Introduction To Service Industry Restaurants Marketing Essay

Introduction To Service Indus campaign Restaurants Marketing EssayThe food service exertion continues to grow in volume and revenue every year and typically divides itself into two categories full-service restaurants and prompt-food restaurants. Each individual restaurant is in competition with separate food service trading operations within the same geographical bea. The quick food restaurant industry is highly competitive. McDonalds competes with other restaurants through the quality, variety and hold dear perception of food products offered. McDonalds Corporations primary(prenominal) competition comes from other fast-food restaurants most nonably, YUM Brands Inc, Wendys International, Dominos and Burger King.Figure1 The total revenues of the major players in the fast food industry (www.ycharts.com)The figure represents the market care of McDonalds in the fast food industry. McDonalds Corporation (MCD) has company operated and franchise restaurants all everywhere the wor ld. They are the leading global food service retailer by means of over 30,000 restaurants in more than than 117 countries, serving about 50 million people every day. Franchising plays a major role in McDonalds system with 26,216 were operated by franchisees (including 19,020 operated by conventional franchisees, 3,160 operated by crackmental licensees and 4,036 operated by foreign affiliated markets (affiliates)-primarily in Japan) and 6,262 were operated by the company. Their total revenue in 2009 was $ 23 billion. McDonalds success in the fast food industry stems from their main success factors which are branded affordability, menu variety and beverage choice, convenience and daypart expansion, ongoing restaurant reinvestment and operations excellence. These success factors are used to promote McDonalds brand image, provide customers with quality products and disparateiate themselves from othercompetitors like YUM Brands (YUM owns brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Long John Silver) afterwards extensive research, analysis and valuation, it is found that McDonalds corporation is up-to-dately an undervalued company and rated as a Market Outperform and thus I recommend this broth as a Buy.Executive SummaryThe food service industry is one of high competition however, McDonalds has been able to obtain the position as the leader in market capitalization with a market capital of $74.6B in 2009. While McDonalds has deployed high amounts of capital, the company manages its asset base with high inventory turnover maculation also maintaining cost efficiency. manufacturing Demand DriversThe market of the food service industry attributes much of its growth to global sales and revenue. Despite tough environment, McDonalds delivered an extraordinary year of growth, posted strong sales and increased market parcel of land around the world. In 2009, global comparable sales increased 3.8 percentage, fueled by solid gains in the United States (+2.6 percent), Eur ope (+5.2 percent), Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (+3.4 percent), Latin America (+5.3 percent) and Canada (+5.8 percent). wages per packet for the year increased 9 percent to $4.11 (13 percent in constant currencies), go consolidated operating income increased 6 percent (10 percent in constant currencies). We also transcended $5.1 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends paid, bringing our three-year cash return total to $16.6 billion-notably at the high end of our stated target of $15 to $17 billion for the years 2007 through 2009.Globally, McDonalds caters and adapts to different cultures and societies, while still providing them with the same McDonalds experience. With a significant portion of McDonalds sales derived from international stores, foreign denominated sales should generate additional earnings leverage accustomed the weakening of the US horse against other currencies.McDonalds is well positionedMcDonalds is able to maintain a loyal c ustomer base, and compete with the existing competitors by introducing variation to their menu, such as the Dollar Value Menu. Also, in order to adhere to a more concerned wellness concise society, McDonalds has implemented holistic approach which consists of High-Quality Choices for customers, Consumer-Friendly maintenance Information and communicate responsibly. The Happy Meal, which has been a long standing childs favorite, now has options such as fruit instead of French Fries and all sportsmanlike meat chicken nuggets. As for one McDonalds company goals is to adhere to outstanding customer service, strengthens the maintenance of long standing customers, as well as develop new relationships with customers of a new generation.Franchising business modelWithin Fast Food restaurants franchise models are common. Franchise models can grow faster utilize others capital. Franchises fork out to be pay rentand royalties based on a percent of sales along with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. On the other hand, company-owned models have greater control over pricing, operations and can close underperforming restaurants more quickly. In 2009 the total no of franchised restaurants was 26,216 compared to 25,465 in 2008 and the number of company operated restaurants reduced by 3.6%. The total revenue from franchises in 2009 was $7,286.2 zillion an increase in 4% compared to 2008.McDonald Franchises taxation from FranchisesKey challenges and AdaptabilityIntensity of competition Competitors of the industry also try to compete with similar products therefore, leading to price wars. McDonalds created a Dollar Value Menu, in response to competitors such as Wendys 99 cent menu. Overall, the industry has essay various product differentiations in order to accumulate greater market share, but most consumers are drawn to the classics. McDonalds is doing more and more to compete with health focused restaurants like Subway. Nutritionist and other leading experts have bee n hired to join the McDonalds team in order to ensure that the correct items are added to the menu, while still keeping and improving the classics that they are famous for. For example, the chicken nuggets that we all grew up on are now 100% white meat. McDonalds is flexible in their menu to conform to the changing tastes of society.Bargaining Power of Suppliers In recent years the industry has had a small problem with beef, because of the outbreak of the mad cow disease. This problem raised the cost of beef in Europe tremendously but the cost actually went up around the world because of the beef famine in Europe. The suppliers that sell to McDonalds have a strong voice also because of the fact that the switching cost for McDonalds as a whole would be so tremendous, so any problems or disputes would be worked out with there suppliers.Comparative Ratio AnalysisRatio analysis helps us analyze the financial trends of preceding years and extrapolate those trends into future day years for McDonalds and its corecompetitors within the industry. It is divided into three areas fundamentals, growth and profitability, and capital structure of the company. Liquidity ratios are used to regain how liquid the firm is, and how it will meet its obligations. This also helps us determine how risky the firm is by determining if the company is employing an adequate amount of obligation or risk to generate profit. Profitability ratios give us the perspective profitability of the firm is operating. The ratios will help in accurately valuing the company at its current condition, compare its performance against competitors, and project the future results of the company.Fundamentals of McDonalds (MCD) vs. YUM Brands (YUM) disconcert 1Financial ConditionCompanyIndustry AverageSP 500Debt/ loveliness Ratio0.741.821.13Current Ratio1.41.31.4Quick Ratio1.31.21.2Interest Coverage30.618.828.0Leverage Ratio2.13.83.8Book Value/Share13.1211.9522.35The industry fair is compute as an average of competitor brands like YUM, Burger King and Wendys.Current ratio Since 1999 McDonalds has experienced a steady increase in their current ratio. The present current ratio of 1.4 is higher compared to industry average of 1.3. This increase shows that McDonalds has more ability to pay off their short term debts from the sale of their currents assets. Overall, McDonalds is in plum advantageously shape because their current ratio is growing.Receivables turnover McDonalds has consistently been well below its competitors YUM with accounts receivables turnover. This means that they arent collecting their accounts receivables as promptly as their competitors. This prevents McDonalds from reinvesting and expanding their restaurants which is a major showtime of revenue. This also allows for a greater chance of default on their accounts receivables.Asset Utilization This ratio indicates how profitable a company is relative to its total assets. The return on assets (ROA) ratio illustrates how well management is employing the companys total assets to make a profit. The higher the return, the more efficient management is in utilizing its asset base. McDonalds Asset Turnover has consistently been lower than its competitor YUM since 1999.Debt to Equity Ratio The debt- honor ratio is another leverage ratio that compares a companys total liabilities to its total shareholders equity. McDonalds has maintained a fairly low Debt to Equity Ratio of 0.74 which means that the company has an efficient amount of equity that can cover the cost of its liabilities compared to Yum of 3.14 or the industry average of debt to equity ratio of 1.82.Book value per share This is an indication of how much shareholders are paying for the net assets of a company. McDonalds book value of 13.12 is higher than the industry average (11.95) or YUM (3.05)Net Income The net income for McDonalds suffered a dip of 23% in 2007 but recovered in the year 2008, 2009. The total net income in 2009 was $ 4,555 Million compared to YUM who had a net income of $1071MillionShareholders Equity Shareholders equity represents the amount by which a company is financed through common and preferred shares. The average Shareholders Equity for MCD is $13,287M compared to YUM who has a $709M.Dividend MCD has consistently grown in dividends over the years. This is one of the most attractive features of MCD. Comparing the dividends of MCD and YUM, MCD has 25% increase on YTY compared to YUM who has only 14%.Growth and ProfitabilityTable 2Investment slip aways %CompanyIndustry AverageSP 500 happen On Equity34.848.221.4Return On Assets16.213.17.5Return On Capital17.615.410.0Return On Equity (5-Year Avg.)22.729.016.4Return On Assets (5-Year Avg.)11.410.17.6Return On Capital (5-Year Avg.)13.012.510.3The industry average is calculated as an average of competitor brands like YUM, Burger King, and Wendys.Revenue Growth The global recession has affected the revenue of both the companies. By year 2009 the cons umer demand and currency exchanges have helped recover to pre-recessionary levels.EPS and Growth The portion of a companys profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. recompense per share serve as an indicator of a companys profitability. The EPS for MCD is 4.11 which have increasedfrom 9% from the previous year while the EPS for YUM is 2.26. The growth of EPS has been fluctuating due to the global economic crises.Profit Margin A higher profit margin indicates a more profitable company that has better control over its costs compared to its competitors. MCD has a profit margin of 20% compared to Yum is 10%.Return on Equity (ROE) Return on equity measures a corporations profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money shareholders have invested. The ROE for MCD is 34.8 which is less than the industry average of 48.2. From the above figure we can infer for 2009 the ROE for YUM is 180%, but this has not been consistent over the years. For a long term investor this is not good.Capital Structure ChartsTable 3 determine RatiosCompanyIndustry AverageSP 500Current P/E Ratio16.420.922.4P/E Ratio 5-Year HighNA6.815.8P/E Ratio 5-Year LowNA3.22.4 expenditure/Sales Ratio3.212.332.03monetary value/Book Value5.307.113.21Price/Cash Flow Ratio12.7011.9013.80The industry average is calculated as an average of competitor brands like YUM, Burger King, and Wendys.Market Capital Market capitalization represents the existence consensus on the value of a companys equity. McDonalds in 2009 had a market capital of $67.3B compared to YUM brand that had a market capital of $16.35B. It also represents the market estimate of a companys value, based on perceived future prospects, economic and monetary conditions.Price to Earnings Ratio A stock with a high P/E ratio means that investors are expecting higher earnings growth in the future compared to the overall market, as investors pay more for todays earnings in prospect of future earnings growt h. From the table 2 McDonalds PE is 16.4, which is below the industry average of 20.4. However there are limitations since the ratio depends on the earnings per share. McDonalds earnings per share of 4.24 are above the industry average of 1.43.Price to Book Value This ratio used to compare a stocks market value to its book value. A lower P/B ratio could mean that the stock is undervalued. From the above figure McDonald has a stable P/B ratio compared to the Yum. From table 3 the P/B ratio for McDonald is 5.31 which is below the industry average of 7.11.Price to Sales ratio The P/S ratio measures the price of a companys stock against its annual sales. From table 3 we can understand that the P/S ratio for McDonalds is 3.21 compared to the industry average of 2.33. This means that the investor would be paying $3.21 for every dollar of McDonalds sales.Price to Cash Flow Ratio This ratio compares the stocks market price to the amount of cash flow the company generates on a per-share basi s. McDonalds has a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 12.70 which is higher than the industry average of 11.90.ConclusionIn our overall analysis of McDonalds Corporation using a variation of methods and models, we have conclusively found that McDonalds is currently undervalued in the market and is a Buy. The Method of Comparables was used, which included such ratios as Price/Earnings, Price/Book, Price/Sales, and Price Earnings growth ratio valuations. The ratio valuations were calculated by finding the industry average and using a varying of other factors to project an expected share price. The industry average is calculated as an average of competitor brands like YUM, Burger King, and Wendys.Price to Book Ratio$Industry Average of Price to Book value7.11Current Book Value of McDonald13.12Estimated price of share$93.28Current Market Price69.37 tracking Price to Earnings RatioIndustry Average of Trailing Price to Earnings Ratio17.9Current McDonalds earnings per share$4.11Estimated Market pric e$73.59Current Market Price69.37Dividends Yield Ratio AnalysisIndustry Dividend Average (%)2.73McDonald Dividend per share2.2Expected share price found by dividing McDonalds(Dividends per share)/ (Industry average Dividends yield ratio)$80.50Current Market price$69.37Forward Price to Earnings RatioIndustry Average of Forward Price to Earnings Ratio14.73Current McDonalds earnings per share$4.11Estimated price of share$60.54Current Market Price69.37All Data obtained from Yahoo finance on 13/016/2010From the above calculation the estimated price of McDonald is between $60.54 $93.28. However McDonalds corporation has faced previous legal philosophy suits on being held accountable for obesity, similarly following the litigation process of cigarettes and tobacco companies. The courts ruled against this issue in McDonalds favor, making this a remote future risk factor. In addition, MCD in its effort to be a more socially responsible corporate citizen, by supporting a healthier society, h as highly-developed light and healthy menu items in order to give customers additional eating options and in doing so, broadening the array of its customer base while go its existing customer base with healthier menu options.

Gendered Toys And The Perceptions Children And Young People Essay

Gendered Toys And The Perceptions Children And Young People EssayThe focus of this look for was sexed miniatures and the perceptions tykeren and their p bents hold well-nigh these types of acts, it aimed to investigate childrens conclude ab step to the fore grammatical grammatical sex activityed represents and looked to establish if a plug in exists between the perceptions of parents and the toy pick outences of children. Gendered toys fire be described as macrocosm toys which are generally thought of as being suitable for one grammatical gender over the other(a), for font wheeled toys for males and dolls for females (Pleil and Williams, 2008 Francis, 2010). Th rockyout this question the term gender typical toys volition be utilise to describe toys which are traditionally considered close appropriate for the sex choosing them, the term gender atypical is used to describe toys traditionally thought of as being suitable for a child of the contrary gender to the sex of the child selecting them. This subject is especially significant today, as it appears that the manufacturing and marketing of toys is more gender stereotyped now than previously with the ample mass of toy stores having aisles, or even entire floors dedicated to a specific gender (Francis, 2010). Therefore, todays children are being exposed to gender stereotyped toys to a greater degree than their counterparts would pay back been in the past (Francis, 2010).Looking at query which sought parents experiences of what toys their children preferred has set upd that young children turn vastly when it recognises to their choice of toys and that they slang genuinely clear opinions of what toys are most suited to all(prenominal) gender (Pleil and Williams, 2008). Furthermore, enquiry has demonstrated that children develop mental schemas of objects, which are gender stereotyped from a very young age (Ruble, Martin and Berenbaum, 2006). The gender stereotypes and gender stereo typical behaviour that forms during early childhood are an interesting and important issue, as it has been established that these gender notions can influence a childs career choices as adults (Cherney and Dempsey, 2010 Francis, 2010). Furthermore, toy choice in itself is an important issue research has shown that toys teach children vital life skills, so far, these skills vary depending on which gender the toy is stereotypically aimed at (Fagot and Leinbach, 1983 Francis, 2010). It has been argued that the toys stereotypically aimed each gender foster totally different hearty and cognitive skills, with boys toys developing problem-solving skills whilst girls toys develop nurturing and caring skills (Cherney and London, 2006 Francis, 2010). Therefore, the toys children function with, along with childrens gender stereotypical views of them are important and valid issues to research as the impact is long term and has implications in adulthood.There are some(prenominal) theoretica l perspectives on how children come to acquire gender stereotypes and gendered behaviours. The social cognitive possibleness of gender outgrowth postulates that children learn gender norms and gendered behaviours through observing their milieu and the people indoors it children observe the behaviours of people in their environment and replicate them. Gendered behaviours are reinforced through the reward and penalty of behaviour, considered appropriate or incompatible by others that the child experiences (Bussey and Bandura, 1999). Therefore, according to this standpoint the concept of gender and the acquisition of gendered behaviour is a socially constructed phenomenon. However, research conducted on Verve and Rhesus monkeys has established that young primates discover the same gendered behaviours observed in their human counterparts (Alexander and Hines, 2002 Hassett, Siebert and Wallen 2008). This research extracts that gender stereotypical toy preferences may be a admoni tion of the biological differences between males and females rather than being a direct result of socialisation (Pleil and Williams, 2008). Therefore, according to this standpoint gendered behaviour is as a result of biological differences between the sexes. Despite this evidence, kindleing that children may be biologically predisposed to being gender stereotypical in their toy preferences, this paper is underpinned by the hypothesis that childrens social interactions, especially with their parents, are influential on their perception and choice when it comes to toys.The overarching approach of this research was a object lesson field of battle, employing document analysis, questionnaire and interview techniques of info collection. The central research question for this study was How do children and their parents perceive and reason about gendered toys and what, if any, connection exists between these perceptions in relation to childrens toy preferences. Four aims were identified and addressed by formulating four research questions, in collection to answer the central research question. These research questions wereWhat are childrens toy preferences and how, if at all, are these preferences interrelated to the gender of the child?How do children reason about their toy choice when deciding which toys they wish to sportswoman with?What are enatic perceptions of the suitability of gendered toys?How, if at all, are parental perceptions of toys interlinked with toy choice and the reasoning behind toy choice, of children?Chapter 2 Review of the LiteratureIntroductionThis review will examine issues relating to the perspectives held by children and parents on gendered toys. Firstly it will examine childrens toy preferences, exploring the gender dimorphic nature, which research has uncovered regarding childrens toy choices. Then the review will then explore the reasoning behind childrens toy choices, parental perspectives on the suitability of toys in relation to gender and finally the influence of parents on childrens perspective and choice.2.1 Childrens Toy Preferences and GenderIt has been commit forward that the vast majority of experiments designed to assess childrens toy preferences were not true reflections of what children would choose in original life (Down, 1983). Down (1983) argues that prior experiments were too restrictive, only crack a very limited choice between small selections of typically male or female toys, which rarely offered a gender torpid choice. In his own research Down assessed elementary coach aged childrens toy preferences by utilising childrens letters to Santa Claus, allowing for an unrestricted, ecologically valid method of ascertaining childrens preferences in a real life, naturalistic way. Down nominate that many of the toys selected by the children were not traditionally gendered toys, rather they were toys which could be considered gender neutral girls were piece to be especially authorisation to request gender neutral toys whilst boys requested gender typical and gender neutral toys in equal measure. Nevertheless, Downs research also demonstrated that boys and girls both prefer gender typical toys over gender atypical toys, a notion which has been supported through the findings of subsequence research (Carter and Levy, 1988 Martin, Eisenbud and Rose, 1995 Cherney et al, 2003).Recent research which, like Downs nominate offered a holistic cortical potential into childrens toy preferences, was conducted by Cherney and London (2006). The child participants in this study were asked to list their favourite toys, the participants were free to choose whatever toys they wished. spacious differences were found in the favourite toys that were elect based on the childs gender, replicating the previous finding of Down both boys and girls preferred gender typical over gender atypical toys. They also discovered that whilst boys preferences became slightly more masculine as the child ag ed, that in contrast girls toy preference became less feminine with age. much recently it has been discovered that even the youngest children, infants aged between 3 and 8 months, appear to show a preference for gender typical toys. Alexander, Wilcox and Woods (2009) investigated whether infants display a preference for gender typical toys, this was ascertained using eye-tracking technology to measure the time the infants spent focused on either a truck or a doll. It was found that girl infants showed a preference for the doll, whilst the boy infants spent more time focused on the truck. The research of Alexander, Wilcox and Woods, supports the notion of a biological foundation for gendered preferences of toys. The notion of a biological underpinning for childrens gender-based preferences has been highlighted through research conducted with infant monkeys (Alexander and Hines, 2002 Hassett, Siebert and Wallen 2008), as these preferences are being observed at an age onward it is co mmonly accepted that children have established gender identity and gender typical behaviour.However, it cannot be ignored that some of the research discussed supra (Alexander and Hines, 2002 Hassett, Siebert and Wallen, 2008 and Alexander, Wilcox and Wood, 2009), is guilty of the very criticism put forward by Down (1983). These studies only offered the participants a choice between limited arrays of gendered toys with none offering participants a gender neutral option. Therefore, it could be argued that these studies do not demonstrate well-rounded picture of childrens toy preferences and be case the validity of these findings could be called into question. Nevertheless, the findings of these studies, when considered alongside the more well-rounded research discussed above (Down, 1983 Cherney and London, 2006) clearly show that children, of both the human and primate variety, demonstrate a marked preference for gender typical over gender atypical toys, on that pointfore providing a valid and important insight into childrens toy preference and the difference between the preferences of girls and boys.2.2 Childrens Reasoning Regarding Toy Preference and SuitabilityThrough previous research, some(prenominal) key factors have emerged that influence a childs reasoning about whom toys are suitable for. Several studies have found that childrens reasoning about who else would ap originate playacting with a particular toy is oft egocentric. It has been found that when a child likes a particular toy they often reason that other children of their own gender would also like the toy and conversely children of the opposite gender would not like it (Carter and Levy, 1988 Martin, Eisenbud and Rose, 1995 Cherney, Harper and Winter, 2006). These studies show that young children often used egocentric reasoning when thinking about what other children would like, they conclude that what they enjoy others of their own sex would also enjoy and those of the opposite sex would no t.However, Martin, Eisenbud and Rose (1995) established that when toys are designate as being for a certain gender, it is highly influential on childrens reasoning about who would enjoy that toy. They presented children with attractive, but unfamiliar toys and asked them to rate the toys appeal to themselves and other children, the results were concurrent with the previous research of Carter and Levy (1988), the childrens reasoning was egocentric they concluded that what they liked other children of their gender would like. However, when they presented the children with another set of toys, applying gender labelling to them, they uncovered a very different reaction. The children used the gender labels to reason about their own and others preference for that toy, even with a very attractive toy, if it was labelled for the opposite gender the children were less favourable towards that toy and reasoned that other children of their own gender wouldnt like it either. Therefore, this res earch clearly demonstrates the power of gender labels to influence childrens reasoning and preferences when choosing what toys they themselves would enjoy as well as when considering what other children would enjoy.Another common influence on childrens gender-based reasoning uncovered by recent research conducted by Cherney and Dempsey (2010) is gender association children would habitually reason that a toy was most suitable for a particular gender based on the gender of the toy itself. An example of this was when a swimming pool, a toy deemed to be gender neutral, was classified as being a girls toy because it featured Dora the Explorer whom is herself a girl. Furthermore, this research has also identified toy colour as being another factor which influences childrens reasoning and toy preferences. Using gender ambiguous and neutral toys, this research aimed to establish how young children classify toys with less notable gender typical features, finding that colour was commonly cite d as a reason for the classification of toys by gender (Cherney and Dempsey, 2010). This finding could be due to the increasing trend seen in recent years for toy manufacturers to commonly market the same toy, which is often a gender neutral toy such as a camera, in gender typical colours. With the pink option being marketed at girls and the blue magnetic variation marketed at boys.The studies outlined above demonstrate that childrens reasoning about toy preferences and suitability is influenced by a number of factors and is often egocentric. However the common palm running throughout all these studies is that outside influences, such a gender labels and colour greatly influences the toys children like. The personal, egocentric reasoning sedulous by children in the absence of outside influences, coupled with the change in childrens reasoning that comes with outside influences clearly shows that children are highly aware of societal and cultural norms and it would appear that, on the whole, children run to conform to these gender norms when it comes to the toys they considered to be most appealing.2.3 Parental Perceptions of Gendered Toys and Their SuitabilityDuring the late 1970s an observational study was conducted, which investigated how parents praise and punish childrens behaviour, it was found that the types of behaviours parents praise or punish differ for boys and girls. The study discovered that boys were punished when they played with gender atypical toys and praised when they played with gender typical toys, it also found that girls were punished for rough and tumble play (Fagot, 1978). Therefore, it would seem from this research that parents have clear views on what toys and play styles are suitable for either sex and that they actively discourage their children from pleasant in play or using toys traditionally stereotyped as belonging to the opposite sex. This finding was supported by later research, investigating parental participation in ch ildrens play (Roopnarine, 1986), which discovered parents most often participated when their children were playing with toys traditionally considered appropriate for their gender. Therefore, these studies (Fagot, 1978 Roopnarine, 1986) suggest that parents, either directly through punishment or indirectly through their lack of participation, encourage their children to prefer gender typical toys and reject gender atypical ones.However, more recently a study conducted by Wood et al (2002) investigating parental views of gender stereotyped toys found that traditional gender categorisation of toys did not reflect the parents views on toy suitability. This study found that many toys traditionally considered to be either male or female, were categorised as being gender neutral by the parents. The physical features of the toys used in this study were controlled to limit factors, such as colour, from influencing gender categorisation. Therefore, the parents must have made their decision ba sed on something outside of the physical features of the toys the researchers believed this could be due to a shift in recent times of the typical gender role stereotypes (Wood et al, 2002). Nevertheless, this study discovered that parents believed gendered toys to be most lovable to the gender the toy is traditionally assigned to. This research also observed parents and children at play to ascertain which toys were utilised most often by each gender. firearm observing boys and parents typically masculine toys were played with the most, a finding consistent with previous studies however, when observing girls and parents there was more flexibility, playing with feminine and neutral toys evenly which deviates from previous studies. Therefore the shift in how parents categorised toys uncovered by this research did not reflect in their real life play situations with their children (Wood et al, 2002).The findings of these studies (Fagot, 1978 Roopnarine, 1986) suggest that parents hav e differing views on what toys and activities are suitable for children based on their gender, and that they reinforce these views through their behaviour when interacting with their child. However, more recent findings (Wood et al, 2002) suggest that parents view of traditionally gender stereotyped toys is evolving and that modern parents are reinterpreting the traditional roles of gendered toys. Nevertheless, despite this shift in how parents are categorising childrens toys, Wood et al (2002) still found that parents believed stereotypically gendered toys to be most desirable to the gender typically associated to them, showing that there is still a gender division in children toys.2.4 Parental Influence on Childrens Toy Choices and ReasoningIt has been argued by Mischel (1966) that children learn gendered behaviours prior to realising that they belong to a particular gender, this occurs through a process of modelling and reinforcement by adults. Furthermore, as previously discusse d the praise and punishment delivered by parents differs depending on the sex of the child, with girls and boys both being praised for gender typical behaviour and punished for gender atypical behaviour (Fagot, 1978). These two pieces of literature suggest that children learn gender labelling and gendered behaviours through the social interactions they experience in their early lives. This standpoint on childrens acquisition of gender labels and gendered behaviour is called social learning theory and opposes the cognitive-developmental theory of children acquisition of gendered behaviours as proposed by Kohlberg (1966). The cognitive-developmental theory argues that children develop an awareness of their own gender before developing an understanding of the typical behaviour associated with each gender (Kohlberg, 1966). Through the lens of the social learning theorist gendered behaviours are viewed as being a precursor of the gender development process, whereas cognitive-developmenta l theorists sees gender development as being a causal factor in children acquiring gendered behaviours (Weinraub et al, 1984). Therefore from a social learning perspective parents, as young childrens chief(a) socialiser, have a massive potential to influence the existence of gender behaviour in their child and therefore may influence the types of toys children choose to play with.Research conducted investigating young childrens gender identity, toy choices and family characteristics has found that parents do hold an influence over their childs toy choice (Weinraub et al, 1984). However, this influence was not popular for mothers and fathers. The study found that in the case of mothers it is their occupation, not their sex-typed personality traits, which affect childrens development of gender labelling and therefore their toy choices. On the other hand, the study found that in the case of fathers, sex-typed personality traits strongly influenced the development of gender labels in children, and their toy preferences, especially in the case of boys (Weinraub et al, 1984). However, another study conducted shortly later on found that contrary to previous research suggesting fathers as being the primary force supporting the development of children learning gender labels, that mothers and fathers were equally involved (Roopnarine, 1986). The results of these studies (Weinraub et al, 1984 Roopnarine, 1986) demonstrate that parents, especially fathers of boys, can influence the gender labels that children develop, and in turn the choices children make about toys and support the hypothesis proposed by social-learning theorists.Chapter Three Methodology3.1 Research MethodsThe overarching research design of this research was that of the case study. This design was chosen as it enables real life participants to be examined in a real life situation, allowing for an in-depth insight into the phenomenon being investigated (Cohen et al, 2011). The phenomenon this research project examined was gendered toys it investigated how children and their parents perceive and reason about such toys and aimed to establish whether there is a link between the perceptions of parents and the preferences of children. A further benefit of the case study approach is that it allows findings to be presented in a clear and concise manner, enabling the ref to have a clearer understanding of the ideas being presented (Cohen et al, 2011).Case studies have been defined as being the study of a single instance in spite of appearance a bounded system, for example a school, class, community (Adelman et al, 1980 Creswell, 1994 cited in Cohen et al, 2011). However, it has been put forward that such a tight definition is not an appropriate definition of the case study approach. Yin (2009) argues that the line between the phenomenon being investigated and the context where it is being investigating is not clear-cut therefore it is important contextualise case studies by employing s trategies such as rich descriptions and details. Nevertheless, this case study did investigate a phenomenon within a bounded system, focusing on families from within a community whose children all attend the same school. The case study approach was chosen for this research as the approach is particularly useful in establishing cause and effect, and the aim of this research was to establish if parental perceptions influence children choices. In addition, case studies allow the cause of a phenomenon to be observed within a real life perspective, allowing for a better understanding of how the context of a situation influences both cause and effect (Cohen et al, 2011).Case studies are excellent for providing both the researcher and the reader with an in-depth and rich understanding of the phenomenon being investigated. Nevertheless, as a case study is usually focused upon a fairly narrow line of inquiry, focused on a specific phenomenon or a single setting, it does have its limitation s. A major, often cited limitation is the lack of generality finding and conclusion drawn by a case study cannot be applied to a wider context than that within which it was conducted (Robert-Holmes, 2011). It is therefore of upmost importance that researchers conducting case studies do not attempt to make claims applying the knowledge obtained through a case study universally.This research employ three data collection methods within its case study research design, these were, questionnaires, documentary research and an interview. Three methods of data collection were employed in order to provide the study with triangulation. Triangulation is the process of employing two or more methods of data collection when researching an aspect of human behaviour, allowing the researcher to obtain a more spatiotemporal picture of the behaviour they are investigating (Cohen et al, 2011 Robert-Holmes, 2011). Triangulation is important as it provides the research with validity, which in turn make s the conclusions drawn by research more believable to the reader (Mukherji Albon, 2009). An overview of these methods and their benefits and limitations, will follow.Questionnaires can be a useful tool for gathering data for research as they quickly collect large quantities of data, and due to the standardise nature of the questionnaire the data collected is easily comparable (Willan, 2010 Robert-Holmes, 2011). However, it must be noted that questionnaire data lacks the depth and breadth of interview data, which offers a more in-depth insight of peoples thoughts, beliefs and attitudes (Robert-Holmes, 2011). Whilst questionnaires can be very useful, being easy to distribute and a comparatively cheap and quick method of collecting large quantities of data, they can prove problematic as getting reactions back can often be challenging (Willan, 2010 Robert-Holmes, 2011). Furthermore, the formulation of a questionnaire can be difficult to get pay requiring careful consideration it is especially easy for questionnaires to lack clarity, be ambiguous and to be leading to its participants (Willan, 2010). Therefore, special consideration needs to be taken to insure the questions are formulated in a way to ensure the necessary data is collected, whilst making sure that the questionnaire itself is not excessively long or complicated. An overly long or complex questionnaire can put off potential participants, which in turn may result in a low response rate which then effects the breadth of the data collected (Oppenheim, 1992 Foody, 1993). For this reason, the questions for this projects questionnaire were designed to be clear and concise furthermore, unnecessary questions were omitted from the questionnaire in an attempt to maximise participation. objective research can provide an insight into human social activity, briefly speaking a document can be describes as being a record of an event or a process, which is produced by an individual or group (Cohen et al, 2011). Documentary research can help researchers understand current practices however through analysing historical documentation researchers can use this method to investigate how historical perceptions have influenced current thinking (Willan, 2010 Cohen et al, 2011). Documentary evidence can come in many different formats and is not merely the analysis of written documents, such as policy documents and letters documentary evidence can be obtained from various multimedia sources such as radio, films and emails (Willan, 2010 Cohen et al, 2011). The documents analysed by this research were collages of favourite toys produced autonomously by the child participants it was used to provide a current picture of the childrens toy preferences obtained with minimal adult influence. However, documents do not provide information automatically, they require careful analysis and interpretation to reveal the information contained within them. Therefore, the worth of data obtained through documentary ana lysis is highly variable, depending on how able the person analysing it is to fully understanding its meaning (Cohen et al, 2011).The final method of data collection employed by this study was the semi-structured interview, employing the use of an interview guide which, while listing areas to be discussed was not a fixed, premeditated interview schedule as would be used in a structured interview (Robert-Holmes, 2011). The semi-structured technique was selected over the structured technique as it provides a good degree exploration whilst minimising the potential to wander from the intended area of discussion (Willan, 2010 Robert-Holmes, 2011). Semi-structured interviews centre firmly on the participant and their beliefs and opinions, rather than the researcher, which is the case in a structured interview there is far more scope for the participant to influence the course the interview takes. When conducting a semi-structured interview the researcher acts as a facilitator encouraging the participants to vocalise their opinions about the matter being discussed (Robert-Holmes, 2011).The interviews for this study were conducted as a group in the childrens school environment, additionally the researcher was known to these children from their role as a tender in the class. These measures were taken to ensure that the children felt as comfortable as possible, as feeling intimidated or uncomfortable by the situation could potentially affect the success of the interview (Robert-Holmes, 2011). Furthermore, it was felt that building a good rapport with the children, through volunteering in their classroom before commencing the data collection was imperative. This was because children are generally not used to unfamiliar adults asking them about their thoughts, feelings or experiences, therefore good researcher-child relationships are fundamental for successfully interviewing children (Folque, 2010).3.2 Ethical ConsiderationsBefore data collection commenced a letter expla ining the aims and data collection methods of this research was presented to both the school and the parents of the children combat-ready in the research. This was to ensure that all parties involved were aware of how and why the research was being conducted a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure certificate was also shown to the school and made available for the parents to view to demonstrate that the research was being conducted by a suitable adult.Through giving participants transparent information on the aims and data collection methods of the research allowed the adult participants to give their inform consent to participate on the research. Parents were asked for their permission for the children to participate, additionally the children were briefed on their part in the research and it was made clear to all parties that their participation was in no way compulsory and that they were free to withdraw at any point. Copies of the letters sent to the school and parents, along with the ethical approval form for this research can be found in the appendices (See Appendix 2 and 3).Chapter Four Results4.1 Analysing Childrens Toy CollagesIntroductionIn order to collect information about the toy preferences of the children participating the document analysis method of data collection was used, the documentary evidenced analysed was collages created by the children of their favourite toys. Full details of this method can be found in the methodology chapter of this research project (See 3.1).AimsThe aim of using document analysis was to ascertain the childrens toy preferences in a naturalistic and unbiased way. It allowed the children to fetch up a collage of their favourite toys autonomously, with minimal outside influences. This information was required to determine to what extent, if at all, children prefer gender stereotypical toys.ProceduresIn total 31 families of Year 2 children at a West Midlands primary school were contacted with details the resear ch and asked if they would be interested in participating. In total 10 families expressed an interest in taking part, giving a response rate of 32.2 %, 4 families were then selected to participate. The families selected were of white British background and from intact family units. These families were chosen because of the commonality of their backgrounds, in order to minimise variables due to ethnicity, culture and family dynamics. The sample group consisted of four children 2 boys and 2 girls aged between 6 and 7years old.The children were provided with a toy catalogue, featuring a wide range of different types of toys. The children were also provided with a choice of coloured paper, scissors and glue. Adults were on hand to assist the children with cutting out and sticking if this was needed.The activity was child led but supervised by adults, this was to minimise adult influence on the childrens choices whilst ensuring the activity was safe. The activity was conducted in the chi ldrens school environment, to ensure the children felt comfortable in order to minimise any negative effect on either the participants or the data collected (see 3.1). The children were told that they could set out through the catalogue, cut out the toys which they favoured and use them to make their collage. The children were also informed that if they could not find a toy they l

Psychosocial Effects On Dementia Carers

Psycho brotherly Effects On Dementia C bersDementia is a chronic, heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder which develops as a function of age, typically from 65 years old, with symptoms ranging from soulality changes and losses of memory/intellect to severe reductions in mobility. Alzheimers disease is the most prevalent form of madness (Cooper Greene, 2005). The diverse and deteriorating nature of the hallucination process is uncontrollable and dramatically reduces suffers ability to fear for themselves independently, resulting in the need to be cared for, predominantly by informal carers, constituting family members peculiarly Spouses or children of the delirium sufferer. Consequently, the majority of dementedness sufferers remain reenforcement at home (Rabins, Mace Lucas, 1982). Undoubtedly the role of compassionate for a person liveness with craziness has proscribe psychological (Dura, Kiecolt-Glaser Stukenberg, 1990) and sociable do (Rabins et al.) on carers. How ever, amount of cordial survive carers receive (Haley, Levine, Brown Bartolucci, 1987), stage of the dementia process (Quinn, Clare, Pearce Dijkhuizen, 2008 Haley Pardo, 1989) and symptoms show (Kinney Stephens, 1989) mediate negative psycho genial effects on carers. Psychosocial effects fucking be also be positive (Andren Elmstahl, 2005), with gender mediation (Fitting, Rabins, Lucas Eastham, 1986). Indirect causes of psychosocial effects on carers are financial strain (OShea, 2003) whilst effects of dementia on federation also exist (Wimo, Ljunggren Winblad, 1997).Firstly, in relation to psychological effects on carers of persons living with dementia, research proposes conductal symptoms expressed by dementia sufferers are the predominant cause of negative effects carers experience. Behavioural symptoms range from embarrassing public behaviour to self-harm, causing carers to be persistently aware of the dementia sufferers actions which subsequently induces psychologic al effects of stress, anxiety, emotional upset and fatigue on carers (Dura et al., 1990). The dementia sufferers argumentative temperament, force play towards carers and rejecting carers help also subjoins psychological stress and upset, with exhaustion as dementia sufferers often wake carers at night, augmenting further fatigue and thus stress (Rabins et al., 1982). In consequentially, following extensive periods of care (approximately 74months), psychological well-being of carers reduces dramatically with 30% expressing symptoms of depression, not existent prior to commencement of caring (Dura et al.). Implying, induction of negative psychological effects on carers are a direct consequence of caring for the person with dementia.Secondly, caring for a person with dementia induces negative social effects on carers with an average 30 of 55 carers reporting feeling social-isolated as a consequence of fulltime care, due to restricted time available for social activities/friendships, to skimpy fill-in from family members and also due to leaving fulltime employment, as the work place is a major basis for social-interaction. Considering, carers undergo these major life changes to care for the dementia sufferer it is not surprising they feel socially-isolated, especially when dementia sufferers communication abilities deteriorate (Rabins et al., 1982) and feel ultimately trapped (Gaugler, Anderson, Zarit Pearlin, 2004). Furthermore, social effects on carers discharge the relationship between caring for dementia sufferers and depression, as social isolation amplifies the hazard of carers experiencing depressive symptomology. This is vilified by carers who receive social support, remain in contact with social ne dickensrks and partake in social activities and consequently report absence of depression, reduced stress and augment pleasure (Haley et al., 1987). Thus, effects on carers of persons living with dementia can be psychological and social psychosocial but appear mediated by carers social situation. The stage of dementia is also primary (Quinn et al., 2008)Thirdly, severity of psychosocial effects on carers of persons living with dementia, appear determined by the stage of dementia. As Quinn et al. (2008) proposed negative psychosocial effects on carers are at their peak of severity during early dementia stages due to drastic changes taking place in carers lives, primarily, adapting to prevalent changes in the dementia sufferer and accepting changes in the relationship with the dementia sufferer with augment carers stress (Burns Rabins, 2000). Conversely, Haley and Pardo (1989) proposed negative psychosocial effects peak during later dementia stages, specifically augmented stress levels and social isolation as carers role mystifys increasingly demanding. Particularly, care of daily needs, such as feeding and clothing due to dementia sufferers declining immobility due to the deteriorating progression of dementia. Also anxiety augmen ts with fear of the dementia sufferers looming expiry (Rabins et al., 1982). Moreover, it is comprehensible both early and latter dementia stages induce negative psychosocial effects on carers, although which stage carers perceive to account for the majority of negative effects relies on exclusive differences. Especially as some carers conversely report later dementia stages to reduce negative psychosocial effects as behavioural symptoms become less adverse which may, be easier for some carers to cope with. Furthermore, some carers even report satisfaction from aiding daily-needs of immobile dementia sufferers (Kinney Stephens, 1989). However, older carers seemingly experience augmented psychological stress than do younger carers (Kiecolt-Glaser, Dura, Speicher, Trask Glaser, 1991) whereas younger carers experience augmented social-isolation and rage, with all effects appearing worse for women (Fittings et al., 1986).In view of these individual differences, two hypotheses are pr oposed to account for variability in psychosocial effects experienced by carers. The firstWear and Tear hypothesis predicts as symptoms of dementia sufferers worsen, so do carers stress and depression levels, subsequently affecting carers social life, inducing negative psychosocial effects which supports Haley and Pardo (1989) findings as suggestive of later dementia stages inducing greatest negative psychosocial effects on carers. Whereas the secondAdaptation-hypothesis predicts carers adapt to caregiving requirements and subsequently experience reduced stress and change magnitude satisfaction over time, thus reduced negative and increased positive psychosocial effects on carers (Townsend, Noelker, Deimling Bass, 1989). Accordingly, Townsend et al. indeed revealed the majority of adult-child carers 52% (averaging 47 years old), actually adapted overtime to their caregiving role, supporting earlier dementia stages as inductive of the most negative psychosocial effects, which accou nted for both centralized and non-centralized caregivers. Although relationship between carer-dementia parent prior to caregiving mediated whether adaptation or declination occurred. Nevertheless, deciphering which carers require support during early or later stages of dementia may aid alleviation of negative psychosocial effects on carers of persons living with dementia (Townsend et al.). Although positive, psychosocial effects on carers are also reported (Andren Elmstahl, 2005).Andren and Elmstahl (2005) report carers experience positive psychosocial effects, specifically, portrayals of positive behaviour and interaction with dementia sufferer is gratifying for carers. Particularly because interaction is gratifying for the dementia sufferer which positively enhances carer mood decreasing negative psychosocial effects.. Although carers experiencing positive psychosocial effects appear to be those who perceive their caring ability positively and have naturalised coping mechanisms such as talking to others about their feelings emotion-focused coping and learning more about what dementia is problem-focused coping/information seeking, particularly decreasing feelings of social isolation (Haley et al., 1987). However the carers Andren and Elmstahl assessed, received help from care nurses and only cared for the dementia sufferer around every two months, thus due to their limited employment and supplementary support, it is not surprising carers reported augmented positive as compared to negative psychosocial effects. Further suggesting time involvement as mediating negative psychosocial effects on carers, especially as OShea (2003) reported two-thirds of carers working approximately 80 hours per week caring for the person with dementia double the average working week, experienced caring to be steeply stressful and felt substantial social isolation due to extensive time devoted to caring. Carers reported they would exhibit greater satisfaction by receiving supple mentary support allowing reduced working hours, which therefore supports Andren and Elmstahls findings. Although, O Shea reported 73% of carers do receive support from formal carers, suggesting lack of support from family members causes negative psychosocial effects or formal carers being strangers may augment carers stress (Burns Rabins, 2000). Even so, other variables require investigation, particularly financial salute (O Shea, 2003).The apostrophize of caring for a person living with dementia can be up to 630 per week and considering majority of carers leave employment or work less hours to care for the dementia sufferer carers are reported to averagely lose 200 per week. Consequently, two-thirds of carers report financial difficulties especially as only 30% of carers receive carers salary (OShea, 2003), thus inducing psychological stress due to financial strain. Furthermore, caring for a dementia sufferer at home saves society 6billion per year which stresses the high cost of dementia care being absorbed by carers which undoubtedly increases carers psychological stress. On-the-other-hand carers may merely desire recognition in the form of compensation from society for their challenging role as a carer, as it seems stress is induced on carers due to feeling ignored by society (O Shea). Considering some carers stated that they would receive satisfaction from just 2.40 an hour, suggests recognition of carers duties with a small financial payment may convert negative psychosocial effects on carers to positive. Without this payment, society potentially face problems by inheriting the bulk cost of dementia care if carers struggle to cope and resort to early institutionalization of the dementia sufferer, which is reported to cost $166 per day in America (Wimo et al., 1997). On-the-other-hand, institutionalizations may reduce negative psychosocial effects on carers (Gaugler, Pot and Zarit, 2007).Gaugler et al. (2007) reported alleviation of carers psycholo gical stresses associated with daily aiding of dementia sufferers and social effects associated with social isolation due to constant care when dementia sufferers are placed in nursing homes. However these effects are reduced only temporarily as carers consequentially report psychological effects of transgression of institutionalizing the dementia sufferer, which suggests, even after their central role as a carer ends, psychological effects still remain. Although compared to nursing homes, group-living homes are designed to resemble the typical home and Colvez, Joel, Ponton-Sanchez and Royer (2002) found carers to experience less psychological stress associated with guilt when placing the dementia sufferer into group-living homes. Possibly because they are more sociable, granting dementia sufferers a better quality of life which feeds-back positively to carers. However this does not seem unvarying for all carers (Boekhorst et al., 2008). Nevertheless, group-living homes may be an intervention to reduce negative psychosocial effects on carers. Interventions are also essential, particularly as co-existence of negative psychosocial effects on carers appear to enhance probability of physiological effects on carers such as ill health (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 1991). Moreover, carers may benefit from training in how to efficaciously care for a dementia sufferer and knowledge of the nature of the dementia deterioration may make caregiving less stressful by increasing carers cognizance and predictability of the dementia process (OShea, 2003). Personally, assigning a mentor to carers may teach effective ways of caring whilst simultaneously providing them with support, attacking both psychological and social effects on carers of persons living with dementia. Although individual carer assessments may be needed to ensure interventions are targeted at reducing the psychosocial effects particular carers experience (Rabins et al., 1982).Overall, it is orotund that caring for persons living with dementia is a demanding role with various, predominantly negative psychological (stress and depression) and social effects (social isolation) on carers. Although there is no unified theory accountable for all carers which can predict definite psychosocial effects that will be experienced by all carers, as no single individual or situation is identical. Multiple variables have emerged which appear to mediate psychosocial effects on carers, particularly carers received level of social support (Haley et al., 1987), the stage of dementia (Quinn et al., 2008 Haley Pardo, 1989) and the symptoms expressed (Kinney Stephens, 1989). Although individuals adopting coping mechanisms appear more likely to experience positive psychological effects (satisfaction) and positive social effects (interaction with the patient) of caring for a person living with dementia. Although Indirect mediators not directly related to the dementia suffer per se financial cost of caregiving, induce stress due to financial strain. early research needs to decipher carers at risk of experiencing negative psychosocial effects and subsequently address interventions aimed at reducing negative psychosocial effects to reduce probability of carers developing not only mental deterioration (depression) but also physiological deterioration (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 1991).

Haunted Elevators at the University of Maryland :: Urban Legend Myths

Haunted Elevators at the University of MarylandA good urban legend is like a play so well pen and delivered the audience cannot tell if the performers are acting. The legend is carefully crafted to resonate with the audiences hopes, fears, and anxieties and the delivery works to suspend their disbelief. One urban legend epitomizes these characteristics.This urban legend was told by an eighteen-year-old African American college student at the University of Maryland. The urban legend dealt with Denton Hall, where he currently lives. The storyteller claimed that one of the dormitorys early residents was a lady friend who, due to some kind of calcium deficiency, had an unusually weak bone structure. The storyteller could not recall her name, except indicated that it had just slipped his mind and was on the pitch of his tongue. One day, she was going to the dining hall with a friend of hers when she realized she had forgotten her I.D. card. She asked her friend to hold the eleva tor while she ran back to her room to unsex it. She was just reaching the elevator with her card when the elevator, having been held open for too long, began buzzing and the doors closed. The girl tried to jump onto the elevator at the last second but the doors closed on her and crushed her. According to the storyteller, some of her brain fluid, composed of neurotransmitters and other electrically conductive chemicals, sprayed into the elevators control panel and fried some of the circuitry. From that microscope stage on, the elevators in Denton have been on the fritz and break down whenever anyone holds them open for too long.The urban legend was delivered excellently. The storyteller had also selected a perfect time for his performance. He was speaking too a small group of other Maryland students who were waiting for the elevator in Denton. He had enough time to finish his story, because tho one of the elevators was working. The storyteller presented the story as if he was simply relating the facts. He did not fill the story with dramatic pauses or extensive efforts to get an horny response from the audience. If he thought his audience was going to find a part of the story disturbing or unbelievable he qualified it by saying Now I thought this was really gross.

Love and Marriage in Gallants The Other Paris Essay -- Mavis Gallant

The Other ParisLove waxes timeless. It is animosityate and forbidden and a true head rush. Marriage, on the other hand, is practical, safe, a ride up the socioeconomic ladder. In The Other Paris, Mavis Gallant weaves the tale of Carol and Howard, a fictional couple who stand on the verge of a applaudless marriage, to hold still for the misguided actions of the men and women in the reality of the 1950s, the humbugs setting. By employing stereotypical, ignorant, and altogether uninteresting characters, Gallant highlights the distinction surrounded by reality and imagination and through the mishaps and lack of passion in their courtship mockingly comments on society?s views of love and marriage. Gallant typecast both Carol and Howard as ordinary young people, and like typical human beings, both have faults and beliefs that follow the accepted practices of society. As all women of a certain fleck in life (if that certain point can be said as the age of ?twenty-two?), Carol f rets incessantly over her age, being ?under the illusion? that very soon she would be ?so old? that no man could possibly want her. Here, Gallant ridicules the standards of age and beauty expected by society from women like Carol, a liaison common even in a more open and accepting world like today?s. Like her peers throughout time, Carol is pressured not precisely by her friends or parents but also herself to get a man while she able to attract someone much more suitable than that ? aesculapian student with no money.? Her vanity and fear of ending up old and alone embodies societal views toward spinsters as women pining away in some colored corner. Likewise, Howard also has the same pride as men now. His sister?s caution and unwelcome prediction that he will soon be right ?a... ...and approval. In the end, readers are unsure whether to laugh or cry at the union of Carol and Howard, two people most undoubtedly not in love. Detailed character developments of the confused yo ung adults combined with the brisk, businesslike tone used to describe this disastrous marriage effectively highlight the gap between marrying for love and marrying for ?reason.? As a piece written in the 1950s, when women still belonged to their husbands? households and marriages remained arranged for class and money?s sake, Gallant?s short story excerpt successfully utilizes fictional characters to point out a bigger picture no human being ought to repress his or her own desires for love in exchange for just an adequate home and a tolerable spouse. May everyone find their own wild passions instead of merely settling for the warranter and banality of that ?Other Paris.?

Euthanasia Essay -- mercy killing physician assisted suicide

EuthanasiaThe right to die with dignity, euthanasia and physician support suicide is a very sensitive issue debated in this country today. Euthanasia is the act of painlessly ending the life of a person for the sympathy of mercy. It is sometimes referred to as mercy killing. Americans are hearing more and more horror stories of the elderly tragically killing his or her spouse in value to avoid painful and horrible deaths. It is sad and amazing the extreme measure one had to go through to accomplish his or her death.More and more Americans are speaking out and fighting for the right to die. This however goes against all object lessons and ethical codes, for a physicians role to sustain life, not take hold it away. Although euthanasia and assisted suicide is not morally and ethically accepted, it should be an individual issue for those who face imminent death because death should be a personal choice, because death should be without unnecessary pain and suffering, and becau se most importantly death should be peaceful. Granted, euthanasia and physician suicide assisted seem to imperil the traditional medical values. All physicians take the Hippocratic Oath upon receiving their degree. This oath states those physicians are to prolong life and minimize suffering. In an article written by John Glasson he argues Physician assisted suicide presents one of the greatest contemporary challenges to the medical professions ethical responsibilities. Proposed as a instrument toward more humane care of the dying, assisted suicide threatens the very core of the medical professions ethical integrity (Glasson 91). Physicians have a moral and ethical responsibility to sustain life. They are in no position to render aid in a persons death... ... die with dignity.whole kit and boodle CitedDority, Barbara. The Ultimate Civil Liberty. Humanist. July/Aug. 1998 16-20.Sirs Researcher. CD-ROM. SIRS Mandrin Spring 1999. Sirs 1998 Death and Dying, volume 5, article 14. Glasson, John. Report of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association. Issues in truth & Medicine. Summer 1994 91-97. Sirs Researcher. CD-ROM. SIRS Mandrin Springs 1999. Sirs 1994 Death and Dying, volume 4, article 50.Kamisar, Yale. The Future of Physician-Assisted Suicide. Minnesota Law Review. July 1998 48-53. Sirs Researcher. CD-ROM. SIRS Mandrin Springs 1999.Puchalski, Christina M. Life Before Death Facing Death with True Dignity. World & I. July 1998 34-39.Strasburg, Jenny. tolerate Rights Speaking the Language of Death. Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN). Scipps-Howard News Service.

Overview Of Belgium :: essays research papers

Belgium is located upon northwest Europe from which is bounded on the north by the Netherlands and the pairing Sea, on the east by Ger umteen and Luxembourg, and on the south and southwest by France.1 Due to this location, Belgium is also known as the Crossroads of Europe because it promotes trade and prosperity.2 avocation the extirpate of WWII, (NATO) in April 1949 to provide safeguards against possible Communist aggression and, Belgium joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization like the efforts of other democratic countries, to pass on economic recovery.1 U.S.-Belgian relations are excellent. Belgium is a close ally and works with the U.S. on many international issues. Belgian governments redeem been committed to the development of a strong, federal European Union with the ability to set common foreign and security policies as well as common economic policies.3 The Belgium government have also been proponents of strong transatlantic ties within NATO. The current Dehaene g overnment has repeated its desire for close ties with the United States on security issues and has expressed support for enlarging NATO to guard certain former Warsaw Pact nations.3 Belgium is a substantial aid donor, making bilateral and multilateral contributions to humanitarian aid and development programs.3 Belgium is a provider of peacekeeping troops and has participated in various peacekeeping operations in Somalia, Rwanda and former Yugoslavia.3 The United States and Belgium are indeed allies. Belgium joined the UN as a use up member on June 26, 1945, the country gave consistent support to the other Western democracies during the intense ideological and political struggle (the so-called cold war) with the USSR and the states within the Soviet sphere of influence.1 The United States and Belgium both share a promising and extensive economic consanguinity with each other. Under the evolving federal system, the primary areas of interest to U.S. telephone circuit include forei gn trade, environment and investment regimes and incentives.3 Belgium and the United States have strong reciprocal trade relations. Belgium is a major market for American exports in 1995. Since the end of World War 2, American businesses have played an active and important part in the Belgian economy.4 One example of US and Belgium economic relationship include the Telecommunications Services (TES). The partial privatization of BELGACOM and Ameritechs involvement in the company have met the greatest growth potential in mobile telephone services.5 Also, many other U.S. companies are already active in the value-added network services market in Belgium.