Case: Grupo Bimbo Essay

Grupo Bimbo continuous expansion with an ambition to become one of the five-largest bakers in the world, while the company’s performance in existing foreign markets should be improved so fore made profitable and keep company away from financial hazard due to acquiring losses and lack of substantial profit from foreign markets. Almost 70% of Grupo Bimbo’s sales came from Mexico, where the company had built a 90% market share in the packaged bread segment, the business was very profitable and the company operated in growing market. However, the investments in U.S. and Latin America, where markets were highly competitive, have not been profitable. According Grupo Bimbo’s global strategy – to become one of the five-largest bakers in the world – it had launched a series of strategic initiatives to make foreign operations successful. In March/April, it had purchased the Beijing Panrico Food Processing Center that had already established operations in China. Sub-problems†¢Grupo Bimbo should adapt its distribution networks to each country’s differences (union’s pressure in U.S., inexperienced independent operators in Brazil, modifying China’s distribution structure to rely on bicycles). Because of nature of the products (fresh bread), Grupo Bimbo must service stores directly, on a daily basis. This places tremendous demands on the distribution network to guarantee uninterrupted, fresh product deliveries. The wide geographical spread of the business created by Bimbo’s rapid international expansion called for complicated logistical planning to keep the business functioning efficiently. †¢Very different markets in Mexico, the United States, Latin America and China required distinct ways of operating activities and price setting standards. While 80% of Mexico sales still were through ‘mom and pop’ stores, allowing to control where, when, how and for what price products were sold, 80% of the sales in U.S. and 70% in Latin America transpire through large supermarkets. The power of supermarkets as a main chain of the product distribution in domestic Mexica`s, as well as Brazil and Argentina markets increases their bargaining power was very high. The company should find the  best practices how to customize the relationships with these large chains in newly established market in China. †¢Differences in cultures and in markets among multinational Bimbo divisions. One of them is a cultural difference in human resource management in South America- â€Å"even basic phrases such as -I’ll do it right way- in Spanish needed to be adjusted based on individual countries†. Even in Latin America countries in addition to the language differences there are differences in their consumption of manufactured-produced bread- â€Å"Artisanal bread is king, with neighborhood bakeries making baguettes and French bread†. In U.S. very important difference in bread consumption is based on popularity the fad and low- carbohydrates diets. Grupo Bimbo should adapt its product assortment to these differences through new products launches, favorable and efficient sales mix and strong volumes. â€Å"In Mexico, our company has been very successful, and success typically leads to rigidity and makes it difficult to see changes in the environment. We should reflect on our current situation while keeping everything open for change.†Three Dimensions of Distance:Three Dimensions of Distance according Bimbo’s operations in Chinese market:†¢Cultural Distance – The Chinese language is a very important issue what should be taken into account. The different local needs and tastes of Chinese’s customers. Grupo Bimbo should develop products for local tastes. Bimbo has very successful product position- tortillas, which is not chosen by Chinese experts for Chinese markets. Grupo Bimbo saw promise in the Chinese market for ongoing expansion of its packaged breads, buns, croissants, and sweet rolls, using store promotion and university and school road shows. The way of doing business – focus on achieving trust with people, including how you can be trusted by them. However, the two years studies of China in the pre-acquisition research phase was done by hired team of Chinese immigrants living in Mexico, but not local Chinese residents. It could result in the wrong understanding off Chinese market. †¢Geographic Distance – China is geographically far from Mexico, what could influence such business sides: control and strategic business development.  Different infrastructure approaches, for example employees in China were riding bicycles to transport the products and manage the shelf space, for example, in the America products were transported by trucks. Speaking about the size of the market – The Grupo Bimbo overestimated the size of the market, as says in the case, the large proximate market the company could serve. The size doesn’t’ guarantee the prognoses sales. †¢Economic Distance – diverse work organization approaches. Human resources side, the 775 employees acquired with the purchase of Beijing Panrico, their different work style. Bimbo successes in improving the manufacturing productivity – they made the operational upgrades in standards. Economic Distances: Chinese Bimbo Company served a regional area of 40 million people, its 186 routes were linked by a combination of trucks and bicycles and all that is maintained by only 775 employees. It was able to access over 4000 points of sale, what was too small figure for the served population number. Grupo Bimbo should expand the distribution network and improve efficiencies. Previously the Chinese plant’s company had left the local employees â€Å"largely on their own†. Grupo Bimbo should improve productivity of the plant by operational changes. If Grupo Bimbo would like to become a leader in Chinese market, the priority should be Cultural Distances. As the company acquired the plant in order to make the production process locally and already established changes in production process to make it more efficient- that’s mean The Grupo Bimbo goes for Multi-domestic strategy (low costs, high localization). As we see from the Exhibit 7, the Panrico Group, bought by Grupo Bimbo, market share was only 0,1%. But in the same time the artisanal bread has 53,8% of market share. Such a high figure shows us that Chinese do not like the industrial- manufacturing bread. It is similar to people preference in South America. To realize this strategy successfully, it has to set the priority for dealing with cultural differences due to it is most important as it served the bases for choosing the right products based on the Chinese consumer demands and  tastes, as well as language barriers according local employees and suppliers. REFERENCES: harward business school. by jordan siegel march 23 2007

Functional Area Plan: Human Resources Essay

MegaJava Corporation is a medium-sized manufacturing company with 250 employees. It directly markets one product: a unique coffee cup with a patented ball bearing sliding mechanism. Nathan Jr. and a group of 10 other executives run the company. MegaJava Corporation has received a large sum of money from a venture capitalist. The venture capitalist and Nathan Jr. are predicting 100 percent growth in five years. To achieve that growth, productivity will need to increase at a similar rate. Therefore, this proposal provides a suggested business model update. Further, the functional areas updates are indicated to assist the business model to predict, plan, and implement future growth and profits. MegaJava will need to have a strong and aggressive approach when it comes to Human Resources. Like all companies the employees are the backbone and driving focus to the company’s success. Defined in A Guide for Strengthening HRM Systems (2005) as the use of procedures, policies, and practices to recruit, maintain, and develop employees in order for the organization to meet its desired goals; Human Resources is the backbone of the MegaJava Corporation. The company will also need to budget for the existing positions as well projected positions and workload requirements. The Human Resources department at MegaJava will focus on staffing, profitability, improvement strategies, performance evaluations, and employee relations litigations amongst other things. The challenges MegaJava faces in the future with the current 250 employees and growing will be retention, development and work-life balance. â€Å"The top three in the U.S. were managing talent, improving leadership and managing demographics† Goldsmith, M. (2008). Managing Workforce Flow and Developing Human Capital is two areas that continue to be ongoing issues within the HR field. MegaJava will comply with all Federal, State and Local laws dealing with discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion and handicap. All applicants will be judged on case by case basis and will not be denied a job if they are capable of completing the task regardless of any physical or mental handicaps and in cases where MegaJava will need to give special accommodations within federal guidelines. Compile too all privacy laws dealing with an applicant’s right to privacy and all employees handling personal records and information have to maintain a level of confidentiality. MegaJava will follow all IRS and Immigration laws for all employees and contractors. Benefits are important to all employees sometimes more than. MegaJava will have a benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability and vacation. Full-Time employees will be offered some mandatory benefits. The company will be required legally to have unemployment and worker’s compensation for all employees because it is federally mandatory. Along with compensation MegaJava will implement programs that will serve as tools to drive productivity and performance while reducing risk within the organization. Recognition programs will boost morale while empowering employees. The site GreatBizTools listed that only 25% of employees work at their full capacity and 50% give the bare minimum. GreatBuzTools. (NA). Future Growth As the demands of the business increase, the company must have sufficient managers to create a workload planner, delegate tasks and supervise employees. MegaJava will comply with all Federal, State and Local laws dealing with discrimination based on al race, color, gender, religion and handicap. The company will maintain high ethical standards of confidentiality when dealing with an applicant’s privacy and all employees handling personal records; complying with all IRS, Immigration & Disability laws for all employees and contractors. MegaJava is predicting to hire an additional 250 employees over the next 5 years. The estimated payroll for the hiring will be over 2.3 million dollars. â€Å"A growing, entrepreneurial company, with variable sales and income, may be better off controlling the levels of base salaries† Heathfield, S. The recommendation will be to hire an estimated 50 employees annually. Reducing the number of management hired every year will give the company the opportunity to develop and promote current employees to the next level. Development is a great recognition tool for any company because most employees will like to feel they are growing along with the success of their company. Defining Roles: Positions and Responsibilities Hourly positions that can be beneficial to the HR team would be an Administrative Assistant which would require 1 to 5 years’ experience, high school diploma or equivalent and a starting salary of 47k annually. The Administrative Assistant will be coordinate support for the organization. Duties for this position includes record keeping, answering the phones, mail distribution, submit work orders and track employee attendance. The employee within this position can be developed and promoted into the HR Specialist and/or Customer Service Representative position  Human Resources Specialist and Human Resources Manager are important position to the recruiting and retaining of employees. Qualifications for a strong HR Specialist and Manager would be 1 to 5 years’ experience directly in the recruiting field, minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and has a starting salary of 52k annually for a HR Specialist and 99k annually for a HR Manager. Both positions recruit, interview, and hire applicants, however the HR Manager focuses more on strategic planning and performance management. Candidates within this role can transition into a Benefits Coordinator or Benefits Manager position. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2012)  The Compensation and Benefits department is responsible for planning and coordinating how and how much the company pays and the benefits available to the employees. Working within this department employees are required to monitor market conditions while staying updated and within compliance of local, state and federal law with wages and benefits. The department maintains that operations of the business stays within the budget created at the beginning of the fiscal year. Other advancements for employees within this position would be Accounting & Finance.

Environmental Factors Checkpoint

Checkpoint: Environmental Factors Summarize the four external environmental factors and six internal environmental factors that help organizations achieve optimal function. Include in your response the factors that you feel are most important to the success of a human service organization. The four environmental factors that help organizations achieve optimal function are as follows. * Economic Factors * Sociological Factors * Technological Factors * Political and Professional FactorsEconomic factors play a key role in how a successful organization functions because when the economy is in a recession and funding cuts are inevitable human services are usually first to be cut in the budget. Funding sources, non-cash revenues, clients or consumers, suppliers and competition are all economic factors that affect the optimal function of an organization. Political factors affect the optimal achievement of an organization because the attitudes of community leaders and citizens can affect the type of services provided.Community value systems are more likely to support services provided to abused and neglected children or women who have suffered from domestic violence, however they are less likely to support social service programs for recovering alcoholics or the homeless. A good manager needs to take into consideration the interaction between an agency and the community. Professional Considerations play a key role in the optimal success of an organization because accreditation is needed to ensure the agency meets a set of standards. Fundraising for agencies has been found to be more successful if the agency can advertise their accreditation status.Technological Factors are important for human service agencies which regards the use of equipment such as computers and software as well as the development of new treatment approaches. The responsibilities that are being imposed on agencies today require data processing capability. The six Internal Factors that help organizat ions achieve optimal function are as follows. * Organizational purpose mission and philosophy * Organizational Planning * Financial Resources * Organizational Operations * Technological Resources * Human ResourcesSuccessful organizations are those where managers are able to integrate organizational variables and human variables that are consistent and responsive to organizational mission and goals. Miles (1975) Organizational planning and program structure help an agency to deliver services and programs with effective organizational operations. Human resources, technological resources, and financial resources are essential components of an effective and successful human service organization which I feel are most important to the organizations optimal achievement. Kelly Lindquist

Carr assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Carr assignment - Essay Example Applying this principle on successful companies like Boeing, Toyota, Pfizer etc., they have established their name not by magically injecting efficiency in their system, but by providing better products (capturing market share, non-IT competitive edges, price strategies etc.). Workers must constantly learn new skills to keep up to date with changing technology (Morley 296). IT gadgets have been transformed from strategic resource to commodity products. At one time a company is proud of a IT innovation, and after a few time, it found being ruined by lower middle class of the society, meaning it is no longer expensive unique or unavailable. Technology is always taken up by firms. A lot of investment is ready for a new technology. Industries acquire technology but there is very little research as to how technology actually provided a competitive advantage to a certain firm. The argument that technology gives a competitive edge to a firm is valid. Electricity is a classic example. However the fact ignored is indefinite reliability on a piece of technology is fatal for the corporate

Assignment 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Assignment 1 - Essay Example Kartomi and Andrew maintain that historical circumstances and/or developments acted as key drivers to the migration. The routes taken during migration for the two centuries have been used to evidence this argument. Two primary routes were used during the two-century Jewish migration, namely: the Southern Asian diaspora route and Northern diaspora route (Kartomi and Andrew 11). The Jewish group that travelled via the Southern Asian route used sea or land. Their travel time coincided to an approximate spice routes. Homogeneity among migrating persons was highly observed. This group was made up of Jews who were migrating voluntarily. Notably, most of them were family members who were moving with an intention to settle in Asia. Moreover, trade-based migration was also evident. There were groups of Jews whose migration into Asia was solely for trade purposes. Contrary to the southern route users, migrants who used the northern route exhibited heterogeneous aspects. Involuntary migration was also eminent as Kartomi and Andrew maintains. Over the two centuries, the northern route also saw movement of refugees into East Asia from central and eastern parts of Europe. Interest in East Asia was exacerbated by the Silk Road, following the railway system expansion along the road. The two-century migrations had so much to borrow from historical backgrounds. There were series of events that were taking place across the world, Asia and Europe being the central focus of Kartomi and Andrew with regard to the Jewish migration. Historical circumstances essentially informed Jewish migration into Asian territories. In the process, a foundation was set that would see Jewish history encompass musical outcomes relative to their migrations. Jewish history in the Asian soil became more musical to a point that it would essentially define their identity. It is in this respect that Kartomi and Andrew’s

To write a news release( Exxon mobile- new plan to invest 75% of Essay

To write a news release( Exxon mobile- new plan to invest 75% of profits into development of alternative energy source) - Essay Example 2008 will be the start of a new era for the energy industry and ExxonMobil will be taking the lead and showing other companies the way to do it. [Body] The world is hungry for fuel and ExxonMobil has been proud to supply oil, gas and petroleum for much needed industrial development across six continents. These services will carry on while the company and its affiliates engages in a radical transformation process over the next two decades. Their first commitment is to reduce exploration for fossil fuels in the next 10 years and explore instead alternative energy sources. The ExxonMobil world renowned research and development facilities are engaged on a rapidly expanding programme that explores every avenue of sustainable and renewable energy sources. Aside from the hybrid car types that are already well on the way to commercial success, there are plans to harness the earth’s own massive power which is currently locked into the wind, the waves, and geo-thermal sources. Many people are urging the politicians and the industrialists of the developed world to rethink priorities and create a new blueprint for energy provision. In collaboration with the government ExxonMobil is stepping up to this challenge. They have worked out a plan to invest a staggering 75% of their own profits along with some federal tax credits into the EarthSafe initiative. This demonstrates a deep commitment to the future of the whole planet which ExxonMobil sees as a far more worthy goal than short term profits. They are determined to leave a legacy of fossil-free energy provision within the next 20 years. The next generation will benefit from this exceptional leadership now, and Exxon Mobil is calling on other fossil fuel companies to join with them in this bold move. Strategic planning director Jim Witson said today that â€Å"out of these courageous beginnings a tremendous new chapter will soon be underway. We are making a historic pact with the planet, and we do

Topic relating to Thanatology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Topic relating to Thanatology - Essay Example Thanatology is derived from the Greek word â€Å"Thanatos† which literally means death. It is the scientific study of death and all other events that are associated with it. This study is interdisciplinary in nature and encompasses the events that precede the death of an individual and those that happen after death. It also takes a keen look at the society’s reaction to death and other rituals that happen during this sad period. The grief that hits the family members, close friends and colleagues is also captured in this study. Florence and Austin (2003) are of the view that death was previously ignored by philosophers due to the preoccupation with more logical aspects of life most of which bring pleasure and keep pain away. They argue that man is naturally tempted to talk about things that bring pleasure and avoid those that bring pain. The two also point out that individuals (especially in Africa) avoid the subject of death because they believe that the mere mention of the name attracts misfortune. However with time, people begun to appreciate the inevitable and hence the study of thanatology was accepted in the modern society. Today it is a core subject in the medical profession. It is studied by nurses, psychologists as well as psychiatrists with the sole aim of helping individuals handle death and its ripple effects. Asked how they wished to die in a random radio interview, people gave various responses. Some said that they would wish to die in their sleep while others said that they would rather say goodbye to this world courtesy of an airplane accident. Others pointed out that they would wish that Jesus comes back and gave them their judgment while still alive. Quite a number said that they would rather not discuss the subject. As evident in the radio interview, the issue of death draws mixed reactions and emotions among different people. Philosophers argue that the manner in which one dies determines the emotion

Homosexuality-theories compared and contrasted Research Paper

Homosexuality-theories compared and contrasted - Research Paper Example Two theories have been advanced to explain the origin of homosexuality; both are scientific theories though the social scientists have also contributed to the explanation by stating that it results from a social and environmental factor. In my view homosexuality is a human act that results from peer influence and the need to adventure and acquire knowledge of what is perceived to be against the norm (Lester,pp 123). 1.0 The Genetic theory This theory states that homosexuality as a human behavior is a culmination of the genetical constitution of a human body. It argues that’s there are genes that are responsible for the occurrence of homosexuality, these genes it states are homozygous in a recessive situation, and in the case of heterozygous case it will only be manifested if there is a diploid cell formation from another heterozygous situation (Bret,pp 243). This explains the reason as to why it is said to be hereditary and can be traced in a lineage. The genes are said to occupy the same locus in the genomic sequence (William,pp 229). This theory has been ignored for the obvious reasons that its assumes that only one gene is responsible for determination of sex in human beings, which is an obvious understatement 2.0 Theory of Neurohormonal His theory tend to explain the influence of hormones in homosexuality though different reports gives conflicting statements rendering the theory less efficacy on its explanations, its states that the prenatal hormones in association with the nervous system under a conducive environment during the gestation periods at the second to fifth month may results into a homosexual person, the theory proposes that when the nervous system comes into contact with hormones such as testosterone,estradial and some other sex hormones during neuro organization, then homosexuality results. The theory gives more weight to testosterone hormones as being critical during gestation period as being responsible for the development of homosexuality, this theory on the same principle explains the situation of monozygotic and that of dizygotic twins (Bruce,pp 198). Comparison of the two theories Its worth noting that the two theories have concurrence at some point, they all apprecia te that homosexuality is controlled by innate factors, the genetic one being that its controlled by the genes while that of the neurohormonal one is influenced by the hormones, in this way the theories tend to believe that the external environment actually do not plays any role in influencing the sexual orientation of an individual (Lester,pp 23). The theories also confirms that the status of homosexualism is hereditary and that it can be passaged from one generation to the next provided that the genitical materials of the homosexuals are constant, also for the neurohormonal theory, the presence of the hormones will dictate the occurrences of homosexuality, In addition to those both the theories also acknowledge the role of the environment in homosexuality, in this sense both accepts that for a homosexual individual to occur a enabling environment is necessary Which is correct? The question of which of the theories that explains homosexuality can be banked on has led to a ragging de bate as all have shortcomings: certainly all are not mutually

Report on the legal framework for chosen restaurant (after takover) Essay

Report on the legal framework for chosen restaurant (after takover) - Essay Example The report will also summarize the implications of the identified legislations to the college restaurant. In this regard, the report will highlight how each of the legislations affecting the restaurant industry and in particular, the college restaurant affects it, the customers, and the staffs who are students at the college. Secondly, it will highlight on the rights and responsibilities of the stakeholders as required by the legislation or how their roles are affected by the legislations. Thirdly, the report will also state the penalties that the college restaurant or members of staff may face if they fail to abide by the legislations. Among the laws that will be reviewed by the report which affect the restaurant industry include laws pertaining to licensing, food hygiene, health and safety laws for workplaces, and fire safety laws. 1.0 Introduction With reference to the writings by Pannett (1992), he wrote that in general the constitution is a tool that stipulates what is legally a nd morally correct in most issues such as politics and even business issues. The constitution further spells out legislations pertaining to specific industries, and these legislations are mainly used as guidelines to ensure that industry players engage in fair practices without compromising the quality of their product and/ or service, and that they engage in health competition which will not undermine the spirit of fair business participation. Pannett (1992) further added that some industries are less regulated while others are heavily regulated but this is mainly determined by the nature of the business involved in the industry, the sensitivity of the products and/ or services, the category of consumers served by the industry players, and overall government and public interest on the industry. For example, the entertainment industry is less regulated or has few related legislations because the products and services that it offers to revelers are not highly sensitive, more over for entertainment to be real and enjoyable it is not supposed to be heavily regulated. However, the restaurant industry is highly regulated because of the sensitivity of the products and services that it offers to its customers. In this regard, Barth et al. (2007) noted that food largely determines that health of a person and therefore, the health of a nation can be influenced by the restaurant industry, which specializes in food and beverage. For this reason, it has to be heavily regulated to ensure that the health of customers as well as the staffs is not endangered. Barth et al. (2007) stated that the most common and universal legislation in the restaurant industry is the legislations that addresses hygiene of the restaurants and in particular, where and how food is prepared. This legislation is commonly applied to ensure that restaurants prepare their dishes in a health and clean manner that cannot in anyway endanger the health or life of the customers. The report will focus on the restaurant industry and it will further highlight on the other legislations that

HUM1000 - Introduction to the Humanities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

HUM1000 - Introduction to the Humanities - Essay Example I married, climbed the ladder of success and then wham; just when I thought it was all coming together nicely, there was my epiphany moment. How sad to have spent my entire life merely existing when my soul was dying to live! Such is life; full of surprises and lessons to learn. It’s amazing to see how fragile and unpredictable life is, full of twists and turns in the unexpected. We think we are living our lives in the utmost way, yet we’ve not begun to live at all. Existence carries a heavy price for everyone. There is the life we didn’t live, and all the joy missed along the way, as well as the life we endured, with all the misery and suffering like â€Å"a stone falling downward with increasing velocity.† I really didn’t know much about bringing my family close to me; most people were respectful and polite in families when I grew up. Honestly, I thought that’s how it was done. I was a good man, a good provider; I always tried to do the right thing at the right time, a proper life I lived. Isn’t that what good men do? Yet, I see â€Å"my life was not real at all but a terrible and huge deception which had hidden both life and death.† To live a lie is not to have lived at all. I would give anything to be able to go back and embrace my family; to be close to them, to really know them and have them know me. If only I could hold my children one more time, I would bring them close and tell them to love with all your heart, make each day the best day of your life, and most of all, choose people over things. Don’t worry so much about the things that don’t matter, the petty things that don’t really add quality to your life; those silly, small things will take care of themselves. The real world is the world of right now, today is all there is. Live your life on purpose, making each day a real part of your dream. Don’t wait until tomorrow

Hw6 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hw6 - Article Example Most of my friends being white Americans themselves, they might probably say no, but none of them have done the research. Nevertheless, I would digress on their view about this hypotheses. My independent variables are yearsexp, honors, college, computerskills, volunteer, specialskills, military, workinschool, email and offjobs. I think it is true that job applicants with English American names have a higher chances of attaining employment that applicants with African-American names. I believe that employment discrimination in the job market is real and a serious growing social problem in the society. This is true despite all candidates having valid qualifications both in academic achievement and their working experience. White American employers would prefer working with persons who are from a white race origin. The evaluation in job performance between different applicants can be analyzed in reference to the independent values stipulated for the project. An African American may have the honor in higher learning institution, have five or more years of experience, and be excellent in computer skills, participated in volunteering activities. They may have a military experience and yet face employment discrimination in the job market. Even though he/she has done off-jobs, worked while in school or have special skills, he/she may still face a challenge in fighting off employment discrimination. There is a negative relationship between White American job applicants and Black American Job applicants. Employment discrimination favors White applicants. I think I would recommend the use of initials on the names when writing a curriculum vitae as a control variable. Apparently, employers look at the names of job applicants and form their basis for job discrimination. Applying for jobs with the English and African American names reduces the chances for a person to be provided a chance for an interview for an advertised job

Critiquing and changing the world through critical theory in traditional and critical theory an essay by max horkheimer Essay Example for Free

Critiquing and changing the world through critical theory in traditional and critical theory an essay by max horkheimer Essay Critical theory is directed towards both critiquing and changing the world, instead of merely explaining and interpreting it. The term critical theory  was coined by Max Horkheimer in his essay â€Å"Traditional and Critical Theory† (1937). By nature, it is radical, emancipatory and highly democratic in nature; historically specific but ever-changing. Even preceding Horkheimer, Karl Marx also contributed to critical theory affirming that â€Å"philosophers have only interpreted the world in certain ways; the point is to change it† (Theses on Feuerbach). Ontologically, the nature of the world is intrinsically one with diametrically opposed dichotomies of power and built-in disadvantaging imbalances and covert, oppressive structures. Horkeimer affirms that critical theory’s primary objective is â€Å"to liberate human beings from the circumstances that enslave them† (Horkheimer 1982, 244). Freedom is derived at the epistemic level for knowledge is power (arming the oppressed with weapons to conduct revolution against dominant orders of society, merging theory and action, instigating change in living conditions merges theory and action and align itself to working against diverse dominant orders of society).   It appreciates the lived experiences of people and interprets actions and symbols of society to understand social oppression. Methodologically, critical theory is pluralistic especially as a result of several socio-economic and political shifts brought about by globalisation. Consequently, several genres of critical theory have emerged, for example racial, post-colonial and feminist. Feminism is any socio-economic, political and cultural movement aimed at reforming society through equal rights and protections on behalf of the woman. Mainstream feminism embraces the legality of the woman as an independent individual, promoting full participation, inclusion and integration to enjoy its rights, responsibilities and privileges. The improvement of the woman’s social condition in civil life hinges on progressivism in where public policies are the catalysts for positive social change and where she would be emancipated and empowered. Feminism is convinced of the positive potential of woman and the benefits which would redound to the larger society through her empowerment. â€Å"Feminism is about the social transformation of gender relations† (Calas 2009). Feminism is virulently opposed to female subjugation, subservience and misogynist injustices – setting about to liberate the woman from inhibiting traditions and status quos that tend to undermine the validation of her personhood.   Generally, feminists support gender equality where both sexes can avail themselves of the same opportunities in both the domestic and public realms. No longer is a woman an inferior or weaker sex. She is an equal. Feminism also perceives the world through gendered lenses, discerns male predominance through patriarchal structures and militates against it. An inexhaustible list of variations exists within feminism, for example liberal feminism clamours for women’s equality, public rights and inclusion in decision-making and discourse. Radical feminism demands a complete and fundamental restructuring and redefining of the world’s institutions, systems and human experience to supersede the male-oriented ones. Marxist feminism concentrates on capitalism as the root cause of female oppression especially in the labour market where men possess more capital and economic privilege. Eco-feminism, Separatist feminism, Post-modern feminism, Third-world feminism, Psychoanalytic feminism, Postcolonial feminism and Amazon feminism among others constitute other types of feminism. Battle of the Sexes (Feminism vs. Machoism) The polarization of men and women forms part and parcel in the perpetual battle of the sexes preoccupied with who should be more privileged in society’s assigned gender roles. The battle of the sexes is predicated on female identity, autonomy, oppression, disempowerment which all reflects the†¦.Feminism frames a discourse that attempts to challenge a longstanding male supremacy. In the past, man held a monopoly over discourse because of unequal structures (domestic/family, business, labour, education, religion and government) which dictated to the woman. In feminist critical theory, â€Å"universal criteria are not value-free, but (based) upon male norms† (May 2001). Owing to male preponderance, discourse would position the male at the centre so that one sees the male â€Å"Self† as the one who prevails whereas the female â€Å"Other† is relegated to the fringes of society. In the battle, machoism seeks to continue the promulgation of a male-based pe rspective in ideas, structures, and institutions that cement his control in society. The masculine voice overpowers and represses the woman. Consequently, â€Å"the answer is †¦ to move away from (the) male-centred perspective and place women at its centre† (May 2001) effectively questioning the legitimacy of and ousting patriarchal tradition. A Gendered View Feminist theory concentrates on the trajectories of women growing to assert themselves and rise above male oppression, inferiority, sexual abuse and gendered stereotyping. Like men, women have the right to autonomy so she must break the yoke of oppression, repression and suppression. Critical theory is hinged on the ideals of the woman as one who has been unduly victimized and oppressed by the patriarchy. This gender-centred philosophy contends with deep-rooted, sexist prejudice against the woman. It presupposes that phallocentric sexism is still in wide currency, discriminating and denying equality to the woman. Legitimized patriarchy in a world system permitted gross inhumanities and injustices to flourish against the woman, termed misogyny. Misogynist practices and policies physically and metaphorically rape the woman of her dignity and personhood. In the face of these indignities, feminists perform critical theory by privileging and empowering the woman. Feminist critical theory pinpoints societal double standards and hypocrisy so that the woman is obliged to abide by different rules inconsistent with fairness. Mainstream critical theory inherently privileges the man while disadvantaging the woman; therefore the feminist discourse stresses the loopholes in the patriarchal discourse that tends to discriminate and disempower the woman.   The double standard code of ethics governs the behaviour of the woman. Even in social research, feminists have succeeded in permeating the topic of double standard research so that â€Å"other forms of sexism in the design of a study may also lead to a double standard in data interpretation† (Eichler1999). Critical theory oriented by feminist principles prompts the question:   is this free from male-dominated standards or double standards: Are both sexes considered and privileged? These questions shed light into the validation of the woman where formerly she has been relegated to inferiority and even anonymity in discourse. Feminism gives birth to female empowerment, yet the discourse often cloaked in anonymity, passivity, obscurity, self-effacement and subjugation Gendered Critical Theory Feminism is committed to â€Å"reducing the unequal power in†¦ relationship† (Acker 1983). It holds that equalising power â€Å"will not be found in some stable orthodoxy but in an evolving dialogue† (DeVault 1999). The â€Å"the idea of objectivity and neutrality in the social sciences (instead)†¦taking the woman’s perspective† (Acker 1983). Despising the â€Å"positivistic objectivity or the reality of the social world as a system of distinct observable variables independent of the knower† (Acker 1983) is another quality of feminist-guided research†¦solidarity with experiences germane to women. Feminism blatantly reject â€Å"such tenets of mainstream social science as the objectivity and separation of researcher from what or whom is researched, the superiority of the researcher as expert† (Small 1995). The attrition of these differences demonstrates a unique equilibrium in social research. Feminism and the Sexual Discourse in I.R. Feminism in I.R. initiates the sexual discourse, boldly tackling topics of sexuality affecting women globally. Rape as a war crime, prostitution and sex slavery, female circumcision, sexual orientation, forms part of the uninhibited dialogue. Feminists aim to uncover the impact of culture on female sexual impressions and expression. In feminist discourse, the woman’s body is not objectified as a sex symbol but is dignified and even deified as it is liberated from social restraint. The politics of sexuality encapsulates various aspects of the woman owing to the links between gender and sexuality, linguistic usage and gender research inherently leaned on cultural interpretations of sex and sexuality†¦ thus the shifts in language and gender (Bucholtz 2004).

Concepts of Psychoanalytical Theory

Concepts of Psychoanalytical Theory Human beings have inherited three types personality which are Id, Ego and Superego. The fundamental one is Id where anatomical desires, wants needs are of in need of immediate attention. For example food, water, sex is in need if this is not obtained one can be restless and annoyed. Secondly is Ego, its aim is to fulfill desires of the id with a balance which is morally cultivated in the society. This will take some time as it will analyze to make balance and try not to be senseless and selfish. Lastly is Superego rationalizing things with more morale values. It knows how to decide what is right and wrong? It has clearer precise decisions and very firm. Id Ego and Superego creates the final output of our behavior. Id has an immediate need, Ego as reality and of what others think and Superego as in conclusive of morality. (Wallerstein, 2002) Defense mechanism is a process of the mind which is unreachable to the conscious mind but which affects behavior and emotions such as denial or distort. In real situation it tries to protect from feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with unresolved issues during development can cause psychological upset. Psychological problems are linked to the unconscious. There are various ways which we suppress unwanted feelings into the unconscious mind which are through repression, reaction formation,  projection, regression,  sublimation, denial and Rationalization. (Bowins, 2004) Different therapist may work differently depending on the needs of the individuals that are seeking help from them. They however, will work on the following assumptions and concepts to surface repressed conflicts so that individuals can deal with It. Secondly manifest symptoms are caused by latent/hidden disturbance. Unresolved issues during development can cause psychological upset. Psychological problems are linked to the unconscious. The unconscious is where majority of the work of the mind gets fulfilled. It’s the store of instinctive skills the search for gut feelings and dreams, the tool of much information activated. Temporary instincts computes on the unconscious mind way before one can realize. The unconscious mind is not some lock-up of insupportable motives waiting to catch ones foot on something, but it can be the origin of unrelieved thoughts, fright, and approach that hinder with daily activities. Common sources of psychotherapy have goals to cultivate into conscious knowledge much of these delayed barriers, so that we can analyze them and choose how to gear them. (Joseph, 2012) Psychosexual developments which consist of five stages, as the following are Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent and Genital. At each stage, satisfaction is identified on a certain part of the body. The variation of satisfaction in any one of these stages caused an obsessive interest, which would lead to disposition or psychological conditions. Firstly, in the oral stage new born baby are engrossed and seek a pleasure in sucking with the mouth lips and tongue at the mother’s breast, the mouth is a very active source. Babies are very dependent, if these needs are fulfilled then there already for the next stage. No satisfaction in this stage would lead to not trusting and very demanding in character and very dependent as an adult. This is followed by the Anal Stage, where the main focus is on anus which is defecating or retaining faces. Parent focus on toilet training for toddlers from the age of 1-3years. The baby has to control urges and also in behavioral terms. If this sense becomes too controlling or relaxed, it will lead to anal retention or anally expulsive which also focus character on orderliness and messiness. The third stage is the Phallic Stage, where a girl or boy between the age of 3- 6 focus on genitals which of majority gain satisfaction developed from resolving Oedipus/Electra complex, and cultivate an arousal for the opposite sex father or mother. The fixation for this would be deviancy and sexual dysfunction. Social morale values impose that these unfitting desires to be subdued, and when done with accomplishment, is followed by the Latency Stage which does not have any focus anatomically but develops defense mechanisms. Activities connected with physical attraction rest asleep until the next stage. The last stage is the Genital Stage is which occurs at the age of 12 onwards the focus is genital where an individual is reaching full sexual maturity. When sexual desires reawaken and is directed towards peers of the opposite sex. At each stage, conflicts must come to a successful resolution. Otherwise, it results in fixations that may cause psychological problems in the future. (Fritsch, 2013) Construction Personal theory sees a human in all angles, dismissing the difference between perception and verbal aspect. The sentimental value is seen as the realization of a transformation in analyzing. In warning, this change is in basic form, that midway to ones self. Self-reproach is the realization of behaving in a way which is incompatible with ones fundamental role, the establishment determining one’s usual ways of communicating with another person. Anxiety is the realization that ones form does not prepare one to foresee events. Aggression is the active elaboration of construing, while hostility is the attempt to extort evidence for a prediction rather than revising it when invalidated .Other strategies used to cope with invalidation and inconsistencies in construing include constricting ones world to exclude unpredictable events, and, conversely, dilating in an attempt to develop a way of construing the new experiences which one confronts. One may also loosen construi ng, making ones predictions less precise, or tighten, and more clearly define these predictions.(Kelly, 1955) The optimally functioning person is characterized by interplay of such strategies while formulating and revising constructions. However, in psychological disorder the person continues to employ a certain construction despite consistent invalidation. Over time, the practices in psychoanalysis have evolved since Sigmund Freud tinkering theories. Some of the basis of his theories has remained but there are others which were evolved and mutated, leaving a pluralistic diffusion of psychoanalytical viewpoints. Contemporary psychoanalysis provides inclusionary focus to include all current psychoanalytic theories together with the perceived relevant concepts from classical psychoanalysis. It also displays an interest in the self-person relations and person-cultural and social developments. In comparison, it dwells on what co-created between people, how individuals adapt to whom and where they are and also include negotiation relations of self to the internal and external factors of ongoing developments. There are without a doubt, limitations to psychoanalysis. The approach may lack a theory of interventions, often not focus on techniques which will render it difficult to replicate by other psychologist. The use of jargon seems rather to confuse than to serve as a means to clarify concepts which makes fundamentals tricky to understand. Terminologies such as Oedipus complex, electric complex may be outdated and irrelevant. (Rapaport Gill, 1959) Despite its limitations, psychoanalysis has the potential to offer an in-depth perspective of a person.Its holistic approach of considering developmental stages can allow further insights on an individual’s current behaviors. Besides clinical uses of psychoanalytic therapy as mentioned earlier, it can also be used for individuals who want to explore themselves. They can understand why they are the way they were, it can bring forth a sense of self and well-being. A single psychoanalytical therapy will not suffice as it requires multiple and long term therapy. As such, it may be a lesser option for those who are seeking quickly and problem based solutions therapy. Psychoanalytical therapy takes time and if adhered to, may provide a life changing results. (Plaut, 2011) Psychoanalytical therapy takes time and if adhered to, may provide a life changing results. According to (Great Ideas in Personality), one of the plus points of psychoanalytic theory is that it can be to explain the nature of human development and all aspects of mental functioning. Critics of psychoanalytic theory claim that it grossly exaggerates and generalizes human behavior. The best part of psychoanalytic theory is that it provides clients a chance to talk about their confusion with a therapist, who could help relieve signs of psychological stress. Even with this theory, most psychoanalytic theories are tough to conclude and most of the time it is overstress to the unconscious mind, sex, aggression and childhood. McAdams (2003) states that, â€Å"In conclusion, I believe there will not be one size that fits all treatments when it comes to human physical or mental health.† (pp.10-11).It should be complimented with evidence based theories and practices, medications if possible and if needed be, traditional intervention if it makes the individual comfortable and more confident in their overall treatment process. Sigmund Freud believes that an affected individual can be cured by making conscious of their unconscious thoughts and motivations to gain insights. Psychoanalysis therapy aims to release repressed experiences and emotions. It has many clinical applications especially in humanistic counseling to help patients / clients to bring about a positive change in their perspective towards life. Conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can be treated effectively with psychoanalytic approach to a great extent. (Wilma ,2005)

Is Heterosexuality Socially Constructed?

Is Heterosexuality Socially Constructed? ‘Heterosexuality is socially constructed. Discuss Not only heterosexuality, but the very word, has changed in the way it is understood. I begin this essay with a clarification of terms, discussing what is understood by sexuality and gender and the implications of constructivist views. From this it is natural to move on to a discussion of labelling theory, of the effects of heteronormativity and of homovisibility, noting Foucaults recognition of positive implications in terms of difference. Finally, I consider how arguments against heteronormativity might be answered, in part, by Foucault. Constructionists hold human behaviour is socially constructed, by the environment in which people live. They do not consider human behaviour to be innate or immutable, as they believe human behaviour is shaped by their social context throughout their lives. They hold that sexuality is also socially constructed and sexual behaviour to be a product of socio-cultural conditioning. Sexual meanings are not universal absolutes, but are subject to historical and cultural variation. (DeLamater, Hyde, 1998, p.16) Constructionists regard the meaning of a sexual act as dependent solely on the cultural, historically specific context in which it occurs; they believe that sexuality is expressed in many different forms across a variety of different cultures in many countries. A sexual act in one country might not be construed as sexual in another. (Weeks, 1991. p. 20) This is evident in the anthropological study of a tribe in New Guinea. It is part of this tribes cultural belief that masculinity can be transmitted by insemination of semen to a young boy, either anally or orally, by an older male. (Herdt, 1984 p.165) In western society this could be perceived as a homosexual act, or, for essentialists, used as evidence of universality. But for constructionists this behaviour cannot be generalised to the larger population; constructionists suggest that labelling these acts as homosexual is incorrect as the tribe do not apply the same meaning to these acts as in western culture: to impose the same understanding as in the west would be ethnocentric. (Gergen, K. 1999. p. 26) Social constructionists want to chart ways that the meanings of sexual desires shift throughout history. Social constructionists regard sexual desire as contingent, not biologically determined as viewed by essentialists. (Warner, 1993 p.45) Michel Foucault (1981) works analyzed the history of sexuality from ancient Greece to the modern era. Foucault articulated how profoundly understandings of sexuality can vary across time and space. This is demonstrated by how the prevalence of what we now term heterosexuality has varied over the centuries and also from culture to culture. This is discussed by Foucault, who also notes that, although sexual behaviours in ancient societies resemble what we today see as homosexual/ heterosexual behaviour, the terms are not congruent with ancient societies. For example the ancient Greeks did not have terms or concepts that correspond to the contemporary dichotomy of ‘heterosexual and ‘homosexual therefore to this different historical context the modern terminology cannot be accurately applied. (Foucault, 1981, p.89) Constructionists aim to gain a deeper understanding of sexual phenomena and are not primarily interested in the first cause of sexual orientation: they look at understanding the ways in which differences in sexual behaviour are ‘produced by social processes in a particular social context. Constructionists aim to understand how we express and organise sexuality and why labels of difference in specific areas have been invented in some cultures and not others; why a particular culture accepts one form of sexual expression and not another; and how heteronormativity has come to dominate modern western society. (DeLamater, Hyde, 1998, p.10) These important questions I will investigate in my essay. Constructionists can identify many historical contexts where individuals have engaged in same-sex relations, but it was not until the middle of the nineteenth century that terminology labelled categories of sexual acts as specifically either heterosexual or homosexual. They suggest, therefore, that these terms contributed to the construction of sexuality in the western modern era. (Katz, 1995, p.45) Ned Katz is an important figure in the sexuality studies and he supports the constructionists argument. In The Invention of Heterosexuality (1995) he looks at how the meaning of the term heterosexuality changes throughout time. Katz notes that the term heterosexuality (Heterosexualità ¤t) was first used in 1868 by German-Hungarian journalist, Karl Maria Kertbeny, not long after the term homosexuality was coined by Karl Heinrich Ulrichs. Heterosexuality made its first published appearance in English in a medical publication in 1869. (Katz, 1995, p.40) At first, the term heterosexuality was not used as homosexuals binary opposite but was used to describe abnormal manifestations of the sexual appetite, either same sex or opposite sex, which did not conform to social norms that held that sex was for procreation. At one time the term ‘sodomite had a similar meaning, this term was applied to people engaged in specific non-procreative sex acts, and related to the activity rather than their holistic sexual identity. (Katz, 1995, p.45) This distinction between the activity performed by someone who, among many other things, does that (a baker bakes, and a sodomite sodomises) and a person defined in a particular way regardless of activity (a woman, a Jew) is now largely lost in contemporary use of gender labels, which now seem inescapable. Furthermore Katz suggests that in the 1920s the term was revisited in the second edition of the publication: ‘heterosexuality was then used to describe a manifestation of sexual passion for one of the opposite sex; normal sexuality. (Katz, 1995, p.42) This term became well established and was used by Freud to describe normal sexuality. However this adaptation, used by scientists and physicians, signifies the start of heteronormativity as it suggests that sexual passion for the opposite sex was normal, healthy and superior influencing the rise of what Rich terms compulsory heterosexuality. (1994, p.45) Creating this distinction between normal and abnormal sexual preferences encouraged scientists and physicians to seek cures for those considered abnormal, thus compromising the liberty of the segregated and aggrandising the professional who diagnosed deviance. (Rivkin and Ryan: 1998, p.670) This was supported by Foucault, who writes that â€Å"it was this categorisation of homose xuality that first exposed the hitherto unfettered and unmonitored human sexual desire to scientific scrutiny and classification† (Rivkin and Ryan, 1998, p.677). Katz suggests that If homosexuals were to win society-wide equality with heterosexuals, thered be no reason to distinguish them. (Katz, 1995, p.52) Furthermore, he holds that if homosexuals and hetrosexual do win society- wide equality [†¦] the homosexual/heterosexual distinction would be retired from use, just as it was once invented. (Katz, 1995, p.52) The term heteronormativity was coined by Michael Warner, to contest the elemental form of human association (Warner, 1993, p.21). This term describes how society has been dominated by heteronormative behaviour through the prevalence of ‘compulsory heterosexuality. Warner suggests that heterosexuality has become an institutionalised form of normative social practice. (p.22) Heteronormativity describes the dominating societal norms that shape individuals behaviour, pressuring the individual to conform to accepted cultural forms. This suggests some discomfort and constraint, finely distinguished from Foucaults suggestion that â€Å"the individual is not repressed by social order; the individual is in fact formed by it (Foucault: 1981, p.217). Heteronormativity has consequences for that minority who do not comply with normative society, for example homosexual, bisexual, transsexual, and intersexual people; individuals who deviate from atypical accepted heteronormativity are liable to heterosexism as they face prejudice and discrimination by some in the conforming proportion majority. (Warner, 1993, p.23) Heteronormativity has been reinforced by religious beliefs, partly through the prevalence of Christianity in western culture. The major western faiths reject homosexuality and elevated heterosexuality as the only accepted sexual preference. Although there have been disagreements on interpretation of the bible, the influence of institutional faith has largely underpinned heteronormativity. (Warner, 1993, p.27) Heteronormativity is demonstrated at the moment of birth: individuals are quickly assigned to a sex category dependent on their sexual organs and therefore expected to conform to social gender roles. The power and dominance of heteronormativity is apparent when intersexual babies, with both male and female sex organs, are born. Intersexuals do not conform to normal categories and this deviance generates such anxiety that some intersex babies have surgery shortly after birth to assign their sexual organs and their gender to either a male or female sex category obviously without their consent. (Dreger, 1998, p.45) This demonstrates the extent in which heteronormativity has come to dominate modern western society. This type of operation has been reported to cause problems with sexual pleasure in later life. This begs the question, is conforming to heteronormativity necessary if it conflicts with personal preference or if it has negative implications for the individual? Hetronormativity can be challenged by increaseing homovisability, Societal visability of gay couples, gay teachers, or even open conversation about homosexuality can reduce the dominance of hetronormativity (Dreger, 1998, p.44) Judith Butler (1991) challenges heteronormative views in her publication Imitation and Gender through challenging binary sexual (and gender) categories, thus demoting heterosexualitys dominance, reducing its normative power by increasing homovisibility and awareness of alternative sexual orientation, which in turn makes alternative sexual preferences more socially acceptable. She holds that sexual identities and desires are constantly changing: sexual expression is intertwined with societal power relations. (p.727) For example, in ancient Greece, in determining sexual preference the gender of a partner was less significant than whether or not someone took the active or passive role in sexual relations. This demostrates how power relations are intertwined into sexuality. Similar influences are also at work in contemporary stereotypes as womon are frequently portrayed as the passive sexual partner and men the active partner, however this perception is changing. (Dover, 1989. p.89). Butler suggests that hetronormativity is reinforced through socio-cultural conditioning and also via the transmitting of visual culture which promotes hetero-visability and homo-invisability. This notion is supported by Richard Dyer (1993), who holds that contemporary cinema plays a vital role in maintaining heteronormativity (p.726) Butler also investigates gender categories, and the implications categories of difference have on gender identity and gender roles. Butler argues that men and woman are essentially the same apart from different organization of sexual organs and, as a feminist; she defends individuals rights to equality. Foucault would support this as he would argue that our habit of categorising the world in a ‘gendered way is itself a social construction. He states that when you view the world through the lens of gender differences, gender differences will be found. (McNay, 1992, p.121) Butler (1991) believes that gender like sexuality is socially constructed. She suggests that gender is not something we are, but something we do. She holds that individuals play out a role that is socially enforced upon them through social conditioning. Gender roles assigned at birth are based on individuals biological sex; this gender role is played throughout individuals lives. (p.720) Furthermore, Butler like Katz, holds that heteronormativity could not exist without the categorisation made by terms of difference and therefore questions the whole purpose of their invention. (p.723) While the theories already discussed recognise the power of categorisation and a norm Foucault is more explicit about the political effects of consciousness. Foucault, in History of Sexuality (1981), challenged essentialist assumptions, and his ideas have been important in the constructionist approach to sexuality. Foucault suggests that the way that individuals are categorised by difference is part of a larger social discourse that is representative of the power relationships within society. Foucault holds that these power relations are constantly changing depending on historical and cultural context and that there are also positive implications to the generation of terms of difference. These terms can provide recognition and power to people otherwise invisible, and provide leverage for visibility, a source of pride and political power in order to fight for their right to equality. He suggests that segregating homosexuals in this way heightens homo-visibility, and homosexuals feel p art of a collective who can create their own subcultures, fighting the dominance of heteronormativity. (p.67) Increased homovisability can be demonstrated by the gay liberation movement in the Stonewall protests, and the extent of popular support for the London Lighthouse. All constructivists hold that heterosexuality is socially constructed: indeed, all behaviour is product of socio-cultural conditioning. Similarly, all hold that heterosexually is a social construct that is culturally and historical dependent on the social context in which the term is used. Ned Katz, in particular, looks at the evolution of the term heterosexual and demonstrates the way the meaning of the term has changed throughout time, supporting the constructivists claim that sexuality is historically and culturally contingent. (Katz, 1995, p.52) With such consensus, what evidence is there to the contrary? Firstly, essentialists suggest that homosexual and heterosexual acts are historically consistent. This argument seems to be supported by Darwins evolutionary theory that holds heterosexuality is essential for reproduction and the continuation of the species, and that there is regularity and consistency in some patterns of sexual behaviour, displayed across space and time. This might seem a strong criticism of the constructionist position as it suggests that sexuality is rooted in our biological nature rather than a product of social conditioning. Secondly, another question that must be asked of constructionists is that, if those who are considered deviant face heterosexism and discrimination, why would they choose to come out and face the negative implications of a homophobic society? Also, the constructionist suggestion that all behaviour is a product of social conditioning can also be questioned, as it fails to explain why transexuals seek gender reasignment. Finally, the construct ionist argument cannot account for those who generally believe that they are born with the biological sex organs that do not correspond with their psychological sex. Paradoxically, perhaps Foucault provides an answer to the final two questions as, although he agrees the terms heterosexual and homosexual are of modern construction and therefore cannot be used to describe same sex or opposite sexual relations that have existed before the modern era, he also suggests that labels of difference have positive implications for the segregated: a shared label is a collective identity, providing them with the public visibility need to fight for equality. People might suffer prejudice, but the reality of their experience is recognised and endorsed by the labels of difference. Bibliography Berger, P, Luckmann, T (1966) The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. Garden City, NY: Doubleday. Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and theSubversion of Identity. New York: Routledge. Butler, Judith (1991) ‘Imitation and Gender Insubordination, Literary Theory: An Anthology, Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan (Eds) London, Blackwell Publishing, 1998 Clausen, J (1996) Beyond Gay or Straight: Understanding Sexual Orientation, Chelsea: House Publishers. DeLamater, JD, Hyde, JS (1998), Essentialism vs. social constructionism in the study of human sexuality, Journal of Sex Research, Vol. 35 p.16 Dover, KJ (1978, 1989) Greek Homosexuality. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Dreger, AD (1998) Hermaphrodites and the Medical Invention of Sex, Cambridge, (MA): Harvard University Press Dyer, Richard (1993) The Matter of Images, London: Routledge Foucault, M (1981) The History of Sexuality, Volume 1: An Introduction, London, Pelican. Gergen, Kenneth J (1999). An invitation to social construction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Halwani, R (1998) Essentialism, Social Constructionism, and the History of Homosexuality, Journal of Homosexuality, Vol. 35. p.89 Herdt, G (1984). Rituals of manhood: Male initiation in New Guinea. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. Herdt, G (1993) Mistaken sex: Culture, Biology and the Third Sex in New Guinea. In: Gilbert Herdt (ed.), Third Sex, Third Gender: Beyond Sexual Dimorphism in Culture and in History, New York: Zone Books Katz, Jonathan Ned (1995) The Invention of Heterosexuality. New York, NY: Dutton (Penguin Books). Laqueur, T (1990) Making Sex: Body and Gender from the Greeks to Freud. Cambridge, (MA): Harvard University Press McNay, L (1992) Foucault and Feminism: Power, Gender and the Self, Cambridge, Polity Press. Plummer, Ken (1995) Telling Sexual Stories: Power, Change and Social Worlds: London Rich, Adrienne (1994) Compulsory heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence Blood, Bread, and Poetry. Norton Paperback: New York 1994 Richardson, Diane (1996) Theorising Heterosexuality: Telling it Straight, Buckingham: Open University Press Rivkin, Julie and Ryan, Michael (1998) (Eds) Literary Theory: An Anthology, Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan (Eds) London, Blackwell Publishing, 1998 Warner, Michael (1993), Fear of a Queer Planet: Queer Politics and Social Theory, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press Weeks, Jeffrey (1991), Against Nature, London: Rivers Oram Press Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Introduction Fetal alcohol syndrome is a set of birth defects caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The occurrence of FAS varies from 0.5 to 3.0 per 1,000 live births. However, it can be much higher depending on the community; low socioeconomic status and race seem to be a contributing factor in those who are most at risk. (play therapy) The prevalence of FAS is thought to be underestimated for several reasons. This includes the physical features are often understated and difficult to recognize, a lack of clinical expertise, and the stigma that comes with maternal alcohol use. So not only do these mothers report their alcohol use less, clinicians may also be reluctant to ask women about their alcohol use (Jones). Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading nonhereditary cause of mental retardation and specific facial abnormalities and altered growth. (Prenatal exposure to alcohol, 2000). Not all children who are exposed to alcohol get FAS. This suggests that there must be a critical does of alcohol and a sensitive period in the development of the fetus. Description The effects of exposure to alcohol are referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This includes full-blown fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, and alcohol-related birth defects (Landgraf et al. 2013). â€Å"The amount of maternal alcohol consumption, the timing of consumption, and the duration all affect which level of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder a child is placed under† (Batshaw et al. 2013). Alcohol consumption in the first two months leads to more adverse affects on the fetus. Alcohol also negatively affects the fetus in certain ways in each trimester. In the first trimester brain cells are affected. In the second trimester the facial features are affected. Finally, in the third the hippocampus in the brain is affected. (play therapy)This is due to how much development still needs to occur and can be affected by the alcohol. A mother’s age may also have a play in whether FAS occurs. According t o O’Leary â€Å" the risk of impairment in offspring of women drinking five or more drinks per occasion at least weekly, is increased by 2-5 times when the mother is 30 years of age or older.† Alcohol crosses the placenta during pregnancy so it is known that they main reason for FAS is maternal alcohol consumption. However, paternal alcohol consumption may also pass on effects to the fetus from the sperm. History Fetal Alcohol syndrome was first reported in the United States in 1973. Eleven unrelated children, whose mothers continued to drink heavily during pregnancy, had similar patterns of growth deficiency and morphogenesis. After these reports, it was found that this connection was not a new observation. A committee to study drunkenness was formed in the 18th century of individuals in the British House of Commons. Their results were that infants born to alcoholic women had a â€Å"starved, shriveled, and imperfect look.† (Jones et al. 2010). Then in 1899, a doctor studied infants of alcoholic females. He recognized an increased frequency of early fetal and infant death in the infants. However, despite troublesome indications the medical community continued to disregard the issue. In the case in 1973, Dr. David Smith was asked by Dr. Shirley Anderson to come down to look at eight children who had been born to alcoholic mothers. These children came to the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic at the King County Hospital due to Dr. Christie Ulleland’s interest in the area. One night, she was informed that an alcoholic woman was about to give birth so she went to find out everything she could about the effects of alcohol on fetal development and found that there was no information available (Jones et al. 2010). So she decided to learn everything she could about the topic. Over the next year she found eleven infants who had been born to alcoholic women. She then turned the children to the care of Dr. Anderson when another opportunity presented itself. Dr. Anderson then invited eight of those children to the outpatient clinic for the evaluation with Dr. Smith. As each child was examined a â€Å"specific pattern of malformations that included: microcephaly, short, pal pebral fissures, and a smooth philtrum† was noticed in half of the children (Jones et al. 2010). Soon after Dr. Smith’s â€Å"unknown files† were searched for, for the same three features. These files consisted of â€Å"hundreds of children with birth defects whom he had evaluated but had been unable to diagnose† (Jones et al. 2010). Two children were found to have the same features so their mother’s charts were studied and it was revealed that both children had been born to alcoholic women. As time went on more children were identified with the same features all to mother’s who were alcoholics. Since the initial findings it has been found that exposure to alcohol in the womb may produce a broad spectrum of defects which is now known as the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. (Jones et al. 2010). Diagnosis There are many key features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; these can be grouped by growth retardation, characteristic facial features, and central nervous system abnormalities and dysfunction, structural or functional (O’Leary et al. 2004). These categories are used for in the diagnosis of a patient with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The patient must have at least one growth abnormality, all three characteristic facial features, and one functional or structural abnormality or the Central Nervous System (Landgraf et al. 2013). Liles states that â€Å"prenatal and postnatal deficiencies in height, weight, head circumference, brain growth, and brain size would all be included under growth retardation. A deficiency in height and weight is considered at or below the 10th percentile and head circumference is considered when below the third percentile.† According to Landgraf et al. (2013), the diagnosis of growth disturbances excludes â€Å"familial microsomia, constitutional developme ntal retardation, prenatal deficiency states, skeletal dysplasia, hormonal disorders, genetic syndromes, chronic diseases, malabsorption, malnutrition, and neglect.† The characteristic facial abnormalities that are used in diagnosis of FAS include a smooth philtrum (the groove between the upper lip and nose), short palpebral fissure length (shortened openings between the eyelids), and thin vermillion (the upper lip) (PLAY THERAPY). Functional impairments in the Central Nervous System are considered intellectual deficits when below the third or the 16th percentile in three of six areas: â€Å"cognitive or developmental abnormalities, insufficient executive functioning skills, motor functioning delays, inattention or hyperactivity, deficient social skills, or sensory, pragmatic language, or memory problems.† (Play therapy) Symptoms Along with the criteria for diagnosis, children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have many other symptoms. Spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome have all been found to relate to alcohol exposure in infants. Spontaneous abortion is defined as fetal loss prior to 20 weeks of gestation. The reason for the death is usually unknown but certain risk factors are found in some cases. Evidence found, as early as 1980, suggested that drinking during pregnancy was associated with an increased rate of spontaneous abortion. Studies have been done that suggest that the risk is not increased unless at least three drinks per week are consumed. Stillbirth is when fetal loss occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. (PRENATAL EXPOSURE) Originally, studies suggested that an intake of 14 or more drinks per week was associated with stillbirth. Later a study found that more than five drinks per week could lead to a three times increased risk of stillbirth. Another study fo und a 40 percent increase in the possibility of stillbirth for women who consumed any amount of alcohol compared with those who did not. Exposure to alcohol also shown to be associated â€Å"placental dysfunction decreased placental size, impaired blood flow and nutrient transport, and endocrine changes.† (PRENATAL EXPOSURE) All which could result in stillbirth. Preterm birth is delivery occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. Researchers found it difficult to study the trend between preterm birth and maternal alcohol due to small sample sizes, insufficient assessment of alcohol exposure, and unreliable gestational date among other factors. However, some studies have been completed and one found that 10 or more drink per week may lead to three times increased risk for preterm delivery. There is no known reason why Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs. However, there are many theorized reasons including prenatal alcohol exposure. Although studies have been done, they are not reliable due to small sample sizes. (STILLBORN) According to Batshaw (2013) imaging studies found a decrease in brain volume and abnormalities of the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and other brain structures. The death of certain cells may be responsible for a small size of the cerebellum. The corpus callosum sometimes fails to even develop in something children with FAS. Autopsies of brains also included malformations of the gray and white matter regions of brain tissue and failure of cells to migrate during brain development to the correct position. An infant’s cry is another characteristic which can be affected by exposure to alcohol. Research has found that the intensity, time between a stimulus and infant’s cry, and the pitch of the cry are significantly different in children who were exposed to alcohol than those who were not (PRENATAL EXPSOURE TO ALC). The infants may also have a weak sucking response. Children with FAS may have delayed intellectual development, neurological abnormalities, vision, hearing, and balance problems. These children also may have â€Å"heart and limb problems, sleep disturbances, jitteriness, trembling, heart disease, spina bifida, renal, orthopedic, dermatologic, connective tissue, and respiratory problems, as well as bedwetting, voluntary or involuntary passing of stools, tremors, seizures, echolalia, and schizophrenia.† (play therapy) Long Term Implications Many long term implications have been identified that affect children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Many have oversensitivity to stimuli such as bright lights or sounds, certain smells, and even certain textures. Exposure to ethanol can also lead to ADHD and executive functioning deficits (Batshaw et al. 2013). A study has shown that 85 percent of children diagnosed with FAS also are diagnosed with ADHD (Liles). Organizing, sequencing, planning, and certain forms of abstract thinking are all tasks that are included in executive functioning. Those with problems in executive functioning are unable to be independent because they are unable to do daily tasks like getting dressed. Other long term implications include motor control. Most parents start seeing a delay in fine and gross motor skills by 12-13 months of age. Motor control is influence by the Central Nervous System. There are many functions that are involved in the CNS. The sensory organs including ears, eyes, and skin provi de feedback to the CNS, motor reactions and balance may be affected due to problems located in the inner ear (Prenatal exposure to alc). Communication delays including receptive and expressive language and hearing disorders are often common in children with FAS. Hearing disorders in children with FAS include auditory maturation, sensorineural hearing loss, and intermittent conductive hearing loss (o’leary). Children with FAS also have a wide range of behavior and developmental abnormalities. These children may be antisocial and one third of children exposed to alcohol prenatally show significant aggressive behavior. (O’Leary) Since these children experience social issues, it may result in an increased likelihood of depression, suicidal ideology, anxiety and panic attacks, and other various psychiatric disorders (Liles). With problems in communication, executive functioning, and social issues, among others, these children often experience lower cognitive ability. Many studies done show a high possibility for children with FAS have IQs that would place them in the category of mental retardation, an IQ lower than 70. They also have problems in â€Å"spelling, mathematics, and completion of carious classroom tasks.† (Liles) These individuals are more likely to drop out of school and have higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, and abnormal sexual behaviors (Landgraf et al. 2013). This shows the importance in the support and treatments child with FAS need. As children with FAS get older, the long term implications not only follow them to their adult life but also cause other problems. They may have mental health problems, become victims of crime, get into trouble with the law, or may not be able to live on their own. They may not be able to work which also means even if they have the ability to work, they do not have the resources to. The problems with social ability also may affect their potential to have intimate relationships. Treatments Treatments can be very important in helping those with FAS, so they are able to cope with daily living. According to the National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (2014) home intervention and early school intervention are important to help overcome issues an individual may be having. There are many services for individuals with FAS these include prenatal, birth to age 3, children 3-6 and school age, adolescents, and adults. Prenatal services are targeted at the mother; physicians should provide women with information about the effects of drinking during pregnancy. Since early intervention is so important for children with FAS a physician can recommend part C in IDEA. This allows for children birth to age 3 at risk of later developmental delay to receive services before meeting criteria eligibility. A stable and nurturing environment is critical for these children and so the family needs to be educated about the importance of caregiver attachment. (NOFAS) Once a child reaches the age of three, early intervention services stop and families are refereed to preschool handicapped programs or special needs preschool through Part B of IDEA. Unlike Part C, a child must be eligible for this program to receive services. This becomes a problem for some children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome because few meet the criteria. Categories they may qualify for include other health impairments, behavior disorder, or learning disorder. This allows for services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or social skills training (NOFAS). Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may have more prominent behavioral and mental health issues, so parents should not dismiss concerns they have. Adolescents with FAS miss out on skills like observational learning or basic maturity so vocational and transitional services are important. Giving them explicit instruction along with lifestyle support is important while in school to increase the possibility of a better outcome as an adult. Open communication and close supervision is incredibly important since adolescents with FAS often do not know appropriate boundaries or how to read subtle social cues. As an adult it may be difficult for those with FAS to receive services unless they have met the eligibility criteria before the age of 22. Adults living with FAS may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, Medicaid, and Section 8 Housing subsidies. (NOFAS) It is important at any age in the lifespan to have a routine for those living with FAS. The National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (2014) gives strategies for handling symptoms at each stage of life for those living with FAS. For infants, seeing specialists in areas is suggested to help with delays or a nutritionist for poor weight gain. Toddlers who are distracted easily may need a routine established or specific structure. School age children who have problems making and keeping friends may need to be paired with a child who is a year or two younger and need activities to be short and exciting. Parents of adolescence who are being victimized need to monitor the activities the children are engaging in. Adults living with FAS may also have difficulty obtaining or keeping jobs so looking into trade schools job training programs may be beneficial for them. (NOFAS) Although no studies have been done to see how play therapy can help children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, research has been done with children who have similar characteristics and behaviors; this includes but not limited to low self-esteem, aggression, and hyperactivity. This allows practitioners to help children with FAS (Liles et al. 2009). â€Å"Develop a more positive self-concept, assume greater self-responsibility, become more self-directing, become more self-accepting, become more self-reliant, engage in self-determined decision making, experience a feeling of control, become sensitive to the process of coping, develop an internal source of evaluation, and become more trusting of himself/herself† are recommendations during play therapy given by Liles for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Conclusion Although, some say an occasional glass of wine won’t affect your baby, the best way to avoid FAS is to refrain from drinking while pregnant. Educating women and men on the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure is important. Medical practitioners should also be educated on new information that is found regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome so they can pass the information along to clients. For women who are trying to get pregnant refraining from drinking is crucial because the early stages of development are the most impacted by alcohol exposure. Individuals affected with FAS will have to deal with it their whole lives. Although treatments are available, the disorder is not curable. Early diagnosis is important so that support measures can be taken in the individuals’ environment which may help to avoid problems later in life. As information becomes available and technology increases more can be studied about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

communications :: essays research papers

With communication continuing to change forms every day, we have seen many different theories and explanations to try and explain communication. Communication is an interaction between two objects in any way, as long as there is a connection between the two objects. With the ever changing theories of communication, Marshall McLuhan’s theory of the medium is the message and his Playboy interview create a very interesting question. Why does Marshall McLuhan see the development of communication as a downfall to our society as seen in the Playboy article where Adler, Johnson and Lakeoff show many ways communication can have long lasting positive effects on society? The three points that McLuhan brings up are the phonetic alphabet, extension and the electric age. This paper will critique the different points McLuhan has made by using material from Adler and Lakeoff and Johnson. The Phonetic Alphabet: Marshall McLuhan has a negative view towards the invention of the phonetic alphabet while Adler and Lakeoff and Johnson used the alphabet as a tool to get their theories of communication to work. An example of McLuhan’s words is from his interview with Playboy where he said â€Å"Before the invention of the phonetic alphabet, man lived in a world where all the senses were balanced and simultaneous.†(McLuhan, 1995) In this quote Marshall expresses his view that before the phonetic alphabet was created man lived in a world where each sense that humans had were used evenly. Now that the alphabet had been invented different senses were being used for different reasons and now man was not in a balance of senses. He seen this as a negative outcome, and it will effect the culture in a negative way. On the other hand, to use this point in Adler’s words â€Å"different groups deal with conflicts in different ways†(Adler, 2000) So the way that a culture can adapt to the living style will tell if they will be effected as McLuhan said the culture will be effected, and that is there senses will not be in a balance anymore. Also, in the playboy interview McLuhan states â€Å"The modes of life of nonliterate people were implicit, simultaneous and discontinuous, and also far richer than those of literate man.†(McLuhan, 1995) In this quote Marshall suggests that it was easier to live life by being nonliterate and just stay the way man used to be with the senses being balanced.

Critical Review of a Psychology Research Article on Students Essay

Research Issues in Psychology Critical Review of a Research Article Pupils who exhibit gifted characteristics along with another disability are referred to as ‘twice-exceptional students’ (Morrison, 2001; Nielsen 2002). This term is used in the article that I have chosen to review, which analyzes the responses and perceptions through interview, of one particular individual (Andrew) who was identified as being gifted and talented (G/T) and who had emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD). What the researchers aimed to accomplish through this analysis was a clearer understanding of Andrew’s community and school experiences, as they stated that there was a lack of empirical data focusing upon pupils who displayed such behaviors. The features of the research design were straightforward and simple: a qualitative analysis with one participant; a structured interview, recorded then later transcribed and analyzed to produce 3 themes; a conclusion which produced findings of Andrew’s experiences as a twice-exceptional student. It is the appropriateness of the methods that were used in this study which will inform my first critique of this article. I will then move on to discuss the data which was collected, before finally examining how effective the conclusion is. Morrison and Omdal chose to include only one participant in their study, which compares quite significantly to the research of others in similar areas that have included a greater number of participants (Gross, 1994; Sankar-DeLeeuw, 2004; Howe et al, 1998). This particular participant, named under the pseudonym of Andrew, was 22 years of age when he consented to partake in the research. A brief description of his formidable successes both academic and socially, pointed out that he was currently employed as a ‘permanent substitute teacher’ (p.2). The reader is immediately drawn to a young man who has accomplished and triumphed against his ‘disabilities’; instantly gaining the respect of the readers’ as his successes show strength of character and determination. Surely then questions must arise about the validity of using such a small, select sample. Can the quality of data that has been gathered be representative of the population (Cohen et al 20002) o f twice-exceptional students? It is my assumption that no, it cannot. Especially since the chosen participant is a teacher reflecting upon his edu... ...otional/Behavioural disabilities and gifted and talented behaviours: Paradoxical or semantic differences in characteristics?, Psychology in the Schools, Vol. 38(5), 2001 Nielsen, M.E. (2002) Gifted Students With Learning Disabilities: recommendations for Identification and Programming, Exceptionality Vol.10 (2), 93-111 Nowak, M (2001) Double Inequity, Redoubled Critique: Twice-Exceptional (Gifted + Learning Disabled) Students, the Equality Ideal, and the Reward Structure of the Educational System http://www.newhorizons.org/spneeds/gifted/nowak3.htm#author#author Plucker, J.A. & Levy, J.J (2001) The Downside of Being Talented, American Psychologist, Vol 56(1) 75-76 Porter, L (1999) Gifted Young Children – A guide for teachers and parents Open University Press, Buckingham Sankar-DeLeeuw, N (2004) Case studies of gifted kindergarten children: profiles of promise. (On Gifted Students in School) Roeper Review, v26 i4 p192(16) Schuler, P.A. (2003) Gifted kids at risk: Who’s listening?, http://www.sengifted.org/articles_social/Schuler_GiftedKidsAtRiskWhosListening.shtml Teacher’s Training Agency – 20/01/05 http://www.teach.gov.uk/php/read.php?sectionid=218&articleid=1487 Critical Review of a Psychology Research Article on Students Essay Research Issues in Psychology Critical Review of a Research Article Pupils who exhibit gifted characteristics along with another disability are referred to as ‘twice-exceptional students’ (Morrison, 2001; Nielsen 2002). This term is used in the article that I have chosen to review, which analyzes the responses and perceptions through interview, of one particular individual (Andrew) who was identified as being gifted and talented (G/T) and who had emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD). What the researchers aimed to accomplish through this analysis was a clearer understanding of Andrew’s community and school experiences, as they stated that there was a lack of empirical data focusing upon pupils who displayed such behaviors. The features of the research design were straightforward and simple: a qualitative analysis with one participant; a structured interview, recorded then later transcribed and analyzed to produce 3 themes; a conclusion which produced findings of Andrew’s experiences as a twice-exceptional student. It is the appropriateness of the methods that were used in this study which will inform my first critique of this article. I will then move on to discuss the data which was collected, before finally examining how effective the conclusion is. Morrison and Omdal chose to include only one participant in their study, which compares quite significantly to the research of others in similar areas that have included a greater number of participants (Gross, 1994; Sankar-DeLeeuw, 2004; Howe et al, 1998). This particular participant, named under the pseudonym of Andrew, was 22 years of age when he consented to partake in the research. A brief description of his formidable successes both academic and socially, pointed out that he was currently employed as a ‘permanent substitute teacher’ (p.2). The reader is immediately drawn to a young man who has accomplished and triumphed against his ‘disabilities’; instantly gaining the respect of the readers’ as his successes show strength of character and determination. Surely then questions must arise about the validity of using such a small, select sample. Can the quality of data that has been gathered be representative of the population (Cohen et al 20002) o f twice-exceptional students? It is my assumption that no, it cannot. Especially since the chosen participant is a teacher reflecting upon his edu... ...otional/Behavioural disabilities and gifted and talented behaviours: Paradoxical or semantic differences in characteristics?, Psychology in the Schools, Vol. 38(5), 2001 Nielsen, M.E. (2002) Gifted Students With Learning Disabilities: recommendations for Identification and Programming, Exceptionality Vol.10 (2), 93-111 Nowak, M (2001) Double Inequity, Redoubled Critique: Twice-Exceptional (Gifted + Learning Disabled) Students, the Equality Ideal, and the Reward Structure of the Educational System http://www.newhorizons.org/spneeds/gifted/nowak3.htm#author#author Plucker, J.A. & Levy, J.J (2001) The Downside of Being Talented, American Psychologist, Vol 56(1) 75-76 Porter, L (1999) Gifted Young Children – A guide for teachers and parents Open University Press, Buckingham Sankar-DeLeeuw, N (2004) Case studies of gifted kindergarten children: profiles of promise. (On Gifted Students in School) Roeper Review, v26 i4 p192(16) Schuler, P.A. (2003) Gifted kids at risk: Who’s listening?, http://www.sengifted.org/articles_social/Schuler_GiftedKidsAtRiskWhosListening.shtml Teacher’s Training Agency – 20/01/05 http://www.teach.gov.uk/php/read.php?sectionid=218&articleid=1487