Are minority perspectives in psychology a option for the reduction of Essay

Are minority perspectives in psychology a option for the reduction of prejudice - Essay Example To be sure, prejudice against ethnic and gender minorities impedes upon the progression of the social sciences. Solutions to this substantial problem have been proffered. One such recommendation has been that an increase in minority perspectives in psychology may reduce the amount and level of ethnic-based prejudice in the field. On many levels, this seems like a viable option; minority doctors are more socially equipped to handle the cases of minority patients. There is, however dissent from this theory. Here we will discuss both the problem and this possible solution to minority and gender prejudice in the field of psychology. The traditional framework for psychological assessment uses Eurocentric masculine behavior as the standard of normality. The western male model is not only seen as universal, but as ‘good’. Eurocentric standards of mental health are often inappropriate for ethnic minorities, because they are based on the philosophies, values and other aspects of the European culture, and these combinations are used as a basis for normative standards of mental health. These standards are routinely used for assessment and diagnosis. Likewise, masculine standards have proven to be somewhat ineffective in the diagnosis and treatment of women What is considered as sane or insane behavior, mental health or mental illness, normal or abnormal behavior is therefore always in relation to a white male normative standard. These standards are applied to minorities, and result in increased rates of misdiagnosis. The Eurocentric approach does not take into account cultural and language differences and how minorities express their inner feelings. The masculine approach does not take into account feminine sensitivities and varied modes of thinking and feeling. In the earlier days of Eurocentric practice, diagnosis like drapetomania (the escape behavior exhibited by enslaved Africans) was

American government and politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

American government and politics - Essay Example "This vexes me the most of any thing whatever. There are at this time in the adjacent County not less than 5 or 6 well meaning men in close Gaol [jail] for publishing their religious Sentiments which in the main are very orthodox. I have neither the patience to hear talk or think any thing relative to this matter, for I have squabbled and scolded abused and ridiculed so long about it, to so little purpose that I am without common patience. So I leave you to pity me and pray for Liberty of Conscience to revive among us." (Madison, 111) According to church-state scholar Robert Alley, this incident was pivotal in the young Madison's life. Madison had recently graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and was unsure what to do with his life. Dogged by frequent illness, the frail and undersized Madison was not even sure he would live much longer. Learning about those preachers in prison gave him a cause and seemed to reenergize him. "It is the general opinion, I think, of the scholars who have written about Madison that that was a key point in Madison's life," Alley said. "The thing that drove him to get involved in politics was seeing those men in jail in Culpeper County." (Madison, 113) Madison soon had the opportunit... The attempt at disestablishment failed, but Madison's ideas on religious freedom were included in an "Article on Religion" that was adopted by the Convention. The statement held that religion can be "directed only by reason and conviction, not force or violence" and guaranteed to all "the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience." (Madison, 119) Here Madison was responsible for a great leap forward in thinking. At the Revolutionary Convention, delegate George Mason had proposed an amendment guaranteeing "toleration" of all faiths. To Madison, this did not go far enough. He sought to expand religious liberty rights beyond mere toleration and argued for the "free exercise" of religion -- a concept that would later resurface in the First Amendment. Even though his attempt at disestablishing the state church failed, Madison had planted an important seed. Three years later Jefferson made another attempt at disestablishing the Anglican [Episcopal] Church in Virginia and securing passage of a general religious freedom bill. The move was unsuccessful, but seven years later, after the Revolution, Madison took up the cause and pushed both measures through. It was during this struggle that Madison penned what is considered one of the greatest American documents on religious freedom: "The Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments." Despite its somewhat unwieldy title, the "Memorial and Remonstrance" still stands today as a powerful indictment of church-state union. Madison's appeal was written in response to a drive in the Virginia Assembly, led by Patrick Henry, to use tax funds to pay for "teachers of the Christian religion." The "Remonstrance" lists

South African Automotive Industry Impact of Globalisation

South African Automotive Industry Impact of Globalisation 1. Introduction This paper discusses the impact of globalisation on the South African automotive industry in the business context. It explains the concept of globalisation and the importance of globalisation on the South African automotive industry. We explore the innovation, development and skills required in a globalized industry. This paper summarises of the current research of the business imperatives of globalisation in the South African automotive industry, which must be aligned with foreign investment and ownership, development of local skills, manufacturing and exporting. 2. A Definition of Globalisation According to Held and McGrew [2003:3], the term globalisation denotes the growth of connections between various countries that exists as society and states become increasingly entangled in worldwide systems and an exchange of communication via interaction. Kugut (1999:166) defines globalisation as a means of union between nations and companies achieving a common way of doing things. Gill (1999:70) defines globalisation as a method of growing economic integration, and a rising economic interdependence between the different economies of countries. Kiely (1998:3) defines globalisation as a world that has brought closeness of different economies, cultures and societies. Braithwaite and Drahos (2000:8) define globalisation as the growth of social, cultural, economic and political relations worldwide. These definitions highlight the magnitude of globalisation. A number of theorists present various meanings for globalisation. Essentially, all of these definitions describe economic, political and social integration on a worldwide scale. The globalisation method occurring in one part of the world influences what is taking place in other parts. 3. Globalisation as an Investment Driver of Growth in the Automobile Industry According to Flatters [2005], Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased substantially in the South African automobile industry since 1995. It is difficult for South Africa to compete against other automotive supply chains around the world. This requires large amounts of capital, experience, skilled workers, and the latest technology systems. According to Zhu, Xu and Lundin [2006], high-end technology is required for any industry to compete in a sustainable manner, and this is very costly in terms of finance and time. According to Flatters [2005], in 1995 the initialization of the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) and the Productive Asset Allowance (PAA) incentive scheme set a high standard of Foreign Direct Investment in the South African automotive industry. As a result, investment in this sector is high and vehicle exports have grown. 4. Positive effects of globalisation in South Africa Innovation in the South African Automotive Industry According to De Klerk [2006], ever since the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) was brought in by the government in 1995, the South African automotive industry has integrated into the global automotive supply chain. The MIDP have removed all the competition from the automotive industry. Initially, when foreign ownership had a part in the South African automotive industry, it seemed as if it would have a negative impact on the South African automotive industry. According to De Klerk, JJ [2006], foreign ownership is exactly what the South African automotive industry needed. According to Lourens Barnes [2004], in order to improve in the industry, South African automotive industry technology needs to be improved. This requires foreign capital investment, and the opportunity for the domestic market to take advantage of it. When foreign and domestic markets work together, the technical knowledge is transferred to the developed country, which is then able to progress forward. Many auth ors have confirmed that when a country inherits the technology that comes with Foreign Direct Investment, the host country will have a very good base to develop its industry further. [Sadoi, [2008]; Doctor, [2007]; Basser, [2008], Lorentzen and Barnes, [2004]] According to Flatters [2005], South Africa has attracted substantial foreign investment over the past few years for example, Daimler Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo have invested here. However, this is very little compared to other developing countries. Multinational enterprises (MNE) view South Africa according to its size and for the potential for future growth in its domestic market. MNE look at the advantages that can taken from unsettled exchange rates in developed countries, the experience and quality of the workforce, and whether it is a low cost centre compared to other nations. According to De Klerk [2009], South Africa presents a beneficial emerging market for the multinational enterprises. South Africas population growth has increased by 8 percent (around 3571 350) in 1994 and by 11.9 percent (around 5333 550) in 2000, and is still growing. There are advantages that can be taken from the defect of the exchange rate.Wessells (2004) says that since the death of the Bretton Woods system, countries worldwide may choose an exchange rate ruling. According to De Klerk [2009], South Africa has a promising economy with an unpredictable currency, which is seen as a great benefit to the multinational enterprises. The quality and competence of the South African automotive workers are not of high standard. According to De Klerk [2009], the industry has a lack of skills and a surplus of untrained laborers. 5. Foreign Ownership, Education and Skills Development According to De Klerk [2009], it is expected that the same level of skills in a developing country be matched to that of the foreign investor. However, in developing nations the level of education is not that high. According to a literature review by Chatterji Montagma [2008] on foreign ownership, the multinational enterprise expects developed countries to have a high level of education before investing. Nevertheless, foreign direct investment continues although the standard of education is not high. The research done by authors Chatterji Montagma [2008] around training and processes and routines found that: developed countries would receive on-the-job training training is carried out with the use of advanced technologies multinational enterprises is impacted with quality of assembly line by the processes and routines of the host countries laborers. According to De Klerk [2009], the low cost of laborers in the local economy and processes and routines are beneficial to the multinational enterprises, with the aid of advanced technologies. 6. The Development of the South African Automotive Industry According to Black [2009], the South African automotive industry went through a bad period in the 1980s.The economic growth was slow due to political factors and international isolation. Vehicle sales had gradually recovered up until 2003, and had reached 617 000 units in 2005. According to NAAMSA [2006], 525 000 vehicles were produced in 2005, of which 26.6 percent were sold abroad. By the year 2005 the South African automotive industry was liable for 7.4 percent of South Africas Growth Domestic Product. (DTI, 2007). According to Black [2009], like most other countries with growing economies, the South African vehicle industry had set tariffs and a string of local content programs aimed at protecting the industry. According to Black [2009], the protection ruling became a serious problem 1980s, which led to the perception South Africa automotive industry as incompetent. According to Black [2009], a year before the first democratic elections, the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) was introduced. This has allowed tariffs to decline by 40 percent for light vehicles and 30 percent for vehicle components before 2002. According to Black [2009], the MITs International Motor Vehicle Program published its first book on the future of the automobile industry. The South African automotive industry was not mentioned much, but the book contained some negative comments on the future of the South African automobile trade. 7. Automobile Exports According to Black [2009] motor vehicle exports grew fast in 2001. The increase in the quantity of vehicle exports does not mean that a foreign firm is being competitive in the automobile industry. Being competitive relies on the company global plan and the need to optimize its global manufacturing ability according to the policy ruling at each production location. The significance of economies of scale increases competitive pressure on companies in the automotive industry, requiring that they boost their production in order to decrease unit costs [Black, 2009]. In 2005, the export of motor vehicles grew rapidly as foreign companies had to adopt a strategic plan to supply vehicles out of South Africa.   According to Black [2009], in 2001 the three German vehicle companies, BMW, Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler introduced an export strategy that was generating almost 50 percent of their import rebate credit certificates from exporting vehicles. Other vehicle firms like Ford and Nissan consistently practiced a multi-modal plan, using low local content standards. By 2005, Toyota and Ford employed an export plan together with other assemblers that followed later. The growth and success in the export of the automotive vehicles has been driven by the Motor Industry Direct Plan. Many multinationals do not see South Africa as an exporting location. Keeping costs low positively impacts the rapid growth of exports. The cheap labor and low management costs, joined with cheap property and electricity, add to the competitive advantages. According to Black [2009], in mid 2002 the cost of assembly for domestic firms such as DaimlerChrysler and BMW are below the manufacturing costs of the plants in G ermany. High costs were gained in the South African processes through supply chain management .i.e. the inbound and outbound logistics. According to NAAMSA [2006], Automotive Industry Export Council [2007], Department of Trade and Industry [2002, 2004], the Table 1 below, signifies the growth of the automotive exporting in 1990s, which exceeded the small regional markets and major export destinations that are at considerable distances from South Africa. The investment of vehicle production and component producers has gradually improved since the depression in the mid 1990s, when unclear politics and policies and a weak domestic market led to a serious slump in new capital expenditure. According to Black, [2009], an amount of capital totaling R847 million was invested in the automotive manufacturing industry in 1995. By 2005 this had increased to R3.5 billion. South African production plants still lag behind in capital expenditure compared to the vast capital expenditure in explosive markets like China, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, and Central Europe. [Black, 2009] When the Motor Industry Direct Plan [MIDP] was introduced in the 1990s, the South African automotive industry entered in to the African markets. Unfortunately, this market was too small to increase the production line. On a smaller scale, the Completely Knock Down [CKD] assembly investments continued to grow. For example, in 1998 Fiat agreed to spend R250 million in order to manufacture new models from the Automaker production factory in South Africa. [Black, 2009]. 8. Automobile Manufacturing based in South Africa 8.1 Toyota in South Africa According to Black [2009], the Toyota brand was popular in the 1990s, with a big local market slice for its cars and light commercial vehicles. In the past, Toyota and Nissan were locally owned and operated by licensed agreements. Two well known international vehicle companies, Nissan and Toyota, have taken control of the South African automotive operations. These two firms have created a reaction amongst rival competitors in the South African market. Toyota South Africa has firmly incorporated itself into the parent global manufacturing system. The first Toyota vehicle exported out of South Africa was the Corolla. In 2005, on a large scale, Toyota exported light commercial vehicles as part of its Global project, which was called the Internal Multipurpose Vehicle project. At its Durban plant, Toyota has started production and aim to complete 300 000 units per year. However, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) stated that the South African manufacturing plant will be entirely incorporated into the TMC global supply system. 8.2 Ford in South Africa According to Black [2009], Ford has a history in the automotive assembly line in South Africa. Ford withdrew its vehicle assembly plants in the mid 1980s due to the political regime at the time. Toyota and Ford have reinvested into the South African domestic vehicle market after the first democratic election in 1994. At first they were hesitant to export vehicles out of South Africa on a large scale and therefore they kept their plants going worldwide, as well as knowing that there assembly production lines are in various markets. According to Black [2009], Ford Motor Company fully invested in South Africa in 2002 and has boosted its production line volumes by producing 100 000 units per year on the T6 pickups. 8.3 General Motors in South Africa According to Black [2009], Delta Motor Corporation is currently licensed to export under the brand name of GM. Initially they had a problem exporting vehicles out of South Africa because they did not have a stake in the South African domestic market. In 1996, Delta invested in its first production plant in South Africa. It is a small plant that has a low production turnover on volumes. GM has started an export plan, but the units produced and content levels are too low. Additionally, their position in the domestic market is weak. 9. Conclusion This paper reviewed the impact of globalisation on the South African automotive industry, and discussed measures that may allow South African automotive businesses to achieve their objectives through foreign investment and ownership, development of local skills, manufacturing, and exporting.

The Preservation of Laguna San Ignacio :: Pacific Gray Whale Conservation Essays

The Preservation of Laguna San Ignacio In the 19th century the Pacific Gray Whale was nearly hunted to extinction when their products were in high demand. At the turn of the century, there existed only a few thousand of these precious whales. Soon after, the whales were placed onto the endangered species list where they were under the heavy protection of numerous national laws and international treaties. In 1993 the number of Gray Whales climbed to a miraculous 21,000 and by the end of 1994 the Pacific Gray Whale became the first mammal to be removed from the endangered species list. A few months after its removal from the endangered species list, the primary breeding and calving grounds of the Gray Whale, located in Baja California, was chosen by the Mitsubishi Corporation to become the worlds largest salt harvesting center. The gray whale is a migratory species that spends the majority of its summers feeding in the Arctic Ocean near Alaska. Every winter thousands of gray whales, many of them pregnant, leave the hostile waters of Alaska and travel 4000 miles to the warm and salty lagoons of Mexico’s Baja California Coast. They cluster around 3 primary lagoons in which they stay until late April, however only one of them remains unmarred by human activity. This last remaining refuge, Laguna San Ignacio, is now in great danger of becoming invaded by the corporate world. The high salinity of the waters provide many benefits for the whales. Because of this high salt content, the whales become much more buoyant and expend much less energy remaining afloat. This proves to be very beneficial for the newborn calves that are just learning to swim and nurse. Another benefit the lagoons of Baja California possess is the warm water temperature in comparison to the chilly waters of the Arctic. This warmth prov ides heat to the newborns and prevents excessive losses of body temperature, thereby conserving energy that would otherwise be required to maintain a constant body temperature. Also, the seclusion of the lagoons from the dangers of the open seas, such as high waves created by storms, makes it a safer place for the newborn calves, as mother and child are less likely to become separated. These benefits substantially increase the survival rates of newborns as well as provide a more comfortable nursing environment. However the country of Mexico as well as the Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan project to make millions by the development and expansion of the salt factory, Exportadora de Sal.

Sudan’s Economic Development

Development is something we do to make our way of life more comfortable. If we were not to develop we would still be living in the depths of the jungle feeding on bugs and things. But we have developed to become a more intelligent and happier race. In developing we take things we have and manipulate them into things we can use and sell to help our current situation and in turn make our way of life better. The quality of life is very important. Some factors may be measured but inputs such as personal happiness, a sense of well being or self worth etc., are more difficult to measure because they are subjective. A study of development must contain both measurable objective and subjective aspects. The quality of life can be measured by other factors like infant mortality rate, life expectancy, literacy rate, GNP, and population-growth rate. The quality of life is directly linked to the state of development that a country is currently at. To be developed a country has to have at the very least the basic necessities covered for the human population, e.g. clean water and a health system. To be highly developed a country would have to be up with the cutting edge of technology and health care, plus have a good education status etc. This report will eventually draw up a conclusion of what state of development this country (Sudan) is at. Sudan is situated in Northeastern Africa, the largest country of the African continent. It is bounded on the north by Egypt; on the east by the Red Sea and has Kenya, Uganda, DRC (formerly Zaire), Central African Republic, Chad and Libya. Sudan has a total area of 2,505,813 sq. km. Khartoum is the Capital City of Sudan. Sudan has a maximum length from north to south of more than 2250km; the extreme width of the country is about1730km. Divided into three separate regions, ranging from desert which covers about 30% of all Sudan, through a vast semiarid region of steppes and low mountains in central Sudan, to a region of vast swamps and rain forest in the south. Major features of Sudan are the great Nile River and its head streams the White Nile and the Blue Nile. Sudan has a tropical climate, Seasonal variations are most sharply defined in the desert zones, where winter temperatures as low as 4.4 degrees Celsius are common. Summer temperatures often exceed 43.3 degrees Celsius in the desert zones, and rainfall is negligible. Dust storms frequently occur. In Khartoum the average annual temperature is about 26.7 degrees Celsius; and annual rainfall which often occurs between mid-June and September, is about 254mm. The primary natural resources of Sudan are water. Supplied by the Nile River system, and fertile soil. Large areas of cultivable land are situated in the region between the Blue Nile and the White Nile. Small deposits of many minerals occur. The most important of which are chromium, copper and iron ore. Petroleum was also discovered in the late 1970†³s. The population of Sudan is composed mainly of Arabs in the north and black Africans in the south. Other ethnic groups in northern Sudan include the Beja, Jamala and Nubian peoples. About 58% of the economically active people are engaged in agricultural or pastoral activities; a quarter are employed in services and less than 10% in manufacturing and mining. Infant mortality rate indicates how many infants in every 1000 die soon after birth. Sudan has an infant morality rate of 77 in every 1000 live births. In developing countries the infant mortality rate is usually high and this lowers the overall life expectancy, along with generally poor health among adults. Sudan has a limited health system; it provides various vaccinations for the population but lacks overall medical treatment. Sudan does not have a good life expectancy (52 years); this is probably due to the relatively poor health services. Only 48% of Sudan†s population have access to clean water and there are 11620 people per doctor. (Population projection graph Appendix A) (Sudan population pyramid Appendix B) Sudan†s economic situation is not all that great. GDP/capita is only at $186 US, compared to other countries like Indonesia ($671), Togo ($559) and Costa Rica ($1774) Sudan needs to do a little work to get their GDP up. Sudan imports primary foodstuffs, petroleum products, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, medicines and chemicals at a cost of 1.1billion dollars US annually. But they only export $535 million per annum in cotton (24%), livestock/meat (13%), gum Arabic (food additive in printing material)(11%). This has put Sudan into an $18 billion dollar debt. The education status of Sudan is not very impressive either. An Adult literacy rate of 42.7% and only 52% of children in primary school the population doesn†t get the education it requires to develop properly. About two thirds of Sudan†s population derives its living from crop farming or grazing, but only about 5% of the countries land is arable. Annual crop production in the early 1990†³s included; sorghum, wheat, peanuts, dates, yams and pulses. Cotton is the leading cash crop of Sudan; it is produced in large amounts in the Al Jazirah region. The livestock population in the early 1990†³s included about 21.6 million cattle, 22.6 million sheep, 18.7 million goats and 35 million poultry. The constitution of 1973, establishing Sudan as a one-party presidential Republic, was suspended following a military coup in 1985. Open elections were held in 1986, but political activities in the court were banned after another military coup in 1989. After the 1985 coup a 15 member Transitional Military Council took control. In April 1986 the people elected members to a parliamentary assembly; the leader of the majority party became Prime Minister. This shows that the government up until 1985 the Sudanese government was unstable and needed reform. It is quite clear that Sudan is not a developed country. This shows mainly in it†s economic factors, with the country being $18billion dollars in debt and having its exports much lower than its imports there doesn†t seem to be much hope of Sudan getting into or anywhere near the black. Also the majority of the population works in agriculture and only a limited number of people work in the industries. The health system provides only limited support for the population. Over 11 000 people per doctor and 48% of the population with access to clean water, it is no surprise that the life expectancy is only 52 years. (Basic demographic Indicators Appendix C) Everyone knows that it takes money to make money and Sudan has a lot of its money channelled into the military. They could cut down on the army expenses and divide that money into other aspects like education, health and technology. Sudan can be an ally with neighbouring countries and trade goods; they could combine their forces and become one force.

Outside reading

This article featured in US Catholic Magazine discusses the importance that a pilgrimage can offer our spiritual life. I found out that pilgrimages to important Catholic sites, usually where Jesus or saints traveled are Important today as they were thousands of years ago. Before modern transportation, pilgrims took a prolonged Journey that lasted anywhere from several weeks to a year. This extended travel really demonstrated a pilgrim's dedication to their faith. Usually the reasons for this trip were to ask for divine aid, to fulfill a religious obligation, or to venerate an important place or object.Just arriving to a sacred place is only part of their Journey. Pilgrims, by embarking on an exterior, physical Journey, take an interior Journey as well. Even though the journey has changed over the centuries, Pilgrimages continue to function as an important tool for spiritual growth. By actually embarking on a pilgrimage, we can encounter firsthand the global nature of our faith and ou r Catholic heritage. Seeing Catholics flock from all the corners of the Earth for one specific purpose leaves an unforgettable sense of community within.Overall, the repose for any pilgrimage, near or far, Is to have a physical experience to help us better understand what we cannot come to know through our senses. Reading about pilgrimages Is far different from actually taking one. Reading about the powerful emotions and feelings taken from this experience makes me wonder what triggers these reactions. The author of this article said that on one of her journeys, she, â€Å"l felt that I connected with the life of SST. Francis?and therefore with Christ, whom he sought to imitate. The trip changed my life. † She also goes on to describe that the runner itself is as important as the destination.When people think of taking a pilgrimage, they usually decide on where they are going, not how they will arrive there. Looking at the Journey rather than the destination itself puzzles me because I would have not thought to think of that particular part. The motivation for taking this journey also posed questions for me. I read that, â€Å"Pilgrimages work because they address a fundamental human principle: to use our experiences of the perceivable created world to connect with the creator, whom we cannot see,† which means that NY pilgrimage helps us connect with God on a spiritual level as well.Not only has this article described what a pilgrimage is, but has challenged me to think about taking a pilgrimage for myself. The author says that her trips have changed her life. I wonder if it is possible for this to happen to anyone, including myself. I read that pilgrims don't Just help you escape, but call you to let go of current situation and seek interior conversion. The time spent following the footsteps of other Christians push us to directly encounter God. A pilgrimage is part of the foundation of our faith since it is essentially how it began.Since you ca n make a pilgrimage without spending much money or traveling a great distance, I know it is possible for anyone to take one. The key Is to recognize that you are in a sacred space where God's nearness becomes much clearer to you, which does not require you to travel great distances since god Is everywhere. Pilgrimages prove that In order to move your soul, you usually need to move your feet as well. The main purpose of this article Is to persuade people of the significance of a pilgrimage.It calls us to recognize that it is not just a trip for our evidence of God's presence in our world today. It challenges us to be moved by the faith from those experiencing God's healing love at these sacred sites. Becoming a pilgrim means is to realize that everyone is equal before God and challenges to take the wisdom acquired from the Journey and apply them to situations back home. This article calls to our attention that living a good faith-filled life isn't easy and that we should be making di fficult climbs to get to God who always waits for us.