Escapism and power as entwined themes in Anouilh’s Antigone and Ibsen’s A Doll’s House Essay

Escapism is the ability of a person to leave his or her physical surroundings, and transcend into a world of their own, in order to flee the harsh truth of reality. This ability can give an individual power, or make them lose it. This concept is highlighted in Anouilh’s Antigone and Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, through the subtle use of symbols, foreshadowing, and imagery. In this light, escapism and power can be seen as themes with a linked purpose; to drive the play forward by building up emotions that culminate in acts of rebellion at the end of each play. With reference to this, escapism as a means to gain and lose power, and power as a trigger for escapism will be analyzed in this essay. Escapism as a means to gain power is portrayed in Anouilh’s play Antigone through his protagonist. Although mentioned only once, the ‘grey world’ that Antigone is so fascinated with serves as a symbol for her escapist persona. She says ‘It was beautiful. The whole world was grey when I went out. And now – you wouldn’t recognize it. It is like a post card: all pink, green, and yellow.’1 The colour grey alludes to bleakness, imagery of a world without colour, which could connote to a world without men or human interference. Her dislike for the world with colour suggests that she is not content with the mortal world of man, and wishes to go beyond it. This idea is perpetuated when she says ‘Have you ever thought how lovely a garden is when it is not yet thinking of men?’ Hence, her longing to leave the world of men is one of the motivating factors towards her decision to defy her uncle Creon, bury her brother and thus make her uncle sentence her to death. Her strong will to die, indicated by her vehement assertion, ‘I want to die!’ gives her power over Creon, as he is helpless to change her decision. Indirectly, she brings about the death of Haemon and Eurydice, as her suicide causes Haemon to join her in death, which causes his mother Eurydice to commit suicide in turn. Thus, Antigone’s escapism defines and strengthens her will to die, which gives her considerable power over other characters in the play. However, in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora is seen to create an idealistic world which is filled with activity, colour and gaiety. This is her form of escapism, which contrasts to Antigone’s, as hers is grey, dull and empty. Nevertheless, both these forms of escapism serve to drive the play forward, although in different ways. Antigone’s escapist nature propels her power, while Nora’s escapism hampers her power. Escapism as a means to lose power is depicted in both Antigone and A Doll’s House, although in strikingly different ways. In Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora’s escapism hinders her ability to accept the truth of her situation and achieve self liberation, and thus power. She envisions an idealist world of marital bliss, and in all but the end of the play, she constantly strives to uphold this facade. This is evident when she says ‘†¦ so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in Act II, during a conflict between herself and Torvald. She is trying to maintain her unrealistic world, as she is aware that this conflict is close to shattering it. This prevents her from gaining any sort of influence over her husband, as she is not able to assert her independence by breaking free of her idealistic, although restrictive world. Thus, by attempting to conform to the expectations of the rigid post war society that the play is situated in, Nora hampers her ability to gain power. This is similar to the loss of power in Antigone; however, it is brought on by Antigone’s absorption in the past which leads her to reject her maturity, and thus her power as an adult in society. This brings to light a minor, although significant undercurrent in both plays; the theme of childhood. This is linked to escapism, as it is a technique that Anouilh and Ibsen use to further their protagonists’ escapist natures, and thus restrict their ability to gain power. Both female protagonists are depicted as child women, although Antigone’s child like character stems from her reluctance to emerge from the past, Nora’s is imposed upon her by her domineering husband, Torvald. For both women, this image causes them to lose power by fueling their escapist tendencies. For Nora, it is part of the character she plays for Torvald, and thus a part of her unrealistic world. Hence, it is not her true character. Thus, she is able to overcome it to gain power, by abandoning her sense of idealism, and consequently the childlike image that her husband created for her. However, for Antigone, it is part of her innate persona, for she was never meant to be feminine, or adult -like. This is seen when she is described at the very beginning of the play, as a ‘thin little creature’. This aspect of her character is developed through the play, particularly significant during her conversation with her Nurse. The nurse addresses her as ‘my sparrow, my lamb’ and other such names appropriate to a child. This makes her yearn for her childhood even more. Her reminiscence makes her reluctant to die, and thus momentarily vulnerable. In stark contrast to this, escapism and power have a different function when manifested in the male characters of each play. Rather than escapism giving rise to or hindering power, power is seen to be a trigger for escapism. In A Doll’s House, Torvald is a man in a patriarchal society with considerable social standing. Despite this, he indulges in an idealistic world in which he denies his failing marriage, and at the very end of the play, struggles to hold on to it, even after being shattered by his wife’s departure. This is clear in his disbelief when he says ‘But to part! – to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can’t understand that idea.’ He fails to grasp the fact that the reality of his and Nora’s marriage has been finally revealed, as he has spent so much time absorbed in his unrealistic version of it, he has convinced himself it is real. Thus, his escapist world is shattered; this renders him powerless to cope with Nora’s dep arture. Although Torvald seems to enjoy his power, Creon does not. He makes an analogy of his role as King to the role of a manual laborer, someone who uses their physical strength for work that he describes as ‘dirty’. He deems it as something he is compelled to do, as he is responsible to the state by the power vested in him as a member of the royal family. His reluctant acceptance of power indicated by the line ‘God knows, there were other things I loved in life more than power’ leads him to advise his page ‘Never grow up if you can help it.’ This suggests a certain attachment to the past, when life was simpler and free of the constraints of responsibility. The page himself is a symbol of this attachment, as he represents Creon as a young boy. Additionally, he is always by Creon’s side, reinforcing his subtle connection with the past. Thus, he exhibits a minor form of escapism induced by the weighty responsibility of having the power of the state. The themes of escapism and power, when linked, can prove to be a powerful tool to convey thoughts, and foreshadow character development. When combined with hints of childhood as a sub theme, these two motifs are revealed to be effective literary techniques in both plays, unveiling aspects of character that would at first glance pass undetected. Ibsen and Anouilh have shown escapism to moderate and amplify power, and in relation to this, power as a trigger for escapism. It is this interweaving of themes through symbols and imagery that truly enhances a piece of literary work, and gives it layers of depth.

Prejudice and Discrimination Essay

Analytical Factsheet on Prejudice & Discrimination on Class Inequality Section 1: Executive Summary This essay is about prejudice and discrimination occurring in Singapore context to address Class discrimination. This essay will also show reasons to why prejudice and discrimination occurs and the effects of such inequity can cause to the society. In this case studies possible measures and solutions will be highlighted and suggested. Section 2: The issues and who are involved. This essay will discuss the discrimination against foreign workers working in Singapore. I will be elaborating on how class discrimination has adverse impacts on society on economic level and social levels. I define foreign workers as a group of minority that come from different countries to work in Singapore. According to the 2009 Singapore Yearbook of Manpower Statistics, 37. 6% of Singapore’s population are made up of foreign workers (1. 1 million %). This proves that foreign workers are an important component of our labour force. (Construction (70. 7%), followed by manufacturing (46. 8%) and service (28. 9%) sectors. ) The reason why I chose this topic is that knowing that this group of people had contributed to the country’s growth, yet they still suffer from social inequality and it is an important to address such issues and to understand what leads to such prejudice and discrimination against them. The common stereotypes of foreign workers are they are dirty, have weird body odour, lack of proper hygiene, creates disturbance in housing areas. They tend to speak loudly, creating a lot of noise and being responsible for the crime rates in Singapore. (The Straits Times Nov 2007 they eat, litter, get drunk, urinate, sleep and even fight,) They are also classified as poor people, cheap labour, being lecherous and not very well educated, and people with ill intension. These stereotypes then evolve into prejudices and discrimination and people tend to believe such information because it is consistent with their stereotypes while dismissing contradictory information. Having such stereotypes, people will tend to avoid and be unwilling to mingle with this group of people. For example in the case of the dormitory being setup for a group of foreign workers near the Serragoon gardens issue, it has brought about a big fiasco. Residences were worried about the safety and security in the neighbourhood. Working in a foreign country somehow shows that they are poor, in need of money and thus creating an impression that they wouldn’t hesitant to break in into houses to steal. (CNA October 3rd 2008 Dormitory decision upsets some Sera goon Gardens residents) It clearly shows how they are being mistreated by allocating their living quarters next to the cemetery to prevent any social conflict between the locals and these foreigners. (The Online Citizen Nov 2009 Social isolation – left among the dead) Many of them are being deprived of proper housing conditions where many need to be squeeze into a small room. Dormitories provided were usually poorly facilitated and has very low hygiene standards and others stay at worksite which can be dangerous. (The Online Citizen Sept 2009 Special Feature Is Singapore Slum Free? ) Unsafe transportations were used to ferry these workers to the worksites. Due to these factors, resulting in cases where foreign workers’ lives were lost because their welfare and safety weren’t factor in as priority. (Asia One News the New paper June 2010 3 death 14 hurt in latest crash) This group of people are commonly discriminated by the derogatory name( chinaman, bangala) given to them and being viewed a ‘2nd class citizen’ due to the low paid jobs they have thus having low social status. And because of this they are often being disrespected, taken for granted and exploited in the labour market. (The Online Citizen October 5th 2009 Chinese worker issued with receipt containing vulgarities) Section 3: Why it is important for us to talk about it? Currently there are laws and regulation in Singapore to protect these foreign workers but much can be done to improve on the current situation. According to civil society organisation Transient Workers Count Too, Ministry of Manpower hands out booklets to foreign workers upon their arrival in Singapore. These booklets regarding the employment act are available in different languages, hotline number is also provided for workers to report abuses. But employers and agents, in many cases, confiscate these leaflets and brochures, thus such informations are unable to reach them. Public endorsement of the exploitation of foreign workers seems to be allow for businesses and ports in Singapore to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year on foreigners because the economic market have created an industrial and work culture that requires them to accepting conditions that local workers would not agree to. Thus businesses are allowed to cut corners by squeezing foreign workers dry. The restrictive work permit system, which ties foreign workers to a single employer, makes it difficult for them to negotiate for better working conditions let alone higher wages. Many were afraid to speak up fearing that they might lose their jobs. Returning to their countries is not what they are looking forward to as many have taken out loans of up to $9000 just to work in Singapore. These workers have to work for long hours to support their families and to re-pay their debt. Contracts that are written are usually not made clear to the workers. Employers made the contracts solely to protect their own needs, rather than creating an unbiased relationship between themselves and their workers. Unions on the other hand are limited to how much they can do to assist and help demand for better working conditions. When workers are poor and lack legal protection, they are often willing to work longer hours for lower wages. Hence, the reason employers are willing to hire foreign workers in favour of local workers is because working conditions of all low wage workers in general are poor to start with. With such social inequality present in a multi racial country, it is important to address these issues in order to uphold the country’s goal to foster good relationship between different groups of people and to maintain a presentable image in the global world. Most importantly is to educate and ensure growth of such sectors should not be made at the expense of these workers’ rights. Being a small country, the effects if a strike will to occur will affect the country drastically, it will only tell foreign investors that we are not strong enough to provide a stable policies for business dealing and human rights are being abuse thus reflecting badly on Singapore’s reputation. Hence it is important to make sure fair treatment is giving to them. Negative effects will surface if they decided to vacant these jobs and it will definitely crumble the industries that which employments of foreign workers are high. Section 4: Where can we start to fix the problem? To tackle the problems of such inequality, by raising awareness and creating opportunities for interaction is ideal. Giving foreign workers a medium to voice out their opinions is necessary for human rights and the Government should initiate sharing sessions with foreign workers where translators could be brought in to break down language barriers. To help ease the problem of exploitation, laws which work against bad lodging can be further enforce with stricter consequences. For example, improve living conditions so as basic necessities are provided. Reduce discriminatory behaviours acted towards this minority group, the media can also play a part to show that what dangerous or risky jobs are taken up by them to make our living lifestyle better and to address and give credit to their contributions. In addition, subjects such as civics and moral education can be used to reach out to educate students about discrimination at a younger age. References: 1. The Online Citizen Nov 2009 Social isolation – left among the dead http://theonlinecitizen. com/2009/11/social-isolation-left-among-the-dead/ 2. Asia One News the New paper June 2010 3 death 14 hurt in latest crash http://news. asiaone. com/News/The+New+Paper/Story/A1Story20100623-223657. html 3. The Online Citizen Sept 2009 Special Feature Is Singapore Slum Free? http://theonlinecitizen. com/2009/09/toc-special-feature-is-singapore-really-slum-free/ 4. Transient Worker Count too http://www. twc2. org. sg/site/newsletters/2008-sept-oct. html 5. The Straits Times Nov 2007 they eat, litter, get drunk, urinate, sleep and even fight, http://www. straitstimes. com/print/Free/Story/STIStory_180230. html 6. The Online Citizen October 5th 2009 Chinese worker issued with receipt containing vulgarities http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/10/chinese-worker-issued-with-receipt-containing-vulgarities/ 7. Fit to Post June 24th 2010 Recognizing the work and sacrifice of foreign workers http://sg. yfittopostblog. com/2010/06/24/recognising-the-work-and-sacrifice-of-foreign-workers/ 8. The Online Citizen March 6th 2010 Foreign Workers Contract http://theonlinecitizen. com/2010/03/foreign-worker-contracts/ 9. Ministry of Manpower http://www. mom. gov. sg/Pages/default. aspx 10. CNA October 3rd 2008 Dormitory decision upsets some Serragoon Gardens residents http://www. channelnewsasia. com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/380077/1/. html.

My philosophy of pedagogy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

My philosophy of pedagogy - Essay Example When I came to USA, the first thing I wanted to learn was driving. I did not know driving because in Saudi Arabia, women are denied the right to drive. So I was very excited to learn how to drive. I received the training from my husband, Anees. Anees started from the basics because I was the beginner. I learned the functions of different tools and parts of the car. In the beginning, Anees would take me to lonely paths so that I would not be distracted by traffic and would be able to fully concentrate upon driving. Besides, this also allowed me escape possible accidents. Anees taught me the use of gears and break. I learned the meaning of the letter on each gear. Letter D means drive, letter P means parking, letter N means nothing, and the letter R means turn back. Once he thought I had gained sufficient control over the car, Anees took me to the roadside and told me the significance of traffic signals. I found it all a bit confusing in the beginning, but the anxiety receded as I prac ticed more. Â  The hardest part was driving on the highway. Cars rushing past me freaked me out. I was not very used to fast driving. But once I made it to my destination, it inculcated a feeling of confidence in me. I kept driving ever since and today, I have my own driving license and can dive independently. I am very grateful to my husband for his sincere help. Â  I always believed that I could be a very good teacher. I polished my husband’s creative writing skills. First, I taught him how to write.... Once he thought I had gained sufficient control over the car, Anees took me to the roadside and told me the significance of traffic signals. I found it all a bit confusing in the beginning, but the anxiety receded as I practiced more. The hardest part was driving on the highway. Cars rushing past me freaked me out. I was not very used to fast driving. But once I made it to my destination, it inculcated a feeling of confidence in me. I kept driving ever since and today, I have my own driving license and can dive independently. I am very grateful to my husband for his sincere help. I always believed that I could be a very good teacher. I polished my husband’s creative writing skills. I secured my Bachelor degree in English language from the Spring International Language Center. I was senior to my husband, and my essay writing skills were far better than his. Owing to the fact that men in our country are weak in expressing their emotions, my husband found it difficult to write a good essay. Therefore, I resolved to assist him with essay writing. I started with the basics. First, I taught him how to write an introduction in the American style. I told him that he ought to begin with a hook. I told him that it is important to write a hook to gain the attention of readers. Then, I told him to write a thesis statement to give the readers a fair idea of the content of the body of the essay. I told him that the body of an essay elaborates on what has been said in the thesis statement. Writing the topic sentence for each new paragraph was a bit confusing for Anees, but he started to develop better topic sentences as he practiced more. I suggested Anees to use different kinds of

Human Resource Management in the Hotel Industry Term Paper

Human Resource Management in the Hotel Industry - Term Paper Example The more surprising aspect is that the service industries like for e.g. hotels depend much more than manufacturing industries on their human capital for the quality of service being delivered by the intangible interface between the staff (the service provider) and the customer. The reason for this could be that the ‘services sector’ is not homogeneous and includes such diversified industries and services like banking, business services, catering, distribution, finance, insurance, leasing, hotels, and transport etc. In addition to this, it is estimated that sixty-five to seventy-five percent of work in the manufacturing industries also relates to ‘services’. However, the services provided by different industries are different in content and nature and for the reason cannot be dealt with as a general proposition. For example, the hotel industry is seasonal unlike many others listed above. The hotel industry is characterized by ad hoc management, lack of trade unionism and high labor turnover. (Hoque 1999a 4)The quality of human resources could well be the differentiator that can lend a competitive edge to the industry. The reputation that a hotel earns for its quality of service, is difficult for its competitors to replicate. The core philosophy of human resource management is that employee commitment enhances employe... sen sums up the key objectives for pursuing strategic HRM in the hotel industry as follows: it must focus on both activities generating value for the company and optimizing HRM costs at the same time (value contribution); it must develop, promote and retain human capital to suit the company's strategic objectives (aligni ng human capital with strategic objectives); and it must anticipate and support change initiatives with necessary processes, methods, and instruments for a smooth transition (managing change). Hoque cites other researchers like Guest (1987) and Beer et al., (1985) to argue that employees' commitment makes them more satisfied, productive, adaptable, willing to accept organizational goals and values, and not mind to 'stretch' themselves to meet organizational goals.     

Work Breakdown Structure Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Work Breakdown Structure - Assignment Example The time frame for completing all activities at the terminal ends must be within the confines of one reporting period. If the activity may spill over to the next period, then it should be further subdivided. It is possible to contract out the terminal elements of work as single units of activities. For instance, all the activities in the above WBS can be contracted to specific individuals or groups. The terminal elements should represent work activities that realistically are not possible to break further (Miller 98). The Tree Structure Format was employed in developing the work breakdown structure. This is the commonly used format in presenting the WBS. The major advantage over other methods is that it is easy to understand just by taking a quick glance (Miller 109). Users can quickly be able to view the flow of work and what they are expected to do. The downside is that it may be difficult to create compared to others such as the Tabular Format. In project management, certain activities or whole project may spiral out of control and take longer than usual to complete. This may occur due to lack of proper planning of the scope of the project ahead of its implementation. This is referred to as the scope creep. IT projects are highly susceptible to scope creep. For example, FoxMeyer Drug, a large pharmaceutical company experienced scope creep on trying to install a multimillion IT system that would manage all critical operations. The scope of the project experienced a continuous growth until the costs became prohibitive (Schwalbe 209). The IT system also experienced billing errors. The cause of scope creep in this case was the lack of a clearly defined scope of work. There were no elaborate work limits during the initial stages of the project. Product testing could also have helped eliminate failures in the new system which resulted to errors (Schwalbe 210). Northrop Grumman, a manufacturing company experienced scope creep during implementation

Journal Article Research and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Journal Article Research and Analysis - Essay Example Heneman (2002), states that for human resources compensation is the prime source that enables companies to attract and retain talents, thus the compensation management is a critical component of human resource management and of the entire organization. The importance of compensable factors, such as knowledge required by position and skills requirements, problem solving and accountability (Jones, Steffy & Bray, 1991) are dictated by the complex decisions that executives should make in order to positively impact company’s recruitment and retention efforts and to reach organizational goals. Therefore, choosing a compensation strategy is one of the main human resource decisions made by any organization. The development of such strategy is highly important because it promotes employee recruitment, retention, motivation and good performance thanks to the set of offerings that a company makes. However, not every organization compensates its employees or uses compensation strategically. While wages and benefits policies are used without strategical intentions, compensations instead are aimed to improve morale, reduce employees’ turnover and help achieve targets within an establishment (Das & Baruah, 2013). However, as stated by Hong, Hao, Kumar, Ramendran and Kadiresan (2012), compensation is not one of the main factors that impact the employees’ turnover despite being a critical factor in reducing managerial turnover. When determining the compensable factors, the developers should consider such policy choices as internal alignment, external competitiveness, employee contributions and the management of the pay system. As internal alignment deals with the pay relationships within the organization, it dictates the level of skills and knowledge that are needed, thus the compensation and benefits programs are granted for the special set of such skills. As companies are facing severe competitiveness, they should offer applicants such compensation packages that

Organizational Behavior Study Guide and Sample Comprehensive Review Assignment

Organizational Behavior Study Guide and Sample Comprehensive Review Questions - Assignment Example A number of factor help to have access to what an individual likes and dislike including: projection, hako effect, attribution, perceptual set, perceptual context, perceptual defense, stereotyping among others. 4. Attitude is a way of behaving, or thinking towards a belief. Attitude has three components. The first is emotional which refers to an individual’s feelings towards a tangible object. The second is informational which are the beliefs or ideas that an individual has concerning an object. Lastly is behavioral which is the behavior (cognitive and affective) that a person has towards an object. 5. Attitudes can be formed through learning from experience of the social situation around a person. Attitudes can be changed through an individual’s will to reduce dissonance; also rewards of changing a particular perception about an object can help in change attitude. 6. Maslow hierarchy of needs is a human motivation theory which states that the most basic needs (which are at the bottom of the hierarchy) must be met in order for a person to desire the needs at higher levels. Herzberg’s motivation theory suggests that a worker can either be motivated by good incentives or dissatisfaction by bad conditions of a working place.Alderfer’s ERG (Cycle of Needs) is an employee motivation theory proposing that there three categories of human needs (existence, relatedness, growth) that motivates a worker. McClelland’s Three-need theory advocate that needs to achievement, affiliation and power motivates an employee when they are met.Expectancy Theory (Vroom and Porter/Lawler), propose that a person will select behavior and choose motivation based on the outcome/result desirability. Equity theory suggests that fairness and unfairness in a working place determine a workers satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Attribution theoryexamines the u se of

The Exploration and Advancement of the Concept of Trust in Nursing Research Paper

The Exploration and Advancement of the Concept of Trust in Nursing - Research Paper Example Graduate nurses were employed in this research. A graduate nurse is a nurse working for first year after completion of their degree program and they are on a house job. The method incorporated included qualitative description. Seven nurses took part in the research. The criterion was currently working nurses, practicing their house jobs in Melbourne hospital and registered as division of nursing branch. Purposeful sampling strategy was used. The purposeful sampling focuses on selecting a population who will illuminate the question under studies. The finding was that they had no experience after their graduation of the trust and faced problems treating their patients. What led to develop a confidence in their patient was described in four steps which fostered their relation like building a rapport, focusing on improved communication skills and time taken in building of successful trust (Belcher and Jones, 2009). The Concept of â€Å"Trust† â€Å"You will get better with this m edicine†, â€Å"consult a doctor†, â€Å"look for a psychiatrist he better knows your problems† etc. these statements show a part of the trust we share with the public around us. Trust is a person’s ability to predict what others will do next or what circumstance can come next. However, the scope of trust is being neglected in the circle of science for long as it relates to spiritual concept having no particular strategy to weigh down its crucibles in professional fields such as healthcare (Mok and Pui, 2004). Scientific study for the concept was mandatory to highlight the importance and hence, improve the relationships among the people at workplace or a highly trust dependent field of healthcare, sociology, physiology etc. In health care, three actors play a crucial role in the ‘trust’ play. They are the state, the healthcare practitioner and the patient and other disciplines are likewise. For better service, trust is both a virtue and an obl igation; hence it is a crucial factor in therapeutic relationship. There has been a lot said and discussed about the concept, but the gravity of ‘trust† ideology remains unrecognized. For this purpose, instead of more and more verbal war and never-ending discussions, a scientific approach to test the ‘trust’ hypothesis is established, to negate the skeptics related to the social issue in field of science and, to offer a concrete ground for the hypothesis to stand upon in healthcare sciences. The concept is researched by the way of social sciences research strategy as it is a complicated research to test the concepts. The methods chosen consisted of four basic phases. First is the analysis of the concepts by collected data then concept advancement is made by making principles based on initial analysis. The concept is then examined in the light of the principles. Finally, reviewing the researched data, therapeutic definitions are made. In the first step the co ncept is developed and analyzed by using review of the specific literature (Hupcey, et. al., 2002). Methods of concept analysis were undertaken to develop the concept of trust; like analytic questioning was employed which lead to the emergence of such issued that could help in determining the level of maturity of the concept of trust. Other than employing analytic questioning, congruence is searched for across the fields to look for common theoretical basis or ‘linkages’ in the literature of nursing, medicine, psychology and sociology (Hupcey, et. al., 2002). The analysis generated results that in a lay man’

Interdiscuplinary Study in Consumer Behaviour Essay Example for Free

Interdiscuplinary Study in Consumer Behaviour Essay With the development of a consumer society, increasing consumer power in the market place, the growth in marketing, advertising, sophisticated consumers, ethical consumption etc, consumption is recognized as central to modern life. Thus it entails to go into a depth of the different approaches to consumer behaviour. Many human sciences give a variety of reasons to explain why a consumer behaves in a particular way in a given situation. Studies of consumption investigate how and why society and individuals consume goods and services, and how this affects society and human relationships. These are found in many social sciences such as economics, psychology, sociology, etc. The present study tries to investigate these theories based on consumption and consumer behaviour and how far these are interlinked as well as different from one another. It is also aimed at studying the relevance of these theories with the help of primary data and research. The purpose of this study is to find out whether there is some interlink between the various theories and approaches given by different economists, psychologists and sociologists. The hypothesis framed for the research is that Consumption is greatly influenced by the income factor. The data used in the study was mostly secondary in nature from the internet and reference to several books. The theories of consumption studied for this purpose are the demand theory, indifference curve analysis, revealed preference theory, Keynes’ consumption theory, permanent income hypothesis, relative income hypothesis, life-cycle hypothesis, Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, the sociological theories of consumption given by G. Katona, Ruby Turner Norris and the theory of Conspicuous consumption given by Veblen. An attempt has been made to study consumer behaviour with the help of primary data collected from a sample of 40 people from 4 categories namely, students, housewives, employees and businessmen. They were asked to rank the different factors that influence their buying behaviour. The influential factors given in the questionnaire were taken from the consumption theories given in economics, sociology as well as psychology as given above. From the analysis of both primary as well as secondary data, it was found that majority of people give importance to their income level. However, it is also found that, besides income factor, people also think about sociological and psychological factors while purchasing a commodity such as security, safety, fashion, advertising, comforts and prestige issues. As given in the Sociological theories of G. Katona and Norris, it was seen after the primary data analysis that the economic theory of consumption lacks such social structural variables. Thus it is concluded that in the construction of any consumption function or theory – for a particular product, for a particular class of products, or for consumption in general – not either economic or sociological or psychological variable is to be regarded as the key determinant. Different combinations of all these three enter into different statements of consumption functions at different situations and time periods according to the necessity or urgency of the wants.

Arabic Language in Learning Sahria and Islamic Law Essay Example for Free

Arabic Language in Learning Sahria and Islamic Law Essay Language is very important in our daily life. It serves as the way in communicating and dealing with other people. There are many language used by different people in different places. In field of teaching, language is the most important factor to be considered. Arabic language was known to be the second most used language in the world second to Chinese. A good knowledge of Arabic language will greatly enhance one’s ability to work and interact effectively with Arabic-speaking people and that, the diligent study of Arabic can lead to exciting careers in various fields in that particular vicinity. In addition, Arabic is the language of Islam and to properly understand Islam, that is why Arabic should be learn and taught for every Muslims (Tamano 1996). In teaching Sharia or Islamic Law, Arabic Language should be highly encouraged as the fundamental medium used in the classroom. However, in the case of King Faisal Center most of the students taking up Sharia courses have only miniature background in Arabic field particularly Arabic language. As a result the teachers preferred to use Local language just to make the student understand the discussions of Sharia. Sharia Law or Islamic Law derives its legal rules to Quran and Hadith. The primary sources of Islamic law are the Quran and Hadith which is written in Arabic language. In order to understand the Quran and Hadith you should be knowledgeable in Arabic language. For Muslims, the Qur’an is the literal word of God received verbatim by the Prophet Muhammad in his native Arabic tongue, who passed it on his followers. Qur’an is the foundation of Islam and the primary source of guidance for Muslims in all aspect of life, whether spiritual, legal, moral, political, economic or social (Saeed 2006). Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic Law and it originally written in Arabic text. Sharia derives its law based on the Qur’an. That is why the students and teachers should give an importance in teaching and learning Arabic Language in order to help the students specially Sharia students in order for them to understand the Sharia clearly and to help them in their future job as a Sharia practitioner. In the case of KFCIAAS in Islamic Studies Department, they preferred to use English language in most of their Sharia courses. KFCIAAS should consider that Arabic language is the foundation of Islam and we should give importance for improving and enhancing their methods of teaching Arabic language. The focus of this study is to gather information on the importance of Arabic language in teaching Sharia in King Faisal Center for Islamic Arabic and Asian Studies and try to strengthen and improve the teaching of Arabic language in King Faisal Center.

Validity Reliability Quantitative

Validity Reliability Quantitative Use a variety of sources to answer the questions, 2) not copy directly out of any book, 3) include sources to responses and cite them at the end of his writing, and 4) provide more details about how you applied his knowledge of research to his independent study.   His goal is to demonstrate through writing his research knowledge and that he applied that knowledge to his independent study. Question # 5 Validity and generalizability aspects of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research: Quantitative research Validity and reliability are two important aspects in order to approve and validate the quantitative research. Moskal Leydens (2002) defined the validity as â€Å"the degree to which the evidence supports that the interpretations of the data are correct and the manner in which interpretations used are appropriate†. In other words, Joppe (2000) stated that validity is the one if the obtained results are truthful and believable. He also adds that to determine the validity, the researchers generally poses a series of questions, and will often look for the answers in the research of others to know whether the measurements are accurate or not (p. 1). Joppe (2000) also defined reliability as how consistent the results are when the experiment is repeated a number of times under same methodological conditions, then the instrument is said to be reliable. Kirk and Miller (1986) identified three types of reliability referred to in quantitative research, which relate to: (1) producing th e same results under same measurement conditions (2) the stability of a measurement with respect to time; and (3) the similarity of measurements in a given time period (p. 41-42). Charles (1995) argued that reliability is the consistency with which an individuals scores remain relatively the same and can be determined through the test-retest method at two different times. HE refers to this type of instrument as stable instrument. He also stated that a high degree of stability indicates a high degree of reliability, which means the results are repeatable. According to Creswell (2003) there are several threats of validity that proves or raises issues about the accuracy of the data or results or application of statistical tests to conclude the effects of an outcome. They are internal threats, external threats, statistical conclusion threats, and construct validity threats. Campbell and Stanley (1963) states that the basic requirement to interpret an experiment is to clearly define internal validity. Internal validity threats are experimental procedures, treatments, or experiences of the participants that threaten the researchers ability to draw correct inferences from the data in an experiment. These are raised due to usage of inadequate procedures like changing the instrument or a tool during an experiment, changing the control group participants under study etc. Because of these inadequate procedures, the experimenter should find whether the experiment make a difference in this instance or not. External validity threats arise when the researcher concludes incorrect inferences from the sample data to other persons. It addresses the question of generalizability that to whom can we generalize the obtained results. A statistical conclusion validity threat arises when experimenters draw inaccurate inferences from the data because of the violation of the assumptions of the statistical test being used for the collected data. Construct validity threat arises when investigators use inadequate definitions and measure variables based on those inadequate definitions. In general, methods of establishing validity in quantitative research are: Experiment review Data triangulation Participant feedback Regression analysis Statistical analysis In my study, I clearly defined and took care of the internal validity threats that can arise from the data collected and the tools used for collecting the data. In order to avoid this threat in Microsoft Excel, as the random data generated keeps on changing, I copied the data on multiple sheets so as to make sure the data was not lost for further analysis. I took care of the external validity by inferring the data to their respective parts, products and machines correctly and obtained results after performing a careful analysis. I applied descriptive statistics analysis and drew line graphs between the numbers of products, delay time and interpreted the results clearly. Qualitative research Golafshani (2003) argues that the concepts of validity and reliability related to the quantitative research may not be applicable or support for qualitative research. Winter (2000) points out that the necessary tools such as precision; credibility and transferability are considered to validate the qualitative research. Transferability refers to the extent in which the obtained results can be used by other researchers. Credibility is nothing but the data, data collection and the results obtained are trustworthy and believable. All the technical issues such as validity, reliability, triangulation and generalizability show the effect of credibility. In terms of the quantitative research, reliability means, the result is replicable. But, in terms of the qualitative research, reliability is testing the information for high quality which otherwise looks confusing making the reader change the track of the study. Stenbacka (2001) relates that in the quantitative study, quality or reliability refers to evaluating the purpose of explaining, while in qualitative study, it serves the purpose of generating understanding of the information. Creswell Miller (2000) stated that the strength of the qualitative study depends on the accuracy of the findings in view of the researcher, participant or the readers. Moskal Leydens (2002) defined the validity as â€Å"the degree to which the interpretations of the data accurately describe the phenomenon under investigation†. I qualitative research, internal validity refers to the match between the researchers observations, interpretations, categories and reality. In addition to validity, Moskal Olds (2002) used trustworthiness as an alternate method to validate the study which states that the made interpretations are accurate. Patton (2001) states that validity and reliability are two factors qualitative researchers should be aware of in designing, analyzing, interpreting, and judging the quality of study. According to Seale ( 1999), to ensure reliability in qualitative research, the research needs to examine the trustworthiness. He adds that trustworthiness of the research report becomes important if the validity and reliability of the study is discussed. Testing or maximizing the validity of the qualitative research: Stenbacka (2003) suggested that the structure of documenting and doing a high quality research work leads to a generalizability if the validity and trustworthiness are maximized. To do this, a data triangulation method has to be implemented to control bias and to establish valid propositions. Creswell Miller (2000) defined data triangulation as the formation of themes or categories using a validity procedure for convergence among multiple and different sources of information. It involves comparison of results obtained from different data methods such as surveys, interviews, observations etc. So, to establish multiple ways of truth for a qualitative research, researcher needs to redefine, implement and test the validity, reliability, generalizability and data triangulation concepts thoroughly. Methods for establishing the validity and to enhance the credibility of qualitative research are: Negative case analysis Presenting the negative information that runs counter to the themes Audit trail Clarifying the bias that the researcher brings to the study Prolonged field experience Spending prolonged time in the field to develop an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study Data triangulation triangulate different data sources of information by examining evidence from the sources and using it to build a coherent justification Member checking to determine the accuracy of the qualitative findings Mixed methods research: Designs combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods to collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data are called as mixed methods research. In mixed methods strategy, the researcher should consider both quantitative and qualitative validity strategies and mix both of these in a way that best works to build credibility and trustworthiness of the data, data collection, and out comes of the study. Question # 2 Framework Elements of Research: For every research proposal, a definite framework exists to follow a certain pattern. According to Creswell (2003), there are three different research approaches: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. To understand these approaches fully, every researcher needs to consider three framework elements: knowledge claims, strategies of inquiry, data collection statistical analysis called as methods. My study falls under quantitative approach. The three framework elements that are related to quantitative approach are: Knowledge claims: Creswell (2003) defines knowledge claim as initiation of the project with certain assumptions about how the study will be learned and what the outcomes of the study are during the inquiry. Hunston (1993) suggests a researcher, to treat knowledge claim as an item in the research article. He also adds that the chosen item should be agreed by the community of that discipline. Dahl (2007) argues that the constructions of such claims are complex with the text sequences because; the concept of knowledge claim is not easily understandable. It should be originated from the critical thinking of the discipline that is embodied in the positional form. He also investigated on how the new knowledge claims are constructed for the present-day research article introductions in economics and linguistics. According to Creswell (2003), the different types of knowledge claims are post positive knowledge claims, socially constructed knowledge claims, advocacy or participatory knowledge claims and finally pragmatic knowledge claims. When the research includes determining or reducing or an empirical observation and measurement or theory verification, then the type of knowledge claim is post-positivism. Popper (Wikipedia) supports that post positivists believe human knowledge based on conjectural thinking. Nicholas Philips (2000) believed that thinking is not based on solid foundations rather they think as a prospective outcome believing that there is something real which we should find out. Creswell (2003) states that â€Å"Post positivism refers the thinking and after positivism; challenging the absolute truth and recognizing that we can not be â€Å"positive† about claims of knowledge when studying the behaviors and action of human†. Post positivism reflects in determining the effects or outcomes, examining the causes that reflect the outcomes by doing experiments, reducing the ideas into a small, set of ideas to test such as variables that constitute hypothesis and research questions, developing numeric measures of observations and studying the behavior of individuals. The problem studied by post positivist refers that there is a need to examine, and analyze the causes so as to interpret the outcomes. Post positivist can also be a reductionism where the variables of hypothesis and research questions are selected and carefully analyzed. Knowledge claims that arise for my independent study are: Post positivism, believing that the delay time can be minimized in realty with the help of an algorithm. It is also believed that any production work order can be optimized with the help of developed algorithm. The knowledge claims that refer to my study are Post-positivism which includes combination of determination, observation and measurement of the delay time. The study involves recognizing the possible causes of a factor (work order) and determining the effects (delay time) of a factor by a careful observation and finally minimizing the effect or improving the performance (Productivity) of a system. The study involves development of a random data for careful observation of the delay time and analyzing the generated data in a real-time analysis for finding out the causes such as delay time and its effect o the productivity of the system. Then an algorithm is developed to test the behavior of the data so as to improve the p erformance of the system. Strategies of inquiry: A stage of inquiry in quantitative research includes numerical summaries, generalizations across populations and comparisons between populations. The design followed is experimental design in which the researcher examines how the phenomenon changes as a result of developing or implementing a method. Strategies of inquiry provide specific designs for procedures in the research design. Though strategy of inquiry is using from decades, has become more important with the increase in the computer technology, and the ability to analyze complex models. Strategies associated with quantitative research were those that invoked the post positivist perspectives. These include true experiments and less vigorous experiments called quasi-experiments and correlation studies, and specific single-subject experiments (Campbell Stanley, 1963). He also states that, in this computer world, quantitative research strategies are involved with complex experiments that can analyze many variables and treatment s witht eh help of factorial designs and repeated measure designs. Strategies associated with quantitative approach are: A strategy of inquiry that is employed in my study is experiments. The experiments that I conducted for my study include visiting four manufacturing industries, observing the flow of products on different manufacturing production lines, and finally analyzing the type of model or an algorithm to be developed. Based on my observation, I see that the flow of parts on every assembly line is being obstructed by high process times parts causing a waiting of other products which resulting in high delay time for preceding products. This causes the performance of the system and ultimately affecting the productivity of the manufacturing production line. The observation is done in four manufacturing industries, each involving many numbers of assembly lines. Based on the observations data, I concluded that the part times and the product assembly times are different for different assembly lines and for different manufacturing industries, so I realized to work on optimizing the random part, produc t times which should be suitable to any production line. My study has comparison of the data sets with each data set consisting of 500 products of initial generated delay time with final delay time after incorporating the developed algorithm for the delay time. It is an experiment model which involves a creation of random data with Microsoft Excel and analyzing the various machine parameters with the help of Microsoft tools. Research methods: The most important element in the research process is the methods of data collection and analysis. For quantitative research, the research methods I used are predetermined instrument based questions such as performance data, attitude data, observational data and census statistical data using Microsoft Excel. My research problem is how to develop a universal algorithm to optimize the production work order. It involves identifying the factors that influence the outcomes, and testing the factors with the help of large data. The approach that matches to my problem is quantitative approach. To collect the data, I observed four industry assembly lines and generated a random data after a careful observation by using various closed-ended and open-ended questions and focuses on numeric data so that the results and interpretations are applicable to any type of industry assembly line. The method of data collection for my study is using Microsoft Excel as an instrument that generates a random data which reflects to the data of current manufacturing industries production line consisting of different products with each product having different parts. The purpose of collecting a random data using Excel is to analyze test the algorithm whether it has a definite outcome so that the algorithm is applicable for any type of data or manufacturing assembly line. Then the analysis includes comparison of the delay times of the original data and the optimized order data for delay time. The analysis includes the implementation of algorithm and application of descriptive statistics. Question # 1 Purposes and benefits of sections of Independent study My independent study is related to quantitative research model. My study deals with development of an algorithm to arrange production work order for minimizing delay time at on the assembly line. It purely deals with the quantitative random data and uses post positivist claims for the development of sound knowledge for delay time comparison and employs experiments, and generated data aster observing a variety of manufacturing assembly lines, strategies of inquiry Purpose of the quantitative research is to do numerical summaries, generalizations across populations and comparisons between populations. This research primarily relies on quantitative data. It includes few variables which are the building blocks (Delay time, work order, number of different products) and many cases or categories (Five sets of data with each set consisting of 500 products which are different). These quantitative research methods use experimental designs. Here, every chapter follows a typical pattern. Introduction Purpose: The purpose of an introduction is to provide background information to the readers for the research reported in the study. A good introduction chapter motivates the reader and audiences to go a head a read the rest of the study. It provides a plan for the research, so that readers will be able to understand how the study is different and related to other research (Creswell, 2003 p.73). It establishes the issue leading to the research by conveying information about a research problem (Creswell, 2003 p.74). In this, the problem is addressed by understanding the factors or variables which are the process time, product order that influence an outcome delay time (Creswell, 2003 p.75). It provides the understanding of the problem that explains or relates to an outcome delay time and helps the researcher best understand and explain the problem why the delay time is to be minimized (Creswell, 2003 p. 76). The outline of my introduction chapter is Introduction I introduced in brief about my study, providing a background of what it is with a little bit of literature so as to educate the reader. Statement of the problem in the study I defined the problem of my study clearly with an example of a simple manufacturing line. Sub problems are also stated in addition to the main problem. Objectives I listed out the objectives of the study that I am going to achieve by solving the above problem. Justification of the study I gave a justification on for what I am working on this study and supporting what I say. Benefits of research I listed out the benefits of the research, who are going to benefit by using this study in long term and in short term period. Assumptions, limitations and delimitations I listed out various assumptions that I am going to consider, what limits my study in solving the above problem. Definition of terms and I defined the important terms that the reader should be aware of or know before proceeding into the next chapter. Summary -Summarizing the chapter. Benefits: By writing an effective introduction chapter, a reader can figure out the problem leading to the study i.e., how the delay time is optimized by arranging the production work order, reviewing the literature about the problem to find whether there are any related theories that is done by other investigators, identifying deficiencies in the literature about the problem, targeting audiences and notifying the significance of the problem for this audience (Creswell, 2003 p.73). Literature Review Purpose: The purpose of the literature review is to find and learn more about the topic and check whether any researcher previously has made any study or research on the same topic or on the related topic (Creswell, 2003 p.29). If explained in detail of the previous related research, the reader will try to connect the study with previous studies by filling the gaps.(Cooper, 1984; Marshall Rossman, 1999). It provides the importance of the study when compared to the prior studies and also benchmarks the results with other findings. After the careful analysis of the research topic with the help of past research, a clear definition of the problem of the study has been stated. All or some of these reasons may be the foundation for writing the scholarly literature into a study (Miller, 1991). My research is all about how to optimize the assembly lines. I conducted a literature review on single-model assembly lines, mixed-model assembly lines. Then, I narrowed it down to the algorithms dealing with assembly lines involving the optimization or minimization of delay times so as to clearly understand the past research, problems of the past models and clearly define the research problem. Introduction- I explained what I am going to talk in this chapter. And also I will tell what the various important issues I am highlighting are. Assembly line I talked about assembly lines literature, presenting the information related to my study on assembly lines and the prior researcher accomplishments. Delay time- I talked about assembly lines literature, presenting the information related to my study on assembly lines and the prior researcher accomplishments. Algorithms I spoke about key algorithms as there are so many types related to the study. Summary- Summarizing the chapter. Benefits: The literature review helps the researcher to revise the research idea and shows methodological techniques to problems specific to the research problem that will help in designing the study. It also helps to suggest possible questions or hypotheses that need to be addressed (Creswell, 2003 p.46). Methodology Purpose: The purpose of methodology chapter is to bring focus on survey and experimental modes of inquiry. The researcher will explain which methodology he is using, why he chose that methodology and why he chose not to use other methods. In methodology chapter, the researcher discusses about the framework elements of research such as knowledge claims, strategies of inquiry, and methods. The method that was used to collect data is explained in detail like how did to generate random data of five sets with each set consisting of 500 products using Microsoft Excel ad procedure I followed to find the real-time delay time. The reader will exactly know what was done with the collected data, to the point that he or she can replicate the study to get similar results. Introduction- Here I talk about the previous chapter, by concluding some important points that are going to be used in this chapter. Restatement of the problem I restated the problem clearly by narrowing the problem into a specific definite path so as to make a clear understanding to the reader after dealing with the prior research work, the accomplishments etc. Because, the stated problem before might not be clear as the research work wasnt done at that time. After knowing the literature review part, the researcher analyzes the problem and states here clearly. Research design- involves framework elements of the research in order to determine the type of approach followed based on the framework elements of research. Then quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches are compared. In addition to this the validity of the method is also discussed. After knowing the type of approach, proceeded to various steps like experiments, data collection. Ethical issues are also considered before planning for data collection. Instrumentation the instruments for conducting an experiment are explained in detail. Types of instruments, specifications are clearly mentioned. Data collection data is collected with the help of instruments and tools Analysis of the data data is ready for the analysis and using statistical tools, or any other techniques are used. Summary- Summarizing the chapter. Benefits: With the help of methodology chapter, audiences can recognize the variation that exists in the qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies, why I chose a quantitative study for the research problem I defined then it advances general guideline for procedures of the study. These guidelines include a discussion about the general characteristics of the study if the audiences are not familiar with the approach to research. (Source: Classroom material by Dr. Lynda Kenney) Results Purpose: The purpose of results chapter is to present the analysis, the tools used for obtaining results so that the reader can understand easily and can be able to interpret and learn what has been done in the study. It needs to be organized in a step-by-step manner in such a way that the collected data, statistical tests, graphs, charts, are presented for support description for the reader to interpret quickly and accurately (Leedy Ormrod, 2005). Introduction Application of algorithm Results Summary- Summarizing the chapter. Benefits: The benefits of the results chapter is for readers to quickly interpret the conclusions and significance with the help of the tables, graphs, charts and figures obtained from the interpretation and analysis of the data. Flow Chart Purpose: The purpose of the flow chart is to explain the process of optimization of the production work order in a step-by-step process that is described in the study. Sometimes, a simulation model can also be presented for easy understanding. It depicts an outline of the algorithm in a straightforward manner. Introduction Explanation of the developed algorithm -Flow chart Summary- Summarizing the chapter. Benefits: It makes the readers understand easily at a glance what has done in the entire study. It also helps the researcher to make and follow the created flow chart while analyzing the data. Discussion Purpose: The purpose of the discussion chapter is to highlight the main theories and conclusions used in the research study so that a reader can easily figure out what theories the researcher used in implementing and analyzing the data. Each major conclusion is clearly explained with the help of chart, graphs and tables and compared with the results of the similar work by other investigators. Then, the researcher continually connects her findings with the theoretical frameworks. Any new or unusual results are also explained (Leedy Ormrod, 2005). If the researcher is not sure about the significance of the results or could not understand the phenomenon of the data, he presents a speculative discussion outlining several possible outcomes by alerting the readers that such a discussion is speculative. Finally, he outlines the important results he thinks of with the study. Introduction Discussion of the results Advantages of the results Outline of important results Summary Benefits: The benefits of the discussion chapter are to make grand conclusions which support the subsequent paragraphs. Here, the entire conclusions, implications or the effects due to each conclusion including the minor and major effects are presented. The discussion also includes the method of computation or derivation of the study. Such situation arises when one figure is derived from preceding figures. If the application or method is involved, then a complete example with the method is to be explained for complete understanding to the reader. Finally, explained the significance and outcomes of the study. Conclusions and Recommendations Purpose: The purpose of the conclusions chapter is to make a summary of the conclusions in reference to the objectives and the problem stated in introduction chapter. The researcher also points out both what are found and what are not found. It is also the section examined by the prospective reader with limited available time (Leedy Ormrod, 2005). Introduction Restatement of the problem Conclusions Recommendations Benefits: Although the researcher has previously presented each of the conclusions, conclusions chapter tell us the reader the ultimate effect or the benefit of the study. In my study, I have explained how the delay time is minimized or optimized by arranging the production work order so that it is quite helpful to readers, who might easily lose track of some important conclusions as they read earlier portions of a study (Leedy Ormrod, 2005). In addition to this, a prospective reader will able to quickly examine the research in limited time. I explained the benefits of my study that findings of this research will aid industries, retails stores by demonstrating how the algorithm is currently used, and how retail stores can assist customers to implement universal algorithm. Industries may benefit from models of evaluating arrangement of parts of a product on an assembly line. REFERENCES Leedy, P. D., Ormrod, J. E. (2005). Practical Research: Planning and Design. PEARSON. Columbus. Ohio. Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Second Edition, SAGE. Thousand Oaks. USA. Olds, B., Moskal, B. Miller, R. â€Å"Assessment in Engineering Education†, Journal of Engineering Education , to appear Jan. 2005. Moskal, B., Leydens, J. Pavelich, M. Validity, reliability and the assessment of engineering education. Journal of Engineering Education , Vol. 91, No. 3, 351-354, 2002. Leydens, J., Moskal, B. Pavilich, M. ,Qualitative Methods Used in the Assessment of Engineering Education. Journal of Engineering Education , 93(1), 65-72, 2004. Hunston, Susan, 1993. Professional conflict. Disagreement in academic discourse. In: Baker, M., Francis, G., Tognini-Bonelli, E. (Eds.), Text and Technology. In Honour of John Sinclair. John Benjamins, Philadelphia/Amsterdam, pp. 115-134. Dahl. T, 2008. Contributing to the academic conversation: A study of new knowledge claims in economics and linguistics, Journal of Pragmatics 40, 1184-1201 D.C. Philips Nicholas C. Burbules (2000): Post

Islam Essay -- essays research papers

When the Soviet Union collapsed and the cold war came to an end, the world felt as if it were on the edge of unlimited peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, new issues came to light, such as terrorism. Terrorism is defined by Title 22 of the United States code, section 2656(d) as â€Å"the pre-meditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.† In light of recent terrorist activity in the West, the danger that Islamic terrorism poses to national security and civilian safety has been brought to attention. The Islamic world does not view the West favorably. Some extremists, such as the Hizballah, view the United States as â€Å"the Great Satan.† Although unannounced violent actions against civilians is called terrorism by the West, Muslims view such behavior as religious duty. Most terrorists are viewed within their individual countries as radicals, although some have benefited from gaining wide-spread approval in their region. With popular support behind them, these extremists have declared a holy war, a jihad, against the West, Israel, and all sympathizers of the two. In the jihad, terrorism has been the most used weapon against the enemies of Islam. Although terrorism has been magnified throughout the world recently, jihad is nothing new to Islam. Although jihad did not immediately play a significant role in Islam, the idea of striving for a spiritual good always has played such a role. Jihad does not necessarily involve violent or physical actions. Jihad, when applied correctly, always includes a change in one’s self and mentality, and may involve a giving up of material property, social class, emotional well-being, and comfort for the salvation and worship of al-Lah. The jihad includes an extensive amount of striving for righteousness. Even in contemporary terrorist actions, recruits for suicide missions are trained for righteousness and trained in the matters of personal piety and holiness. Because jihad is a spiritual matter, spirituality is of utmost importance to all who are recruited to join any jihad. One common misunderstanding concerning jihad is the inward nature of jihad. The West tends to think of jihad as a call to outward or external activity, but in the Islamic mind, jihad is a call to all individuals to prepare their hearts and s... ...t it perceives that the terrorism it wages against the West is an integral part of its religion. The West in general and the United States in particular cannot ignore it and should therefore unite their efforts in an attempt to find different means of countering this kind of Islamic terrorism. But, the main success or failure of these terrorist groups does not depend on their religious commentary or authority. It lies in their ability to gain legitimacy from the general public or from the greater part of it in each Muslim country, as well as in the Arab world in a whole. The need for public sympathy and support is a crucial element of every terrorist group without regard to its ideology or political affiliation. However, in a society where religion has so great an influence as in the Arab and Muslim world, the teachings of Islamic groups are perceived by certain parts of society as the true principles of religion. The socio-cultural elements of their teachings are often combined with the secular tradition of hostility toward the West under American authority and toward its protection of Israel and the Jews, who are according to the Quran, â€Å"the worst enemies of the believers.†

Braveheart Essay example -- essays research papers

It has been said that the best things in life are worth fighting for. In the movie Braveheart starring Mel Gibson this thought is the basis for the whole movie. This film was based on the real life story of Scotland's rebellion from under English rule in the thirteenth century.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William Wallace, played by Gibson, was a son of a common soldier. He desired nothing more in life than to move back to his homeland years after his father's death and to start a farm and a family. Wallace's plans are drastically interrupted when the English lord of the land kills his wife in order to get to him. Instead of making him weak, the murder of his wife prompts William to begin a rebellion of English rule. He inspires thousands of Scotsmen to fight the English soldiers for their freedom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This movie is an incredible display of the ability of a country to fight against oppression from evil. Mel Gibson does a wonderful job playing a character who fights with passion for his country and for the memory of his wife. It is uncommon to find a movie where the main character fights with as much feeling and emotion as William Wallace does. He is an intelligent man and would not have fought in a war unless it was for a meaningful cause. Before the death of his wife he is approached by some of the villagers to fight against the English but refuses to because he doesn't feel it is necessary.   Ã‚  Ã‚  &n...

How to write an excellent motivation letter

An important part of the application procedure for the Bachelor programme in International Business Administration (IBA) is the motivation letter. However, for many applicants this part of the application can be very daunting. To help increase your self-confidence and relieve a bit of your application stress, we have put together this short article with background information and tips on how to write a solid motivation letter here below. For the format of your motivation letter (font, line spacing, max. pages etc), please read the general guidelines.Why do we want a motivation letter?The main goal of the motivation letter is to find out if you are the kind of student we are looking for in our IBA programme. Important programme characteristics are:IBA is an international programme IBA students are high performersThese characteristics are fundamental success factors of the IBA programme. It is therefore of vital importance that only students who have a real interest in studying in an i nternational setting and are willing to actively contribute to the programme are admitted.The international dimensionThe importance of the international dimension of the IBA programme explains why the first of the four items covered in the motivation letter asks you to: â€Å"Tell us about your international background†: where were you born, where have you lived, what is your nationality, where did you go to school, in what kind of international activities have you participated. You can also write about what you feel you can add to the international dimension of the programme. Students without an international background may find this question to be quite disheartening and worry that this will put them at a disadvantage.Our advice here is not to worry. If you do not have an international background, you don’t have it and you cannot be blamed for  that. You may have participated in other international activities, like back-packing in Australia, a summer language cours e in Spain or maybe you attended an international or a bilingual secondary school. All of these types of activities can be used as examples of your â€Å"international drive.†Why IBA?The second item we would like you to address in your motivation letter is your ambition to study International Business Administration. Some questions to ask yourself are: Why do you want to study a business programme (and not for instance Chemistry) Why are you attracted to an international business programme? For our Dutch applicants it is very important to explain your motivation for choosing the International, English language programme as opposed to the Dutch language programme.Why IBA at RSM?In the third question you will be asked to elaborate on why you would like to be chosen to participate in the IBA programme at RSM as opposed to another university. We are interested in this because it has been proven that students who made a deliberate, well-thought out study choice, perform better and contribute more to the level of the programme. For RSM it is clear that ambitious and high-performing students influence each other in a positive way.Your future plansIn the final question we ask you to tell us about your plans for the future. Honestly speaking, you cannot have a ‘wrong’ plan for the future and as a young person you are not to blame if you do not have any concrete ideas at this point in your life. However, we still like to trigger your imagination with this question. In conclusion, the motivation letter for the IBA programma is an important part of your application package. It is something to be taken seriously, but also something to have fun with. Tell us who you are, what your dreams and motivations are and most importantly, why you think you should be selected for the most prestigious IBA programme in the Netherlands! How To Write An Excellent Motivation Letter How to write an excellent motivation letterAn important part of the application procedure for the Bachelor programme in International Business Administration (IBA) is the motivation letter. However, for many applicants this part of the application can be very daunting. To help increase your self-confidence and relieve a bit of your application stress, we have put together this short article with background information and tips on how to write a solid motivation letter here below. For the format of your motivation letter (font, line spacing, max. pages etc), please read the general guidelines.Why do we want a motivation letter? The main goal of the motivation letter is to find out if you are the kind of student we are looking for in our IBA programme. Important programme characteristics are:IBA is an international programme IBA students are high performersThese characteristics are fundamental success factors of the IBA programme. It is therefore of vital importance that only students who have a real interest in studying in an international setting and are willing to actively contribute to the programme are admitted.The international dimension The importance of the international dimension of the IBA programme explains why the first of the four items covered in the motivation letter asks you to: â€Å"Tell us about your international background†: where were you born, where have you lived, what is your nationality, where did you go to school, in what kind of international activities have you participated. You can also write about what you feel you can add to the international dimension of the programme.Students without an international background may find this question to be quite disheartening and worry that this will put them at a disadvantage. Our advice here is not to worry. If you do not have an international background, you don’t have it and you cannot be blamed for  that. You may have participated in other international activities, like back- packing in Australia, a summer language course in Spain or maybe you attended an international or a bilingual secondary school. All of these types of activities can be used as examples of your â€Å"international drive.†Why IBA? The second item we would like you to address in your motivation letter is your ambition to study International Business Administration. Some questions to ask yourself are: Why do you want to study a business programme (and not for instance Chemistry) Why are you attracted to an international business programme? For our Dutch applicants it is very important to explain your motivation for choosing the International, English language programme as opposed to the Dutch language programme.Why IBA at RSM? In the third question you will be asked to elaborate on why you would like to be chosen to participate in the IBA programme at RSM as opposed to another university. We are interested in this because it has been proven that students who made a deliberate, we ll-thought out study choice, perform better and contribute more to the level of the programme. For RSM it is clear that ambitious and high-performing students influence each other in a positive way.Your future plans In the final question we ask you to tell us about your plans for the future. Honestly speaking, you cannot have a ‘wrong’ plan for the future and as a young person you are not to blame if you do not have any concrete ideas at this point in your life. However, we still like to trigger your imagination with this question. In conclusion, the motivation letter for the IBA programma is an important part of your application package. It is something to be taken seriously, but also something to have fun with. Tell us who you are, what your dreams and motivations are and most importantly, why you think you should be selected for the most prestigious IBA programme in the Netherlands!

Candide and the Enlightenment

Conor Brown Western Civ. 9/17/11 Candide: A Reflection Harsh criticism abounds in the enlightened satire Candide by Voltaire. The author constantly goes against the popular flow and challenges the status quo of the Enlightenment. Nothing is off limits for Voltaire and topics stretch from love, class, warfare and even religion. In the ever-changing society of the Enlightened period many just believed in the teachings of the supposed leading philosophers of the time, but Voltaire challenged these ideas and brought about new and what he believed were logical ways of thinking.Even though the Enlightenment is constantly satirized in the book it is in its self a work of the Enlightenment. Which is very ironic but true nonetheless. However, through these harsh criticisms Voltaire presents his work in an extremely humorous and approachable way. Perhaps the best example of how the Enlightenment is satirized is Voltaire’s view of optimism. One of the movements most regarded philosophers was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. He founded this idea of supreme optimism. His theory was that since God is a benevolent deity all is good in the world no matter what happens.In other words everything happens for a reason, but that reason is always a good one. Voltaire saw it otherwise and gave multiple examples to back his defense. The first example revolves around Candide’s teacher Pangloss who is a supreme believer in the optimistic teachings of Leibniz. Pangloss had gone missing for a while but Candide soon finds him as a beggar with many sores all over his body. Pangloss explains that he had contracted syphilis from a servant in the Baron’s mansion. Now, usually any terrible disease is a bad thing but in Pangloss’ mind it is a good thing.He explains to Candide that syphilis comes from Columbus’ discovery of the New World and says that without it Europe would have never been able to benefit from the new discoveries made there. For example without syphi lis the Europeans would have never had the privilege of enjoining chocolate. That definitely seems extremely far-fetched that in order for someone to enjoying chocolate millions needed to suffer from syphilis. Voltaire’s satirizing is clearly evident in this example. Another example of optimism is the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.This was one of the worst tragedies of the time and over 30,000 people were killed during it. Even Jacques, a faithful friend to Candide, dies drowning while trying to save a bad sailor. How the heck could this be thought as a good thing? Well Pangloss reveals that it is for the best because the Lisbon harbor was constructed in order for Jacques to die and even though the harbor and thousands or people suffered it was completely necessary. This is totally ridiculous and not realistic. These exaggerations of optimism are meant to be unrealistic simply to bring about how flawed Voltaire sees the views are.Personally to me optimism is a good trait to have in certain situations. When 30,000 thousand people must suffer or millions must contact syphilis in order to get a piece of chocolate optimism does not seem like a logical term. Optimism is good to help people get through tough times but it should not be the sole reason for why things occur. I do believe that everything does happen for a reason but I also believe that not everything occurs for a good reason. Sometimes things just happen because that is what God intended but it will not always lead to something good.The Enlightened leaders did present some good ideas in optimism beliefs but they were not all true. There are quite a few elements in Candide that show Voltaire’s criticism on society. Class and order is visited frequently through out the book. There is this belief of how class and order are the only things that matter in life and that’s how one can get far in life. Frequently individuals and families in seats of authority abuse their power by hurting and mi streating servants and slaves. Voltaire presents these characters as ruthless idiots who care nothing about the subjects they rule over but only look out for themselves.At this time in history the servant and master relationship was still alive and well. Voltaire criticizes this view by showing how corrupt and distraught this system really is. Voltaire harshly criticizes warfare. Candide shows us how he hates warfare and believes it to be futile and wasteful. He is forced into the army and is beaten for reasons he cannot explain. Women are also raped and beaten badly. Candide finds all of this so bad that he escapes from the army. Voltaire is providing an anti-war view that seems very logical.Excess war is not good and most times war is not good because of how people go about it. Voltaire has very strong beliefs concerning this and he shows it through his character Candide. Voltaire also criticizes religion quite often. Whether it is by mocking a faith or showing the true side of an accepted belief. When Candide enters Holland and refuses to call the Pope the antichrist a group of Protestants calls him a heretic and pours waste on him. An Anabaptist named Jacques comes over and helps Candide by cleaning him and giving him some food.The Anabaptist helps again by trying to save a sailor who has fallen off the ship during the earthquake. Jacques’ only reward for helping others is his own death by drowning. Voltaire shows how society hates a man just because his religion is different even when the man is nothing but good to others. The Protestants are accepted by society even though they are frequently mean and intolerant of others religious beliefs. A harsh but true criticism is explored here. Several punches are thrown at Catholicism throughout the book.The clergy of the Church especially gets the worst of it. When in Lisbon an old woman takes care of Candide after he is flogged. They share stories and she casually states how she is the daughter of Pope U rban X and the Princess of Palestrina. The supposed corruption of the Catholic Church was revealed here in order to show how the Catholics were being ruled by a liar who was suppose to be celibate. A serious problem for a religion considering their leader is a fraud. Society is asked how can you truly believe in your religion when your leader does not even believe?Another huge criticism of religion and society in general is when Candide visits the mythical city of El Dorado. Voltaire paints this utopian society that criticizes the modern day beliefs of religion and tries to show the ideal religion in El Dorado. Here is a place where they believe that God has created everything and simply then left it alone, providing a Deist approach. The real kicker that Voltaire throws in is how the inhabitants of El Dorado constantly thank God but they do not attend mass and there are even no priests.Voltaire believes that priests are unnecessary and often get in the way and a much simpler approa ch to religion should be thought of in Europe. Even in this paradise of great religion Candide leaves to find his love and become happier. Which shows that Voltaire believes that society is never completely happy and always wants more even when they are in paradise. Candide has many humorous moments through out but some of my favorite revolve around the over exaggerations in order to criticize. Each approach to optimism is funny because of how wildly outrageous it is.The fact that someone could believe that syphilis was a good thing because it brought about chocolate or that 30,000 people dying was necessary are so outrageous that it is hard not to chuckle even just the slightest. I also find the names of all the things very humorous. The term metaphysico-theologico-cosmoloonigology is very funny and also pokes fun at how the philosophers of the time considered themselves to be very sophisticated and extreme intellectuals. The name of the area where Candide is from, Thunder-Ten-Tron ckh, is also quite humorous and might be used to show how the Baron thought he was extremely powerful.The humor provided a very approachable way to talking about very touchy topics at the time while still stating Voltaire’s mind as well as making fun of people along the way. Regardless of Voltaire making fun of the ideals of the Enlightened period, Candide is still a book of Enlightened values. The Age of Enlightenment is also often referred to as the Age of Reason. The philosophers and intellectuals of the time were just simply trying to give reasonable explanations to numerous topics and mysteries. In reality that is all Voltaire was trying to do as well.He was providing a critique to the intellectual beliefs and reasons and he himself was providing his own reasoning through this book. By showing his own paradise and criticizing the religion of the time he was trying to provide a reasonable approach to society’s view on religious beliefs. He was also reasonable expla ining how ridiculous the idea of optimism really was. Voltaire was of the Enlightened age and he himself was trying to reason. Sure he did it through some bold and unorthodox ways but all he was trying to do was enlighten the reader and explain how he viewed the great mysteries and beliefs of the world.

Max Weber Essay

Maximilian Carl Emil Weber or better known as Max Weber is a German political economist and sociologist who is considered as one of the great founders of the contemporary discipline of sociology and public administration (â€Å"Weber, Max,† n. d. ). In a brief background, Max Weber started his career in a learning institution named University of Berlin (â€Å"Weber, Max,† n. d. ). Afterwards, he also worked in several Universities such as Heidelberg, Munich, and Freiburg as an academician in education (â€Å"Weber, Max,† n. d. ). Moreover, Max Weber is also famous in his thoughts about politics and religious faith as most of his literary works deal with rendering profound explanation in sociology of religion and government (â€Å"Weber, Max,† n. d. ). His essay called The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is considered to be the main manifestation of Max Weber’s standpoint about religion, which is later commended as the start of his excellence in the said topic (â€Å"Weber, Max,† n. d. ). Politics As A Vocation, on the other hand, is a lecture of Max Weber about government that has been well essential in the study of contemporary Western political science (â€Å"Politics as a Vocation,† n. d. ). Likewise, Max Weber also provides his own profound definition of Power, Authority and Coercion, just like any other sociologists. Thus, Max Weber defines power as the possibility that an individual or a person within a social relationship would be in a position to implement his or her own will despite the opposition, regardless of which grounds such probability rests (â€Å"Max Weber’s definition of the modern state 1918,† n. d. ). In addition to this, Max Weber states that power could either be legitimate and illegitimate. Authority, on the other hand, is characterized by Max Weber as the actual exercise of power that is directly set under the legal grounds. As such, he said that authority is the practice of legitimate power. In the end, Max Weber rationalization about coercion is the utilization of force under the grounds of illegitimate power (Kirby et al. , 2000). Nonetheless, Max Weber as a reputable sociologist had done a clear distinction on power, authority and coercion that has been significant in the sociology of religion and government. Referrences Kirby et al. (2000). Sociology in Perspective. (2nd ed. ). London: Heinemann Educational Publishers. Max Weber’s definition of the modern state 1918. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 14, 2008, from http://www. mdx. ac. uk/WWW/STUDY/XWEB. HTM Politics as a Vocation. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 14, 2008, from http://www. ne. jp/asahi/moriyuki/abukuma/weber/lecture/politics_vocation. html Weber, Max. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 14, 2008, from http://www. riseofthewest. net/thinkers/weber03. htm

Compare and Contrast Beka Lamb and Miguel Street Essay

Most writers of the Caribbean have been preoccupied by particular themes and have adhered to mutual tracks, while often contrasted in approach and writing. The possibility or impossibility of the account of one’s story, when the very concept of the individual has been crushed by slavery and colonisation, the circumstances of advent of a new Caribbean identity, the analysis of the past, writing in exile and lastly, landscape and nature: where the environment or surrounding tells the story, is an essential basis of examination of oneself and one’s community. Writers have also frequently concentrated on former oral and social customs, so as to examine carefully the fragment they assimilate in the advancement of modern-day society and consciousness. In both Miguel Street and Beka Lamb the impact of colonisation that influenced the major themes such as the issue of identity, exile and migration, and women, will be epitomised by comparing and contrasting. Beka Lamb was issued in 1982, the year subsequent to independence, but it portrays to the reader somewhat of the late 1970s, right between the political melee that conflicted the British Crown and Guatemala, a country whose territorial prerogatives on British Honduras had been extensively deliberated on the Belizean community. The social jeopardy that Edgell produces consist of the indigenous peril that Creoles, harbour, from the increasing Hispanic populace and the socioeconomic hindrances that Creoles experience as they endeavour to ascend from inferior to intermediate status–all in the wider perspective of Belize upgrading from just a society to an independent state. Zee Edgell gives the impression of hope, that, through suitable discipline, Creoles can equally redeem their rank in the Belizean indigenous hierarchy and also journey from lowly to more proficient professions–and without negotiating too much of their affluent ethnic heritage. During the course of the novel Belize is publicised as a country still vacillating between its embryonic national consciousness and a post-colonial viewpoint, a country wedged amid contrasting but pre-determined visions of itself. It is in this socio-political milieu that the story of Beka is established. The contending allegiances at play in the country, exasperating one’s search for identity, are echoed in the central character of the novel. From the article entitled, â€Å"The Wake in Caribbean Literature: a Celebration of Self-knowledge and Community† says, One of the best examples in Caribbean fiction of the dialectic relationship between the individual and society, between the child and its community is reverberated through the protagonist of the novel. Politics and community life are much more in the novel than a mere backdrop for an individual life-story. They are the inner landscape of every individual, of every child in Belize society, and Beka’s quest for a viable identity, for a consistent self-image, reflects a collective undertaking (Misrahi-Barak, Judith). In the introduction of â€Å"Caribbean Women Writers†, it says, The figure of the grandmother is an obvious emblem of the continuing influence of the past as pervasive in Caribbean women’s fiction, often like Velma Pollard’s ‘Gran’ who is a master baker, recollected in terms of a practical skill: Ma Chess in Jamaica Kincaid’s Annie John is a healer †¦ Granny Ivy in Zee Edgell’s Beka Lamb or the grandmother in Dionne Brands’s short story ‘Photograph’, or an association with its rural beauty, like Ma in Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack Monkey or the grandmother in Marlene Nourbese Philip’s Harriet’s Daughter (Conde, Mary). Miguel Street is Naipaul’s semi-nonfictional description of his juvenile home, Trinidad. Miguel Street is actually a â€Å"sneak-peek† account of the innate farcicality that immensely embodies the lives of Trinidadians (a microcosm of Trinidad) or to an extent the West Indies. The arrangement of the book is layered and proposes that Naipaul could have been motivated from the people he had met during his childhood in Trinidad. It took place in the course of World War II and recounted by an anonymous–but articulately observant–neighborhood boy who narrates the innumerable lives of idiosyncratic occupants of his neighbourhood in a cleverly yet innocent way. His tone is both disconnected and acutely vigilant at the same time. There is no impression of plot until the very latter chapters, after the plot speaks about the narrator himself and his rapport with few other main characters. The novel can also be perceived a collection of short stories, as each chapter takes place over years and deals with one character at a time; but even if every chapter are unquestionably devoted for a sole character, the close interweaving of destiny of the dissimilar characters and the Street itself obscures the incoherence and concentrates on the appetizing feel of a novel. In Edgell’s novel the two main characters of which are Toycie and Beka, have both been forewarned about getting pregnant before graduation. Pregnancy out of marriage occurs regularly among teenage girls in Belize. Females are allowed to attend school nevertheless, not only the rate of education is too costly for most families, but once girls start to go school, they encounter rules that are different to the rules for the boys. In the middle of Toycie’s final year she becomes pregnant. She is banished and not permitted to come back because the school believes, â€Å"In cases like this, we believe it is entirely up to the modesty of the girl to prevent these happenings† (Edgell 119). The father of Toycie’s child, Emilio, has no consequence to face. Unlike Toycie, he is not banished from school. He will be able to get the education his affluent family pays for, and when he graduates and employment that will grant him the freedom that Toycie had awaited. The money for Toycie education was wasted that her aunt had so struggled for. Toycie will go down the same path of the women formerly to her, like her aunt, Miss Eila, whom Beka’s father said, â€Å"is a simple woman, like many of our women, in certain matters,† (Edgell 120). Miss Eila lacks the funds to supply sufficiently for herself and her family. Toycie will upbring a child and contend every day to somehow make a living. Early pregnancy causes the limited roles available to women. It produces a social rotation that girls like Beka must apprehend to swim against. The preponderance of the characters in Beka Lamb are female and the story is communicated from a woman’s outlook, which is the total opposite to Miguel Street where most of the characters are male and few were women, most of whom remained nameless as well as the story is narrated by a male. Beka’s mother remains home with the family. Beka and Toycie attend an all-girls Catholic school where they are educated by nuns. The absence of male characters is bold enough to know that the blunder was deliberate. The story demonstrates the veracity of the Belize culture. Male characters work or become learned while the women sustain the homes and make what salary they can. In the novel, the scarce male characters have at least one fault that turns the reader away. Emilio gets Toycie pregnant, and after refuses to marry her. Bill is unsuccessful in showing consistent love to his family; he frequently seems unconcerned or too busy. In â€Å"Voices from the Gaps† says The women who surround Beka influence her thinking and judgments. Interestingly, the women are politically well-informed. One would not expect the â€Å"simple† women to have interest in politics. While Beka respects her father, she does so partially out of fear and partially because she is supposed to. Beka’s respect for Granny is different. Granny knows more about life and about Belize than either Beka or her father. Beka’s ability to recognize this demonstrates not only Beka’s maturity, but also her curiosity about and reverence toward the Belize culture. Horan, Kaite). Both Miguel Street and Beka Lamb have an issue with women. In Beka Lamb the women go through a harsher punishment than the men, though they are dominant in the novel they are persecuted; under a prison-like structure although slavery days have long gone. Whereas, in Miguel Street, they marginalise the women and treat them as objects. There are f ew female characters which some don’t even have a name i. e â€Å"George’s wife was never a proper person. I always thought of her just as George’s wife and that was all† (Naipaul V. S. 27). Also implying that women really did not have an identity or could not have existed without men, who were always in the forefront and women remained in the background. In the commencement of the novel, Beka is perplexed about her identity and appears to be a very unappreciative child. Her background is of a middle class, Creole family, but does not show gratefulness for her decent life because she does not pass first form. She flat irons her hair and has to live two opposite lives: one at the school compound and another separate from school in her Belizean community. At school she has to upkeep the qualities of the Virgin Mary and is compulsorily to be completely dissimilar from the persons in her life. When not in school, Beka is challenged with the behaviours of her Belizean Creole people which creates a war in the manner she should behave internally. Beka’s life soon changes with Toycie’s pregnancy. Before Toycie became pregnant, Beka had subsisted a safe, expectable life. She had quarrels with her family and she had chores, but Beka had not experienced life. Toycie’s situation pushed Beka to face organisation, separation, and demise. Beka goes back to school after Toycie’s removal and wins an essay contest. The self-doubts Beka confronted her whole life starts to withdraw. The platform Toycie once hoisted upon is now vacant. Beka has not substituted Toycie, but has begun to change her perception of what’s on that platform. In â€Å"The quarrel with history† it mentions what one should be careful of, similar to Beka’s situation, We can be victims of History when we submit passively to it – never managing to escape its harrowing power. History (like literature) is capable of quarrying deep within us, as a consciousness or the emergence of a consciousness, as a neurosis (symptom of loss) and a contraction of the self (Baugh, Edward). The seventeen chapters of Miguel Street are often referred to separately as short stories, but read as a novel they create a Bildungsroman (as well as in Beak Lamb)—in the European practice, a novel of edification or development—that traces its protagonist’s progress toward manhood, climaxing in the protagonist discovering his place in the world. Also the apparent template sublimely suggested of what a man should be in nearly most of the chapters of Miguel Street. Naipaul arrogates this European custom to comment upon the advent of Trinidad as an independent nation. â€Å"Bogart,† the first story, ends with what could be called Miguel Street’s ‘thesis’: after forsaking two women, one of whom has borne him a child; becoming a drunkard â€Å"They had never seen Bogart drink so much† (Naipaul, V. S. 13); Bogart finally returns to Miguel Street â€Å"‘To be a man, among we men’† (Naipaul, V. S. 16). It is understood, in the opening of chapter three that Popo is a carpenter who does not really create anything that could be categorized as furniture or architecture except the â€Å"little galvanised-iron workshop below the mango tree behind his yard† (Naipaul, V. S. 17). The men of the street mock him for not only the fact that he is an imitation carpenter but also, his wife is out performing all of the work whereas he sits at home constructing things with no name and drinking rum. In fact, Hat parallels him to a â€Å"man-woman. Not a proper man (Naipaul, V. S. 19). However, a little further down in the chapter Popo’s wife leaves him for another man and on one occasion he grows irritated enough to get the urge to â€Å"beat up everybody† and remain drunk all the time, and then the men decided to accept Popo as a man after all and acknowledged him as a â€Å"member of the gang† (Naipaul, V. S. 21). Hat says â€Å"We was wrong about Popo. He is a man like any of we† (Naipaul, V. S. 21). It becomes distinct that to almost all of the men, exhibiting hostility, being tangibly violent and masking oneself in drunken sorrows is what sanctions one as a man. It appears that they are not very fond of neither the â€Å"sensitive type† nor the â€Å"poetic type. † After looking at Popo and his circumstances, it becomes distinct to that narrator that to be accepted as a real man, it is imperative to demand one’s respect, even at the cost of others. The deification that Popo receives when he takes his wife back from the new man, is training the narrator that men similar to Bogart or ‘takers’ such as men in the situation of Popo get all the admiration while the characters such as B. Wordsworth are not given the same respect and involuntary hide-off; absent from the other men similar to B.  Wordsworth did before his passing. Hat was the main father figure of the entire novel who was mentioned in almost in every chapter. He had gone to jail (Naipaul, V. S. 207), He was always getting himself into trouble with the police. â€Å"A little cockfighting here, some gambling there, a little drinking somewhere else and so on† (Naipaul, V. S. 204) were all considered factors to be a ‘man among men’. Later in both novels we can see where both Beka and the unnamed narrator finds their identity. Beka Lamb turns into a self-created, self-governing young lady by the conclusion of the novel. Her identity and, by insinuation, the identity of the New Belize — is composite and subtly drawn. On the social level, one is enthralled by Beka’s seeming lack of friends on Cashew Street and at school, succeeding Toycie’s death. Replacing Toycie, Beka makes friends only with a Mayan girl, Thomasita Ek, who is also an foreigner at St. Cecilia’s Academy. On a national scale, that friendship lacks much real importance, since the Mayas lean towards being so traditionally and geographically isolated from urban tradition that no spot-on, long-lasting ethnic conflict has thereby been associated. Beka at the end of the novel gives the impression being composed to become a â€Å"nun† in the service of her homeland. Her essay, after all, dealt with the history of Belize. She composed it for the period of National Day. The day the petitioners were incarcerated, was the day she had won the prize. It was always her dream to be a politician, and at the politics-laden St. George’s Caye, she practiced to become such. Then it can be observed where the narrator in Miguel Street also grows up and finds his identity. He is no longer astonished by Popo who keeps building this thing without a name. He does not look up to Hat after he goes to jail. The narrator leaves Miguel Street as a ceremony of growing up. â€Å"You must get over this†, I said to my mother, â€Å"Is not my fault really. Is just Tr inidad. What else anybody can do here except drink? † (Naipaul, V. S. 216). He comes to reality and begins to ponder of what he wants to become in the future. He decides on becoming an Engineer and sticks with it regardless that his mother wants him to pursue law.