Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Substance Abuse During The 20th Century - 1422 Words
Substance Abuse in Women Description of the Group Towards the end of the 20th century, most of the studies focusing on substance abuse focused on the needs of men. This means that the percentage of women affected by substance abuse remained unknown for several decades. In the recent past, studies have been done to analyze the psychological, health, and economic challenges affecting women who abuse different substances (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2015). This marginalized group has been selected in order to understand the major health problems and experiences affecting them. By so doing, the information obtained from the study can be used to design evidence-based care models to support the target population. Currentâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦6). Chances of relapse after any form of treatment are usually high among women. Women who abuse drugs will encounter different psychological problems such as anxiety and trauma. Chances of divorce are usually high among members of this population. Depression, panic attacks, and confusion are common in women who use illicit drugs. Psychological Needs of Substance Abuse Women The above statistics show conclusively that substance in women in a major challenge that should be addressed by psychologists and healthcare professionals. The first consideration is ensuring that the social, biological, mental, and environmental factors are taken care of (Burns et al., 2012). Psychologists should begin by understanding the unique environmental issues affecting women who abuse drugs. This is the case because there are unique environmental conditions and motivations that encourage women to use addictive drugs. The experiences and circumstances associated with the surrounding environment explain why some women take such drugs. The abusers will also require appropriate support. This is the case because women might experience sexual or physical trauma. Psychologists should therefore consider the mental health problems affecting the targeted women. Economidoy, Klimi, and Vivilaki (2012) indicate that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological problem affecting women who abuse drugs. This knowledge can guide psychiatrists to offer the best psychological support. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Link Between Homelessness And Mental Health983 Words à |à 4 Pagessignificant mental health diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Mental health issues can impact anyone. However, those who remain untreated and have additional risk factors such as lower socioeconomic conditions or substance abuse issues are more likely to become homeless. The research also suggests that men have a higher rate of homelessness than women. In particular, African American men have a higher rate of homelessness than those from other ethnic backgrounds. VeteransRead MoreSubstance Abuse Within Correctional Setting978 Words à |à 4 PagesSubstance Abuse in Correctional Setting Assessment psychology has examined individuals who are criminal offenders who were evaluated to determine their personalities to which they have a long history with. Approximately well over a century ago, Mà ¼nsterberg, 1908, Vaccaro Hogan, 2004 who are all psychologists has managed a improved study on criminal offenders that will allow us all to have an ambiguous understanding of how the process of his research in reference to the criminalRead MoreNegative Effects Of Methamphetamines2583 Words à |à 11 Pageswas intended to have a positive effect on the 20th century as a treatment for ailments such as obesity, depression, and ADHD but ended up having a negative effect due to overuse and abuse of the drug. Methamphetamines and their various strands have had a negative effect on the 20th century and still affects America today. Not only does the drug have destructive short-term effects on the body, it also has many long-term effects. Abusers of this substance bec ome easily hooked, and it is not easy to recoverRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Its Effects On Society1285 Words à |à 6 PagesSubstance abuse has existed since the start of civilization and it is an ever present entity in the modern era as well. Distilled beverages were the main drinking source in many cases even safer to drink than water in early civilizations, for instance during the Middle Ages. Many substances were also used in medicine derived from certain plants for anesthetics such as opioids from poppy seeds. In addition, nicotine and tobacco products and other hallucinogenic substances were used for recreationalRead MoreDrug Use And Abuse Is A Old As Mankind Itself1585 Words à |à 7 PagesDrug use and abuse is as old as mankind itself. Human beings have always had a desire to eat or drink substances that make them feel relaxed, stimulated, or euphoric. Humans have used drugs of one sort or another for thousands of years. Wine was used at least from the time of the early E gyptians; narcotics from 4000 B.C.; and medicinal use of marijuana has been dated to 2737 BC in China. As time went by, home remedies were discovered and used to alleviate aches, pains and other ailments. MostRead MoreThe Rise of Illegal Drug Trade in Our Dangerous Economy771 Words à |à 3 PagesEver since drugs became illegal to be purchased in the early century the whole illegal drug trade started to rise and many individuals especially youth started to join this dangerous and illegal economy. Youths were ambitious and were attracted to this inner city business just to get money in a faster way. That is because drug selling and other illegal activities appeared to be the most effective way to get rich in a faster way. Also many of these youth would rather earn money in a dangerous wayRead MoreDepiction of Abuse and Mental Health in A Streetcar Named Desire852 Words à |à 3 Pagesï » ¿Abuse and Mental Health in A Streetcar Named Desire Abuse and Mental Health in A Streetcar Named Desire A Streetcar Named Desire is one of the most renowned 20th century American plays and films. The playwright is Tennessee Williams, a respected author whose works artistic and structural merit warrants their study into the 21st century. There are numerous aspects and points Williams makes with his works, including A Streetcar Named Desire. Out of the richness this text offers, this paperRead MoreMental Health For The Mentally Ill999 Words à |à 4 Pagesof the homeless population has a significant mental health diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. However, those who remain untreated and have additional risk factors such as lower socioeconomic conditions or substance abuse issues are more likely to become homeless. The research also suggests that men have a higher rate of homelessness than women. In particular, African American men have a higher rate of homelessness than those from other ethnic backgrounds. VeteransRead MoreThe Modern War On Drugs97 7 Words à |à 4 Pagesrates and greatest illegal drug consumption (Sledge), the United States proves that the ââ¬Å"war on drugsâ⬠is a war that is not being won. For most of our history, drug use has been legal for recreational, religious, and medicinal purposes. During the 19th century, opium, morphine, and cocaine could be purchased over-the-counter to treat medical conditions such as menstrual cramps, teething pain, coughs, depression, and even addiction (Hellerman). On December 17, 1914, the Harrison Narcotics Tax ActRead MoreMedical Marijuana, State Legalization And New Challenges For Employers And Employees Essay1108 Words à |à 5 PagesGreeks or Romans was minimal. In the Americas, it is thought that the use of the cannabis plant started in the 16th century specifically in South America, brought in by African slaves and used in spiritual rituals and magical exercises. 1 Eventually by the 19th century, European physicians, an Irish physician Dr. William B. Oââ¬â¢Shaughnessy an Irish physician who spent time in India during British colonization, started documenting observations after using the plant for medicinal purposes. As Zuardi discusses
Monday, December 23, 2019
Essay about Kant and Millââ¬â¢s Positions on Capital Punishment
Capital punishment is most commonly known as the death penalty or punishment by death for a crime. It is a highly controversial topic and many people and great thinkers alike have debated about it. Two well-known figures are Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Although both stand in favor of capital punishment, their reasons for coming to this conclusion are completely different. I personally stand against capital punishment, but my own personal view on it incorporates a few mixed elements from both individuals as well as my own personal insight. Firstly, in order to understand why Kant and Mill support capital punishment, we must first understand their views on punishment in general. Kant believes in the theory of the categoricalâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦This law of retaliation is taught throughout our entire childhood and applies universally. The golden rule of, ââ¬Å"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,â⬠is just another way of phrasing this law. However, in order to prove the effectiveness of this law, we must apply to all circumstances in a situation. Thatââ¬â¢s when problems begin emerging. Questions about right and wrong, fair and unfair, just and unjust, and deciding who is to be the judge of the problems, are some of the troubles we face. Kant chooses to stick with the principle of retaliation even when dealing with capital punishment. He believes that ââ¬Å"every murderer ââ¬âanyone who commits murder, orders it, or is an accomplice in itââ¬â must suffer death.â⬠(Kant 107) In order for justice to be made, the murderer must suffer the same consequences as his crime. If the murderer is not punished with death, it would not be a fair punishment because people would rather choose to live a tough life than die a quick death; and if this were the case, living would imply a less than equal punishment for the crime. Kant does say, however, that a criminal should only be punished for retribution. Any other reasons for his punishment, such as deterrence, are unacceptable because a human being should ââ¬Å"never be treated merely as a means to the purposes of another.â⬠(Kant 105) Doing so would violate the criminalââ¬â¢s rights as a human being. In contrast, Mill believes in the theory of utilitarianism, which is theShow MoreRelatedContemporary Moral Issue Essay2709 Words à |à 11 Pagestopics as capital punishment, social inequality, and environmental responsibility. Simultaneously, this course equips us to formulate and argue our own positions on these topics, whether through writing, discussion, or debate. Required Texts: The required anthology for this course is the 4th edition of Emmett Barcalowââ¬â¢s Moral Philosophy: Theories and Issues (ISBN-13: 978-0-495-00715-9). Additionally, we will read John Stuart Millââ¬â¢s Utilitarianism and the 1868 Speech on Capital Punishment (ISBN-13:Read Moreethical decision making16006 Words à |à 65 Pagesbioethics, and how is it important to the community nurse? 2. What is the ethics of virtue, and what part do virtues play in the practice of nursing? 3. What is meant by principle-based ethics? 4. How does Kantââ¬â¢s deontological approach differ from Millââ¬â¢s utilitarian approach? 5. What role does each of the four major ethical conceptsââ¬â beneï ¬ cence, nonmaleï ¬ cence, autonomy, and justiceââ¬âplay in community nursing practice? 6. How can health care resources be distributed in a fair manner? 7. How doesRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words à |à 922 Pagesunderlie the creation of this diverse range of organization theories. In doing so, we will introduce the reader to the structure of this book and its underlying rationale. A key aim here is to try to model the nature of these competing philosophical positions by creating a framework that can aid our understanding of organization theory itself. Philosophical disputes and debates: explaining and understanding the diverse nature of organization theory When one first comes to the area of organization
Sunday, December 15, 2019
A Brief Literature Review of Qualitative Research Free Essays
string(154) " authoritative publications of the Oregon State Occupational Safety and Safety Administration for first hand information on the industries of his choice\." The application of qualitative research to social science studies has received mixed reviews. Some social scientists subscribe wholeheartedly to the use of qualitative research as a counterpoise to the traditional quantitative research methodology, which has been the vogue in social science research. Other social scientists however question the application of qualitative research to social science studies. We will write a custom essay sample on A Brief Literature Review of Qualitative Research or any similar topic only for you Order Now Some reviewers, for example, question the appropriateness in retrospective evaluation of programs of programs in organizational change (Blackler and Brown, 1983, p.à 349). Other reviewers of the same research argue that good qualitative evaluation ââ¬Å"entails close and continuous involvement with the process of change. â⬠Blacker and Brown employed qualitative research methodology in their study of retrospective evaluation of programs of organizational change. They concluded that ââ¬Å"unlike some natural science paradigms, competing paradigms should not be thought of as mutually exclusiveâ⬠in application of qualitative research in social science. (Blacker and Brown, ibid) Crawford titled his paper ââ¬ËPutting money in research pays: How companies large and small ââ¬â benefit from research plansââ¬â¢. In it he discussed the advantages gained by business enterprises in the United States of America through both quantitative and qualitative research. (Crawford 2006). Dale in his study: ââ¬ËPartnering with management to implement ergonomics in the industrial workplaceââ¬â¢, concluded that for implementation of any research to be effective in changing workersââ¬â¢ attitude, there must be effective collaboration between the researcher and the management of the industrial establishment. (Dale, 2004). Harris in his article entitled: ââ¬ËBusiness to Business comes of age in qualitative researchââ¬â¢, highlights the use of modern information technology in advancing the frontier of qualitative research in business and industry. It is Harrisââ¬â¢s opinion that use of such technology as teleconferencing will not only ensure objectivity in data collection, but can allow the researcher to administer his protocol to large respondents at the same time. (Harris, 1995) The role of qualitative methodology in ergonomics is discussed by Hignett in his paper ââ¬â¢Theoretical Issues to Ergonomics Scienceââ¬â¢ Here, a four stage sampling method of qualitative research was used in the interview of academics and management practitioners to gain their views on all areas of ergonomics. (Hignett and Wilson, 2004). Karami, Rowley and Analoni studied some research methodologies used in generating knowledge for management through research. They concluded that whereas earlier research was skewed in favor of quantitative methodology, present day studies tend to favor qualitative research methods. (Karami et al 2006). McPhee employed a qualitative research approach to his study of the organizational behavior of business practice in Europe. He concluded that although until recently, the pyramidical hierarchy structure was the norm in organizational framework of European companies, globalization of the world economy has forced many European firms to employ qualitative research in their transition to a more democratic organizational arrangement (McPhee, 2002). Russell in his paper titled ââ¬ËDangerous Intersectionsââ¬â¢ x-rays the use of qualitative research as a tool in the campaign sponsored by an insurance company. The thrust of the campaign was on awareness, education and safety promotion within the United States. (Russell, F. 2002). Yates in his paper drew attention to the opportunities which practitioners in business communications now have to shift emphasis away from quantitative methods to qualitative methodology in their research. (Yates, J. 1993). This brief literature review leads us to the analysis of the qualitative research methodology employed by Maximillian Brown in his dissertation titled: ââ¬ËTrust, Power and Work place democracy: Safety and Health Works Councils in Oregonââ¬â¢. Description of Methodology: In analyzing the qualitative research methodologies used in ââ¬ËThe Brown Dissertationââ¬â¢ salient aspects of each methodology will be highlighted. The sum total of the evaluation of the ââ¬ËBrown Dissertationââ¬â¢ will reflect the contributions of all the different paradigms to the overall results of the qualitative research. The following are the research methods employed by Brown for his case studies. â⬠¢ Preliminary contacts with employees and management in of target firms selected for his studies in the summer of 2002. â⬠¢ Actual interviews took place in Fall 2002. â⬠¢ Designing of research project. â⬠¢ Gaining access to the worksites â⬠¢ Process of actual interviews. Preparation for Field Work In order to become familiar with the environment of his research, Brown became an insider of the work stations. Brown used his membership of the Safety Committee in his university, and participated actively in its programs in order to gain first hand information on the philosophy underlying the Safety Committee operations. Moreover, in order to have a comprehensive knowledge of the safety operations in his university, he sought and obtained permission to attend meetings of those safety subcommittees in which he was not a member. Furthermore, brown received training conducted by the State of Oregon in safety committee operations. By his own admission, Brownââ¬â¢s experiences as a member and active participant in safety committee meetings strongly influenced his research design and the process of conducting interviews with his subjects. The oral questions put to his subjects were structured along the lines of his experience as a participant rather than an outsider. Being an insider conferred on him certain advantages which he utilized in preparation of his research protocols. Brown was able to ask questions which were directed at specific areas of operation of the safety councils; which an outsider might not be privy to. Brown also gained leverage on his subjects by being knowledgeable about their schedule of duties. More so, Brownââ¬â¢s membership of a university committee whose functions are similar to those of the subjects of his enquiry influenced his tailoring his questions to more specific subject matters which an outsider will not be aware of. Brownââ¬â¢s research protocols were gleaned from Richard Freeman and Joel Rogers book with the title: ââ¬ËWhat Workers wantââ¬â¢ which was published in 1999. Furthermore, Brown had gained prior and valuable hands-on experience of the workings of the industries in which he was to later conduct his qualitative research. After choosing two very different industries in which he wanted to conduct his research, Brown set out to get a working knowledge of these industries. He relied heavily on authoritative publications of the Oregon State Occupational Safety and Safety Administration for first hand information on the industries of his choice. You read "A Brief Literature Review of Qualitative Research" in category "Free Research Paper Samples" These publications complemented his own practical experience in one of the industries; while filling the gaps in his knowledge of the other. With these preparations, Brown was thus able to formulate intelligent questions for his target interviewees. Brown acknowledged the obvious fact that an outsider cannot know as much about a factory as those who work in the place. As an icing on his cake, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) assisted Brown to select target factories relevant to his research. Visits to Target Factories Brown approached his target audience in three stages. He first made preliminary visits to the factories in order to get himself familiar with the people and places where he was to conduct his research. His initial visit to each of the two factories afforded Brown the opportunity to conduct background checks on the facilities available in the factories. Some of the background information he had earlier obtained from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website came in handy during his preliminary visits. From OSHA website he had obtain vital statistics about each factory. These included the number of employees in each factory, products manufactured, and the mission statement of each organization on their safety and health programs. The next stage of his approach was to make a preparatory visit to each factory. He was able to obtain a tour of each factory. He also used the opportunity of the preparatory visit to collect in-house documents which came in handy to him while preparing his research protocols. These documents included minutes of committee meetings, training materials, and other records germane to his investigations. Brownââ¬â¢s subsequent visits represented the third and last phase of his plan. This was the stage at which he conducted open-ended interviews to representatives of both management and labor in the premises of the two factories earlier chosen. Equal numbers of representatives of labor and management were interviewed. The interviews were conducted in private. The identities of those interviewed were kept confidential as per university policies on such matters. After explaining the purpose of the research project to the subjects, their written consent was individually obtained before the interview started. Since his project was targeted at the safety policies and practices in the selected factories, only members of the safety committees were interviewed. The interviews which were conducted in a free and friendly manner, employed the ââ¬Ëactive interviewââ¬â¢ format designed by Holstein and Gubrium. (Holstein and Gubrium, 1995). In this interview approach, subjects were asked questions which had been prepared in form of a protocol. At the onset, subjects were asked general questions pertaining to their working experiences at the factory. Subjects were also asked questions of personal interest to the respondents with respect to the issue central to the research This phase formed the preliminary stage as formulated by Holstein and Gubrium. The next set of questions centered on the perception of the respondents regarding the effectiveness of the program of the committee in which they were members. The subjects were asked of the perception of their fellow workers on their election or selection into the committee. This formed the overview question stage of the interview. The next stage of the interview centered on training. The respondents were asked to assess the depth and relevance of the training which they received towards performance of their duties as committee members. Questions on the perceived quality of the content of their training, the methods of dissemination of information and the net change effect of the training on the participants, concluded the set of questions on training. The next set of questions for the subjects, centered on the meetings of the committee. Subjects were asked to analyze the interpersonal relations among members of the committee, the atmosphere of the meetings; the procedures adopted during the meetings and the dissemination of information to members before and after each meeting. The last set of specific questions put to the subjects was on the authority granted the committee by management, and the influence of the committee on management. They were questioned on how they communicated the decisions arrived at their meetings to management, and the effect of their recommendations on management policies. Subjects were also asked to give their views on the industrial atmosphere of their work place, and specifically on the labor and management relations; whether they were cordial, or if there were unresolved issues dividing the two parties. Finally, subjects were asked whether they felt a sense of power by their membership of the committee. Evaluation of Brownââ¬â¢s Qualitative Research Methodology The methodologies applied by Brown in his dissertation are identifiable and well structured. They follow the pattern of a well organized qualitative research project. Preliminary work was done in two main areas. Relevant literature was searched and the context applied as and when necessary, as per specifications in the original publication. For example, the method of interview was patterned after the universally accepted standard procedure of Holstein and Gubrium termed:â⬠Active Interviewsâ⬠(Holstein and Gubrium,1995). The use of ââ¬ËActive Interviewsââ¬â¢ by Brown was appropriate to the qualitative research design in his case study. A lot of preliminary work was done by Brown, in order to identify firms at which to carry out his research study. Background studies were first carried out on these companies. Where the researcher felt that he had insufficient experience and inadequate knowledge and information, necessary recourse was made to authoritative state government publications on the subject of his research. Initial visits to the premises of the firms under study, were made by Brown. He got himself familiarized with both the staff and the environment of the factories where he planned to administer his qualitative research protocol. Those initial visits afforded him the opportunity to interact with representatives of both labor and management. The visits also afforded him the chance to obtain their consent and cooperation. Brown prepared his interview protocols in two similar sets, one for employees and the other for managements of the firms under study. The research protocols were well structured in such a way as to first put general questions to his subjects. From the responses elicited from the respondents, more specific questions relevant to the subject matter of the study were then put to the subjects. This pattern of questioning is in line with the Holstein and Gubium process of ââ¬Ëactive interviewsââ¬â¢. Maximillian Brownââ¬â¢s success in putting his subjects at ease at this initial stage, helped him to take the interview to a less formal and friendlier conversational atmosphere. Subsequent pieces of information obtained from the respondents were then given freely and honestly without pressure. Brownââ¬â¢s approach evidently made for more reliable and truthful answers to the interviewerââ¬â¢s questions. With the active cooperation of the subjects, Brown was able to plumb the depths of the activities of the safety committees under study, to arrive at a more reliable assessment of their functions, and the perceptions of members of the committee on the relevance and importance of their work on the committee. Limitations and Weaknesses of Brownââ¬â¢s Qualitative Research Methodology By his own admission, Brown recognized that there are some obvious limitations and weaknesses in the methodology he employed in the qualitative research for his dissertation. Three of these weaknesses, Brown identified as follows: Problems of trust, accuracy in record keeping, and validity of subjects responses. Unless the interviewer is able to scale the wall of distrust erected between him and his subject during the interview, the information gathered from the respondent will be suspect. According to McCracken, lack of trust between interviewer and respondent will restrict the interview to a mere formality. ââ¬Å"The intimacy required for the two parties to move from formal to informal conversational style will be inhibited. â⬠(McCracken,1988). Hence the first objective of an interviewer is to gain the trust of the interviewee. Right from the onset, the interviewer needs to establish a friendly rapport with his subjects even before the interview is scheduled. Brown admitted his lack of familiarity with his subjects, which made some of them to give curt and perfunctory replies to his questions. Secondly, Brownââ¬â¢s inability to import a reliable means of recording his interviews made his transcripts of such interviews less than accurate. The third problem of validity of his subjectsââ¬â¢ responses, Brown admits to be his most difficult. There is no easy solution to the issue of whether a respondent is truthful, except perhaps to administer a lie-detector test to each respondent before the interview, as a method of pre screening all participants. Applications of Brownââ¬â¢s Qualitative Research Methodology The research methodology of ââ¬Ëactive interviewsââ¬â¢ adopted by Brown in his dissertation generated valuable in formation on the social interactions within an industrial environment. In spite of its limitations and shortcomings, Brownââ¬â¢s qualitative research methodology provides a suitable and reliable template on which further research study can be undertaken to obtain knowledge of the interpersonal relationships within an industrial workplace. By using modern information technological innovations like teleconferencing and remote control recording devices, greater objectivity can be introduced into Brownââ¬â¢s qualitative research methodology. (Harris,1995). Overall, the methodology employed in Maximillian Brownââ¬â¢s dissertation can be validly adopted in qualitative research studies for dissertations and other quality academic publications. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Blackler, F. H. M. , Brown, C. A. (1983), Qualitative Research and Paradigms of Practice, Journal of Management Studies, 20(3), 349-366. 2. Crawford, A. P. (2006). Putting money into research pays: How companies ââ¬â large and small ââ¬â benefit from research plans, Public Relations Tactics, 13(8), 20-20 3. Dale, L. (2004). Partnering with management to implement ergonomics in the industrial, Work, 22(2), 117-124. 4. Freeman, Richard B. , and Joel Rogers. 1999. What Workers Want. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. French, Carroll E. 1923. ââ¬Å"The Shop Committee in the United States. â⬠Johns HopkinsUniversity Studies in History and Political Science. 41: 107-207. 5. Harris, L. M. , (1995), Business-to-business comes of age in qualitative research, Marketing News, 29(12), 17-17 6. Hignett, S. , Wilson, R. (2004), The role for qualitative methodology in ergonomics: a case study to explore theoretical issues, Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 5(6), 473-493 7. Holstein, James A. , and Jaber F. Gubrium. 1995. The Active Interview. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications 8. Karami, A. , Rowley, J. , Analoui, F. (2006), Research and Knowledge Building in Management Studies: An Analysis of Methodological Preferences, International Journal of Management, 23(1), 436-52. 9. McCracken, Grant. 1988. The Long Interview. Newbury Park,CA: SAGE Publications. 10. McPhee, N. (2002). Gaining insight on business and organisational behaviour: the qualitative dimension, International Journal of Market Research, 44(1), 53-70. 11. Russell, F. (2000). Dangerous intersections, Marketing News, 34(5), 18-18. 12. Yates, J. (1993), The Opportunity of Qualitative Research, Journal of Business Communication, 30(2), 1999-200 How to cite A Brief Literature Review of Qualitative Research, Essays
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Stock market crash Essay Example For Students
Stock market crash Essay The Stock Market crash of 1929 has been looked at as the greatest symbol of depression is our countries history. Although the Stock Market crashing had a huge effect on the beginning of the Great Depression, there are still factors to consider when looking for a source to blame. Its hard to put responsibility on the stock market for something so huge and disheartening. The Great Depression is seen as a slippery road downward, not a sudden jolt into hopelessness. The Stock Market in the 1920s had consistently seen prices climb over the last few years. By the fall of 1929 the prices of stock were severely overpriced and unaffordable. When stockholders saw the severity in the prices they all panicked and began to sell all the stock that they owned. This is what caused the Stock Market to crash. Other causes for the Great Depression are there just not obvious. The Tax system in the United States in this period was struggling. Income Tax on the middle class was way too high. The middle class would end up paying the vast majority of the tax. Rich and well off people, seemed to find loopholes in the system to get around paying the taxes that they should. This led to the rich getting richer and the poor got poorer. Unemployment rose to a high of 25%. Due to the lack of money in the middle class Americans pocket, there was a great problem with overproduction. The products were being made, but no one had the money to buy anything. The Americans although were given a false sense of security throughout this rough period being told that everything was going to be okay. The banking system of the 1920s is not what it should have been. Today we have insurance on the money we put in the bank, so if that bank should go under, we can still have our money. This was not the case in the 20s. If your bank closed, and many of them did, you lost all the money you had saved. No one could help you and many families ended up on the street due to this loss. Bread lines were now crowded as people tried any way they could to feed themselves and their children. Suicide was now at a high as well. Many businessmen or farmers and really anyone else who had lost their job or business due to the times often committed suicide as the easy way out. The way out of the Depression was a long road ahead. FDR, in my opinion, is mainly the reason that the Great Depression ended. FDR would hold fireside chats everyday on the radio. This was very consoling for a country who thought they were headed nowhere. It was nice to hear a man of power tell you that everything was going to be okay. He gained even more great respect after announcing the New Deal. The first New Deal was aimed towards business recovery. He insisted that the banking industry now be regulated and developed F.D.I.C. that would insure your deposits up to $5,000. This is the same system that we use today. Another situation that helped pull us out of the Depression was WWII. Although WWII is frowned upon by most simply because it is a war, in a sense it was exactly what this country needed. War production immediately created thousands of jobs and people were now actually making money for a cause that greatly helped the country and the soldiers. The Great Depression was just that, de pressing for the people of the United States. It caused many to give up hope. But its situations like this that often leads to better situations in the end. The Great Depression may have been a horrible period, but there are some good that came from it.
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