in many standard texts available to them, they want to create their own texts. Critique Freire views man’s nature which is humanistic and optimistic. For Freire, education is humanizing when it is critical, dialogical, and praxical (Roberts, 2000). Man is unique among animals in his ability to shape himself and his environment. While all things change, only man is a purposive agent in change. Man’s nature is to continually create himself through an interactive process of purposive reflection and action in life situations. Wherever these two aspects of human behavior are divorced, men are victims of a social system which encourages them to see themselves as acted upon, passive things, rather than subjects who act upon the world. Conforming, apathetic behavior is the evidence of repressive relationships. Welfare programs which rob men of their initiative amount to false generosity. For Freire, education should increase political consciousness. In Pedagogy of the Oppressed, he argues that the oppression of peasants is partly maintained by their acceptance of their situation as an unalterable fact of existence. Freire feels that this fatalism reflects an internalization of the oppressor; thus, the oppressed is not for himself, but is ambivalent or even hostile to the idea of liberating himself. For this reason, liberation cannot be given to the oppressed; rather, the oppressed as an organized collective must take an active part in liberating themselves (Pitts, 1972). According to Torres (1993): â€Å"Freire’s global purpose transcends a criticism of the current educative forms, and goes on to virtually become a criticism of culture and the construction of knowledge. In short, the basic assumptions of Freire’s works lie in a dialectical epistemology for interpreting the development of human consciousness in its relationships with reality. † (p. 125) For Freire, the primary problems and issues of education are not pedagogical issues. Instead, they are political issues. The schooling system does not change society; instead, society can change the schooling system. However, the educational system may play a vital role in a cultural revolution, which implies the conscious participation of the masses. As a cultural praxis, critical pedagogy contributes to lifting the ideological veil in people’s consciousness. In addition, revolution itself is a meaningful pedagogy for the masses – Freire has spoken of revolutions as a continuing political workshop. Freire’s proposal is an anti-authoritarian though directivist pedagogy, where teachers and students are teaching and learning together. Since education is the act of knowing, teacher-student and student-teacher should engage in a permanent dialogue characterized by its horizontal relationship, which does not preclude power imbalances or different everyday living experiences and knowledge. This is a process taking place not in a classroom, but in a cultural circle. â€Å"There is not a ‘discursive’ knowledge but a knowledge starting from the living everyday and contradictory experience of teachers-students/students-teachers. Certainly this set of notions dismantles the most important framework of authoritarian pedagogy and, to this extent, appears as a ‘counter-hegemony’ practice and ideology within teacher training institutions. † (Torres, 1993, p. 126) One thing I like about Pedagogy of the Oppressed is that the oppressed are not seen as a passive force. In the book, Freire states that oppression must cease and it can; but the oppressed must liberate themselves. How can the oppressed, as divided, unauthentic beings, participate in the pedagogy of their liberation? According to Freire, for them to be able to wage the struggle for their liberation, peasants and urban poor must perceive the reality of their oppression not as a closed world from which there is no exit but as a limiting situation which they can transform. The problem that arises from banking education is that the ruling classes are not merely contented with the defense of their material privileges; they also insist on the preservation of their cultural hegemony. The culture that co-exists with their economic dominance is one that demands silence, fatalism, superstition, self-contempt, subservience and all forms of false consciousness on the part of the masses. Education provided by these dominant classes must therefore be authoritarian and banking education. How then is one to carry out Freire’s program under the existing social order? Freire is aware of the problem and the further one reads, the more one senses that the Pedagogy of the Oppressed is really written for subversive elements already in action (Mkandawire, 1975). Freire’s egalitarian methodology for education as espoused in Pedagogy of the Oppressed is intended to be politically subversive of oppressive regimes. It seems likely, however, that it could serve to legitimate opposition to any routinized form of delegated authority. For Freire, development is nonmaterial, and the unit of development is not the nation but the individual. For these reasons, it is unlikely that any government will attempt to follow Freire’s methodology to its most radical implications (Pitts, 1972). The Pedagogy of the Oppressed has attracted many criticisms over the years. Those who consider education as a technical or neutral process have complained that Freire’s approaches politicize teaching and learning. Freire’s refusal to provide â€Å"packages† has irritated those who seek clear-cut methodological solutions to educational problems (Roberts, 2000). The use of the male pronoun in Pedagogy of the Oppressed and other early writings has been particularly attacked. Also, the idea of promoting a critical mode of consciousness has been questioned. Furthermore, Freire’s focus on social class (at the expense of gender and ethnicity) in his early analyses of oppression has been rendered problematic by a number of contemporary educational theorists. Others suggest that Freire should have devoted more space in his books to class theory. Some critics have argued that the pedagogy proposed by Freire, contrary to its professed aims, constitutes a form of cultural invasion. Finally, as post-modern ideas have gained increasing currency in recent times, universalist assumptions in Freire’s ethic, epistemology, and pedagogy have come under fire. Despite these criticisms, it is undoubted that Pedagogy of the Oppressed has left an important legacy to education. Application Freire knew the world and problems of teachers regarding pedagogy. The Pedagogy of the Oppressed answers my questions on how to move my students to become self-motivating learners. I learned that I could not move them. Following Freire’s pedagogy, teachers could only help their students learn to move themselves. The thoughts conveyed in the book are indeed seditious but they did not transform me overnight. However, Freire’s theories have planted on me seeds of a new way of thinking. Upon reading the book, I realized that the learners and their mindset is more fundamental than the curriculum – not more important, it is just more fundamental. In addition, I learned that one’s view of the world determines what can be learned. According to the book, learning is dependent on environment and emotion as well as on presentation, materials, and text. Importantly, the Pedagogy of the Oppressed suggests the danger to learning of oppression in the classroom environment. Thus, there should be no hierarchy in the classroom as the teachers and the students are both learners in this environment. Accordingly, instructions and curriculums should be oriented towards the learners creating and solving their own problems. In other words, knowledge construction and collaborative learning are encouraged. Conclusion This paper has reviewed Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed and how this book relates to my work as an elementary teacher. This discussion of Freire’s ideas on formal education has been brief and selective. In so being, it does not communicate the immense richness of his thoughts on such matters as the universal nature of man’s humanity Freire’s rejection of and banking model of the teaching process in favor of a problem-posing approach. However, if the readers have gained from this review some appreciation of how Freire’s thoughts are applied in the classroom environment, the review will have served its purpose.

Why Secondary Kids Act in a Laddish Behaviour

Context and concepts Paul Willis conducted a study called â€Å"Learning to labour† in 1977 in which he studied 12 working class students in their last 18 months at a school in the West-Midlands, the methods he used were observation and participant observation. The boys he studied were known as the â€Å"lads†. These boys knew what they needed to do in order to achieve and get qualifications but instead they chose to reject school and developed laddish behaviour, because they believed that education was unmasculine and uncool and that they would get a job even if they didn’t have any qualifications. They thought that manual labour was more worthy than work at a desk or an office. This is where my first concept â€Å"laddism† stems from. This is a male script of toughness which is characterised by negative feelings towards school. Willis found that there were two types of pupils in the class, the â€Å"earoles† who commit themselves to their education and the lads who took little notice of school rules, teachers and work, instead they thought school was all about having a â€Å"laff†. These are all coping strategies the boys had developed in order to cope and minimize the boredom of school and the future routine based jobs they would ultimately end up in. The boys thought that manual labour was more worthy than work at a desk or office. Mitsos and Brown also looked at why boys underachieve in education and thought it was mainly due to what teachers expected of them, which leads me to my second concept â€Å"teacher expectations†. They found that teachers tend to be less strict with boys, expecting low standards of work from them, leading them to underachieve as they failed to push them to achieve their full potential. This also means that the boys started to become overconfident and also started to overestimate their abilities to do something and so making themselves believe that they don’t need to work as hard in order to gain qualifications. Boys were also more likely to be sent out of the classroom or get expelled (80% are boys) from school than girls, which means they lose valuable school time. Another reason for their underachieve could be due to the decline in manual labour, which has resulted in them losing their motivation as they see little point ion education as it wont lead them to the type of job they seek. The lack of opportunities for these young men has given them a low self-esteem. It is these problems which have lead to an â€Å"identity crisis for menâ€Å". As there is a rise in the more â€Å"female† jobs and a decline in the more traditional â€Å"male† jobs, the future of some males look bleak as they lack a clear purpose. On the other hand according to Hargreaves et al the underachievement of boys in education may be due to the way the pupils are perceived by the teachers. Hargreaves at al analysed the processes that led to pupils being classified, and they put forward three stages which are: ? Speculation- this is where the teachers make presumptions about the type of pupils they are dealing with, this leads to the formation of a hypothesis. ? Elaboration- It is here that the established hypothesis is either gradually confirmed or rejected. ? Stabilisation- when this stage is reached the teacher will feel like that they are familiar with the type of pupil they are dealing with. It is this third stage of stabilisation, where the behaviour of the pupil is compared against the type of pupil they are thought to be. If some pupils are regarded as being badly behaved, then it will be hard for their good behaviour to be seen, which is the â€Å"labelling theory†. Nevertheless it is the predictions made by the teacher that has lead to the â€Å"self-fulfilling prophecy†, where the pupils start to live up to the predictions that the teacher have made about them, which is my fourth concept. So if a teacher labels pupils as being bright and expects a higher standard of work from them then these pupils will start to believe they are indeed bright and as a result work hard and obtain good examination results. Thus the actions of pupils are partly a refection of what teacher expect from them. Sociologists Rosenthal and Jacobson decided to carry out an experiment which lasted over a year, which was designed to test the â€Å"labelling† and â€Å"self-fulfilling prophecy† theories and how they affected educational achievement . They conducted their study in an elementary school were they selected 20% of the students, whom they expected to show rapid academic growth. In order to prove this they tested the IQ of the pupils before and one year after the experiment started and the selected pupils had gained IQ. Rosenthal and Jacobson explained that this was due to the teacher conveying the message that the selected sample had more potential than the rest. This led to the sample believing that they were capable of achieving highly and live up to the label they were given and subsequently led to the self-fulfilling prophecy. Main research methods and reasons The main method of research that would be most suited to my topic is non-participant observation in a classroom. Paul Willis also used non-participant observation when he was conducting his research in order to see boys behave in a â€Å"laddish† way. I will take up an iinterpretivist approach like Willis, where I will collect my qualitative data rather than quantitive data. This type of research method could help me explore the concepts of â€Å"teacher’s expectations†, as teachers can show different attitudes to the two opposite sexes which could lead to underachievement and form â€Å"laddish† behaviour. While observing I will be looking out for signs of â€Å"laddish† behaviour and levels of standards that are set by the teacher and if this affects the amount of work that is produced by the pupils. For example teachers tend to be less strict with boys and they tolerate low standards of work from them, which leads to them overestimating their abilities and they become overconfident and not work hard enough in order to achieve highly, which links to my second concept of â€Å"teacher’s expectations† Before I operationalise my research method I will need to design an observational framework that meets the needs of my research and that corresponds to my contextual studies. It will also help me to be consistent in what I observe. The things that I will need to look out for are: they way that the pupils are seated, the amount of times that the lesson has been stopped due to disturbance and if this was mostly from boys, and how the badly behaved pupils react to the good kids, do they bully them? Also I will be looking at the way that the boys contribute to the lessons, are they keen to learn? This will show that the boys are behaving in a â€Å"laddish† way, which operationalises my first concept. However before I officially observe the classes I will conduct a pilot study in which I will test the efficiency of my observational framework. In this research I will be observing four English classes all in year 11. all four classes will be observed in the second period of the morning through the week, as pupils tend to be more focused in the morning on a Monday compare to a morning on a Friday. Before I can observe a class I will need to gain permission from the subject teacher. Then I will enter the classroom before the pupils get there and sit somewhere unobtrusive where hopefully students will not pay too much attention to me, which would also improve my data. Whilst observing the class I might also come across situations where issues of confidentiality are raised. Potential problems Potential problems that could be met while conducting my research are that the behaviour of some pupils and teachers might change as the sense the presence of a stranger in the classroom. This could mean that I will not be obtaining accurate or valid data to show why boys are underachieving in education. The data obtained will be qualitative which means that I will not be able generalise the findings to the wider society, which means that my study will lack ecological validity. Another problem could be getting the permission to observe these classes, the teacher might not be comfortable with the fact that I will be observing their class while they are teaching and so refuse me access, leaving me with no data. Also there might be timetabling issues, which means that I may not be able to observe the class I intended to, because my timetable might not let me, as I can also have lessons at that particular period of the day. While observing the class I will record my findings on an observational framework and as I am doing this I might miss some crucial events that have taken place while I was recording my data. Due to this I might also end up being biased and focus only on certain events or even add my own interpretations to actions, which means that I will be selective as I am trying to prove a point. During the time I am in the classroom observing I may come across an event that has taken place in my presence which is serious and so automatically I am put in a position where I have to take a certain action which can be: do I report what has happened, or do I keep it to myself as the teacher has allowed into their classroom, do they expect me to be trustworthy? So issues of confidentiality may arise.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Networked Medium Information Technology Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Networked Medium Information Technology Essay Bus networks use a common backbone to connect all devices. A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message onto the wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and processes the message. Ring topology: In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. All messages travel through a ring in the same direction. A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network. Star topology: Many home networks use the star topology. A star network features a central connection point called a â€Å"hub† that may be a  hub,  switch  or router. Devices typically connect to the hub with Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet. Compared to the bus topology, a star network generally requires more cable, but a fai lure in any star network cable will only take down one computer’s network access and not the entire LAN. b) Advantages and disadvantages of each medium. Network medium is the physical channel that used for transmission in the network. The types of the medium are: Wire Fiber air Wire: UTP cable is a medium that is composed of pairs of wires.  UTP cable is used in a variety of networks. Each of the eight individual copper wires in UTP cable is covered by an insulating material. In addition, the wires in each pair are twisted around each other. Fiber: Long distance signal transmission. Large Bandwidth, Light Weight, and Small Diameter Long Lengths Easy Installation and Upgrades Non-Conductivity Security Designed for Future Applications Needs Air: Mobility. Elimination of unsightly cables. c) Recommendation for topology and medium to use: Topology: Figure 1.1 : Star topology We select the star topology for this in-house network. Because the star topology is most popular topolog y for in-house network (LAN). Also we can be benefit by using the star topology in a LAN. Benefits: Information can be easily shared allowing for quick and informed decisions to be made, saving time and money. A more productive and competitive environment is achieved through greater teamwork within the organization. Network-based communication such as email is considerably cheaper than using the phone or fax and sharing resources such as printers gives more efficient use of equipment at lower costs. Standard versions of procedures and directories can be made accessible to everyone. IT administration can be centralised. Data can be backed-up from a single point on a scheduled basis ensuring consistency. Medium: Figure1.2: WI-FI network We select the WI-FI for this in-house network. Because Mobility. Elimination of unsightly cables. Problem Identification: Task 2 – 10 Marks Investigate the Internet connection requirements for the Fire Department. a) Describe the Internet servic es that may be required. b) Explain the connection speeds that are suitable for these requirements. c) Find examples of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that can meet these requirements in your country. d) Make a recommendation to use one ISP based upon the services offered and price charged.

Case study for waste management Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

For waste management - Case Study Example Waste was collected in pits in many areas of the world so that the people could remain hygienic and also reduce the rate of mortality among the population. (Bilitewski, Hardtle and Marek, 1997, p. 1) Medical waste is mainly produced in hospitals where it is mostly considered infectious but in most cases not all of it is. The medical wastes include cultures and stocks of infectious agents; pathological wastes and also sharp objects such as needles and scalpels as well as body parts. (Brunner, 1996, p. 6) The amount of Medical waste generated in the world is difficult to tell since for example the amount of this waste that is generated in the US is not even known and the figure cannot even be estimated. Different reports estimate different figures based on how they calculate it. Most medical waste goes into the incinerators which are mainly used for pathological and infectious waste but this is a problem because the emissions from these incinerators are not managed, (Dutta, 2002, p. 259) The waste that is generated in the hospitals will need to be reduced through pretreatment which will help lower the quantity at the time for disposal. They will also need to be separated depending on their source and type to ease the process of managing it after that. Due to the increased cost of incineration in the recent years, non-incineration methods will greatly cut the cost of this form of disposal if they are employed. This will also reduce the emissions that come from these incinerators. Methods that are cost effective like autoclaving, chemical disinfection and compaction can be used towards this cause. Since incineration is the primary method for treating medical waste and this is likely to remain so, pollution control equipment that is more advanced should be included to be a standard part of the incinerator design. Major limitations

Major changes in family forms and structures that have taken place in Essay

Major changes in family forms and structures that have taken place in Australia since Federation - Essay Example Gilding (1995, p.8) contends that the family form is a ‘social ordering of kinship and co-residence’ that is politically asserted with the aim of attaching relations based on reliance and commitment but that the family members alter and modify that form to meet their own needs and demands. The historical definition proposed by sociologists and anthropologists was the ‘nuclear family’, which was thus considered as the norm to the extent by some that the construct was a universal ‘basic living unit’ (Baker, 2001, p.7). Today the term ‘nuclear family’ is still under contention, with some believing the ideal is a myth (Eichler, 1997, cited in Baker 2001) to which very few households have and do actually adhere; for others it is the norm but declining (Briggs, 1994; Gilding, 1995). Bittman & Pixley (1997) believe the fact that the nuclear family is declining at the rapid pace as proposed by government statistics and researchers, is itsel f a myth. While they agree there is a diversity of family units, they assert that the measurements are invalid because they are taken at a particular point in time and that people move via a succession of changes wherein they move in and out of a nuclear family structure. What is apparent however, despite the myth or reality of a nuclear family being the norm within Australian society, is that the family structure and form has changed and become more diverse, particularly over the last four decades, for a number of reasons. Since the post war period more Australians have been marrying later and divorcing earlier; marrying partners from different ethnicities; making choices on whether to have children, how many and when; living in de-facto relationships (cohabitating) with and without children, living within homosexual or lesbian partnerships, with or without children, and mixing their family roles (Briggs, 1994). It is quite common to find Australian children living in sole parent f amilies, step parent families, extended families, same-sex families and foster families (Saggers & Sims, 2004). This diversity has been a progressive process over the last century due to the changes in fertility patterns, with women giving birth to 6 children on average pre-Federation to the current day average of 2 children per woman; increasing lifespan resulting in an aging population and an increase in the number of divorces and people choosing not to marry (Bittman & Pixley, 1997). Family diversity in Australia can also be attributed partly to immigration resulting in cultural and ethnic diversity. Immigrants bring a plethora of different beliefs, ideals, behaviours and languages, together with their family structures and relationships, and the roles each member plays within those family forms. Cultural diversity also incorporates Australia’s indigenous people, who again bring their own family structures and values to the stage. Thus the Australian family now incorporate s those that are not only diverse in terms of size (single parent, nuclear or extended families); they are also diverse in terms of organisation (Saggers & Sims, 2004) and the way in which children are raised, how elderly parents are cared for, and they are diverse in expectations of gender. Social changes and

Article's Critique 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Article's Critique 2 - Essay Example However, Anna M. Miller maintains a different perspective of the sustainability of the various alternatives base on the potential benefits and costs they would impose on the people. Nonetheless, the validity of the authors view on the much-required reforms in the health care sector at the time is debatable. The main purpose of Millers article ‘Health Care Reform: Clarifying the Concepts is to address the financial issues that relate to the health care reform. In the article, the author primarily describes the various options conceptualized by special interest groups and policymakers (Miller, 1993). Effecting a meaningful reform in the health care sector require a prudent consideration of the different financial strategies to implementing various reform options as discussed at length in the article. Most often, in the application of individual insights and the maintenance of mutual interest, we are prompted to perceive things differently. In connection with the reforms, it is the viewpoint of the author that the available financial reform strategies are oversimplified with an intention of exploring their basics. Maybe or maybe not. The issue of the options being oversimplified in the article is the authors belief that may not be the case for the neutral reader. The intricacy of th e strategies is maintained when the little distinction between the options is made, and we only find that it is difficult to tell the likely better direction one should take. Millers intention in writing the article was to reveal how challenging it was to implement the inevitable reforms in health care. The authors intention to contrast the push for basic reforms and incremental changes, as advocated for by different forces, can be established with ease. It is the authors belief that implementing any changes in the health sector required the political goodwill of the policymakers (Miller, 1993).

Sensory Perceptions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Sensory Perceptions - Essay Example But what is also interesting is that the brain, rather than being a passive recipient of inputs also directs and conditions the other sense organs. This makes the brain the most powerful sense organ, for it can potentially control the flow and the meaning of information that is gathered through the five basis sensory inputs. There are several factors that determine the accuracy of sensory information. The quality of the information source is one and the health of the receiving sensory organ is another. The conduciveness of the medium of transmission is also a key factor. The way these three factors interact and compound is best illustrated through the example of listening to the radio. Thrown in this mix is the nature/nurture divide that adds complexity the problem of information acquisition. Nature plays a role in that the innate intelligence and modes of survival of the species (ex. carnivorous or herbivorous) determine the necessity for perceiving relative threats, opportunities, etc. In other words, the way animals are programmed to fight or flee and what to eat and what to shun determine their capacity for perceiving select information out of all the available data. Other factors such as health condition, age, etc all have a bearing on the efficiency and accuracy with which information is gathered through the senses. (Pomerantz, 2003) Philosophers since ancient times have grappled with the nature, scope and veracity of human knowledge. In fact, the philosophical discipline of epistemology concerns itself wholly to answering such questions. Epistemologists generally agree that human knowledge is largely a product of human sensory capabilities. In other words, our capacity for knowledge is limited by the range and depth of our sense faculties in receiving and interpreting data. Thus, understanding the roles of nature and nurture are essential to the epistemological analysis. To the extent that human beings are a product

Summary the artical Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary the artical - Assignment Example There are special circumstances in which stakeholders are forced to elect new directors mid-term. For instance, if one of the directors passes away, stakeholders can consult state law while seeking to appoint a new director. For formal meetings to be held there has to be a quorum of officials before the conducting of any transactions. In any corporation, the members of the board of directors have different rights. They have the right to participate in all business meetings and operations, carry out inspections, indemnification, and compensation. They serve the stakeholders by furnishing them with corporate dividends, ratifying major organizational policies, overseeing the process of hiring and firing corporate personnel, and determining financial decisions. Below the board of directors in a company’s hierarchical structure are the corporate executives and officers. Corporate officers are expected to be familiar with the rules and regulations of their corporation as they are often tasked with delegating different tasks to other corporate workers. Their responsibilities are quite serious as they can be penalized for mistakes that they or their workers commit. Shareholders are the individuals who own the corporation. They do not take part in running the daily operations of the corporations they invest in but can effect serious changes in terms of the hierarchical structure as well as executive appointments. They exercise their powers by voting for their preferred candidates. Shareholders may hold certificates that outline their ownership status, and are usually awarded stock warrants, pre-emptive rights, dividends, and inspection rights. Professional boards serve a distinct purpose when they are included in different organizations. The collapse of respected financial business establishments triggered a global recession that adversely affect many global citizens and underscored the need for more stringent

Sigtek Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sigtek - Case Study Example om majority owner, Telwork, on the distinctive nature of core competencies of Sigtek, in contrast to other subsidiaries; and (5) implementing a management (organizational change) in the midst of the implementation of the TQ program. It is therefore deduced that the root cause of the dilemma is the lack of awareness of Telwork, Signet’s corporate parent, to make a comprehensive assessment of the applicability of the TQ program, which should cater to the needs and demands of Sigtek. Alternative Courses of Action 1. Status Quo. Do Nothing: John Smithers could just go with the flow and not institute any changes, in addition to those that were already implemented. As proposed by Richard Patricof, the newly appointed general manager of Sigtek, to keep teaching the TQ program. Pros: There would be limited resistance to change as all needed changes have already been implemented. Cons: Potentials for greater decline in morale and decreased productivity and satisfaction. Smithersâ€℠¢ job could be in danger if no significant improvements resulting from the implementation of the TQ program would result from his teaching. The performance of his department could continue to decline and would reflect negatively on his ability as the Engineering Services Manager. 2. Focus on teaching TQ to the line workers and solicit their inputs and comments towards improving quality in their respective areas of operations. Pros: There were evidence of holistic support from line workers and their inputs on areas that need improvement are most valid given that they are directly involved in operations. Any remarkable suggestions that would improve productivity, performance, and satisfaction would evidently support the validity of the TQ program. Cons: Their suggestions should be supported by higher management to ensure that workable areas of improvement should be undertaken and implemented, as required – otherwise, it would only prove that management is not serious about the TQ program. This could be costly and time consuming. Recommendation: Option 2, focus on teaching TQ to the line workers due to the advantages that would be realized which would affirm the validity and effectiveness of the TQ program. References Rosegrant, S. (1998). John Smithers at Sigtek. Harvard Business

Springer's Article on African American Women Essay

Springer's Article on African American Women - Essay Example She argues that feminism has lost its connection with empowerment. Women remain locked into a life of being there for everyone else while trying to maintain a sense of self. The bitter black woman image perpetuates the loss of empowerment or loss of self. "For the films discussed in this essay, when black women leave work and become homemakers they lose themselves and their connection to being black" (272). This means that black women negate their freedom, and will be seen as lazy for not remaining in the workforce. Black women now have an important duty: to remain educated and uphold the race through continued achievements (272). Through these achievements, black women are then viewed as divas or evil black bitches. The term diva formerly described lauded opera singers, but is currently defined as "a powerful and entertaining, if pushy and bitchy, woman" (255). The evil black bitches image has risen due to editing methods utilized on reality t.v. shows. These women are seen as villains, manipulate other persons and situations, and are hostile without reason. The power of editing making it possible. According to Springer, the image that is portrayed within the play Diary of a Mad Black Woman is the bitter black woman.

Spread of Islam in the Post Classical Period Essay Example for Free

Spread of Islam in the Post Classical Period Essay The Sassanid Empire served as the revival of the Persian Empire from 244-651 C.E., Persian traditions had endured during this time period and kinships as well as Zoroastrian religion were part of their everyday life. Bedouin or nomadic societies inhabited the Arabian Peninsula as well, with a culture based on goat and camel herding. However, life styles and interactions changed with the introduction of Islam in the Post Classical period. In the 7th century Islam began a series of conquest and conversions, making their potential to become the first truly global civilization unstoppable. Once the Muslim raids began in India in 711 C.E. Islam’s influence changed the Hindu way of life and cultural unity between these and other civilizations began. The introduction of Islam to the Middle East and India from 622-1450 C.E. brought cultural, political, and economic continuities and changes to these societies. Cultural and economic continuities included architecture and the growth of a strong trading system; however, there were changes in political systems from kinships and Persian influence to religious based kingdoms and rulers. Cultural unity became one of the leading characteristics of the Empire. Architecture was one of the ideas that spread throughout the continents as well. Not only did it reach India and Africa, but the European continent as well. The mosque is a place of worship for those who follow the Islam faith. The first mosque to be built was the Quba Mosque in Medina, which was built when Muhammad arrived from the hijra back in 630 C.E. After the construction of the first mosque the idea of a place for worship spread. The first mosques had dome shaped roofs and minarets to call people for prayer. As these ideas spread they became continuous in different societies as they adopted the same architectural techniques. As Islam spread, and architecture spread with it the idea of the mosque, a place for worship, and full devotion to Allah remained throughout its history. India adapted many of the Islam-Persian ideas for construction such as domes and minarets. The idea of the mosque is prolonged until this day. However, within this continuity changes arose. India and the Middle East were located in nearly the same region and shared a common climate. Their architectural ideas didn’t differ to extremes. What did affect their differences was their idea of beauty and the materials available to them at that time. Both civilizations developed nearly isolated from each other until the first raids in 711 C.E. and the formal establishment of a political Islamic power in India on 1206 C.E. By that time each of them had developed their own concept of beauty, which they introduced to architectural designs. For a long period of time Hindus had used wood as their primary material in construction, and had learned to modify it and use it to their taste. When this material became scarce they started using brick or stone like the Arabs. Both civilizations used the same materials, but Hindus managed stone differently since they brought many of the ide as and techniques they used with wood to this material. Nevertheless, a mosque can be clearly recognized in most societies, and although cultures introduced their concept of beauty into it, the idea of a place of worship to Allah was and still is continuous. Trade, no matter where and when, has always been an economic continuity throughout history. Dar al- Islam referred to the freedom to practice the religion in different places. As the religion spread, Dar al- Islam became more prominent among societies. Religious beliefs arrived at different civilizations and were soon adopted by them. Trade had been seen before in civilizations, however with Islamic conquests it flourished. In Bedouin society tribes and towns traded with each other on a small scale. With the introduction of Islam landmasses were linked by important trade routes like: the Silk Road, the Trans- Saharan trade, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Middle East was in the middle of this trading business and so it benefited from this constant interaction. For the Post Classical part of its history, the Middle East controlled much of India’s trade with other civilizations. As trade flourished, new demands for materials took place. Although trade was sustained throughout history and it became a continuity in every society, during this time period some of the ways it was used and some of the demands for materials changed. In the Indian Ocean trade grew bigger each time, and demands for silk, porcelain, spices, gems, cotton, horses, and even slaves increased. Changes in the demand for goods reflected in the prosperity of the civilizations. Now, people mainly traded luxurious, and beautiful objects, which they couldn’t find where they lived but were not really essential for their survival. The materials they traded may have changed, but trade flourished during these years making many economies dependent to its growth. Many changes were seen once the Muslims adjusted the Persian society to a religious based empire. Politically, many traditions and cultural influences from the Persians changed during the early development of Islam. The Middle East was a mix between nomads, Kingdoms, and empires ending with the Sassanid Empire in 651 C.E., Past societies used kinships to choose their rulers, unlike Islamic ones who used religious leaders as successors of Muhammad. The same happened with India, which was a Hindu society ruled by the caste-system. The religion did influence the civilization politically if we take the caste system into account, but aside from that no Hindu beliefs and traditions were used in the government. Islam changed this idea completely. The religion believed in a government fully merged with Islamic beliefs. The Zakat, for example, was a tax for charity obligatory for the new faith, the places under Islamic control most be involved in paying this tax. Islam caused unity as well, warriors and leaders were given a common cause and strength to glorify their new religion, and so this encouraged them to spread to other regions. Jihads, which were holy wars, took place, all because of the words of Allah in the Qur’an. Everything being done was influence by the word of Allah. Sharia, which is the moral codes and laws of Islam, became the fundamental set of laws to follow. This set of moral codes and laws are derived from the Qur’an, showing its strong influence in politics from the reign of Muhammad to today. India was influenced by all these changes as well, which in a way mixed with Hinduism. The idea that men and women both could reach heaven promoted equality, and it was something that the Hindus adopted from the religion. However, the Arabs also adopted some of the Hindus ideas like the veil and harem, which still placed women as inferiors and submissive. Historically, Arab culture did not show this type of behavior towards women. In fact, Muhammad’s first wife Khadija was actually of great importance in Islamic religion, often referred to as â€Å"mother of Islam† and being the first real adherent of Islam. Khadija was given great value and respect among with other women who became adherents afterward. After this huge change however, Islamic politics became continuity throughout the whole Post Classical Period and even to present day. An Islamic based government was soon incorporated into their culture and became normal from there on. With the introduction of religion to the government a significant change was made from Persian culture to Islamic beliefs, after the fall of the Sassanid Empire, however once this change was made it became perpetual to the society. The Post Classical period, raging from 622-1450 C.E., was a period of change and continuous growth. Islam became the first global society in history, extending its territory and providing similar cultural aspects like architecture and economic aspects like trading to different societies. Political changes were prominent in this era, and they changed the way civilizations under Islamic power functioned, from kinships and clan leaders to religious based empires. Islam had a rapid growth and with the growth of Dar Al-Islam, the religion was able to spread to different continents and change past traditions, but at the same time integrate with local traditions and create a lasting influence in various societies.

Concept-mapping software Essay Example for Free

Concept-mapping software Essay Indeed, should it be of necessity or required for students to evaluate, collate and compute data in all work prescription in class, important machinery to achieve this must be recommended as part of the needed gadget. (Zardoya, 2001). Business researchers are similarly concerned with the question of whether or not the introduction of information technology leads to increased output, excellent evaluation in reasoning and advantageous edge of counterparts (Al-Gahtani, 2003). ICT this is an acronyms for Information and Communication and technology, constituting system hardware and software that enhance data resource for use in many applications. Internet inclusive with provision of world wide web. (Clark et al. , 2005). That is, we need to shift focus from robotic use of technology. The quest should rather be innovative ways of information technology to massively enhance the gains and ease of studies at all levels(p. 4). Overall, CACSR makes provision for students through interaction with the surroundings. This possibly ensure a sustained focus at the same time educating students on skills as they read expository text passages (Kim et al. ,). Studies have shown that â€Å"educational technology that includes dictionary components has been used successfully to promote literacy skill development among elementary school students† (Fry Gosky, 2007). In analyzing the study, a researcher suggested that writer’s with back up soft copy in CD-ROM provides more strategy towards enhancing the problem of elaboration from close by tutor. The soft copy leaves the students independent of the teacher to a greater extent than none (Fry Gosky). QuickSmart is a computer-assisted program designed to improve the self-improving ability of students who are face with challenges of grabbing problem most expecially in their mid-year at school (Graham Bellert, et al. , 2007,). Based on an information –analyzing point of intuitive processings, QuickSmart was intended to be a elaborated dealings with attention on the primary learning skills needed to do well in assimilating classroom instruction. (Graham Bellert, et al). It is a Concept-mapping software, or webbing, in that students are permitted to build up strategic maps with the aid of specific programs (Marchinko, 2004,). Concept-mapping software has been used in middle school science classes for example, to help students juxtapose the similarities and differences in plant and animal cells, and in writing class to help students brainstorm. Teachers also use concept-mapping software to give a clue or insight in the direction of the lesson (Marchinko,). The KidTools computer programs as also an electronic performer. It is an aiding technique that focus on behavior and academic performance support software for students with studying default (Miller Fitzgerald, 2007, p. 13). A cognitive-behavioral modification program, KidTools is one of several programs with increased usage recorded within the last two decades owing to their efficacy reports over time (Miller Fitzgerald. RockSim is a rocket design program for middle school science class, which â€Å"takes students along the path of technology that enhance the design of their own rockets and simulation performance (Wilson, 2005,). Finally, BodyFun on its own is a computer game that perfectly educate on nutrition and other health awareness (Geiger, et al. , 2002,). In a test of BodyFun among the middle class of school age, the resource and the technical requirements of the schemes is high, in addition to its acceptability among the study environment, it gives a good result (Geiger Petri, et al. ,). Education is feeling pressure to respond to a mandate to improve the engagement-level of classrooms, due to surveys which repeatedly find middle school students especially characterize traditional classes as cold (Taylor Duran, 2006, p. 11). Overall, most classrooms continue to implement instructional practices. The practice has the main essence of textbooks studying and facts cramming with subsequent commitment to memory (Taylor Duran,). As a result, many researchers have called for a move from the usual teaching to a constructive approach in methods (Taylor Duran, p. 11). In most classes, this entails increasing the students’ abilities of inquiry, and this can be enhanced through implementation with the most suiting instruments (Taylor Duran, p . 11). One teacher reports that her middle school students have become mastery of executing video projects and slide shows, this demonstrate they have learnt (Crawford, 2005, p. 2). InFocus projectors produced a difference that was similar to that of darkness and light with improved class presentation and involvement (Crawford, p. 1). Studies have shown that students who use computers to write reports recorded a higher performance compared to those who do not attempt the use of computer (Taylor Duran, 2006, p. 10). One study found that teachers who made regular use of PowerPoint presentations felt more confident in their ability to teach and assist students’ competence in using multimedia projection and even other similar method of sophisticated learning (Taylor Duran, p. 13). Video streaming is another technology being used in some classrooms (Whitaker, 2003), while some K-12 classrooms are even experimenting with robotics activities to enhance student the convergence of literacy instruction (for example) with Internet technologies is fundamentally reshaping the nature of literacy instruction as teachers seek to prepare children for the futures they deserve engagement in lessons (Williams Ma, et al. , 2007, p. 201), although most reports on the usefulness of robotics is anecdotal in nature and evidence is still required to demonstrate the effectiveness of using robotics in achieving study aims (Williams et al. , p. 201). Now, many believe that â€Å"† (Witte, 2007, p. 93). A threaded discussion group is a series of rotations on a subject (Grisham Wolsey, p. 651). The study found that through threaded discussion, student engagement was increased. This was because an environment found more friendly were self created and fits appropriately with other peers. Therefore each of them have equal dominion of the conversation (Grisham Wolsey, p. 649). Though acknowledging that one of the serious drawbacks to the Web is that students often become lost trying to navigate through â€Å"data smog† (Trotter, 2004, p. 1). The MyAccess program is an internet oriented writing scheme that expressly rewards write-up and supplies correct instruction for students at a middle school in Georgia (Ullman, 2006, p. 76). The program was found to not only relieve teachers much of their paper correcting burden, but also to have permitted immediate report even in more detail that scores it a preferred quality of writing (Ullman, p. 76). Another project reported in the literature was the creation of a website which supported students and average school teachers drawing out a convergence between science and literature within the limited surroundings (Howes Hamilton, 2003, p. 454). WebQuest is another â€Å"powerful instrument† for teachers to use in improving the engagement level of students in their class (Lipscomb, 2003, p. 154). Though relatively new, stakeholders in education are praising its value and facilitate more use (Lipscomb, 2003, p. 153). The important pedagogical purpose of a WebQuest is that it provides tangible experience for students, both with the technology and in the subject matter being explored (Lipscomb, p. 154). More recently, other schools are experimenting with the use of blogs, or web logs, to enhance learning. Witte (2007) pushed for establishment of blog discussion method on the present inter-school network in order to further engage students in learning (p. 95). Witte (2007) decided that blogs were an important go-between among class and students when he found out that, while some students indicated some interest in the period of writing and homework, they were reported, by their parents, to be â€Å"on the computer writing essays and poems for hours each night† (Witte, p. 92). A theory was devised as to why diffusion was so slow, with explanations centering on methods used by farmers in generating information on discoveries, and how they direct this in helping their appropriate usage (Rogers, p. 14). Diffusion theory can help educators understand why technology is and is not adopted in classrooms (Surry, 1997). Other researchers have adopted the diffusion model to counteract the increasing consciousness about how discovered instructive materials have been rendered fallow (Minishi-Majanja Kiplang’at, p. 4). Indeed, Al-Gahtani’s (2003) literature review revealed 75 articles in which perceived attributes were measured, with the overall result being that agreement and comparative merit attained highest ratings when they were instituted. Complexity was on the other hand negative on its procedural acceptance (p. 59). While determinists can be either utopian or dystopian (Marx, McCluhan and Toffler versus Ellul, Orwell or Luddites), all determinists see technology as an independent force out of human control. The equally view technology as the sole engine of social change (Surry, 1997, p. 6). In education, developer-based theory results in top-down technology-based reform initiatives such as Goals 2000, which target the diversity of educational change through proposition of a new system with improved hybrid (Surry, p. 7). Overall, â€Å"the instructional development process† is of the assumption that technological improved hybrid will suffice the only condition necessary to attract participation of innovative practices. (Surry, p. 7). Adopter-based theoreticians such as Ernest Burkman are prone to point out situations where a technologically superior innovation was rejected by users because of the strength of â€Å"human, interpersonal and social factors†. These factors play an importance role in adopting proposed technological superiority† (Surry, p. 11). Another by-product of adopter-based theory is the study of revenge effects, which occur when new establishments, movements and organisms react with real in a factual but unforeseen situation (Surry, p. 11). Indeed, prediction and accounting for likely results to be caused by an innovation is an integral component of many â€Å"adopter-based diffusion theories† (Surry, p. 11). Large scale market forces such as sector growth, volatility and concentration of markets have also been of use in acceptance of technology (Park et al. , p. 1480). Subjective norm is another strong construction developed along this line of research. Subjective norm is defined as an individual’s believe that perhaps exist in contrast to other people. Subjective norm has been shown to strongly influence adoption of technology, especially if use is mandatory and not voluntary (Park O’Brien, et al. , p. 1480). All of this feeds into instruction through the lens of constructivism, or the belief that learning happens in a deliberate effort to construct a â€Å"public entity†, be it the simplest of task where resources are in abundance or a more complex assignment (Williams Ma, et al. , 2007). In this context, technology is used in education to create a system whereby that enhance â€Å"study by making† and â€Å"study by design† (Williams Ma, et al. ,). Various programs along these lines include efforts to have children design computer games, and promote studying with â€Å"programmable bricks† (Williams et al). Thus, from the constructivist point of view, the availability of computer systems in learning rooms does not attach huge significance as presently being in used (Sheumaker Slate,). Integration of computers is deemed successful only when students learn with the computer system and not the reverse (Sheumaker Slate, et al. , p. 3) Finally, reinforcing this model is the ecological model of technology integration in education. According to this model, technologies are only acting in a social settings, incorporated within the events of learning processes (Kupperman Fishman, 2002,). Through the use of new tools we develop new literacies, and from use or non-use are discovered as being â€Å"full, subsidiary or un-involving class members (Kupperman Fishman,). Mention of the word â€Å"actor† enlists actor-network theory into these models as well. According to this model, the social globe is materially diverse and consists of a interconnected chains of animate and inanimate participants who only interact and negotiate for rules imposition through series of deliberations and alliances (Samarawickrema Stacey, 2007). In order to have their way, these various actors may use bargaining, lobbying, subtle computation and at the extreme, violence (Samarawickrema Stacey,).

Defining And Understanding Resilience

Defining And Understanding Resilience Drawing on material from the module, critically discuss the extent to which theories relating to resilience inform our understanding of an aspect or aspects of contemporary social work. Resilience is described by Fonagy, et al ( 1994) as an ability to achieve a normal standard of development, within a challenging situation. Within contemporary social work practice therefore, support should be provided to enable children and young people to develop and be resilient when faced with adversity and trauma in their life. Rutter (2000) argues that a childs ability to be resilient when faced with hardship, is comparative as opposed to being conclusive. A child or young persons level of resilience is not a predetermined personal quality, individuals are therefore not either weak or strong. The ability to be resilient to trauma subsequently changes in relation to the situation the child is in and the protective factors which may, or may not be, in place. I will explore this further in respect of the psychosocial theories concerning resilience and vulnerability and the defensive aspects which might underpin this. I will also discuss how an increased understanding of these can be constructively applied within modern social work and the need for development of resilience in social workers, practising within a bureaucratic environment. From a psychoanalytical perspective, Freud (1923, cited in Glassman, 1995) proposes that psychological states are determined in the very early stages of life, arguing that a persons level of resilience or vulnerability may be set in place prior to the Oedipal stage. Therefore, by the end of the childhood development period, reactions such as apprehension and fear, alongside other emotive forces and mechanisms of defence have already been imprinted into a specific individual model (Thomas, 1996). A child experiencing the divorce of his parents for example, may develop polarised split views of each parent for example having positive feelings towards the mother and negative towards the father, as a method of coping with the situation (Rutter, 2000). When a situation as an adult occurs which is causing similar emotive reactions such as anxiety, an individual may fall back on this prefigured defence mechanism of splitting their views very distinctly, without perhaps analysing all of the i nformation fully. Masten Powell (2003) argue that primary structures recognised as qualities of human functioning are adaptive and have significant importance in building resilience throughout a diverse range of traumatic and frightening circumstances, for example the forming of attachment relationships which provide a sense of security. Bowlbys (1969) theory of attachment argues that the establishment of a definite connection to a primary care giver, is a significant and valuable initial relationship. Object relations theory which explores the relationship between mother and child proposes that for a child to feel positive about themselves, a warm, stable relationship is required. Bowlby (1988) proposes that a secure attachment will support a child to make confident enquiries of the world around them, developed from having a strong feeling of integration within an encouraging social structure. Attachment can be divided into secure and insecure attachments, and contains both empirical and hypothetical implications. Throughout practice therefore, a model of insecure attachment for example, can be applied in observing a childs behaviour and their possible inability to form relationships. An insecurely attached individual may have a combination of juxtaposed views such as reliance and closeness, alongside an anxiety of possible criticism and dismissal ( Holmes, 1993) . In practice therefore, an understanding of an individuals lack of connection with other people and difficulties in coping with an adverse situation can begin to be understood further within the attachment theory framework. Henderson et al ( 2007) propose that in respect of young people, the transition from childhood through to adolescence and into adulthood, is greatly strengthened by being part of a group and experiencing a sense of connectedness, as opposed to loneliness. A strong sense of ones own abilities and potential can be bolstered by being part of a social network, and also support a childs perception of school as being a constructive and positive part of life (Glover, 2009). The theory of attachment can be applied in practice not just from a psychoanalytical approach, through analysis of learned behaviour and unconscious processes, but also from a behavioural perspective which may argue that an inadequate attachment to a primary caregiver, explains the difficulty experienced in forming friendships during school years for example. Practitioners should remain mindful, however, that there are children who with a great deal of family encouragement and wider social support, still struggle to have the ability to endure the adversity and stresses which may occur in their lives (Rutter,1999). Therefore, whilst psychological theories such as Bowlbys attachment theory can aid understanding of behaviour each individual is effected by the structural factors impacting on their lives. Skeggs ( 2001) argues a sociological view, postulating that class has a significant impact on access to education for example, due to economic resources and as such restricts an individuals opportunity to develop and move forward with their lives, in a way they might wish to. Giddens (1991), in contrast, argues that people have a great deal of agency and control over their lives and therefore have the ability to make changes within their experienced structure of society. Giddens (1991) argues that we live in a post traditional society in which young people do not fall back on traditional roles which were executed by previous generations. Whilst this level of agency enables greater autonomy it may also add to the vulnerability felt by young adults, some of which may struggle more than others due to factors such as racism, stigma and disability (Banks, 2006). It could be argued therefore, that young people are attempting to move forward in life with very little sense of direction. In a postmodern society the propensity for insecurity of children is almost built into their lifestyle. Eriksons ( 1965) theory of development supports this view, arguing that cultural and social circumstances, rather than inner drives, should be evaluated. This will enable an understanding of a individuals behaviour to be gained and issues which are having a damaging effect, to be addressed. The field of child psychology which is concerned with life events, analyses the context in which the child is experiencing the significant incident. The resilience needed to cope with a life event such as divorce is ongoing. As argued by Rutter (2000) there may be particular turmoil surrounding the life event, but there is a potential for the effects of this trauma to continue throughout all other aspects of life. For example having to move home and therefore change schools, form new friendship groups and cope with the feelings of loss if a parent is no longer maintaining regular contact with the child. Therefore, whilst the divorce if the significant life event the long term loss and vulnerability felt by the child is much broader than this. A child who is experiencing a difficult home situation because of the breakdown of a parental relationship, can shield themselves from some of the mental and emotional anguish of their home life through the formation of a close relationship with an adult who is external to the immediate family unit. Howe (1995) postulates that extended family members such as aunts or uncles who positively acknowledge and nurture their abilities and unique characteristics will encourage and enable the child to form a confident and positive perception of the self, away from their traumatic situation. Achieving a feeling of ownership and confidence in ones own abilities can support the development of coping mechanisms. Fonagy, et al (1994) concur with this, arguing that in regards to building a level of resilience, the development of a strong, close relationship with a supportive adult provides an effective protective factor. In respect of contemporary social work, it is the practitioners role to support a child or young person who does not have a stable network of social support (Charles Wilton, 2004), through enabling access to recreation and social activities as necessary. However whilst this may provide support to form a social network and become part of a friendship group within a structured environment, the provision of encouragement does not have to be as definite or predetermined. The introduction of reliable, regular routines into a childs life may assist greatly in the formation of a sense of identity and well being, as recognised by Sandler et al (1989). For example, recurring daily practices in home life in respect of stories at bedtime for young children or eating meals together at a regular time. All of which help to form a feeling of stability and organisation, encouraging a sense of belonging, attachment and security. If a practitioner can apply this theory when working with a family expe riencing trauma it may serve to provide a sensation of familiarity in a life which may, in all other ways, be in turmoil. Within adult care social work also, exploration of early childhood relationships, presence of attachment and occurrence of significant life events, can be carried out, in order to fully understand how an individual has come to a particular point in their life. For example, Bowlbys (1969) study of adults in prison involved therapeutically working back through their lives, to a point in which their childhood attachments could be identified. An understanding of the construct in which the adult is existing, will enable a practitioner to gain deeper understanding, provide appropriate support and to ensure anti-oppressive practice occurs, supporting empowerment of the service user (Dominelli, 2002). Henderson, et al ( 2007) execute a biographical method in their research carried out with young people regarding their perception of well being, enabling a holistic analysis of their lives to be obtained. The benefits of this study are that the researchers tried to comprehend what the young people really understood as being imperative to their well being, through the discussion of life events which had occurred throughout the research process. Whilst the methods used by Henderson et al ( 2007) could be applied positively within social work practice in order to gain understanding of an individuals specific circumstances, practitioners should be mindful of not overlooking the complexities of situations by using the information disclosed in respect of significant life events as a straight forward method of explanation of why a young persons life has transpired the way it has. Kenny Kenny (2000) identify the possibility for patriarchal and authoritarian practice, in the application of psychosocial theories. The notion of resilience itself is subjective and therefore practitioners should be aware of their own opinion of what constitutes sinking or swimming and ensure that this personal view does not influence their judgement of a situation or an individuals capabilities ( Walker Beckett, 2003). The level of power, therefore held by social workers is vast and should be applied carefully and with an awareness of and respect for, diversity of family structures and relationships within the assessment process (Dominelli, 2002). The qualitative methods executed by Henderson et al ( 2007) in respect of gaining a biography of each participant over time, support the view of Giddens ( 1991) who argues that the self is a reflexive project. Giddens (1991) view of late modernity argues that adulthood is constructed and therefore the most significant method of establishing identity as adults, is the development of self narratives. This view is also proposed by Frosh (1991) who argues that through the development and reflexive nature of narrative construction, an individual will form the skills to endure adversities which he argues can persist throughout life. The construction of a personal narrative and the effects of life events on this, is therefore an ongoing process throughout child and adulthood. This is reflected in the research of Fonagy et al (1994) who identify that mothers presenting as resilient, provided an accurate model of the characteristics of their relationship held with their own mother. This capac ity to possess a consistent paradigm of their personal maternal attachments, which may be positive or negative, created a higher likelihood of establishing strong, secure attachments with their own children. Giddens (1991) postulates that fateful moments occur in individuals lives which shape the way their lives continue. This may be empowering or destructive dependant on the event, the timing of the event and how capable and resilient the individual is to deal with it. For example if a child experiences illness and as a consequence is unable to attend school the effects of this event can be ongoing. Being unable to sit exams, missing lessons etc, impact on their ability to integrate into friendship groups when they return to school which may result in being bullied and a change in their perception of school. The ongoing effects of this could be truancy and a lack of engagement in studying, in order to obtain qualifications and progress into further education ( Henderson, et al, 2007). In practice, gaining an understanding of an individuals narrative may present details of critical moments in their life enabling a deeper understanding of their experiences and resilience to dealing with d ifficulties . To conclude, it is clear that resilience does not represent a distinct personal attribute or quality. Children and young people may demonstrate resilience in regards to particular anxieties and traumas but feel unable to cope with others ( Rutter, 1999). Within social work practice, therefore, it is essential to evaluate how a child is placed within their family unit and also within wider society. As discussed by Gilligan (2004), the presence of other siblings, how the child functions within the family model and their relationship and interactions with family members, are significant, contextual and influential elements of a childs life and their capacity to be resilient. The impact of external environmental factors such as positive relationships with other adults, being part of a friendship group and feeling happy at school all act as protective factors in mitigating the negative elements of their life and promoting their resilience ( Werner Smith, 1992). Within the practice of contemporary social work therefore, attention should also be paid to the level of resilience held by practitioners, working with individuals in traumatic situations whilst existing within their own personal construct of relationships, family and past life events. It is imperative that practitioners are self aware in respect of their own ability to cope with the situations in which they are practising. This is an element which can at times be overlooked in regards to people working in supportive roles, who are often perceived as being highly resilient to the effects of trauma ( Coulshed Orme, 2006). In modern social work there is great emphasis placed on value and proficiency both in respect of time and finances and efficiency of practice (Rogers, 2001). The significance of emotion and resilience can frequently be underestimated within the bureaucratic schema in which social workers practice. Psychosocial theories of resilience therefore, can be applied not just in working with service users but in attempting to maintain resilience of practitioners. Word Count 2472

Pictograph Essay :: essays research papers

In the ancient times (4000-30B.C.) the Egyptian Pharaohs were the most powerful people on the planet. They had sophisticated methods for building and irrigation. In one area that they lagged in sophistication was the basic form they used for writing their language. The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics that was often expressed through pictographs that are stylized pictures used to express words and subjects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The use of pictographs was a very primitive form of communication that took lots of time and energy to inscribe. They did not describe the subject in great detail whereas in the English language you can describe the subject in great detail with little or no effort.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When using pictographs the Egyptians didn't use connectives, adjectives, verbs, or nouns. They would simply sketch a series of pictures in reference to the subject that they were addressing. Also when using pictographs it leaves most of the interpretation of the writings up to the reader's imagination, therefore often not accurately describing and communicating the findings or ideas to the author. This was also very obvious when we made posters in class trying to describe our favorite stories because they were very rough sketches (pictographs) of the story and the posters left much up to the reader's personal interpretation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Using the writing system in the English language a person is able to tell the reader exactly what you're writing about and do so in great detail. In our current system of writing we use a series of twenty-six letters; six of the letters are vowels and the rest are consonants. We arrange these letters in different sequences to create many different expressive words such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and pronouns. There are over fifty thousand words in the English language and by skillfully using them we can accurately communicate to others by the use of writing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, we have come a long way in developing our writing system.

Being Different - Short Story Essay examples -- Papers

Being Different - Short Story Matthew had lived down the street from me most my life, and yet I still knew very little about him except for his name and his disability. Poor Matthew had been born retarded, and also owned many slight disabilities which made the mere act of living more difficult than it should have to be. Matthew was now a full grown man but he had the mind of a nine year old. He looked like an adult, but his actions and behaviour were definitely those of a young child. He walked with difficulty, and was visibly clumsy and uncoordinated. Life had not been easy for Matthew, and it seemed the older he was, the harder things got. When he was younger, even though he was teased by his peers he at least appeared to fit in with his classmates. Even though at second glance, it was easy to recognize the differences between Matthew and the other kids, Matthew did not really stand out in the crowd. Now as a full grown man Matthew looked out of place, no matter where he was, or who he was with. I ...

Shadows of War :: Articles Short Stories Papers

Shadows of War Something had gone wrong. Terribly wrong. â€Å"How could this have happened?!† the leader demanded. â€Å"You told me it was safe! You said I wouldn’t become involved!† â€Å"You’re not involved--there’s nothing that connects you to the operation,† Mitchell said. â€Å"As far as everyone else is concerned, I’m in charge.† The leader was not pleased. The operation had been planned for months, every detail accounted for, every contingency considered--save one. A simple thing like a speeding ticket had screwed everything up. The team had been stopped by the Syracuse police. Something had possessed them to search that car and they had found everything--the guns, the armor, the grenades. Because of the vice president’s visit, federal officials had quickly been notified. The President’s Guard had been famous for its interrogation techniques ever since their creation by President McClellan. It didn’t take long for a member of the team to crack and reveal the entire plot. It didn’t take long for the security to tighten. Now, getting close to the vice president would be impossible. And if it was ever connected to the leader, his career would be over. While many in his country agreed with him, the government would care little for that. There was a larger good at stake, though. He had a duty to his people, even if his government disagreed. Mitchell was the only connection between him and the operation. It wouldn’t be long until Mitchell became a wanted man and he might--just might--get linked to him. â€Å"We have to remain calm,† Mitchell said. â€Å"We don’t know that my name will come up. They have to get to Luken first and he’s already at a safehouse.† The man was a fool. The President’s Guard was a group of the most determined and talented men in the nation. It wouldn’t take them long to figure everything out. The only way to stop the chain was to break it. â€Å"Fine, fine,† the leader said. â€Å"Get out of here. Get yourself to the safehouse. Stay there and wait for my instructions.† The leader walked to the window and watched as Mitchell got in his car and drove away. He watched as Mitchell’s car became nothing more than a small dot of light.

Future of Smart Phones

In recent years, the concept of a smart phone is changing dramatically. Just review what we have already got. iPhone, a creative mobile phone, has established a platform full of potential, which allows programmers to design innovative applications and sell them online. We cannot deny that iPhone is the leader of the smart phone market, however, there’s another powerful purser, smart phones based on Google Android system, which is an open-sources operating system. Features of present smart phones are evident to see, touchscreen, GPS navigator, gravity sensor, massive delicate applications and so forth.These things have come up in such a short time and changed the market entirely. 2. Changes and Improvements of future smart phones As it’s said before, smart phones are full of potential. With the increasing growth of customers’ appetite, these little digital machines are evolving rapidly to benefit people. More functions will be integrated into smartphones. 2. 1 Gam ing experience It’s believed that the gaming experience will be greatly improved in next few years. Gamers will be able to experience what we are experiencing on PCs where a FPS game is involved with high-resolution graphical display and multiplayer co-operation.These should ascribe to faster processor and faster carrier service. Moreover, the installation of games will be much easier. Only several steps are needed to be done to have a latest game downloaded and ready to run. Payment and whatever can be accomplished online. Also, with the need for intense empathy of gaming experience, the screen of smart phones will be much bigger but not as big as an iPad because it’s a burden to carry. Some designed for game may have gaming controller on themselves, just like PSP. 2. 2 Security Perhaps most challenging concern for the future is security.Nowadays, increasing people use their credit cards via smart phones. It’s devastating to see that online thieves working day and night. At present we cannot make the conclusion that smart phone we are using is pretty secure, not by the iPhone being hacked to acquaint administration right. Manufactures and security corporations should work together to ensure that customers’ password won’t be stolen by villains. When a smart phone is infected with virus, powerful anti-virus software should alert the user and wipe out the threat immediately. 2. 3 CommunicationThe famous SNS website Facebook has already achieved 500 million registered accounts, which means there’re more and more people that enjoy online communication. This gives smart phones a perfect opportunity to be the very useful tool to keep in touch with others. Although we cannot access internet everywhere at present, the future smart phone will become the most common communication device with widespread Wi-Fi network. Moreover, contact with friends will be fun under the help of some features such as multi-touching and mini camera . Sharing at any time can be the top entertainment in our daily life. 3. ConclusionHave you ever dreamed of having an ultra-functional hand like device that can do almost everything for you? It’s not transformers, but it can come into being with the rapid development of technology. Smart phones, with faster processor and high developed operating system, won’t just be your travelling companion, but your key to the colorful digital world.Bibliography (References) John Brandon (2010, February). The Future of Smartphones: 2010-2015 and Beyond. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from Digital Trend, Features Web site: http://www. digitaltrends. com/features/the-future-of-smartphones-2010-2015-and-beyond/

First They Killed My Father

Song Analysis for low gear They Killed my grow In Phnom Penh a pocket-sized young lady named Loung and her family had to leave everything behind because of the Khmer Rouge soldiers. Loung Ung wrote a loudness of her biography in Cambodia and trine themes for the book ar confusion, pain, and hope. This book is c either tolded First They Killed My Father and the song I chose that goes with the book is called Gone too soon by Daughtry. For the song I choose ternary trigger offs from the book. The parts include when Loung had memories of when she was little and was forced to leave her home, when Keav dies and Loung misses her, and finally when Loung loses her pay off.Loung and her family were enjoying their cartridge clip until the soldiers came and made them leave everything behind and difference behind happiness, and their rich make outs. Loung and her siblings were playing and their mother and father were packing and everyones smiles off into frowns. Not a day goes by / Im invariably asking why (Daughtry). This is the actors line that I snarl matched with this part of the story. Whats going on? Where is everyone going? Where have you been? (Ung 19). My commencement particle is confusion.Loung is asking her Ma and Pa all these questions and no one will rightify anything, so everyone is confused. Everyone is leaving and walking on foot to places where they dont know. The field of study of fundamental interaction is approaches to learning because his is where she learns where things will reassign for now on. However, this is not all the tragedies and emotions that happen. instantly could have been the next day of the quietus of your life(Daughtry). She is not going to live she is not going to make it (Ung 97). Everybody dies, further people in Cambodia would die of sickness, starvation, or die a killed death.This part is where Keav is dying from something she ate. Loung Ung and her family are feeling pain. This is the first family segm ent who dies and it is a tragic. She would have never died at such a young if he Khmer Rouge didnt force all teens to work for soldiers. The area of interaction is wellness and social. It is health and social because Keavs health is really bad from starvation and something she ate. This lyric matches with this part of the story by how it explains how Keav could of lived for a very long era.So far Loung has had memories or so how her life first began to get worse, and when her first family died. Everybody was laughing / instead I just sit here and cry (Daughtry). Ma where are you Ma you backsidet do this to me ( Ung 160) Depression is hard and it can go for a long time especially if you are in Loungs family. Ma was taken away and Loung was clamant and going over everything she went through. The area of interaction is health and social because Loung is dealing with her feelings for her family.She is liking for everything to be the way it was. This lyric matches this part because she is crying for her life and being prejudice while everyone is being normal. This is where the theme is depression. She is always going to be scared for life because of the deaths of Geak, Ma, Pa, and Keav. There is pain, depression, and confusion for the elements in this story. A tragic life for Loung Ung and the struggles she has went through. She may never feel the same way. There are so many songs, and quotes from the book that partake your heart.

Tourism and Social Exclusion in the Dominican Republic

Latin Ameri crapper Perspectives http//lap. sagepub. com/ Tropical Blues touring enthr all told and kind Exclusion in the friar preacher body politic Amalia L. Cabezas Latin Ameri dirty dog Perspectives 2008 35 21 DOI 10. 1177/0094582X08315765 The online fluctuation of this article keister be found at http//lap. sagepub. com/ study/35/3/21 promul admittanced by http//www. sagepublications. com On be unrivaled-half(a) of Latin Ameri fag Perspectives, Inc. special advantages and teaching for Latin the Statesn Perspectives can be found at Email Alerts http//lap. sagepub. com/cgi/alerts Subscriptions http//lap. sagepub. om/subscriptions Reprints http//www. sagepub. com/journalsReprints. nav Permissions http//www. sagepub. com/journalsPermissions. nav Citations http//lap. sagepub. com/ depicted object/35/3/21. refs. html Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on phratry 8, 2011 Tropical Blues touristry and estimateable Exclusion in the friar preacher commonwealth by Amalia L. Cabezas touristry out harvest-time is the backbone of m some(prenominal) an(prenominal) Caribbean economies, and its advocates ask that it contri unlesses to sustainable growth, the tot retainereviation of p anywherety, and integration into the sphericized thrift.Scholars and activists, in contrast, diaphragm to phaetonry-related ecological deterioration, profit leakage, distorted ethnical patterns, salary increase land values, and harlotry. They apprize that holidaymakerry bear ons existing disparities, pecuniary problems, and societal tensions. Examination of tourerry maturation in the friar preacher Republic indicates that it deskills and devalues friar preacher passers, marginalizing them from holidaymaker develop manpowert and tripualizing their comprehend.The bulk of raft atomic account 18 relegated, at best, to positions of servitude in low-paid jobs in the formal sector, un conflict, or unstable activities in the any day sector that take on the commoditization of sexuality and affective singings. Keywords Tourism, Caribbean, friar preacher Republic, Capitalism, Social exclusion In A Sm solely Place, the Caribbean writer Jamaica Kincaid e bear onates on the inequities of touring carry (1988 1819) Every infixed of every guide is a potential tourist, and every tourist is a native of roundw present. But some natives near natives in the cosmoscan non go anywhere. They atomic number 18 to a fault poor. They be too poor to go anywhere. In inter field touristry, exactly some people argon able to go and experience a respite from the crushing bromide of their lives some others, too poor to go anywhere, atomic number 18 relegated to religious service the needs of distant starters. Travel and touristry atomic number 18 among the most definitive scotch activities of the world(prenominal) thriftiness not just for the trans issue monopolies that state manpowert them but to a fault for those who conceive of of extending and perhaps macrocosm able to turn someone elses platitude reality into the credit of their own pleasure. This is the reality of the equatorial blues. Tourism develop ment is the backbone of umteen Caribbean economies.For the clarified island nations, tourism today represents what scar was a one C ago a monocrop controlled by externalers and a fewer elites that services the buildings of accretion for world(a) capitalist economy. 1 john tourism change the scotch condition of clear nation-states in the Caribbean by creating possibilities for the people to improve its type of living? Tourism winrs, constitution makers, experts, and growth officials sure enough think so. They Amalia L. Cabezas teaches at the University of California, Riverside, and is a coordinating editor of Latin American Perspectives.She thanks the Centro de Promocion y Solidaridad sympathetica (a non regimeal g all overning running(a) in Sosua, Puerto Plata, and the surrounding communities) and the Movimiento de Mujeres Unidas for inquiry assistance. Latin American PERSPECTIVES, Issue 160, Vol. 35 No. 3, whitethorn 2008 21-36 DOI 10. 1177/0094582X08315765 2008 Latin American Perspectives 21 Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on family 8, 2011 22 Latin AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES require historically make enthusiastic claims active the positive stir of tourism on phalanx societies.From fostering world peace to preserving biodiversity and indigenous cultures, tourism has been considered a panacea for societies ills (Castellanos de Selig, 1981). More recently, tourism has been seen not totally as gen timeting impertinent telephone exchange and workout but similarly as contributing to sustainable victimization, the alleviation of poverty, and integration into the globularized economy. Governments and multilateral organizations much(prenominal) as the Inter-American Development Bank, the vale t Bank, the Inter interior(a) Monetary Fund, and joined Nations development agencies promote tourism as a viable mechanism for economic and social development.It is segmentary to understand why so oft try for is riding on tourism. Tourism is a minute component of the spread of worldwide capitalism. It accounts for one-third of the global trade in services and is expanding at doubly the growth rate of world output (El Beltagui, 2001). tourist arrivals, which stood at 25 one million million in 1950, argon projected to reach 1. 6 billion by 2020 (WTO, 1999). concord to the homo Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC, 2005), the give way and tourism persistence accounts for US$4. 4 zillion of economic activity worldwide. In the Caribbean region, tourism development is of paramount im mannerance as an indispensable cite of hostile exchange (ILO, 2001). Judged by the Inter discipline grok Organization as the most tourism-oriented region in the world, the Caribbean is a region where a fifth of the swinish domestic product is produced for tourists, influencely or indirectly, by one out of every s still dallyers (ILO, 2001 119). Scholars and activists oeuvreing in the field of tourism argon much much critical of tourism than polity makers and politicians.In the by onetime(prenominal) troika decades, assessments of tourisms socioeconomic strike have included discussions of ecological deterioration, profit leakage, social displacement, distorted cultural patterns, rising land values, drugs, and prostitution (Harrison, 1992 Crick, 1996 Pattullo, 1996). Tourism has also been linked to the instauration of white plague up for foreign-made goods, consumerism, the commodification of culture, trafficking in women and churlren, internal migration, and the disruption and corruption of traditionalistic values and behaviors (see, e. g. McElroy, 2004 Mowforth and Munt, 1998 Pattullo, 1996). elevate more(prenominal)(prenominal), scholars postulate that to urism perpetuates existing disparities, monetary problems, and social tensions (Britton, 1996 Greenwood, 1989). Given such incongruities in opinions and assessments, I seek to examine the modelling inwardly which tourism development takes place and to explore why tourism has failed to raise the standard of living and create offend life chances for people in the Caribbean region. The adjoin here is with the policy- reservation economy of tourism development in the friar preacher Republic.In this article I argue that the invoice of economic, semi governmental, and social subjugation within the global capitalist system de end pointines the institutional frame ply for the on-going tourism trade. I offer the interpretation that the international theatrical role of lying-in in tourism deskills and devalues Dominican workers, marginalizing them from the handle of tourism development and sexualizing their labor. I am refer with the impact of these processes on the most vulne rable elements of the population. This eccentric study is based on fieldwork undertaken in the Dominican Republic.Beginning in 1997, participant observation was conducted on the Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 Cabezas / censure IN THE Dominican body politic 23 northeast rim of the state of matter in Puerto Plata and the neighboring beach utilize developments of Playa Dorada and Sosua. Puerto Plata, a historic city with a population of over 60,000, was luffed for development during the boom in tourism growth in the 1970s. It is the oldest and one of the most substantial tourism scopes of the nation, and it continues to grow (ASONAHORES, 2004).Its port attracts journey lines, and it has an abundance of high life lags located east of the city in an argona k todayn as Playa Dorada. Sosua, a few kilometers up the coast, is a small beachside association settled by atomic number 63an Jews brought into the boorish by the fo untain authoritarian Rafael L. Trujillo to whiten the nation (Symanski and Burley, 1973). It has many businesses own by expatriates and continues to attract atomic number 63an travelers, many from Germany. The north coast area has a large transient population of internal migrants who come to work in the tourism sedulousness, its informal trade, and the free-trade zone.My enquiry was assisted by ii nongovernmental organizations (nongovernmental organizations) in Puerto Plata and Sosua that are concerned with community health. Taperecorded interviews were conducted in 1997 at a community clinic with women who identify themselves as sex workers, many of whom were affiliated with the Movimento de Mujeres Unidas (Movement of United WomenMODEMU), an NGO that advocates for the labor and human rights of women in the sex application. Further research for this project was automobileried out in 2004, 2005, and 2007, including work in the capital city of Santo Domingo and in the close tour ist beach hangout of Boca Chica.Data collection knobbed interviews with hotel workers, sex workers, community activists, members of MODEMU, people tortuous in the informal economy, topical anesthetic anesthetic anaesthetic businessmen, and tourists. STRUCTURAL INEQUALITIES AND THE CAPITALIST global SYSTEM Tourism exists within a semipolitical-economic framework characterized by monopoly capitala system of global capital that has evolved over the past 500 age and is in a smart stage of accumulation characterized by the internationalization of state formation, yield, and consumption (Robinson, 2004 2007).It is important to preserve the colonial patterns of capitalist accumulation in legal opinion when examining tourism development, since global inequities lie at the middle of the tourism project. The capitalist world system has continually expanded by dint of rag to cheap labor, land, resources, and securities industrys. These processes are cl primaeval unadorned in the technical and organizational systems of the hospitality and travel industries. Transnational tourism reflects the round-backed distribution of indicant and economic resources betwixt former colonies and their colonizers (Fanon, 1963).As Britton (1982 355) declares, The more a Third World dry land has been dominated by foreign capital in the past, the greater akinlihood there is of the prerequisites for establishing a local anaesthetic anesthetic tourist industry being present. It is metropolitan tourism capital that is the single most important element in determining the organization and characteristics of tourism in underdeveloped countries. Time and resources have been important in the development of tourism, but so has economic power. piece tourism is a global industry, the Downloaded from lap. sagepub. om at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 24 LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES major(ip)(ip)ity of the receipts accrue to Europe and the United States (ILO, 2001 WTO, 2002). Indeed, the new forms of global capitalist domination, as manifested in the tourism and travel commercialise, demonstrate that Dominicans face an empire of global capital (Robinson, 2007 19). The Caribbean is thus relegated to a pleasure outskirt within the international division of labor, a military region that accommodates void travelers and the demands of transnational corporations (Turner and Ash, 1975).The tourism industry in the global newton emerged with subsidised state-led development. crop in infra grammatical construction and technology benefited from statesponsored research and development. In the mid-fifties the U. S. Senate authorized more than US$12 million to offer the development of improved ecstasy aircraft, and U. S. policy encouraged the development of civil aeronautics and air handicraft both within and impertinent of the United States (Truong, 1990). The use of U. S. gentle wind equipment, U. S. eronautical procedures, and the English vocabulary as the world standard in airwave guaranteed the United States dominance in civil aeronautics globally. In westerly Europe, the concept of participatory enterprise, by which airlines are owned in part or wholly by governments, helped to make up the losses incurred by the operation of unprofitable but strategically important routes (Truong, 1990). Both the United States and Western Europe subsidized and cultivated the global travel infrastructure and schematic the regulations and norms of the travel industry, facilitating their control and domination.Travel and tourism enterprises experienced fast growth and expansion as they sought-after(a) to incur the disposable earnings of wage workers in the comfortable economies of Western Europe and the United States during the late 1950s and mid-sixties. Their growth was enhanced by new patterns of production and consumption in the global North and the creation of social law ensuring holiday time off. It was beneficial for the United States to further its political and commercial interests in the Caribbean by promoting the growth of tourism as a form of economic development.As Truong (1990 104) explains, The advocated tactical and strategic flexibility in the execution of civil aviation policy has been translated into the use of multilateral aid channels to cover U. S. interests and overt interpellation in international aviation and tourism. The promotion of tourism itself mirrored the awareness of the relation between air transport and economic development. This intervention has two master(prenominal) advantages for the United States. From a commercial perspective, such intervention contributes to the toneing of the U.S. position as a manufacturer and exporter of aircraft and navigation equipment. From a political perspective, it helps to consolidate the direction of social and economic development in the third world, which benefits U. S. interests under a blind of peaceful understanding. In due course, the growth of the tourism industry became a peaceful method of attaining retentive-lived political power and financial control in the markets and politics of the South (Lanfant, Allcock, and Bruner, 1995).The framework for the development of the travel and tourist industry impedes poor countries from generating foreign exchange, change magnitude employment, or promoting the companionship of the most marginal segments of the community (Britton, 1996). It enables transnational corporations to use their superior technology, resources, and commercial power to control Third World Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 Cabezas / EXCLUSION IN THE friar preacher res publica 25 tourist cultures.Tourisms tendency to perpetuate patterns of economic dependency and exposure for developing countries is evident in the island nations of the Caribbean, where small local suppliers have control ingress to tourist-generating markets monopoli zed by powerful wholesalers and retailers (Ashley et al. , 2006). Tour operatorsa transnational industry based in Western Europe and the United Statescan project an enter of a country by worldwide merchandise campaigns that ensure a steady flow of visitors. Because of economies of scale, they can control tourist piles and demote or promote crabby destinations (Britton, 1996).They unite suppliers and consumers in the pursuit of lettuce and pleasure with direct contact with travel consumers through vertically integrated travel agencies, they can control particular destinations and dominate the flow of visitors. They can pinch hotels to crop in certain ways and talk terms low prices, especially in beach resorts. They favor a exchangeable product, such as the comprehensive compensate, a comprehensively controlled tourist experience in which the familiarity of the brand and the aegis of the travel experience are more important than local differentiation. The wide tourist pack age allows tour operators and travel agencies to combine all of the components of a destinations attractionsrecreation, meals, food, lodging, and transportationinto a single product paid for at the head up of origin. This limits the participation of local producers and confines the profits to the global North. As the Dominican Republic has adopted the extensive model, the earnings per tourist have decreased per-room disbursal has declined from a high of US$318 in 1982 to the current low of US$154 (UNDP, 2005 73).The all-inclusive package is scarce one component of the revolution in information technology that has integrated travel and tourism into a circuit that combines air transport, sea cruises, tours, and car rentals into a worldwide monopoly. Further vertical integration of airlines, car rental, and tour operators has been facilitated by the profit. 4 Electronic commerce in tourism services, which represents a new speculation for online holiday checking for tourism contr ibuters, works to the loss of developing countries, which have only limited gateway to the Internet.Other practices include the mergers of transnational embodied giants in the areas of technology, travel, hospitality, and media. HOTELS, journey LINES, AND DISASTERS In an change magnitudely globalized industry, the line in the hospitality industry is from independently owned and owner- puzzle outd hotels to the transnational hotel bonds that have become the industry standard. In the Dominican Republic, hotels with more than 400 rooms have the highest and least volatile occupancy rates (UNDP, 2005 75 Secretaria de Estado de Turismo, 2007).In the accommodations industry, an telling amount of consolidation took place in the 1980s, resulting in hotel brands under fewer and larger corporate umbrellas. major multinational hotel chains have been involved in important acquisitions and mergers (ILO, 2001 38). Cendant, the largest hotel chain in the world, operates 6,000 hotels with 500 ,000 rooms. Some major hotel Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 26 LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES corporations, such as Best Western, operate in almost 100 countries (ILO, 2001 120). Since the mid-1990s, multinational hotel companies walk out into foreign markets have utilize consolidation strategies to strengthen their position vis-a-vis local markets. Furthermore, brand-name hotels promote themselves by advertising their own productsfacilities, amenities, services, and pricesmore than any particular country. Because so many corporations strive for a standardized and homogeneous product, one facility is the same as any other, regardless of geographic destination. The disdain for discrepancy and diversity is part of what some scholars have identified as the McDisneyization of post-tourism (Ritzer and Liska, 1997).The promotion of industry control through monopolistic practices is also noticeable in the change magnitude number of strat egic alliances aimed at supplying change products and services that strengthen the hotel corporations market position. 6 The ILO (2001) indicates that major multinational corporations such as Hyatt and Starwood are partnering with Microsofts Expedia in the acquisition of new information and communion technology. In the distribution of products and cross-marketing between food service entrustrs and hotels, Marriott and Hilton are presently linked with Pizza Hut.Strategic alliances between multinationals also include distribution and cross-promotion between financial services, credit cards, and hotels. In this area, American Express is now working with Accor Hotels and Visa and American Express are partnered with Bass Hotels and Resorts. The consolidation of hotels and transportation government agency that some hotels, such as Cendant, have now partnered with more than 20 airlines. Cendants holdings also include fomite rental companies, online ticket sales enterprises such as Orb itz and CheapTickets, and major resort condominiums and real estate holdings.In media and entertainment, the copromotion of hotels and films has combine the resources of industry giants such as Marriott and Bass Hotels and Resorts with ESPN, Discovery, and E-Entertainment (ILO, 2001 3). The Disney Corporation, with its Caribbean Disney Cruises that tar go through all age-groups, has been able to create all-encompassing corporate control by combining cruises and airfare with its own secret depopulated Caribbean islands. 6 Disney cruises feature Disney merchandise, entertainment, and films. with these methods, cruises operate as the ultimate product-placement scheme.This represents a significant impact on the region on a number of levels. Not only is the Caribbean the most important geographic market for the cruise industry (ILO, 2001) but that industry is one of the most egregious violators of labor and environmental standards (Wood, 2000). For example, the mass of its workers co me from Southeast and South Asia and are paid wages as low as US$1. 55 an hour (Wood, 2000). As a deterritorialized industry, cruise lines are able to evade labor standards such as minimum wage and restrictions on overtime that are established by national laws.The interaction with actually populated islands is limited to a few hours of shopping for souvenirs. Consequently, the overall market for cruise tourism in the Caribbean translates into take down earnings for the region, since its participation in the profits is restricted to, at best, a few hours of shopping in a port community. The increasing horizontal integration of the travel and tourism industry is manifested in the computerized reservation systems, with high retrieve charges, that have rapidly become the industry norm. Tourism services are increasingly Downloaded from lap. sagepub. om at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 Cabezas / EXCLUSION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 27 being purchased on the Internet via th ree main mechanisms a computer reservations system cognize as Global Distribution Systems (GDS), third-party web sites such as Orbitz and Travelocity, and hotel- and airline-owned-and-operated direct booking. GDS is used primarily by tour operators and travel agents in destination countries to book not only travel and accommodations but other tourism products as well. The cost of GDS fees and technology is preventative for small and medium-sized enterprises.Orbitz, one of the two biggest online travel agents, is owned by the quintet biggest U. S. airlinesAmerican, Continental, Delta, Northwest, and United. Travelocity is owned by cut Holdings, the worlds largest travel agent reservations system, and GDS (PSTT, 2004). At an impressive rate, consolidation and strategic alliances by multinational corporations have limited the opportunities for small and medium-sized suppliers in the tourism industry, thereby restricting access to profits to those align with transnational capital.Wi th few alternatives, largely because of their lose of proficient development and capital, small nation-states cannot eliminate these powerful intermediaries and deal with tourists directly. A number of other structural issues are associated with the vulnerability of Caribbean destinations and the impediments to their benefiting from tourism development. hotshot alarming concern is the leakage of foreign exchange earnings in the amount of imported consumer goods necessitate to sustain the tourism industry.As washbowl Urry (1996 215) explains, Much tourist coronation in the developing world has in fact been undertaken by large-scale companies based in North American or Western Europe, and the bulk of such tourist expenditure is retained by the transnational companies involved only 2225 partage of the retail price remains in the host country. A major problem is the high import content of construction material and equipment and the many consumable goods required to cater to the needs of tourists.It is difficult to bring local suppliers into the supply chain, since the goods required by tourists may not be produced locally, and, when they are, tourists tend to reject them (Ashley et al. , 2006). Another source of leakage is the repatriation of income and profits to metropolitan locations through unstinted tax incentives created to stimulate investment (Urry, 1996 215). Finally, excessive credence on one industry renders tourist destinations super vulnerable to external markets. whatsoeverthing that weakens demand for a destination undermines the national economy.Circumstances such as the September 11 attacks and the weather can generate a ample downturn in the tourism economy. With the acceleration of global climate change, the Dominican Republic, for example, is increasingly susceptible to more powerful and frequent hurricanes. Stronger tropical storms and the rise in sea levels could cause the disappearance and erosion of beaches? the main engine of the economy and a source of funding for the nation. Hurricane Noel in 2007 devastated parts of the islands, killing hundreds and generating an epidemic of leptospirosis. The diplomatic minister of tourism, Felix Jimenez, encompassed that news of the epidemic had tainted the national image and that the images of Hurricane Noels destruction televised in Europe had led tour operators to cancel charter flights (Hoy, November 25, 2007). However, the bulk of areas and people directly suffering from the catastrophic set up of the hurricane were those already living in extreme poverty, surely not in tourist zones. Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 28 LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVESThe government appears more preoccupied with its image than with creating an infrastructure that reduces damage. One family of five, for example, has been living in a temporary comfort since Hurricane Jeanne destroyed their home in September 2004 (Listin Diario, N ovember 20, 2007). supranational TOURISM IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC musical composition Barbados, Cuba, and Jamaica developed their tourism infrastructure in the early twentieth century to accommodate North American travelers, the Dominican Republic did not become a tourist destination until close to 70 age later.The nations blackball image during the era of dictator Rafael Trujillo reflected fear of a violent political system. 8 The political instability that followed the U. S. assassination of Trujillo in 1961 and the subsequent invasion and occupation by 23,000 North American troops did not sustainment an tantalizing image of a tropical paradise. The physical security of guests, an essential component in the publicity of tourist destinations, could not be ensured.In 1966 Joaquin Balaguer, an old crony of Trujillo and an anticommunist ally of the United States, came to power through corruption and force. Balaguers regime, in concert with multilateral agencies, sought to arre st the U. S. tourist market that had been temporarily dis laid since the Cuban Revolution. Through World Bank loans and development packages, the productive structure of the country was transformed and its economic strategy redirected toward absorbing foreign investment in tourism. Tax concessions that amounted to more than 10 geezerhood of tax exemptions for investment in tourism development were established by lawfulness 153-71. 10 internationalist tourism in the Dominican Republic grew slowly at the end of the 1960s as a way of generating development without making large investments in manufacturing and technology. Since tourism relies on the packaging of instinctive assets, it was considered to support economic growth by using existing resources, such as blonde beaches, a warm and sunny climate, friendly people, and local arts and music (Tavares, 1993).In 1968 the Plan Nacional de Desarrollo established the lineation of a strategy for the tourism sector (Castellanos de Sel ig, 1981). In 1971 the Central Bank established a part for the promotion of tourism development to be financed by the World Bank. Through loans and with the technical expertise of the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, in the 1970s the Dominican Republic began to move external from state-led industrialization and sugar toward tourism and free-trade zones (Atkins and Wilson, 1998).The acceleration of its incorporation into the global economy was facilitated by structural adjustment programs that, for example, devalued the Dominican peso in 1987 to help the country deal for foreign investment. Tourism rapidly displaced sugar as the main source of earnings, and by 1997 it was generating more than half of the countrys total foreign exchange (Jimenez, 1999). The government created generous tax concessions to stimulate foreign investment with the goals of producing employment, paying off the foreign debt, and generating revenue.In the long run, however, this approach faile d to create sustainable development or to enhance the well-being of the Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 Cabezas / EXCLUSION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 29 volume of the population. National elites have benefited, as the increasing polarization of income indicates, but the majority of the population has been relegated to positions of subservientness in a competitive labor market that provides predominantly low-paid, seasonal, and unstable jobs.EXCLUSION AND MARGINALIZATION OF THE LABOR index The exploitation of labor and natural resources in beachfront resorts is curiously acute on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, where the environment is building signs of degradation due to the lengthy development that has taken place in the area. everywhere 95 percent of the resorts operate under the all-inclusive enclave model (Departamento de Estadisticas, interview, ASONAHORES, October 2005), and over 60 percent also use time-share allocation (ASONAHORES, 2004). Enclave resorts have a account for being gilded ghettoes? egregated spaces that exclude Dominicans while providing lavishness accommodations to foreigners. The resorts are small cities and, as such, are developed with all kinds of facilities (UNDP, 2005 68). They represent foreign, exclusive spaces that keep tourists from seeing the local poverty that might make them ill-fitting and keep them from wanting to stay in the country. The latest development scheme, the 30,000-acre mega-resort Cap Cana, features four luxury hotels including the Ritz Carlton, apartments, villas, five golf courses, condominiums, boutiques, restaurants, a convention center, and a marina.This resort complex leave behind target the high-end market rather of the mass tourism market that the country has sought for decades. These tourism compounds provide electricity, sewerage, paved roads, and running piddle for their pleasure- and leisure-oriented guests, but basic infrast ructure development in the country remains chaotic, overlooking planning, development, and environmental control. Shantytowns oftentimes lack plumbing, electricity, and paved roads. This neglect represents a clandestine cost to the host society and a urther annexation of social and environmental resources by foreign capital. 11 The United Nations Human Development Report for the Dominican Republic (UNDP, 2005) indicates that the tourism labor force is made up primarily of puppylike women, over half of them younger than 39 and with fewer than eight courses of schooling (UNDP, 2005 77). The salary for tourism workers is below the national average (UNDP, 2005 78), with women earning approximately 68 percent of a mans salary in the industry.Women are nearly absent from supervisory and management positions. This reflects an industry norm, for, as the ILO (2001 86) points out, women globally have little access to the high levels of corporate management in the hotel, catering, and to urism sector. Globally, women also experience income disparities vis-a-vis men at all levels of hotel, catering, and tourism employment. They oecumenicly occupy the lower echelons in the tourism labor market, with few flight opportunities and low levels of remuneration. eyepatch Dominican women experience greater vulnerability and sexuality discrimination in the workforce, Dominican men are displaced and excluded from employment and meaningful participation. Camilo, an informal tourist guide in his late twenties, has been working for the past 10 years in activities Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 30 LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES connected with tourism. He and other guides idle outside of the Playa Dorada resort complex hoping to befriend the rare tourist or, better, tourist group that ventures outside the all-inclusive beachfront compound on foot.The modus operandi of these well-dressed young men is to approach foreigners with mult iple offersfor example, to dine with them at a typical Dominican restaurant, to show them around town, and to teach them how to dance merengue. The day that I met Camilo, he was angry to hear that resorts management had been making disparaging comments approximately Dominicans during taste meetings for their guests. He explained I want to fight against the lack of information or disinformation nearly Dominicans and the Dominican Republic.I would like to have a crew secretly enter in the hotel, and I want to send that to the national media. The agents of these corporations are talking bad about us, about assaults, assassinations, and such things. We are walking guides we provide a service. My friends and I speak different languages. Why is it that all the hotels and the travel agencies and the stores in the resorts have to use foreigners to work there? Why, if I speak German, I can defend myself in Italian, I am fine in English? I can transfer anything in German.It is something that I do not understand. If I go to Germany, they will not let me work. I used to sell horseback riding tours now all those are owned by Germans. They are displacing us in our own country. Camilos statements hollo the massive displacement of Dominican workers. With the majority of resorts managed by expatriates, many of whom do not appreciate the cultural, social, and economic realities of the countries in which they work, locals are frustrated by the lack of respect accorded them by foreigners and the severe disceptation for the tourist market.Camilo had started out with a small business that took tourists on horseback riding trips and had been forced out of the market when the resorts begun offering these excursions to their guests. Such displacement has led many citizens to feel like foreigners in their native land. most(prenominal) resorts keep the local populations out with security military unit and by requiring guests to wear wrist-bands during their stay. Treated like outsiders, Dominicans are turned away at the front gate unless they come as workers.This exclusion positions Dominican labor as a marginalized and deterritorialized workforce, performing roles and functions similar to those they would carry out as foreign, undocumented workers in Europe or North America. The common practice of the resort enclaves in the Caribbean region of recruiting top management and adept labor from Western Europe and the United States means that Dominicans seldom work in positions of management or as chefs in the resorts, and, as Camilo mentions, they are even excluded from retail operations.These exclusionary practices marginalize the local populationnot just the working class but also nationally trained executives and mid-level managers. Dominican men are relegated to service labor such as work in accommodations, reception, security, and grounds-keeping or, as Camilo does, scrape out a living in unstable and contingent activities in the informal sector. Gende r also creates labor hierarchies within hotels. Dominican men are excluded from management, but gender stereotypes also give them access to positions with more opportunities for gratuities, such as bartender and luggageDownloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 Cabezas / EXCLUSION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 31 handler. Dominican women, in contrast, are employed in gender-designated positions of domesticity such as housekeeping. There are few opportunities for Dominicans to participate directly in the tourism economy. To escape valve this predicament, many cultivate relationships of companionship, friendship, and romance with tourists and other foreigners as a way to access the global economy, travel to the global North, and improve their lives.Many relationships between Dominican women and foreign men mingle intimate, affective relations with economic activity, but others emphasize payment for sexual services. While some studies indicate that C aribbean formal tourism workers have sex with tourists in the resorts (Cabezas, 2004 CEPROSH, 1997 Crick, 2001), many more reports expose that it is people hustling in the informal economy who provide tourists with sexual and affective exchanges (Herold et al. 2001 Padilla, 2007 Gregory, 2007).In the Dominican Republic the young men are popularly known as sanky panky, heterosexually identified men who provide romance, companionship, and sex to men and women. These new sexual formations have also appeared in other touristdependent islands such as Jamaica (rent-a-dreads), Barbados (beach boys) and Cuba (pingueros and jineteros) (Hodge, 2002). Although many men are able to exploit foreigners fantasies of racial amativeness to enhance their life chances and masculinity, women who use intimate relationships with foreigners to support their households bear a heavy saddle of disgrace and riminalization (Cabezas, 2004 2005). It is primarily working-class women of color who bear the burde n of state-inflicted violence, harassment, extortion, and rape (Cabezas, 1999 2005). Miriam, a 23-year-old beat of two, had one child when she met the father of her youngest, a vacationing African-American law of nature officer from unused York in his late thirties. magic visits Miriam often and sends approximately US$60 a month to support his eight-month-old daughter. However, Miriam must continue to seek out relationships with foreign and local men to accompaniment his support.Her oldest daughter has liver disease, and the doctor visits and medication are costly. She tells me fearlessly, From luck and death no one can escape. Johanna, a 20-year-old single mother of two, cannot find any type of work that would allow her to support her mother and two children. She was fired from her job as a waitress when she got pregnant and began selling sex to foreign men who live or vacation in Boca Chica. Her aim is to meet a tourist who will provide her with travel to a foreign country. Any place is better than here, she tells me. When I asked her if she was frightened by reports of sex trafficking or other forms of exploitation that could potentially take place in a country where she knows no one, she looked down and replied intensely, I have to expect that run a risk, because here I am going to all go crazy or die of hunger. human immunodeficiency computer virus/AIDS Discussions of travel associated with work or leisure have increasingly pointed to the risks involved in mobility and human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS. 2 Paul Farmer (1992) has argued that the HIV virus was introduced to Haiti by gay North American men vacationing on the island, and the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre indicates Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 32 LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES that this is legitimate for the Caribbean as a whole (Camara, 2001) and that the countries that are the most economically dependent on tourism in the region hav e the highest prevalence of HIV cases (Camara, 2001 Padilla, 2007 171).Padilla (2007) maintains that tourism in the Dominican Republic continues to function as an important source of new infections, exerting an ongoing entice on the scope and impact of AIDS in specific locales. This assertion is confirmed by the UNDP report (2005 85), which indicates that the areas with the highest incidence of HIV in the country are also those with the highest rates of tourism. However, there has been little taproom education targeting tourism-sector workers.Padilla argues that this is because of the fear of fostering a negative image that could potentially contradict the escapism, exoticism, and consequence-free environment that hoard at least part of the tourism package offered to foreigners (2007 172). The women informants for my study, who worked primarily with tourists, were adamant in attesting to their use of condoms and guard to offers of unsafe sex for higher compensation. Mari explai ned, This is my body it is the only thing I can count on to support my children.Im not going to risk everything for a few extra dollars. They cant pay me enough. Another woman exclaimed, If I get sick, are they going to take care of me? ar they going to take care of my children? These statements are legate of what many women told me however, a few caveats are in order. First, the women I interviewed were associated with MODEMU and CEPROSH, two organizations that provide peer-to-peer safer-sex education. Also, Puerto Plata has a governmentmandated policy of condom use in sex establishments (Haddock, 2007).These women were improve and aware of the dangers of unprotected sex. Secondly, most of the women identified with the term sex worker, meaning that many of their relations with foreigners were direct sex-for-money exchanges. Women who engage in less rigidly structure and more ambiguous relationships, in which the conditions of the exchange deemphasize economic factors, may tak e more risks to prove that they are not from the street. interrogation from the Caribbean also confounds easy assumptions about sexual identity, sexual practice, and HIV/AIDS.Padillas (2007) research in the Dominican Republic and that of Fosado (2004) and Hodge (2002) from Cuba testify to the bar of categorizing the mode of HIV transmission in these countries as heterosexual, given the growth of same-sex male sex work with tourists. The political economy of tourism serves as the context for straightidentified men to engage in same-sex relations with foreign men to support wives, girlfriends, and families. The notion of sex workers as vectors of disease also needs to be reexamined. My research with 30 women infected with HIV/AIDS, who worked in sex stablishments serving a predominantly Dominican business sector in Santo Domingo, indicates that all were infected by their husbands or regular boyfriends, with whom they did not use safer-sex techniques. Thus far, all the women that I have interviewed claim to use condoms for resistance with their clients and to let their guard down with regular partners. Third, many of the young single workers are internal migrants to tourist areas and are more likely to engage in riskier practices and have a less stable lifestyle (UNDP, 2005). There are few educational and saloon programs to target this population.These are two areas in which more research is needed. Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 Cabezas / EXCLUSION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 33 certainty Few viable alternatives exist to the current structure of travel, leisure, and tourism, which consigns people in the South to poorly compensate labor. The Dominican Republic, along with other Caribbean nations, attracts foreign investment by offering a low-cost labor force, tax exemptions, and other incentives, but tourism denies the majority of its working people decent work. 13 The squash of labor power and natural re sources has left the country with a massive tourism infrastructure, with more than 60,000 hotel rooms, and over 3 million pleasure visitors a year (Secretaria de Estado de Turismo, 20042007) in an ecology of disaster. These figures continue to grow every year without concern for the quality of life of Dominicans. The majority of people are relegated, at best, to positions of servitude in low-paid jobs in the formal sector, underemployment, or unstable activities in the informal sector that include the commoditization of sexuality and affective relations.Dominicans dream of being leisure travelers, holding decent jobs, and securing a better future for their children, but the transnational tourism industry cannot provide them decent wages and higher standards of living. mingled scholars have documented the ingenuity and resource of the Caribbean people in acting on the tourism infrastructure (Cabezas, 2004 Fosado, 2004 Padilla, 2007), but the opportunities and potential for significa nt democratisation are modest or absent.Tourism may provide the opportunity for people from the global North to animize themselves, but people from the South have access to this opportunity only through sexual exchanges that place their lives at risk. Reciprocal leisure travel is what every native needs to dispel the tropical blues. NOTES 1. Tourism and travel are considered export-oriented services. 2. Increasingly tourism is one of the worlds largest generators of jobs. The WTTC (2005) calculates that the sector accounted for 10 percent of total employment in 1997 worldwide and is judge to generate an estimated 328 million jobs by 2010. . The UNDP (2005) is rather critical of the all-inclusive model of development in the Dominican Republic. It contends that this model offers a homogeneous product tag by the stereotypical image based on sun, sand, and sea, a tourism product with facilities that face away from local populations and one characterized by constant competition and l ack of state regulation. While I support this spatially concentrated form of development and the general segregation of tourists from local populations, my point here is to let out concern for the lack of human capital development of the population.Further, tourism development generally promotes a slash, burn, and move on approach to the environment. Leisure travel in the Dominican Republic follows the pattern of exploitation of natural resources and cheap labor prevalent in neocolonial regimes whereby transnational finance capital and local elites benefit from these structures and the local people are left to suffer the consequences. 4. According to one estimate, 3350 percent of Internet use is based on tourism (ILO, 2001). 5. The trend in consolidation is evident in ILOs data (2001). It maintains that in 1999 the 10 biggest companies controlled 2. 4 million rooms but by 2000 9 giants controlled 2. 98 million hotel rooms. 6. In the Caribbean, of the eight major cruise lines operat ing, six own their own private islands which they include among their ports of call (Wood, 2000 361). 7. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium, Leptospira, that can be transmitted through exposure to water, food, or taint containing the urine of infected animals. The epidemic had killed 27 people by November 20, 2007. Downloaded from lap. sagepub. com at University of Sheffield on September 8, 2011 34 LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES 8. Trujillo was dictator from 1930 to 1961.His regime was characterized by extreme violence and repression, the massacre of 12,000 Haitians in 1938, and the accumulation of immense personal wealth. He created state structures and placed his cronies in offices within them to perpetuate his power (Betances and Spalding, 1995). 9. Various multilateral agencies created specialized units for the evaluation, approval, and funding of the projects of member countries. In the 1960s the Inter-American Development Bank, the U. S. Agency for International Development, and the World Bank, for example, directed their lending in Latin America toward tourism development (Monge, 1973).The Organization of American States also promoted financial resources for tourism development. All these efforts were enhanced in the Dominican Republic by Law 153, which granted tax concessions to tourism investors and corporations. Thus foreign entities took the expire in creating highly favorable conditions for foreign investment. 10. The legislation that governs these practices established an incentive system to stimulate development in the tourism sector by providing an sign 10-year 100 percent tax exemption on earnings, imports, and construction. 11.Environmental costs are borne entirely by the local population, since the enforcement of environmental regulations is nearly nonexistent (see UNDP, 2005 8687 Gregory, 2007). 12. The United Nations (2004) epidemiological report indicates that the Dominican Republic had an estimated adult rate of HIV infection of 1. 7 percent and Puerto Plata one of 8 percent. Recent reports suggest that the infection rate has been reduced to 0. 8 percent (Listin Diario, December 1, 2007), but the northeast coast continues to be one of the areas with the highest rates. 3. The term decent work is used by the ILO (1999 4) to capture the notion of quality employment that can provide basic security to workers. REFERENCES Ashley, Caroline, Harold Goodwin, Douglas McNab, Mareba Scott, and Luis Chaves 2006 making tourism count for the local economy in the Caribbean guidelines for good practice. http//www. propoortourism. org. uk/caribbean/caribbean-whole. pdf. ASONAHORES (Asociacion Nacional de Hoteles y Restaurantes, Inc. ) 2004 Estadisticas seleccionadas del sector turismo ano 2004. Santo Domingo. 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