Domestic Trafficking

Chapter 8 discussed domestic drug trafficking organizations. It distinguished the traditional and nontraditional organized crimes. The problem of organized crime in the United States is nothing new. The drug trade has changed organized crime by creating new, violent, and more sophisticated criminal groups. Although these groups often clash, they mostly work together in order to generate a bigger profit. In this chapter, the booked examined some of the largest and most active organized crime groups in the domestic illicit drug trade. One gang discussed was the Mafia. The Mafia, known as, â€Å"La Cosa Nostra, which has been a source of controversy for years. Its roots are in Italy and Sicily during the mid- 1800s. The Mafia is common referred to as a domestic criminal organization, with two factions of traditional organized crime operated in the United States, American and Sicilian Mafia. Mafia families would meet to divide territory, choose rackets, approve new members, and arbitrate disputes between the families. During the late 196s and early 1970s, France became well known as a distribution point fir an estimated 80 percent of the world’s heroin. Marseilles became the center of heroin laboratories that processed raw opium brought in from Turkey. Heroin was then smuggles into the United Stated by French Corsicans as well as Sicilian Mafia members. France is no longer considered a major producer of heroin sold on the U. S. market Associations with known Mafia type is illegal, whether a crime is committed or not. Association also applies to the Camorra and other â€Å"Mafia-type† groups. Exile is the locations for convicted Mafiosi have been established I towns with populations of fewer than 10,000, and an unauthorized exit of the location shall result in imprisonment. Property and other assets are subject to confiscation. Telephone wiretaps are authorized on people suspected of belonging to â€Å"Mafia-type† organizations. The term omerta is defined in its most negative connotation as a â€Å"conduct of noncooperation with public safety fficials due to fear. There is much controversy on what it is that the Mafia actually does. They argue that the evidence to support the existence of such a group is weak and open to other interpretations and that empirical research has failed to confirm the existence of such a dominant, complex, hierarchically organized criminal group. The historical evidence is sometimes weal and contradictory and empirical research conducted on organized crim e fails to demonstrate the existence of the Mafias a single conspiracy. There is little doubt that some individuals in linked with the Italian dominated criminal organizations in both the United States and Sicily have been involved in Large-scale drug trafficking. Outlaw Motorcycle gangs have created a historic role in organized crime and in the drug trade. According to U. S. Treasury’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, OMG have evolved into one of the most reprehensible types of criminal organizations, consisting of killers, psychotics, panderers, and social misfits. The Hells Angels, The Outlaws, The Pagans, The Bandidos are all notorious motorcycle gangs.

End of Life & Dementia Care Essay

1.1 Dementia is a progressive disease where an individual’s brain functions deteriorate and affects their mental capabilities. This disease is incurable which is similar to another terminal illness such as cancer. Symptoms of dementia will affect an individual’s memory leading to loss and confusing, language/ communication, understanding and judgement. Medication can be prescribed to help slow down the progression of symptoms. Within the more advanced stages the individual will commonly suffer from incontinence, limited mobility and limited communication usually the individual will not be able to use sentences just limited words. Other symptoms that worsen similar to those with a terminal illness are: aspiration, difficulty with breathing, pressure sores from lack of mobility, unrecognisable symptoms of pain (may not be able to communicate) this could lead to the individual not being treated for pain. 1.2 The end of life experience may differentiate between those who have to dementia to those who individuals without. An individual may lack understanding surrounding the diagnosis being made, they may have had symptoms for a longer period of time before a diagnosis had been made. This can lead to confusion as to why they are having symptoms and the way they are feeling. An individual’s communication may be limited, so they may not be able to express their feelings, changes in symptoms and pain. This can lead to depression/ anxiety which impacts on the individual’s behaviour I.e. verbally aggressive, changes in appetite. Lack of communication regarding pain could impact on the quality of care and medical treatment, as care givers are the primary source of recognising an individual’s pain through sounds rather than speech and non verbal communication. Whereas someone who doesn’t have dementia may be able understand a diagnosis and engage fully on how this c an affect their health through an illness progressing. 1.3 Person centred care has come under Health and social care act which states â€Å"that people should make choices about their lives and they should be at the centre of all planning†. Is it important having the person at the centre of all care throughout the time of caring for someone and when end of  life is approaching. The care provided to an individual within this should be based around their choices, beliefs, values and decisions which may have been made in advance. Working as a carer these should be respected. For example knowing the individual’s likes/ dislikes surrounding food, drinks, clothing, to have permission to give medication when the individual is unable to verbally consent. 1.4 In the earlier stages of dementia it is important that the carer works alongside and includes the individual and their family to make plans to reflect the individual’s wishes to be cared for at the end of life, before the dementia progresses and leaves the individual unable to communicate their wishes. Otherwise an appointed person would need to make decisions for the individual which could leave them feel distressed and unhappy. Planning and assessing allows time to plan for the care over the few days of life including after death. These advanced care plans reflect the individual’s values, beliefs and choices I.e. lifestyle, finances, medication, DNAR’s, funeral plans, after death care, appointed person for as/when the individual lacks capacity under the Mental health act to make â€Å"best interest† decisions on their behalf. 2.1 Pain in individuals with dementia is poorly recognised and undertreated can be due to lack of communication. This is dependent on what stage the individual is at within their dementia and how well the care givers know the individual. Some people maybe able to verbally communicate to carers if they are in pain by using single words and using non verbal methods I.e. pointing to what hurts but as this diseases progresses the individual’s ability to express themselves will worsen. If pain is going unrecognised, then there would be no medical intervention, which could cause more pain and will impact on the individual’s health and behaviours. 2.2 In the earlier stages individual’s may be able to express pain through verbal and non verbal communication, together the carer could recognise that they are in pain and a rough area of where this is coming from. This will enable carers to be able to provide medical intervention if needed I.e. Administering PRN paracetamol or seeking medical attention from a nurse/doctor when required. Care givers should use clear questions when speaking to someone with dementia as it may take them a little longer to process what is being asked. As the dementia progresses the individual could be unable to communicate, but they may be able to express pain through noise I.e. screams, but these could be easily misinterpreted by care providers as a â€Å"normal† behaviour if these are regular occurrences. 2.3 When pain has been recognised by care providers, communication with the individual is important where possible dependant of their ability to be verbal and how much capacity the individual has to understand their pain. Care givers will continuously monitor and observe the individual for changes in needs and record these within the daily care notes within the care plan. Dependant on the type of pain will depend on what medical intervention will be best for the individual through advice from other health professionals. Health professionals offer support to care providers to work as a multi-disciplinary team to promote the well-being of the individual to observe, monitor symptoms as well as the care staff. Care staff can give over the counter medications as per care plan, or the doctor/ nurses can prescribe stronger pain relief and controlled drugs. As end of life gets nearer palliative nurse would be visiting to monitor the individual and advise staff on how best to care for the individual and what symptoms to look for in the last few days of life I.e. changes in skin colour, increase of secretions. Medications maybe increased I.e. syringe drivers, which will help ease the pain and to make the individual more comfortable. Advice from colleagues and other health professionals will support care givers about non medicated techniques, these can be how best to position the individual, how often they should be repositioned to prevent pressure sores, skin care – keep the skin clear of sores, trying to keep the mouth clean as there would be increased secretions from the mouth, advice on fluid intake, methods how to try and encourage fluid intake i.e. spooning drinks, changes in food I.e soft. The individual should have an advanced care plan which care givers would be using to meet the individuals needs and wishes for example if they have a DNAR in place, then CPR would not be given. 3.1 Carers may feel guilt and stress and the end of life of an individual with dementia because they may have felt negative emotions towards the individual throughout the stages of dementia. At diagnosis the carer may not have accepted the diagnosis and treated the individual normally which could have caused frustration between the individual/ carer or they could have been in denial of the diagnosis and treated the individual â€Å"normally†, so the needs of the individual may not have been met fully. This could of impacted on the behaviour of the individual to become agitated or withdrawn if they feel they are a burden. The carer may not fully understand the symptoms of dementia especially challenging behaviour I.e. shouting out/ aggression. The carer may have felt negative emotions such as embarrassment and may have lost their temper or felt like hurting the individual and they are frustrated with the constant needs of support the individual has. When dementia has progressed and the carer may have been stressed from taking on the responsibility of caring if they have not had regular breaks. But on the other hand the carer may feel guilty for taking breaks and leaving them for other services to look after them. The carer may have had to make difficult decisions regarding accommodation for the individual such as going into residential care as they feel they can no longer cope with the responsibility of looking after them. After death the carer may feel they have let the individual down and not cared for them well enough based on their own expectations of themselves, they may also regret certain decis ions I.e. residential care. 3.2 Carers can be supported by other professionals to understand how the end of life process may differ for individuals with dementia. Any health professional involved with the individual’s care can provide support and advice I.e. GP’s, nurses, palliative nurses and social workers. They can also suggest informative services offered to carers as support where they can go and discuss the process with trained professionals and other carers. Communication between family, carers, health professionals is vital with end of life care as this can provide reassurance that the individual is being cared for is comfortable as possible, also to keep informed of any changes in the individual’s health I.e. refusal/ lack of ability to drink. A family  member may have been chosen to be the individual’s power of attorney in the advanced care plan once capacity has been lost. This would have been documented under the Mental Health Act. This chosen person would need to be involved in decisions alongside doctors. All the people involved with the care of the individual will support each other, answer any questions, and work alongside any advanced plans which should have been put in place. As towards end of life the individual won’t be able to make their own decisions so someone else will have to do this in the best interest of the individual. 3.3 Anyone supporting an individual with dementia will feel loss and grief at the end of his or her life. Some people may experience loss and grief at the time of diagnosis or once the dementia has progressed further as there will be a lack of recognition between family and the individual as they may feel the dementia has taken over. People may feel all different kinds of emotions through loss and grief. Some may have accepted the diagnosis/ changes of the individual and feel sadness. Others may find this a relief that the individual has passed and no longer having to carry on with progressing symptoms causing them pain and a poor quality of life. 3.4 Carers can have support from health professionals to make decisions and some of these decisions have to be made with health professionals, for example for a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation decision has to be made by a GP has to sign this document off in order to meet their best interests. Other decisions may need to be made if an advanced plan hasn’t been made such as where the individual will reside at home or within a residential placement. 3.5 At the final stages of end of life it is important to have good communication between all relevant parties (carers, family and colleagues). This is important so relatives are kept informed about how the individual’s health is, any changes in medications as towards end of life as it is common to be prescribed a higher dosage of pain relief I.e. morphine syringe drivers, as changes as in the final stages changes can happen quickly. Relatives may also want to know about the individual’s health as they may want to visit to say their last words or even be present at the time of death. Good communication is also important between carers as in  residential placements there will be staff change overs which they will need to know the individuals health state, information about medication, to read end of life care plans, if anyone relatives need calling, any other info I.e. visits from nurses/ GP’s.

Assumptions And Forms Of Emh Finance Essay

Assumptions And Forms Of Emh Finance Essay The subject of efficient market hypothesis is more deliberated and discussed in available studies, but there is no special focus on the EMH form existing in Gulf area, by these means, this study analyses and evaluates the applicability of this model in some selected countries in Gulf area and how it would affect the decisions regarding the financial issues. This chapter proposes the outlines of how the subject is going to be investigated and (ii) gives an introductory overview about the topic that is being probed. At first, the motive of the study is declared and the framework is outlined, so as for the need and purpose of the study; then the research questions are proposed and stated. This section also contains a brief description about the participants which the study comprises. Secondly, the outcomes of the initial review of literature are appointed to form a base for the research questions. Thirdly, the rationalization for the used research approaches is stated, and then the met hodology is justified and supported by evidential test that provides validation for the chosen methods. This section also determines the suggested scheme for chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. And in the final section, the outcomes of this study will be displayed, and the benefits will be discusses in details for each beneficiary. Subject And Objectives The EMH topic fascinates the researcher, and relating the EMH concept to corporate finance through examination of markets can help improve the efficiencies within corporate world as well as increase investors wealth and decision taking. The primary objective of this study is to examine the form of EMH is available in the selected markets which would contribute in guiding these firms in implementing good corporate practices and making these reforms feasible and appropriate, and to identify to what extent EMH constitutes a good approach for financial practices in KSA, UAE, and Kuwait. While this dissertation aims to study which form of EMH does the selected markets undertake, it doesn’t take the burden to prove the accuracy of EMH. After determining which forms of EMH, the benefits to both the investors and corporations interested in the selected markets are huge. It enables the investors to examine if possibility of abnormal earnings exists, while enabling the management to choose wisely its accounting choices, financial choices, and timing decision. The data for this dissertation is highly accessible. It can be easily retrieved from stock indexes of the selected countries. The dissertation aims to examine stock prices changes covering the last 5 years with data retrieved from Tadawul, ADX, Central Bank, and KSE. This data will then be compared with major economic and company specific events. These events can be retrieved from company’s announcement, country’s economic reports, newspapers, and specialized financial reports. Specific research questions include: What types of information are available i n the selected markets? Are they only historical, publicly available, or private/public information? To what extent the stock prices in the selected markets reflect the available information? Which forms of EMH do these markets exhibit?

Does John Stuart Mill succeed in reconciling the concept of justice Essay

Does John Stuart Mill succeed in reconciling the concept of justice with utilitarianism - Essay Example Justice that is balanced essentially relies on the properties and forms of freedom. Such properties are the associated â€Å"natures† of the theory of liberty, the driving forces, the spheres of influence, the limitations and the causes that make one either to give value to freedom or to find it objectionable. Dependence and independence reflect two different acts of any human being. However protective measures are required for existence of too much of independence such that a solution to â€Å"a condition for justice† may be obtained. The provision for human resources reflects two different principles; one that is â€Å"process-freedom† and explains the freedom of benefiting from one’s activities requiring â€Å"self ownership†, while the other principle presents the case of â€Å"shared equally† the benefits obtained. According to the modern theories of justice, utilitarianism as well as some other solutions, provided by Gauthier and Nash, necessitates the perception of a â€Å"cardinal utility† such that differences in the levels of utilities may be explained or compared. Justice has been known to be a virtue that assists the feeble against attacks from the stronger society of people. Initiation of states, laws and religions were particularly for the purpose of establishing justice in a society. Justice intends to aid the weaker section of people by protecting them and helps to strengthen those who are strong. Justice can be described as an accomplishment that is â€Å"in accordance with the laws†. It aims to benefit both the weaker and the stronger sections of people in a society by means of â€Å"just laws† with which the strong may rule (Barr & Club, 1932, pp.19-20). Justice is considered as reverential when â€Å"it values a justiciable’s situation because the justiciable values it† (Kolm, 2002, p.31). The ethical evaluation of justice and its judgment depends on a set of variables that include social and ethical values for justice (Kolm, 2002, pp.31-32). Study on Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism has been conventionally u nderstood as â€Å"most good should be done†. Although this view is in support of few philosophers like John Stuart Mill, there are several other opinions that charges to state that this principle is not attuned with what justice or fairness demands in distributing benefits to all sections of people in a society. Laws that necessitate impartiality in profits distribution â€Å"are best in the long run† and thus should be thought of without initiating maximization of benefits in certain circumstances for particular sections

Vicarious Liability and the Close Connection Test Essay

Vicarious Liability and the Close Connection Test - Essay Example In Lister, the close connection test was first enumerated, finding that it was fair and just to find a close connection between the warden's sexual abuse of boys in his care and his duties as a warden. In other words, in this case, it found that the sexual abuse was inextricably woven in the duties of the warden, in that if the warden did not have the duties that he did   - checking up on children at night, alone – then the warden would not have the opportunity to sexually abuse the boys in his care. While this case was landmark, in that it put employers on the hook for intentional torts if the intentional torts arose because the duties of the employee essentially allowed the intentional tort to occur, this rule is not sufficiently bright line to encompass every situation. This principle would come into play in the case of Dubai Aluminum v. Salaam as well.   In the case of Dubai, the question was whether the firm would be liable for tortious acts of a member of the partner ship, as well as acts which would be considered to be equitable wrongs, such as the wrongs which were engaged in by Salaam in this case.   There are elements of agent and principle in this case, because Amhurst in this case would be considered to be an agent of the solicitor firm that he was a partner of.   However, in this case, it was held to be in the ordinary course of business, so both tortious wrongs and dishonest breaches would make the firm vicariously liable, therefore the principle should be on the hook for the agent's acts.... i case, it has long been a tenant for torts that it does not matter if something is expressly forbidden – typically the employer would still be liable for the actions of the employee. This principle was established in 1862 with the case of Limpus v. London General Omnibus Co.2 In the Limpus case, the company expressly told the driver of the omnibus not to race other omnibuses, yet the driver did this, and the omnibus overturned. However, the Limpus case is difficult to square with another case with similar facts, which found that if an employee does something that is not done with the knowledge or consent of the employer, this often means that the employer is not vicariously liable for the resulting negligence, which puts the onus on the injured party. The case is Conway v. George Wimpey & Co. Ltd.3 In the Conway case, the employee picked up the plaintiff, who was also an employee, and got into an accident. Since the employer did not know nor authorize the employee to do this, it was held that the employer was not liable. This seems to be an arbitrary case, in light of the principles set forth in Limpus. New Close Connection Test While the old test states that employers are generally no liable for their employees’ intentional acts, this has been evolving. Consider the case of Lister v. Hesley Hall Ltd.4 This apparently was one of the first times that employers are said to be liable for intentional acts of their employees. In Lister, the close connection test was first enumerated, finding that it was fair and just to find a close connection between the warden's sexual abuse of boys in his care and his duties as a warden. In other words, in this case, it found that the sexual abuse was inextricably woven in the duties of the warden, in that if the warden did not have

Cell biology &genetics - lab report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cell biology &genetics - lab report - Essay Example The objective of this experiment is to observe the several stages of mitosis in an onion root cell through a light microscope. Onion root tips were prepared by washing in clean water then rinsing with distilled water. After this, a root tip section about 2mm in thickness was cut from the root tip using a sterilized scalpel; this was then placed on a glass slide with a drop of distilled water on it to avoid dehydration. Afterwards the root tip section was them fixed in Carnoy’s fluid inside a Bijou bottle for about 10 minutes. After fixing, the section was then transferred to a Petri dish containing distilled water where it was rinsed for approximately 2 minutes. After rinsing, the root tip section was then placed inside a bijou bottle containing 1 ml of 1M HCl and incubated at about 60ï‚ °C for about 5 minutes. The contents of the tube were then poured into a Petri dish and the root tip carefully picked out using forceps and transferred into another Bijou bottle containing aceto-orcein which was then left in a dark chamber for about 10 minutes. The bottle was then removed from the chamber and the root tip carefully removed using forceps and placed on a slide on which a drop of 45% acetic acid had been placed, this was then covered with a cover slip. By this time the root tip section was already well softened and stained; the tip was then squashed by slightly tapping on the cover slip with a pencil until it was evenly spread out under the cover slip as a pink mass. The glass slide with the root tip ready for observation on the microscope was then transferred to a light microscope and viewed at x400 magnification strength. Photographs of the cells undergoing mitosis were then taken and drawings made of the various stages of mitosis. It was observed in the experiment that the cell division process assumed all the four stages shown in the images above and that the staining clearly revealed the features of all the four stages it takes for a cell

Dinner Time Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dinner Time - Essay Example Ooh, it was that what felt so soft and tender to the touch, and salty and very mildly sweet to the taste. Mama had made me fish and chips, that had always been my favorite. I poured two large and gorgeous dollops of ketchup into the white marble plate, and helped myself to the fish and chips tray. I made a good pile of fish chops on the side of ketchup, and decorated the sides with yellow French fries. The yellow and golden meal complimented the red and white background. Nothing on Earth could be more appealing to me than what I had right in front of me! I extended my arm to pick the fork that was beside the jug, pushed it into the first chop, and pulled it to my mouth. Next second, I had it between my teeth. My mouth was full of fiber. I squeezed it between my teeth, and felt the juice watering the inside of my mouth. â€Å"Aah!† I screamed. Something just pricked the inside of my left cheek. â€Å"And what’s that?† I heard my mind voice what it felt. The next m oment, it had dissolved. It was a piece of crunch that had softly pricked me in the cheek, though I loved it for it told me, â€Å"The crunch had just been out of the oven†. I had shut my eyes close to imagine the science of flavor.

Finance assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Finance - Assignment Example The expected return figures obtained for these four companies are justified as they reflect in part the general trend observed in the various sectors. Watson and Head (2007) suggests that Biotech companies are expected to incur high cost of initial investment in research but with time they record high returns owing to the sale of their innovative products. The findings concur with those of Brown et al, (2012) who further proposes that the high returns for pharmaceutical companies increase exponentially as the new product’s market reach increases. On the other hand, Construction companies can be termed as safe investments as they have less risk, since most of the capital for such companies is held up in assets (Boritz, 2006) and (Megginson, 1996). This sector has high returns on investment owing to the booming real estate industry in Australia. The banking sector is dependent on the country’s economy and income levels of the people as discussed by Mishkin and Eakins (200 6). They state that since Australia is a developed country, over 90% of the people above 18 years of age operate bank accounts. With more people saving money with the banks, there is enough money to offer loans to businesses and individual thus making it a profitable sector. In contrast to this, the travel and leisure industry is highly affected with seasonal tourism experienced in Australia as reported in â€Å"An Introduction to Technical Analysis† (1999). Although most people may have disposable income to use in leisure, they prefer international destinations during seasons such as winter when the temperatures are very low. In addition, the competition in the sector, makes it a less profitable sector especially for small and medium companies. There are three major methodological setbacks associated with the Gordon’s growth model. Firstly, it is assumed that the growth rate is constant which might not necessarily be the case. Secondly, for stocks of growing

Essay about Walmart Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

About Walmart - Essay Example imary advantage is to over come barriers that are related to Multi-tier distribution which has at all times been the common approach of doing business in Japan. Over time, Wal-Mart will alter that. By approaching the suppliers directly, Wal-Mart will establish a more well-organized distributional system. Retailers will have to set up a similar system to stay competitive. Wal-Mart will approach the strong suppliers, mainly those that might already have globally established relationship for aid in building this innovative and extremely different distributional system. The most important advantage is that the benefits of that enhancement in distributional efficiency will be enjoyed by both i.e. Wal-Mart as well as their suppliers. Wal-Mart does uneventfully gain success in superseding the wholesaler segment, they will be in a lot better of if they are in a position to distribute goods at less expensive costs, which will allow them to pass along a little of the price savings to customers. The degree of success that Wal-Mart will encompass in Japan depends on the degree to which Wal-Mart can adjust Retail Link to Japan’s distribution system. Also, Wal-Mart will have to obtain a handsome amount of real estate to get the economies of scale required to be successful, at the same time keeping local management content. And finally they must be patient, as the Expansion into Japan maybe takes a lot of time. I believe that Wal-Mart is successful by circumvent the current Japanese distribution system by reflecting activities of manufacturers as well as retailers to circumvent the wholesalers, share knowledge, and incorporate decision making. Wal-Mart recently decided to gain 66.7 percent of Seiyu, Japans fourth largest retail group. Ten years ago Wal-Mart had attempted to sell its private label cookies in Japanese stores, and customers emptied out all the shelves. But the Japanese buyers did not buy them again as they were too sweet, a part from this most of them

Warn of dangerous fellow student Essay Example for Free

Warn of dangerous fellow student Essay Many other authors are researchers seem to voice the same observations made by Syvertsen et al (2009). Students’ psycho-social development is highly essential and should be integrated in learning curricular to ensure students are exposed to positive developmental behaviors. Relationship enhancement amongst teachers and students cannot be more emphasized than when studies are done and students reveal that strength of the bond their have with adults/teachers will determine if they would intervene directly or by reporting cases of violence. Students too, as it has been revealed, want to have a sense of having some control on their own. Resilience can be developed in students through the teachers influence as Grotberg (2003, p. 108) observed that, â€Å"Teachers are some of the major builders of our children’s resilience. They have our children in their care for most of their waking hours; from kindergarten to the end of school, approximately 13 years. Their influence is profound. Their responsibility is awesome. † From the Grotberg’s observatory comments, one is able to then assert the students’ notion that if they have a closer relationship with the ones they spend most of their tender school age with – the teachers – then they are bound to go to the teachers and report a student who would be planning a violent attack on the school community. If positive relationships are to be developed between students are teachers then â€Å"a positive relationship with an adult who is available to provide support when needed is one of the most critical factors in preventing student violence †¦ [since] peers are the most likely group to know in advance about potential school violence† (Vitto, 2003, p. 16). Closer interaction, fewer numbers of students allocated to each teacher and extra curricular activities may pave the way for better interaction that would enhance student-teacher interaction and encourage students to seek advice and help from teachers and adults incase of a colleague’s plan to violate or threaten the safety of the school community. Fascinatingly, common factors noted in over 75% of the 37 incidents of school shootings reported in the U. S revealed that the violator (s) told someone or talked to a colleague of their intent or that the shooting would happen. However, in most cases the students who happened to have information of the happenings beforehand did not seek out or inform any adult. This is a clear indication that understandable instructions should be given to students on what would be the most appropriate to take incase they heard of violence threats and ways of reporting these cases anonymously should be given to the students. Additionally, this may be an indication that students might not always seek out counsel or have enough confidence in adults to go to them and report such threatening situations. It may, therefore, be noted that the absence of trust could be the primary reason that may be given most commonly by students for not going to teachers for counsel or assistance. Syvertsen et al. (2009), reveal that â€Å"Fostering a caring school climate in which students (and teachers) feel a shared sense of responsibility to look out for one another and to take action to keep one another safe is something not taught in textbooks or made possible by metal detectors, but is built through the daily interactions teachers have with students and students have with one another. † Cultivating trust would be the best way to fulfill the students’ need to security and encourage as well as enable them to deal with problems, develop positive relationships and a strong sense of self and belonging. In return, emotional as well as psycho-social development is enhanced making the students more confident to defend the safety and wellbeing of schools and their community by reporting cases of violence. Difficult backgrounds, poverty, socio-economic challenges may be some of the factors that may underlie the development of divisive and aggressive behaviors among students. Having the ability to instill hope and confidence in students would not only help enhance independence and a positive sense of self worth but also positive interaction. With this kind of interaction, most students may be able to not only have the intent to intervene but also to take action to curb and prevent violence in schools. It’s the most complicated relationships to build if students come from backgrounds, however, with conducive environments and encouraging learning conditions, students can slowly but surely develop the emotional capabilities to deal with challenging situations hence minimizing violent outbursts and/or cases of ignoring violence signs. During teenage and adolescent years, most students may be individually seeing appreciation and acknowledgement from their peers and teachers. This means that they may, more than likely, try to intervene in violence situations by talking to their peer who may be planning a violence attack. Teachers, as much as they may seeks to encourage this kind of intervention, would have to ensure that the intervening student’s safety would not be threatened and that the students would be encouraged to seek the counsel and intervention of an adult. However, the student openness and willingness to participate in positive psycho-socio developmental activities and programs can only be left to the students. Aggressiveness forged towards students to make them participate on welfare activities and programs can also result in aggressive resistance and possible violent reactions. Conclusion It’s generally and conclusively agreed that, just as the studies reveal that different developmental levels enhance or deter intervention of students. Students need positive emotional as well as psychological nurturing to impact their school community’s safety programs. It’s therefore mandatory that, in order to reduce the risk of violent attacks by students, teachers and adults have to create an atmosphere that encourages students to develop their social skills and seek to protect the safety of their learning institutions. Besides the academic curricular, social, emotional and psychological developmental programs must be initiated to ensure students’ development of self worth is fulfilled. This would help lessen violence and encourage cohesion. In the end, safer school environments would be realized and abilities and willingness to intervene incase of violence threats can be achieved. References Dwyer, K. , Osher, D. Warger, C. (1998). Early warning, timely response: A guide to safe schools. Washington, DC: U. S. Department of Education. Retrieved June 10, 2009 from http://cecp. air. org/guide/guide. pdf Grotberg, E. H. (2003). Resilience for today: gaining strength from adversity. Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group. Jimerson, S. R. Furlong, M. J (2006). The handbook of school violence and school safety: from research to practice. New York: Routledge. Johnson, C. (n. d). The A-B-Cs of School Violence. Retrieved June 10, 2009 from http://www. aboutteens. org/essays/schl-violnce. htm Syvertsen, A. K. , Flanagan, C. A. , Stout, M. D. (2009). Code of Silence: Students. Perceptions of School Climate and Willingness to Intervene in a Peers Dangerous Plan. Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol. 101, No. 1, 219-232. Vitto, J. M (2003). Relationship-Driven Classroom Management: Strategies That Promote Student Motivation. California: Corwin Press. Willenz, P. (2009). Students Who Feel Connected to Peers, Teachers are More Inclined to Warn of Dangerous Fellow Student: Zero Tolerance Policies Can Work against Cohesion in Schools. Retrieved June 9, 2009 from http://www. apa. org/releases/schoolviolence. html.

Developing Ones Identity Is A Lifelong Process Sociology Essay

Developing Ones Identity Is A Lifelong Process Sociology Essay Developing ones identity is a lifelong process. The definition of self-identity, according to psychology is the conscious recognition of the self as having a unique identity. I chose to focus my research on the area of adolescent identity, or youth between 12 and 19 years of age, because that is when so many huge decisions are made that affect a persons life and the direction in which it is going. Upon my research, I have discovered that this is an ever evolving theory. There is so much research and information on this particular subject, that it couldnt possibly be covered in one paper. Many of the theorists build on each other. Henri Tajfels adeveloped social identity theory. Erik Eriksons theory of psychosocial development is one of the best-known theories of personality (Cherry, 2012). And Urie Bronfenbrenner developed the ecological systems theory to explain how everything in a child and the childs environment affects how children grow and develop. There are many other theorist who have affected the way we look at identity as well. And there are many theorists in whom the above theorists have observed and built upon. Eriksons theory has stages, much like Freud and Piaget. One theorist who elaborated on Eriksons theory was James Marcia. Tajfels research consisted of two laboratory experiments that focused on in-groups and out-groups to determine the discrimination of out-groups and the inherent self-esteem boost the participants received when they awarded their own groups, even though they were anonymous, with the most money. He determined that there are three processes used to evaluate others as us or them or in other words, in-groups and out-groups, and that these processes take place in a particular order. First is categorization. We categorize objects in order to understand and identify them, this includes our social environment. We find things out about ourselves according to the categories we belong to. The second stage is social identity. Once categorized to a group, each of us forms our identity based on our belonging to the group and create an emotional bond. From there, we attach our self-esteem to this group membership. The final stage is social comparison. Once our group is formed and we have categorized ourselves, and developed an identity attached to that group, we tend to compare our group with other groups. Our self-esteem in wrapped up in this group, so we need to make sure that we are viewed as favorable in the eyes of other groups. If we are not, then hostility and competition forms between groups to determine the better group or groups. Essentially, we are fighting for our identity. This is especially true for teenagers. There are so many groups that determine young peoples identity. Religion, race, gender, activities, etc. all play an important role in how people define themselves. The next theorist is Erik Erikson. He based all of his work on case studies, and at times was criticized for his lack of formal research. Some felt that he lacked credibility because of his lack of research, but Erikson based his stage-theory on what he had observed in his life as well as case studies. The development of ego identity is one of the main elements of Eriksons psychosocial stage theory. Ego identity is the idea that we develop a conscious sense of self through social interaction. Due to new information and experiences that we acquire every day during our social interactions with others, our ego identity is constantly changing. Erikson also felt that behaviors and actions were motivated by a sense of competence. Erikson believed that each stage can create competence or crisis, or a turning point in ones development. Each quantitative stage presents its own achievements and challenges. The stages are as follows, with a focus on Identity versus confusion, but because his th eory is built on stages, it is important to mention the stages leading up to the adolescent identity stage. The first is Trust vs. Mistrust, because an infant is entirely dependant on their caregiver, they build a sense of trust if they are properly cared for, or mistrust if they are neglected, rejected, or abused. The second stage is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. This stage refers to potty training and food choice. When children successfully complete this stage they either feel secure and confident or inadequate or doubt themselves. The third stage is Initiative vs. Guilt. These are the preschool years when they begin to assert themselves and discover a sense of control and power over others. If successful they feel capable, if they fail they feel that sense of self doubt and guilt. Stage four is Industry vs. Inferiority. A sense of pride begins to develop as children recognize their accomplishments and abilities through their social interactions. When children are encouraged by th eir parents and teachers they develop a sense of competence and a belief in their abilities. This brings us to the stage of Identity vs. Confusion. This is the important stage, at least as far as we are concerned. During their adolescent years, children develop a sense of self by exploring their independence. There are several contributing factors to the formation of identity. As adolescents enter puberty their cognitive skills and physical abilities increase. When teens become more independent they tend to get involved in more neighborhood, community and school activities. Erikson believed that these changes make adolescents begin to explore their future jobs, their relationships and their beliefs. According to Erikson, identity has been formed when a person can evaluate themselves and their environment and links them together expressively. When a person struggles with this identity link, that is when the issues of role confusion occurs. Role confusion causes an individual to quest ion their characteristics, their sense of self and their perceptions of others. Due to changing physical, cognitive, and social factors, nearly all adolescents experience some form of role confusion (Kroger, 2004, as quoted by Sokol, 2009). Identity helps each of us to find our place in the world. It provides us with a sense of belonging, a sense of self, and gives us each a sense of direction. Identity is what makes us move in a particular direction. Identity is what gives us reason to be. Erikson clearly believed that having a solid sense of identity is crucial to further development. Without a true sense of identity, adolescents tend to choose a lifestyle that has negative consequences, because they lack self respect or feel that they dont deserve a better life. The theorist James Marcia, based on Eriksons theory, developed four Identity Statuses of psychological identity. His main idea is that personal choices and their social commitments determine ones identity. It is important to clarify that these are NOT stages, but statuses that can happen in any order or not at all. Marcias four statuses are, first, Identity Diffusion, this is when an adolescent doesnt feel like they have a choice in things pertaining to themselves, when in reality, they just havent made one, or is not willing at that time to make a commitment to one choice or another. Second, is Identity Foreclosure, this is when an adolescent is willing to satisfy others by committing to certain roles, values, or plans for the future. This is not an identity crisis; these individuals are just choosing to conform to what others want for them. The third status is Identity Moratorium, which is when the adolescent is in a crisis, this is when an adolescent is ready to make a choice, but has not committed to any of those choices yet. The final status is Identity Achievement, this is when an adolescent has gone through an identity crisis and has committed to a choice and developed a sense of identity based on that choice. We have all experienced this in our lives. There is not a single adult that can honestly say that they went through their entire youth knowing exactly who they were and who they were going to become. It is a process, a learning curve. I daily duty filled with action and reaction. Every day teenagers, and adults, have to reevaluate certain aspects of their identity bases on what works and what doesnt work. Our final theorist is Bronfenbrenner, his theory is that every aspect of life, every little piece of our existence affects who we are. We are each in the middle of a giant circle. Directly around us is our microsystem, this entails our families, school, everything we see and deal with daily. Next is the exosystem, this is the pieces of ones life out of their direct range, such as parents work place, extended family, neighborhoods, etc. The final circle is the macrosystem, this is where culture and attitudes come into play, for example, war, the economy, and government. Although these things are outside the individuals personal circle, they are still affective in molding and shaping adolescent identity. To sum up all of the research and theories above, it is safe to say that every facet of ones life has an impact on a persons identity in one way or another. Through their upbringing, culture, social roles, and environment, adolescents develop their identity. They learn to rely on those they can trust and build perceptions about the things that they know and the things that they dont know. Their cognitive abilities have reached a point in the adolescent years where they can determine for themselves their own paths based on their own views and opinions, even though much of their thought processes are affected by the values that have been instilled in them. Parents and caregivers play a tremendous role on religion, social status, environment, education and future. Teachers also play a role in the development of a teenagers identity. Through the use of clear expectations and positive praise, a teacher can increase their students self-esteem. They also have the ability to encourage positi ve group choices through group projects and student awareness. Teachers are also powerful role models and can create a strong learning environment that encourages cognitive growth and can increase the desire for students to pursue higher education. Teachers can make a difference in their students lives and help them develop a strong sense of self and identity. The most important thing a teacher can do is to know their students. Resources Cherry, K (2012). Stages of psychosocial  development: Psychosocial development in preschool, middle Childhood, and  adolescence. Retrieved from http://psychology. about.com/od/ psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial_2.htm Feinstein, S. (2007). Teaching the at-risk teenage brain. Retrieved from http://chapters. scarecrowpress.com/15/788/1578866 464ch1.pdf Gilgun, J (1993). Erik erikson and the use of case studies. Retrieved from (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })() Marcia, J. E., (1966), Development and validation of ego identity status, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 3, pp. 551-558. Retrieved from http://iws2.collin.edu/lstern/JamesMarcia.pdf McLeod, S. A. (2008). Social identity theory. Retrieved from http://www.simply psychology.org/social-identity-theory.html Sokol, Justin T. (2009) Identity Development Throughout the Lifetime: An Examination of Eriksonian Theory, Graduate Journal of Counseling Psychology: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 14. Retrieved from http://epublications .marquette.edu/gjcp/vol1/iss2/14 Tahfel, H. (1970). Experiments in intergroup discrimination. Scientific American, 223, 96-102 Retrieved from http://www.holah.karoo.net/tajfestudy.htm Woolfolk, a., Perry, N. (2012). Child and adolescent development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.