Discussion question only Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion question only - Article Example The weakest finding is that within the strength portion of the test. Having participated heavily in activities and pushed my limits in the physical arena I expected that all results would register well within the excellent range. However, my ability to reach during the flexibility test was not as high as I would have expected to attain. Flexibility is important in lifelong maintenance of physical well-being. According to the Advanced Centers for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine: I was able to answer all of the questions correctly accept for the final question. I was surprised to find out that additional protein in a diet does not increase muscle building. With the plethora of protein supplements in the form of pills, powders, drinks, and bars, I was convinced that building muscle was directly related to protein intake. However, according to the test There is no evidence that excess protein will lead to bigger muscles. Eating more protein than you need is a waste, since the excess will be converted to fat or burned for energy. If you want to increase the size and strength of your muscles, try strength training. (Test Your Physical IQ: Answers) While I knew the answer to be moderate intensity when questioned as to which level of intensity was most beneficial for burning fat, I am always surprised the truth of that answer. One feels like one is burning more at a higher intensity - and one is - but in order to burn more overall, one must keep an increased level of activity over a sustained period of time which can only be realistically achieved at a moderate level. About 65% of Americans fall within the sedentary to moderate range. Its important to keep in mind that activity level does not mean the same thing as fitness level (as measured by another test). You could be very fit and still have a light activity level. Seems odd, doesnt it? This can happen, though, because the activity

Advanced Project Management unit 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Advanced Project Management unit 2 - Essay Example Unless the basic guidelines of BoK are adhered to, organizations would not be able to achieve competitive advantage through effective PM. Changes in technology, changes in HRM and constraints of time require organizations to be more efficient. The Maturity Models provide a logical path for progressive development. The PM team at Toyota could achieve significant competitive advantage and respond to the changing business environment through the application of the principles, and the tools and techniques of PM (Maylor, 2010). Procedurilisation has to be adhered to and then creativity can be implemented, if projects have to be completed successfully. If it was not for the BoK, project managers would not know how to organize, manage and control projects (Evans, n.d.). BoK helps organizations to deal with critical issues and project planning is at the heart of project management. BoK does not encourage autonomy and empowerment. On the contrary they insist that procedures should be adhered to. If procedures are adhered to creativity is stifled. Without creativity and innovation projects may not achieve the desired level of success. According to PMI, the standards have to be ‘consistently applied’ to achieve organizational excellence (PMI, 2012). BoK does not merely provide the basic guidelines, but the standards have to be consistently applied! If the organization or the project manager has to adhere to the five processes containing nine knowledge areas as per the BoK, there is little room for individual growth and development. If all projects follow the same nine principles, all projects are likely to follow the same mundane path and may not be able to cope with or respond to changes in technology. Certification programs in PMP are supposed to enhance eligibility to engage in the principles of BoK. However, failures of projects are a common phenomenon. This explains the importance of innovation in project management. This also implies that BoK restrict

Sovereign State Essay Example for Free

Sovereign State Essay Evolution of role and meaning of government as social-political institution in common and government sovereignty in particular is one of the most actual topics for discussions nowadays. Fundamental processes in spheres of politics and economics change radically usual positions for role of state and meaning of its formal attribute government sovereignty. It is connected with the fact that in the modern world governments to a greater extent are forced to renounce by part of their prerogatives, being limited in taking political decisions. Studying of processes of â€Å"degradation† and â€Å"devaluation† of status of sovereign government and weakening of centralized institutions of governmental power is actually singled out into independent direction of political science. In this work we’ll examine the principles of sovereign state and will try to understand, can the sovereign state be effective way of organizing its political life. Definition of sovereign state and its main features. Let’s examine what is sovereign state and what are its main features. Sovereign state is politically independent government, which is independent in its internal and external affairs (the word â€Å"sovereign† is from French word â€Å"souverain† – the highest, supreme) – it is politically sovereign state, sovereign object of international rights and international relations. Governmental sovereignty means leadership of the state within the limits of its own borders. It doesn’t allow foreign intervention in its affairs. What are main features of sovereign state? They are as follows: Independence; Free execution of the whole completeness of power at the territory of the country; Integrity and inalienability of territory; Unanimity of territories of the country. Nowadays we can determine the following meanings of sovereignty: Sovereignty of interdependency – ability of government to control movement via their borders; Internal sovereignty – internal delegations of governmental structures and ability to influence effectively on behavior of population; This possibility of government to a great extend depends on loyalty of its citizens. So, in 1999 in the USA 73% of population examined themselves as â€Å"citizens of the world† simultaneously with recognition of US citizenship (http://www.vox-populi.org/digest/america_role2.html#4) West-Fal sovereignty or Wattle’s sovereignty – exception of external sources of power de jure and de facto International legal sovereignty is connected with mutual acknowledgement of governments. (Stephen D.Krasner, P.231-233.) Principle of sovereignty. Speaking about the reasons of re-examination of sovereign principles, we have to focus our attention to complex of processes, which is traditionally noted as â€Å"globalization† (James Rosenau, P.7-8.). In the basis of globalization phenomena lay processes in spheres of finance and economics, which serve as a basis for global political and cultural â€Å"superstructure†. It gives us grounds to consider that practically any sphere of human activity will avoid definite transformation. During those processes â€Å"attack† of government sovereignty principle is made by several directions, and existing concept of governmental sovereignty casts doubt in relation of practically all its main components (Youngs, G, P.71-72.). Modern world economics demonstrates more and more qualities of united system and functions in accordance with unified rules. No other country can exist in conditions of economical self-sufficiency. Leading type of economical practice becomes financial-legal regulation, which consequently subjugates other kinds of economic activities. New concept of geo-economics is determined to reflect the new level of economical development and economical integration. Demands of economical developments contradict with principle of firmness of state sovereignty to that extent in which governmental borders impede economical effectiveness and in common, to social progress. Governmental borders now experience pressure more from inside, than from outside. Separatism became serious problem in different parts of the world. (Joseph A.Camilleri and Jim FalTk, P.24-25.). Being subordinated to dictate of economical expediency, governments open their borders and are exposed to inroad of foreign currency, international terrorists, drugs, flows of information from other countries, sects, societies, etc. All this inevitably decreases effectiveness of functioning of governmental body and forces to find new ways and forms of decision everyday problems. Living picture of global market are transnational corporations, which have their aim to receive profit. Such actions cause misbalances in the modern society (Manuel Castells P.162.). In accordance with researches, they control approximately half of world industrial manufacture and even more in spheres of foreign trade. Constricting sphere of activity of national governments, global market undermines basis of state sovereignty. Global forces (economical, technological and cultural) force governments to re-examine meaning of sovereignty. (Muthiah Alagappa and Takashi Inoguchi (Eds.). P.21) Problems of environment are also assisting in that undermining. (Luc Sindjoun P.222.) The government also looses the meaning of guaranty of preservation of democratic foundations in society. Rules of free market take place, not the rules of national parliaments. Vitally important decisions for the whole country and all its citizens are taken by people, who are actually unknown and who weren’t chosen by way of public procedures of democratic elections and who are often guided by their own interests, but not by interests of other people. The main consequences of globalization processes But from the point of view of problems in state sovereignty, the main consequence of globalization processes is contradiction between increasing economical and political interdependency of countries and nations from one side and reservation of right to decide independently and by its own choice (from the side of government) its own problems – from the other side. Thanks to progressive â€Å"washing out† of borders between national economies, problems which before were considered as definitely belonging to foreign policy, more and more receive internationally-political character. U.N.O. also â€Å"washed out† concepts of state sovereignty and changed opinions for relations between government and their citizens. (D.M.Malone, P.21.) Actions of government of one state can entail serious consequences at the other part of the Earth. In those conditions we can see evident necessity to correspond important decisions, and, therefore, to create corresponding political mechanisms. And, to tell the truth, process of creation of such mechanisms is going quite intensively. If in 1909 there were 37 inter-governmental international organizations, at the end of the century there were already 260 such organizations. Such organizations as EU and other, taking some definite functions, which are delegated to them by separate states, factually limit their state sovereignty. For example, governments – members of European Union – give part of their sovereign right to above-national organs of management. If before it was related only to economical questions, now it relates also to financial-currency questions (for example, it is lead-in of Euro in countries of Euro-zone), in perspective it will touch questions of foreign policy and defense. Although they say that above-national organs of management act strictly in accordance with mandate (its limits are determined by sovereign states, which realize common interests), it is evident that increasing of such practice means â€Å"washing out† of limit between internal policy and foreign policy, where it becomes more and more difficult to tell, what relates to the first and what – to the second. Speaking at annual international forum in Dawos about foreign policy in XXI century, German president proposed to finish with â€Å"anarchy† of politics of national interests and to pass to â€Å"globalized foreign policy as internal world policy†. By other words, he proposed to governments to refuse from their national interests in favor of global foreign policy. Limited character of sovereignty. Taking into consideration all aforesaid, sovereignty is â€Å"weak evolutionally stable strategy, which is chosen by plenty of actors† and which can co-exist with forms, which Krasner called â€Å"neutral mutants† (alternative strategies, which attract definite actors in definite moments) (Stephen D.Krasner, P.231.) Being one of the forms of jurisdiction organization, sovereign national governments always collided with competition from the side of other kinds of jurisdictions. There are jurisdictions, which don’t recognize territorial limitations of their power – such jurisdictions we can conditionally call â€Å"empires†. The most famous example of such institution is USA, which during the last years in an explicit form refused from support of principle of state sovereignty (Anna Leander COPRI, 2.). The main principle of foreign policy, which negates state sovereignty, is doctrine of â€Å"preventive stroke†. G. Bush said that if we’ll wait for the moment when threats will materialize, we have to wait too long. We have to start struggle with our enemy, to destroy his plans – our safety needs that all Americans should be decisive and farsighted, when it will be necessary to defend our lives. (http://www.ndu.edu/inss/strforum/SF200/sf200.htm) Another factor, which determined re-evaluation of state sovereignty principle, became creation of numerous non-governmental associations and organizations, their activity, directed at realization of their own corporate interests, increased spectrum of actual political problems and intensified their dynamics. Appearance of those new forms, probably took place, because civil society don’t see in government the main and irreplaceable instrument of realization of their demands. As a result, procedure of taking decisions by government regarding different problems of foreign and internal policies is more often is guided by coordination of their positions with non-government public organizations and transnational corporations. If we were able to examine the nation or the state in world political space as the one subject, which was outlined only from outside, and what was going inside, wasn’t’ important significally, now more and more often people speak that modern society is society of pluralism interests, which one cannot reduce to a common denominator (Manuel Castells, P.303.). If before we were able to examine government as one-piece formation – a kind of big figure at chess-desk; now we need to make a lot of stipulations. Decrease of role and meaning of government comes as result because civil loyalty is being weakened. For example, in Germany considerable number of young people consider themselves Europeans first of all, and only than – Germans, but not vice versa. Another important factor, which undermines corner stone of state sovereignty – is a principle of non-intervention into internal affairs of sovereign state – and is connected with dissemination and consolidation of universal ideology of human rights. Ways of influence for such countries and regimes, which have world society, first of all, are very limited, and second-of-all, are non-effective – such principle of â€Å"non-intervention into internal affairs† bothers a lot. But what scholars write about state sovereignty? One of them writes: Nowadays the problem of sovereignty is, for social scientists, a dead duck. (Fowler and Bunck 2). There are also debates of sovereign immunity – and its criticism is not new. Even   President Abraham Lincoln declared: It is as much the duty of Government to render prompt justice against itself in favor of citizens as it is to administer the same between private individuals.† (Chemerinsky 1201) All these factors are very important tendencies in the modern society. Taking into consideration all examined factors, we can make conclusion that state sovereignty cannot be really effective instrument to provide effective political life for sovereign country. My opinion is that principle of state sovereignty in modern conditions is ineffective. Works Cited: Stephen D.Krasner. â€Å"Abiding Sovereignty† in International Political Science Review. Vol. 22, No.3, 2001, P.231-233. M.Malone. The Security Council in the 1990s. in Ramesh Thakur and Edward Newman (Eds.) New Millennium, New Perspectives: The UN, Security, and Governance. UN University Press, 2000, P.21. Luc Sindjoun. â€Å"Transformation of International Relations Between Change and Continuity: Introduction† in International Political Science Review. Vol. 22, No.3, 2001, P.222. Stephen D.Krasner. â€Å"Abiding Sovereignty† in International Political Science Review. Vol. 22, No.3, 2001, P.231. http://www.vox-populi.org/digest/america_role2.html#4 http://www.ndu.edu/inss/strforum/SF200/sf200.htm Law, Power, and the Sovereign State: The Evolution and Application of the Concept of Sovereignty Book by Julie Marie Bunck, Michael Ross Fowler; The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1995 Against Sovereign Immunity (Journal article by Erwin Chemerinsky); Stanford Law Review, Vol. 53, 2001 Joseph A.Camilleri and Jim FalTk. The End of Sovereignty? Great Britain: Edvard Elgar, 1992, P.24-25. Muthiah Alagappa and Takashi Inoguchi (Eds.). International Security Management and the UN. United Nations University Press, 1999, P.21 Manuel Castells. End of Millennium. Blackwell Publishers, 1998, P.162. Anna Leander. Globalisation and the Eroding State Monopoly of Legitimate Violence. COPRI, 2. Manuel Castells. The Power of Identity. Blackwell Publishers, 1998, P.303. Youngs, G. International Relations in a Global Age. Cambridge: Polity Press, 1999, P.71-72. James Rosenau. â€Å"Governance in the Twenty-First Century† in The New Political Economy of Globalization., Vol. 2., P.7-8.

Impact of Policy on Same-Sex Couples

Impact of Policy on Same-Sex Couples Same-Sex Marriages Executive Summary The public policy explored in this analysis will include section one from the family code titles, marriage relationship. This issue is more prevalent than most would imagine. In 1990 the American bureau of census reported 145,130 same-gender unmarried couples living together. That number is reported to have increased to 594,691 by the year 2000 (Pawelski et al., 2006). According to President Bush, it is up to the individual state to determine any â€Å"legal arrangements other than marriage†. This leaves the definition of marriage up to the individual governments. It is essential to define the different unions as well as have a strong understanding of the implications of each within the state of Texas. According to Bogenschnider, Theory of Paradox consists of three camps that view issues from different angles. The concerned camp tends to be more conservative with their views on the family. It also strives to protect the traditional family values. The sanguine camp is more concerned with the welfare of the children, as well as the individual rights of people of all sexual orientations. The impatient camp seeks progress and respects all members of the community regardless of the concern for the traditional family values. The concerned camp views same-sex marriage as an insult to the historical family unit and the foundations from which the family system was derived. This group is concerned with the research indicating that many stressors responsible for creating significant amount of anxiety and distress for those in the homosexual relationships. This camp is also concerned that regardless of their lifestyle homosexual individuals are still required to â€Å"conform† to traditional heterosexual family styles in order to adopt, regardless of the findings. (I don’t understand this sentence, regardless of what findings?) The teenagers facing their homosexual lifestyle were also found to be more at risk for negative behaviors, including substance abuse and suicide. The concerned camp desires to see the traditional family unit remain intact for the welfare of all individuals, especially the children. The sanguine camp views recent family changes positively as indicators of the capacity of families to adapt to new environments rather than symptoms of decline. The sanguine camp considers the positive results of these family changes for individuals, especially women. The sanguine camp contends that children have the capacity to overcome the emotional upheaval and long term consequences of divorce. They tend to focus on people who have thrived in the midst of family change. The sanguine camp regards marriage, commitment and nurturance as unchanging core American values no matter what. Contenders of this view declare that the dramatic changes in the last quarter century were not about family value but about norms and standards regarding appropriate or inappropriate behavior. For example, cohabitation before marriage became common and one of four children born outside of marriage but majority still want to be married. Regarding policy-making, the greatest concern for the sanguine camp is individual freedom. They want to keep the American core values and establish the institutional supports to help families during rapid changes. The impatient camp acknowledges the change and growth in the diversity of alternative families and their structure. Qualitative research is respected and much of the evidence regarding childrens behavioral and cognitive outcomes incorporates teacher responses along with parent responses. The research supports the changes towards same-sex marriage and welcomes significant positive research findings that support their cause. This camp suggests that families do face challenges, but ultimately have numerous opportunities to demonstrate their resilience though this alternative lifestyle. The recognition of same-sex marriages would alleviate significant amount of stress from those families who are a part of a homosexual partnership. The recognition of this partnership would allow for society to also recognize the partnership leading to a more accepted perspective. The children in these families, as demonstrated by the research results, remain near the average mark in development. However, they continue to have difficulty comprehending and accepting the lifestyle affecting their emotional and social developments. State of Texas can alleviate this stress for these individuals by recognizing these same-sex marriages and providing the same right to homosexual couples that it safeguards for heterosexual individuals. Providing this recognition will allow for all families in the state of Texas to have the same resources, rights, and privileges creating a stronger, more united state, community, and families. Public Policy Project: Same-sex Marriages The public policy explored in this analysis will include section one from the family code titles, marriage relationship. This issue is more prevalent than most would imagine. In 1990 the American bureau of census reported 145,130 same-gender unmarried couples living together . That number is reported to have increased to 594,691 by the year 2000 (Pawelski et al., 2006). According to President Bush, it is up to the individual state to determine any â€Å"legal arrangements other than marriage†. This leaves the definition of marriage up to the individual governments. It is essential to define the different unions as well as have a strong understanding of the implications of each within the state of Texas (question 1). A civil union is a legal mechanism, sanctioned by civil authority, intended to grant same-sex couples legal status somewhat similar to civil marriage. In the United States, civil unions have been established only in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. In theses tates, same-sex couples are granted the same state-level rights, benefits, and protections as those granted to heterosexual married couples. No other states recognize civil unions. As such, same-sex couples considered to be legally united in either of those states are treated as single individuals when they cross into other states. A domestic partnership is a relationship between two individuals, often but not necessarily of the same gender, who live together and mutually support one another as spouses but who are not legally joined in a civil marriage or a civil union. Some same-sex couples enter into domestic partnership agreements to create legally enforceable contracts involving property, finances, inheritance, and/or health care. Domestic partnerships do not reach the same legal threshold as civil unions or civil marriages and, accordingly, do not afford couples the rights, benefits,and protections of civil marriage (Pawelski et al., 2006). The definitions are helpful but in the state of Texas any same-sex unions/marriages are banned. Protecting the sanctity of life and marriage at the 79th Texas state Congress 2005, Texans voted on a constitutional amendment defining marriage in fall of 2005. SJR 6 defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Texas voters adopted this amendment on November 8, 2005. Texas now joins 14 states that statutorily and constitutionally ban same-sex marriage. Significant research has been conducted on this topic from many perspectives. It is essential to understand the effect of same-sex relationships on the family system and the individuals within that system. It is very difficult for those in a same-sex relationship to cope with the stigma that society has placed on these relationships. Same-sex relationships have many of the same characteristics that heterosexual relationships possess. According to the research of Todosijevic, Rothblum, Solomon (2005) there are many factors contributing to the success of the same-sex relationship. Given the mixed results on demographic similarity and relationship satisfaction among same-sex couples, it is possible that couple similarity in level of outness may be more important for relationship satisfaction than couple similarity on demographic variables. For example, similarity on actual age (a demographic variable) may be less important than developmental stage in the coming out process (including level of disclosure to others). Couples who are discrepant on outness may have conflict around such issues as where to live (e.g., in an obvious gay neighborhood), whether to bring a partner to work-related social events, and how to introduce their partner to family members. Beals and Peplau (2001) found that discrepancy in openness among partners was not predictive of relationship satisfaction. In another study on this topic, Jordan and Deluty (2000) investigated the correlation between openness and relationship quality in 305 lesbians in committed relationships. Their results indicated that the degree of openness regarding sexual orientation was positively correlated with relationship satisfaction. They also concluded that discrepancy in openness in disclosure between partners was negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction. In addition, Jordan and Deluty (2000) discovered that negative affectivity (e.g., depression, anxiety, fear, anger, guilt, sadness, neuroticism) was not significantly correlated to relationship satisfaction. While, in a 45-year-long study of marital stability and marital satisfaction in 300 heterosexual couples, Kelly and Conely (1987) found that negative affectivity in both genders was negatively related to relationship satisfaction. This demonstrates the significance of same-sex relationships and how they appear much healthier than those of heterosexual partners. It is important that same-sex couples experience satisfaction in their relationships, but also find acceptance within the homosexual community. They experience a significant amount of distress from outside of the homosexual community. As a result they rely heavily on their peers to provide support. The gay lifestyle is a stressful lifestyle. In a study by Todosijevic, Rothblum, and Solomon (2005), gay couples reported experiencing a significant level of anxiety regarding contraction of HIV/AIDS. Further, gay and lesbian couples indicated facing stress from their families due to disapproval of the lifestyle such as â€Å"rejection, lack of support, and lack of understanding by the family due to their sexuality† (p. 165.) In their study of two hundred adolescents and early adult lesbians, Cantor and Neulinger (2000) reported that 47.5% of the interviewees disclosed having made some attempts at suicide at some point in their life. Thirty one percent of these lesbian adolescents and young adults who reported suicide attempts contributed it, at least partially, to their sexual orientation. Furthermore, in high school age males, 36% of the homosexual students surveyed reported having made a suicide attempt at some point in their life compared to 8.9% of their heterosexual counterparts (where is this information coming from?). Data such as this indicates the moral dilemma for the homosexual community, which creates unnecessary stress for homosexual individuals and their families. There are many milestones in life that homosexual individuals have a more difficult time achieving. Society paints a particular picture within which individuals are anticipated to fit snugly. Society expects homosexuals to conform to the norms that it has diligently created over the course of the history. A study was done recently that examined how the courts evaluate same-sex couples when they are attempting to adopt children (Connolly, 1998). The researchers found that the courts expect same-sex couples to conform as best possible to the traditional model of families. Since these couples are not allowed to marry, they are expected to demonstrate their commitment to each other in ways that heterosexual couples do not have to exhibit. Homosexual couples must realize that their demonstration of commitment must be more pronounced than heterosexual couples. They must also work to overcome their persuasion into the model in which the rest of society fits. As more and more same-sex couples are adopting or having children through artificial insemination, concerns regarding the integrity of family structure and developmental outcomes of children in these alternative families are brought to discussion. Golombok, et al. (2003) examined the quality of parent-child relationships, socioemotional and gender development in a community sample of lesbian parents with seven-year olds, and had a control group of heterosexual two-parent families. Demographics of both the lesbian and heterosexual families were similar. There were no statistically significant differences in mother-child relationships with regard to warmth toward child or emotional involvement. Family structure, not mothers sexual orientation, showed significant effects for overall parenting quality and enjoyment of motherhood. There were also no statistically significant differences in the frequency of conflicts with the child. Family structure, with single mothers, having more severe disputes (It seems like this sentence is missing something). Lesbian mothers also reported smacking their children less than heterosexual mothers. Lesbian mothers also engaged in more imaginative play with their children than heterosexual mothers, as single mothers did more often than heterosexual mothers. Fathers showed statistically significant higher levels of emotional involvement and frequency of smacking with their children than co-mothers. Socioemotional development showed no statistically significant difference in conduct problems, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms or positive social behavior as reported by mothers and teachers. The study also showed no differences in children’s behavior according to gender when comparing boys and girls in both heterosexual and lesbian families (Golombok, et al., 2003). Flaks, Ficher, Masterpasqua, Josephs (1995) compared lesbian couples with heterosexual parents and their children, ages three to nine. Their study found that sexual orientation of custodial parents is not a significant variable in successful development of the child and that there were no differences in children coming from divorced heterosexual or same-sex parent families. The purpose of their study was to address concerns of the courts when involved in custody cases. They showed no significant differences with parents sexual orientation or gender of child in outcomes of cognitive development or behavioral adjustment. The study did find that lesbian parents had more parenting awareness skills than heterosexual parents; this was statistically significant. This finding, with further statistical analysis, was shown to be related to gender, with mothers having better parenting skills than fathers. Wainright, Russell, Patterson (2004) examined family type heterosexual parents and same-sex parents, and outcomes in school, psychological adjustment and romantic relationships. Romantic relationships and sexual behavior was not associated with family type. The quality of the parent-child relationship determined better school adjustment. Anderssen, Amlie, Ytteroy (2002) reviewed twenty-three evidenced-based research studies from 1978 to 2000, assessing outcomes for children with lesbian or gay parents. Historically, the Scandanavian courts have not ruled against custody related to sexual orientation of the parent. However, evidenced based research regarding outcomes of children of same-sex parents is needed, since legal rights to adopt or become foster parents is not afforded to same-sex couples as they are to heterosexual couple. Emotional functioning was the outcome most often studied, followed by sexual preference, stigmatization, gender role behavior, behavioral adjustment, gender identity and cognitive functioning. No differences in emotional functioning were shown between same-sex (lesbian) parents and heterosexual parents. There were no differences in sexual preferences in offspring with parental sexual preference. Due to expressed negative attitudes which was received from outsiders, children of same-sex parents experienced stigmatization and teasing. The studies showed that few youngsters were teased no more than other children, and they developed stable relationships with peers as children of heterosexual parents (who said this?). There were no differences in gender role behavior, behavioral adjustment, and cognitive functioning. This significant research shows that the homosexual community faces difficult boundaries, restrictions, and stereotypes, but this community still manages to maintain relationships, raise their children, and live out daily life with less negative outcomes than heterosexual individuals. This leads into the Theory of Paradox with three stances on the subject of same-sex marriages showing negative and positive conclusions (question 6). Striving to protect the traditional family values, the concerned camp tends to be more conservative with their views on the family. The sanguine camp is more concerned with the welfare of the children, as well as the individual rights of people of all sexual orientations. The impatient camp seeks progress and respects all members of the community regardless of the concern for traditional family values. The concerned camp views same-sex marriage as an insult to the historical family unit and the foundations from which the family system was derived. The research indicates many stressors that are responsible for creating significant amount of anxiety, distress, and other negative reactions for those in the homosexual community. The research indicated that regardless of the homosexual lifestyle these individuals are still required to â€Å"conform† to traditional heterosexual family styles in order to adopt, regardless of the findings (This sentence is not clear. Regardless of what findings? Are there findings contrary to the outcome of court decisions on qualification of homosexual parents to adopt?). The teenagers living a homosexual lifestyle were also found to be more at risk for negative behaviors, including suicide. The concerned camp desires to see the traditional family unit remain intact for the welfare of all individuals, especially the children. The sanguine camp views recent family changes positively as indicators of the capacity of families to adapt to new environments rather than symptoms of decline. The sanguine camp concerns the positive results of these family changes for individuals, especially women. The sanguine argue that children have the capacity to overcome the emotional upheaval and long term consequences of divorce. The contenders of this view tend to focus on people who have thrived in the midst of family change. The sanguine camp believes marriage, commitment and nurturance to be unchanging core American values no matter what. According to the sanguine, the dramatic change in the last quarter century was not about family value but about norms and standards regarding appropriate or inappropriate behavior. For example, cohabitation before marriage has become common and one of four children is born outside of marriage but majority still want to be married. Regarding policy-making, the greatest concern for the sanguine camp is individual freedom. They want to keep the American core values and establish the institutional supports to help families through rapid changes. The impatient camp acknowledges the change and growth in the diversity of alternative families and their structure. Qualitative research is respected and much of the evidence regarding childrens behavioral and cognitive outcomes incorporates teacher responses along with parent responses. The research supports changes towards same-sex marriage and welcomes significant positive research findings to support their cause. This camp finds that families do face challenges, but ultimately have numerous opportunities to demonstrate their resilience through this alternative lifestyle (question 7). The families affected most by the failure to recognize same-sex marriages are those homosexual couples who have children. The family members of homosexual couples are also affected by the stereotypes that are involved with the homosexual lifestyle. Principle one addresses the question of if policies or programs set unrealistic expectations for families assuming financial and caregiving responsibilities of dependent, seriously ill or child with special needs. Principle two addresses family stability and explains that policies and programs should help maintain the stability of couples relationships, especially when children are involved (Bogenschneider, 2002). When looking at the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) from the perspective of a homosexual family, it does allow for incentives to marry in the state that recognizes homosexual marriages. With the current statue of DOMA, children may not have continued financial support from one of the parents if the homosexual parents separate (NCRF, 2004). Massachusetts legalization of same-sex marriage allows for the children of these families to have some financial security if their parents should divorce or if one of the parents were to die. The issue with the DOMA policy is that it does not allow for financial protection to non-biological children of same-sex relationships (Coolidge Duncan, 2001). Carlson (2004) found that DOMA actually protects the sanctity of heterosexual marriages by not allowing homosexuals to marry legally. The justification here is that homosexual relationships are sterile and that the children from these relationships will not have any kinship to, at a minimum, one of the parents and it could possibly be both of the parents. Carlson (2004) also found that marriage is an evolution in itself (questions 2-3). Question 4: Examine the Implementation of the Policy and Statute (p. 307) – how has the Department implemented this policy? How has subsequent legislation (if any) revised this policy? Note: This flows right into question 5 below. Question 5: Go to page 306 and answer question #1 (Family Impact Questions): Reviewing rules, legislation, and laws to point out how legislation does or does not address families’ needs. The goal of the previous research and the comprehension of the policy is to allow the policy holders to see the detrimental results that have occurred as a result of the failure to recognize same-sex marriages. Homosexual families are suffering as a result of the failure to acknowledge the relationships that are closest to them. Children, according to the research, are well adjusted and develop normally but they are not able to develop socially because of the limitations that are placed on them from being a part of a homosexual family system.. They encounter numerous roadblocks and challenges as a result. The systems that surround them are also aversely affected creating much distress for all individuals that come in contact with each member of the family. The homosexual partners also experience significant distress as a result of the failure of the state of Texas to recognize any union between two individuals of the same sex. These individuals fight uphill battles daily with the simplest household activities, such as medical care/insurance, monetary matters, and significant custody concerns if children are involved. The recognition of same-sex marriages would allow these homosexual families to experience more acceptance and give them the opportunity to continue with normal, daily activities without hindrance (question 8). The recognition of same-sex marriages would alleviate significant amounts of stress from those families who are a part of a homosexual partnership. The recognition of this partnership would allow for society to also recognize the partnership leading to a more accepted perspective. The children in these families, as demonstrated in the research results, remain near the average mark in development, but continue to have difficulty comprehending and accepting the lifestyle affecting their emotional and social developments. Texas can alleviate this stress for these individuals by recognizing these same-sex marriages and providing the same right to homosexual couples that is provided to heterosexual individuals. Providing this recognition will allow for all families in the state of Texas to have the same resources, rights, and privileges creating a stronger, more united state, community, and families. References Anderssen, N., Amlie, C., Ytteroy, E. (2002). Outcomes for children with lesbian or  gay parents. A review of studies from 1978-2000. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 43, 335-351. Bogenschneider, K. (2002). Family policy matters. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates:NJ. p.94-97. Brewer, P., Wilcox, C. (2005). The Polls—trends: Same-sex marriage and civil  unions. Public Opinion Quarterly, (69) 4, 599-616. Cantor, C., Neulinger, K. (2000). The epidemiology of suicide and attempted suicide among young Australians. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34(3), 370-387. Connolly, C. (1998). The description of gay and lesbian families in second-parent adoption. Behavioral Sciences the Law: Special issue: Families and Courts, 16(2), 225-236. Flaks, D., Ficher, I., Masterpasqua, F., Joseph, G. (1995). Lesbians choosing  motherhood: A comparative study of lesbian and heterosexual parents and their children. Developmental Psychology, 31, 105-114. Golombok, S., Perry, B., Burston, A., Murray, C., Mooney-Somers, J., Stevens, M., et al. (2003). Children with lesbian parents: A community study. Developmental Psychology, 39, 20-33. Jordan, K., Deluty, R. (2000). Social support, coming out, and relationship  satisfaction in lesbian couples. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 4, 145–164. Kelly, E., Conely, J. (1987). Personality and compatibility: A prospective analysis of  marital stability and marital satisfaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 27–40. Lewis, R., Derlega, V., Berndt, A., Morris, L., Rose, S. (2001).An empirical analysis of  stressors for gay men and lesbians. Journal of Homosexuality, 42, 63–88. Meyer, I. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and  bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129, 674– 697. Pawelski, J., Perrin, E., Foy, J., Allen, C., Crawford, J., Del Monte, M., Kaufman, M., Klein, J., Smith, K., Springer, S., Tanner, J., Vickers, D., (2006). The Effects of marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership laws on the health and well-being of children. Pediatrics, (118)1, 349-364. Pope, S. (2004). The magisteriums arguments against same-sex marriage: An  ethical analysis and critique. Theological Studies , 65(3), 530-555. Todosijevic, J., Rothblum, E., Solomon, S. (2005). Relationship satisfaction,  affectivity, and gay-specific stressors in same-sex couples joined in civil unions. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 29, 158–166.

No Child Left Behind Act Essay -- Politics Education School Learning E

No Child Left Behind Act President Bush quoted, â€Å"Clearly, our children are our future†¦Too many of our neediest children are being left behind† (www.ed.gov). The â€Å"No Child Left Behind† Act expands the federal government’s role in elementary and secondary education. The NCLB emphasizes accountability and abiding by policies set by the federal government. This law sets strict requirements and deadlines for states to expand the scope and frequency of student testing, restore their accountability system and guarantee that every classroom is staffed by a teacher qualified to teach in his or her subject area. Furthermore, the NCLB requires states to improve the quality of their schools from year to year. The NCLB pushes state governments and educational systems to help low-achieving and low-efficiency learners in high-poverty schools meet the same academic standards that apply to all other students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many important aspects of the â€Å"No Child Left Behind† Act. I think the most important area of the act is the parents. Parents play just as an important role to the educational system as anyone else. NCLB expands parental options. NCLB supports learning in the early years, thereby preventing many learning difficulties that may arise later in the student's life. In fact, research shows that most reading problems faced by adolescents and adults are the result of problems that could have been prevented through good instruction in their early childhood years (Snow, Burns and Griffin 1998). NCLB provides more information for parents about their child’s progress. Reading and math assessments are done several times and provide parents with objective data on where their child stands academically. NCLB requires states and school districts to give parents easy-to-read, detailed report cards on schools and districts, telling them which ones are suc ceeding and why. These report cards are detailed with extensive data. NCLB ensures that parents have important information regarding the schools their children attend and whether they are performing well or not. In addition, under NCLB, such schools that are considered low-performing must use their federal funds to make needed improvements. In the event of a school’s continued poor performance, parents have the option to ensure that their children receive the high-quality education to which they are entitled. This... ...dards are one of the main topics of educational and political rhetoric and debate in this decade. One of the major reasons for this controversy is that it is almost impossible to separate standards from assessment of student progress and teacher and school accountability. Therefore, parents are at somewhat of a crossroad.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With the right amount of funding and the proper objectives from government, the education reform could grow to be a huge success. As for right now, it is still under reform, and with certain changes comes certain conflicts. The goal at hand seems to be an effort to put all students, no matter what race, gender, income-status, etc. at the same academic standing as all other students. This is an extremely difficult task with many students being at different learning abilities. President Bush is not going to give up and maintain his fight for better education. Our country, noted as the greatest nation in the world, deserves to give our children the right to an excellent education. The children of today are the men and women of the future. Therefore, the â€Å"No Child Left Behind† Act is a great step forward for teachers, parents and students across the country.

Baruch Spinozas Anti Anthroponcentric View Essay -- Philosophy Spinoz

When Baruch Spinoza composed his philosophical masterpiece, the Ethics, he knew that his ideas (particularly those of God) would be considered heretical in the extreme, leading to any number of unpleasant consequences. This was the reason that the Ethics were published in 1677, posthumously (p.97)1. His apprehensions are well justified in the light of what he writes in the Appendix (p.145-149) to Part1: Concerning God (p.129-145) regarding the prejudices present in the minds of human beings. For, it is here that Spinoza directly challenges the prevalent religious orthodoxy and seeks to remove the very dogma that was the basis of their power. Spinoza asserts in the Appendix (p.145) that there exist certain prejudices in the minds of people that prevent them from understanding (and accepting as true) the conclusions that he reaches after a thoroughly logical and indeed, geometrical process of reasoning. The root of all these prejudices, he further clarifies, is the almost universal belief that all Natural things exist and act with some definite goal being pursued. Further, he presents for scrutiny the very strong anthropomorphism inherent in most human minds that makes these people believe in the universe having been created for their sake. Lastly comes the religious part of this picture, wherein mankind exists so that it may worship God, thereby closing the circle of creation. Spinoza (naturally, considering his philosophy) rejects this picture and thereby attempts in the Appendix to argue on the following crucial points: 1) The reason 1 Roger Ariew & Eric Watkins. Modern Philosophy: An anthology of primary sources. Indianapolis/Cambridge, 1998. Note: All references to Spinoza will be to this text unless otherw... ...e former, Spinoza replies, â€Å"...the perfection of things should be measured solely from their own nature and power† and not with respect to definitions in the imagination. Furthermore, God had no free will in creating the universe, (from Cor. 1 Pr. 32, p.142 as described previously) and (from Pr.16, p.137) â€Å"from the necessity of the divine..(follows)..everything that can come within the scope of infinite intellect†. Therefore, God must, of necessity, be the cause of everything, perfect and imperfect! 6 In conclusion, Spinoza provides an immaculate argument that should readily convince the reader of the truth of his main proposition in the Appendix, i.e. that the major reason for obstacles in the path of understanding is the anthropocentric view of Nature that most people hold on to, irrespective of the enormity of the contradictions inherent in that view. 7

Short Speech about Discrimination Among Girl Child and Boy Child

Discrimination against girl children has been a topic of debate. It has been a subject of concern and sociological significance. This subject raises the cultural aspects about the role of a girl child in society, what her human rightsare as a human being and a number of sensitive issues. This issue is important because there is nearly universal consensus on the need for gender equality. Gender based discrimination against girl children is pervasive across the world. It is seen in all the strata of society and manifests in various forms.As per the literature, girl child has been treated inferior to boy child and this is deeply engraved in the mind of the girl child. Some argue that due to this inferior treatment the girls fail to understand their rights. This is more predominant in India as well as other lesser developed countries. Sex selection of the before birth and neglect of the girl child after birth, in childhood and, during the [teenage] years has outnumbered boys to girls in India and also in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Korea.There are 1029 women per 1000 men in North America   and 1076 women per 1000 men in Europenbut there are only 927 women per 1000 men in India. These numbers tell us quite a harsh story about neglect and mistreatment of the girl child in India. Women have a biological advantage over men for longetivity and survival, however, in spite of this there are more men than women. The figures above support that gender discrimination of girl child is a basic facility area.Though the demographic characteristics do not show much or in some cases, anti-girl bias, there is always a woman who receives a small piece of the pie. There are two main inequalities as pointed out by Amartya Sen, the educational inequality and health inequality, these are the indicators of a woman’s status of welfare. In India irrespective of the caste, creed, religion and social status, the overall status of a woman is lower than men and theref ore a boy child is preferred over a girl child.A boy child is considered a blessing and his birth is celebrated as opposed to a girl child where her birth is not celebrated and is considered more of a burden.   Therefore, [education] and health care of the girl child in India is an important social indicator to measure equality between men and women. According to the 2001 Indian census, overall boy-girl ratio was 927 girls per 1000 boys. However, the 2011 Indian census shows that there are 914 girls per 1000 boys.During the last [decade] the number girl children to boy children in the youngest age group fell from 945 per 1000 boys to 927 per 1000 boys. As per the data available there seems to be gender disparity depending on the location, as the Northern states(particularly Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh) seem to be more biased then the Southern states. The sharpest decline for the age group of zero to six years is observed in the Northern States particularly in Punjab (793 per 1000 girls) and Haryana (820 per 1000 girls).These new figures point out that the use of new technology contributes to the gender composition. Furthermore, the availability of and access to new technologies provides new ways for parent to achieve such goals of sex determination before birth.   Due to the widespread use of this technology the Indian Government banned the sex determination before birth.   In spite of these bans imposed by the Government, the law is not widely followed.A social development report presented in 2010 to the World Bank and UNDP, found that the time a girl child and a boy child spends on various activities is similar, with the exception of domestic work and social/resting time; a girl child spends nearly three forth of an hour more on domestic work than a boy child and therefore lesser hours of social activity/resting then boys.   Despite progress in advancing gender equity from a legal standpoint, in practice many women and girl children still l ack opportunities, and support for the socio-economic advancement.  Historically, the inclusion of young girls and women in education has helped challenge gender [stereotypes] and discrimination.   This suggests that providing space for young girls to develop leadership skills, through education and healthy living is important. This can shape attitudes towards women [capabilities] as leaders and decision makers especially in conventionally boy domains and boy dominated cultures. Because of the sex preference of boy children in India, girl children are deemed of resources in the areas of health and education.