Shintoism in Japan Essay -- Papers

Shintoism in Japan Shintoism is the indigenous and national religion of Japan. The word Shinto means the way of the gods. Shintoism is a nature worship based religion. Shintoism is a unique religion with its own concepts on deities, ethics and life. Shintoism is based on the beginning of the race when "the trees and the herbs had speech"(Underwood 16). At the beginning of the Earth, Shinto followers believed, that the animals acted and spoke like men. The religion does not directly deal with common religious themes of; problem of evil, man's consciousness of sin and his need for redemption. Shinto followers believe that spirits exist everywhere whether good or evil. The religion is unorganized worship of these deities. The name given to these spirits and deities are Kami. Kami is a key concept in Shintoism and is difficult to define. "All that is wonderful is God, and the divine embraces in its category all that impresses the untrained imagination and excites it to reverence or fear." (18) Objects of worship included: the sky, heavenly bodies, mountains, rivers, seas, trees, beasts, great fishes, reptiles and the process of reproduction in nature and humans. There are four historical written sources, which provide scholars with information on the beginnings of Shintoism. The first of these books is the Kojiki, which means records of ancient matters. The Kojiki was written in a combination of archaic Japanese and Chinese. The book was compiled in 712 CE by an emperor who feared that many variants may destroy the foundation of the monarchy. The book's principle aim was to demonstrate the divine origin of the ruling family and the foundation of the state. Some refer to this book as the "Bible of the Japa... ...lose connection with the state. Every Emperor in Japan's imperial lineage has served as both sovereign and priest. The Emperor was head of the Shinto faith as well as head of the nation. This in turn transferred down the ranks. The heads of the provinces were also head of Shintoism in that province. The head of each clan was the head priest for that particular clan. And the head of each family was the head priest of that family. And even today the priests of Japan's over 50 000 Shinto shrines are under state control. Shintoism is a uniquely Japanese religion. It is inseparable from the Japanese state and is critical in defining Japanese culture. Shintoism is a thriving religion as many people in Japan follow both the teachings of Shintoism and Buddhism without any difficulties. The religion stresses the importance for respect of nature and oneself.

Pro Hunting

The calls to ban the practice of hunting if enacted will sound a death knell to a sport that since the 16th century has become an integral part of our culture. It is a culture that has over time elicited interest in thousand of participants all over Britain. I believe this practice should be upheld not just for its cultural values but also for its economic and sporting importance.Taking a look at the history of foxhunting I become more convinced that this event should be upheld due to the satisfaction that it has been according to the participants. The history of fox hunting dates back to the 16th century, originally as a form of pest control and was carried out by English farmers. This was done by the farmers to protect their livestock, as foxes had become a real threat to their goats and chickens.In some places in England, fox hunting remains largely a form of pest control. Should this practice be allowed I would not fathom how the opponents of fox hunting expect these farmers to s afeguard their source of livelihood. I would not want to see the efforts of these farmers go into waste to satisfy the whims of some few animal rights crusaders. These foxes pose a threat not only to the humans but also to domesticated animals that are more productive and have received months of tending and feeding. I don’t see any other way that these foxes can be eliminated and the threat they pose to humans be reduced significantly. A look at their eating habits leaves me with a lot of disdain for foxes. Foxes can kill a whole pack of chickens while in the real sense it has an appetite of only one. This leads to wastage and should not be condoned; hunting them down remains the most effective way of reducing these incidences( Dagmar Orendi, February 2004.I support fox hunting in the belief that in the long run it plays a great role in ecological balancing. A cross analysis of the foxes in their natural habitats indicate that they have no real predators in the wilderness. Th eir population if unchecked can rapidly increase to an unmanageable level. Man is their only real threat and is the only entity that ensures that only the best survives. I agree with the argument that has been passed on over time that fox hunting apart form controlling the population ensures the culling of the least desirable ones.   In hunting only the weak succumb to the human’s fury.The strong and the fast get to survive and see another down. Hence the hunting and killing of foxes should not be demonized or be viewed as an activity that seeks to fulfill the human’s sadistic tendencies. I am convinced that this activity plays a great role in the ecology more than we can fathom. In the wilderness it is survival for the fittest and hunting isolates the weak from the strong ensuring only the strong breed survives.I am a great lover of sports, not only for the role that it plays in bringing individuals of varied and diversified social upbringing together but for the ph ysical fitness that it instills in those that engage in it. Disregarding its original role and intentions, fox hunting is a sport that continues to create an effective forum for interactions and give individuals a chance to excise their limbs and minds. This is a sport that has evolved from far but still tends to maintain some of the traditional trends. In hunting the foxes, the hunters may opt to do so on foot, on horsebacks, on bicycles or using four wheels drive vehicles.Regardless of the means used, it is a perfect opportunity for the hunters to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy their fun in the rough terrain. I would feel sad to see this sort of an activity banned and the joy of spectating and engaging in the sport diminished. Watching people foxhunt on the screen or hearing the tales of these expeditions gives me thrills and a yearning to participate in them too. By banning these practices, the authority seeks to deny us the excitement and adventure that comes with these sports either when you hear from third parties or when you have physically participated in the fete.Fox hunting is an economic venture in that it not only seeks to reduce livestock losses but also increase the number of jobs created. It is an economic activity that is relied upon by significant number of people. I shudder at the thought of these individuals losing their jobs over what the opponents call ‘cruelty’ to animals.I don’t understand their argument when they purport to advocate for animals, while at the same time failing to put into consideration the number of households and livelihoods that rely on fox hunting, either as a direct source of employment or due to reduced loss of their livestock. I have looked at a recent study that was seeking to establish the number of individuals that depend on fox hunting as a source of employment in the United Kingdom. The findings were interesting. Over 7,000 people fully rely on fox hunting for their living. I see no reason why we should legislate against fox hunting and put into jeopardy the lives of several thousands over arguments that do not hold any water.Although I have an unshakeable believe that fox hunting should not be outlawed, I cannot fail to look at some of the arguments brought forth by the opponents of fox hunting. Animal rights activists are convinced that fox hunting should be outlawed fully and perpetrators thrown behind bars or fined. They cite a few reasons that also may be put into consideration but do not warrant outlawing the event. They claim that fox hunting is cruel considering the fact that the foxes end up being shredded into parts by the hunting dog. It is a very distressing affair to the foxes as they undergo a lot of suffering. They argue that fox hunting is cruel as the foxes do not die instantly but have to undergo a lot of pain.I don’t find this argument strong in any way and deserving any form of attention. In the first place, foxes are hunted not prim arily for sport and excitement but to reduce the threat facing the livestock. To the animal rights activists, it looks that the quality of human life and their source of livelihood is not important, what is important is that the foxes should not undergo suffering even when the strike at the livestock.A cost benefit analysis of fox hunting reveals that it has more social and economic benefits than losses. In my opinion, I find that fox hunting is a venture that seeks to kill more than two birds with a single stone. Economically, the practice is beneficial to the society as it is a natural way for pest control. Socially, it provides us with an important forum whereby people in the society can interact and get to share out their experiences. The interaction play a great role in ensuring unity and cohesion and in one more way than one ensures stability in the community. As a sport, it is a practice that gives people an opportunity to engage in physical outdoor sporting A sport that not only puts their physique in to test but also their minds. I strongly believe that these and more are strong reasons why fox hunting should not be outlawed.BibliographyDagmar Orendi, February 2004. The debate about fox hunting. A social and political analysis. Retrieved on 13/10/07 from http://.www.hu-berlin.de/gbz/downloads/pdf/pagmarorendi-masterthesisPolitics.co.uk 2007.Hunting with dogs. Politics unspun. Retrieved in 13/10/07 from http://www.politics.co.uk/issue-briefs/domestic-policy/animal-welfare/huntingBadger, R.J Fox Hunting in Scotland. Research Note RN99-17, Scottish parliament Information Centre, EdinburghMacmillan, D.C 1999. The Economic Impact of a Ban on Fox Hunting in Scotland. Research Paper 99/3, Environmental and Rural Resource Economics Group, University of Aberdeen.

Odyssey and Odysseus Return Home - 1069 Words

The Odyssey Study Guide PART 2 – COMING HOME p. 928 1. In Book 13 how does Odysseus return home? How is he disguised? Secretly returns in a magically swift Phaeacian ship disguised as a beggar. 2. In Book 14 who does Odysseus go to first when he returns home? Eumaeus 3. In Book 15 what are we told about Telemachus? He seeks out old comrades of his father to see if he can learn of his whereabouts but is advised by Athena to return home. THE MEETING OF FATHER AND SON pp. 929-931 1. How does the swineherd treat Telemachus? He treats him as a long lost son returns and greets him with kisses and tears. How does Telemachus treat the swineherd? Calls him uncle and seeks him first upon his return 2. In lines 979-990 what important†¦show more content†¦What does Eurymachus say which proves he is quick-thinking and clever? He tries to bribe Odysseus into saving himself and others by offering restitution of wine and food and gifts of 20 oxen, gold and bronze 3. What two things has Odysseus done that makes it nearly impossible for the suitors to â€Å"fight their way out or run for it†? Had weapons removed and doors locked Is this a fair fight? 4. To what are Odysseus and his men compared to in lines 1293-1303? The dread shimmering gadfly; falcons sweeping down from their high nests to attach their prey 5. Does the suitor’s punishment fit the crime? Explain 6. What does this bloody scene add to the epic’s theme about the value of hospitality and about what happens to people who mock divine laws? In ancient Greece the suitors have mocked the divine laws of hospitality and are being punished for not valuing same ODYSSEUS AND PENELOPE pp. 944-947 1. Do you think the maid’s punishment fits their crime, or is it excessive? Explain. Either no, the ancient Greeks betrayal of loyalty was very serious; or yes, they were coerced by the suitors and shouldn’t have been held accountable 2. What is Penelope’s reaction to Odysseus’ return? She suspects a trick from the gods and decides to test him Why? 3. What test does Penelope give to make sure Odysseus is who he says he is? She tests him by insinuating that his/their bed has been moved 4. What was the process by whichShow MoreRelatedOdysseus Hero Essay1043 Words   |  5 Pagesorder to achieve. The book The Odyssey written by Homer reveals a story of a true hero. The main character is a man named Odysseus who displays hero characteristics throughout the book. Odysseus is a hero because he returns home with a changed perspective which reflects his heroic abilities, such as his bravery and dedication to return home. During the beginning of the story Odysseus has to make an impactful decision while also maintaining bravery. In the Odyssey Odysseus does not want to leave hisRead MoreDifferent Notions of Home Obtained in The Odyssey by Homer Essay example887 Words   |  4 PagesHome is considered to be this place where you live permanently with your family, a place of comfort. When a character or a human for that matter embarks on a journey all they really long for is to return home to their family and loved ones. Thus, their homecoming is an important aspect to heroes in a fantastic journey. In the Epic poem The Odyssey performed by Homer and in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey we are able to obtain these very different notions of home. The main protagonists of each workRead MoreSexual Fantasy Within The Odyssey1603 Words   |  7 PagesFantasy Within The Odyssey In the Odyssey, by Homer, Homer suggests that women can be seductive traps that prevent or delay men from reaching their goals. The women that Odysseus encounters on his journey home in The Odyssey all represent a different sexual fantasy figure in the eyes of a male, and serve as a distraction that he must work around. Although the three women that Odysseus encounters on his travels are desirable to him, the only thing that he wants is to get home to his devoted wifeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Odyssey By Homer1192 Words   |  5 Pagesof that person. In â€Å"The Odyssey† by Homer both Odysseus and Penelope each face their own hardships. Odysseus left his home for a ten year war and took another ten years to return home. Penelope after not knowing where her husband is, has had to deal with the suitors trying to win her over. They both use similar traits and characteristics to overcome their hardships, but the one thing overall that connects Penelope and Odysseus is their passion. Odysseus longs to get home to Ithaca and to his family;Read MoreAncient Greek And Roman Empires Essay1643 Words   |  7 Pagespoem The Odyssey, give some of the best ideas into life for the ancient Greek and Roman empires. Through analysis of these two works, some key similarities and differences of how both empires functioned are brought to light. During Odysseus’s travels and Cicero’s exile, both dreamt of nothing but being able to return home to the place they belonged. Calypso, who had been keeping Odysseus on her island for several years, in an attempt to get him to stay with her even tries to tempt Odysseus withRead MoreIn What Ways Is the Telemachy Important to the Odyssey as a Whole1553 Words   |  7 Pagesimportant to the Odyssey as a whole? What would the poem lose if these first four books were removed? Homer’s the Odyssey is the epic tale of Odysseus’ return home from the battle of Troy, yet we do not truly get to the hero in action until after we are drawn through the story of his son life in the absence of his father in Ithaka. In the first four books, we see how Telemachos, Odysseus’ son, matures and through his eyes Homer shows us the unrest and troubles of Ithaka without Odysseus’ presence.Read MoreCharles Frazier’s Novel has Differences in Contrast to Homer’s Epic937 Words   |  4 Pagesin contrast to Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. The works differ because the main characters have different family situations to go home to. Odysseus has a loving wife and son, while Inman does not know if the girl he loves will marry him. Even though the works can be proven different, Cold Mountain and The Odyssey can be compared. The works show how the main characters use basic essentials of life to help the characters return home. The character s’ strength to return home comes from food, help from othersRead MoreRough Draft Of The Odyssey By Homers The Odyssey716 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"The Odyssey† Rough Draft In â€Å"The Odyssey† by Homer, Odysseus is on a journey home to Ithaca after helping the Greeks win the Trojan War. The â€Å"Hero’s Journey† by Joseph Campbell represents the difficult journey a hero must go on to defeat the â€Å"final battle,† meaning that he must overcome a really difficult challenge to complete his journey and restore the world. In â€Å"The Odyssey† by Homer, Odysseus experiences significant events on his journey home to Ithaca which includes Entering the Unknown;Read More The Odyssey Essay1550 Words   |  7 Pagesjourney than Odysseus. This journey is called The Odyssey, written by Homer. It is an epic poem or story told of a hero name Odysseus on a 20-year voyage trying to get back home from the Trojan War. The great epic poem known as The Odyssey and attributed to Homer was probably first written down around the eighth century BC, but the origins of the ancient story in myth, legend, and folklore and art appear to be m uch older. Greek Epic Hero When you think about Greek Epic heroes, Odysseus will most likelyRead MoreEssay on Archetypes in the Odessey718 Words   |  3 PagesArchetypes in The Odyssey In Homers epic poem â€Å"The Odyssey† there are many archetypes, many of which were the origin of the archetype. An archetype is a character type, place, or symbol, every culture shares. In â€Å"The Odyssey† Homer uses archetypes to evoke meaning to the story. Some examples of archetypes in â€Å"The Odyssey† are the temptress, and the father-son conflict. In the story â€Å"The Odyssey† there are a couple temptress’. Two examples are Calypso and the sirens. In â€Å"The Odyssey† Calypso keeps

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. Current†¦show more content†¦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   |  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   |  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   |  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   |  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   |  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   |  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   |  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   |  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   |  4 Pagesrates and greatest illegal drug consumption (Sledge), the United States proves that the â€Å"war on drugs† 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   |  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. O’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

Essay about Kant and Mill’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 categorical†¦show more content†¦This law of retaliation is taught throughout our entire childhood and applies universally. The golden rule of, â€Å"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,† 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. That’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 â€Å"every murderer —anyone who commits murder, orders it, or is an accomplice in it— must suffer death.† (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 â€Å"never be treated merely as a means to the purposes of another.† (Kant 105) Doing so would violate the criminal’s rights as a human being. In contrast, Mill believes in the theory of utilitarianism, which is theShow MoreRelatedContemporary Moral Issue Essay2709 Words   |  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 Barcalow’s Moral Philosophy: Theories and Issues (ISBN-13: 978-0-495-00715-9). Additionally, we will read John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism and the 1868 Speech on Capital Punishment (ISBN-13:Read Moreethical decision making16006 Words   |  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 Kant’s deontological approach differ from Mill’s utilitarian approach? 5. What role does each of the four major ethical concepts— beneï ¬ cence, nonmaleï ¬ cence, autonomy, and justice—play in community nursing practice? 6. How can health care resources be distributed in a fair manner? 7. How doesRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  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

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.  349). Other reviewers of the same research argue that good qualitative evaluation â€Å"entails close and continuous involvement with the process of change. † Blacker and Brown employed qualitative research methodology in their study of retrospective evaluation of programs of organizational change. They concluded that â€Å"unlike some natural science paradigms, competing paradigms should not be thought of as mutually exclusive† in application of qualitative research in social science. (Blacker and Brown, ibid) Crawford titled his paper ‘Putting money in research pays: How companies large and small – benefit from research plans’. 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: ‘Partnering with management to implement ergonomics in the industrial workplace’, concluded that for implementation of any research to be effective in changing workers’ attitude, there must be effective collaboration between the researcher and the management of the industrial establishment. (Dale, 2004). Harris in his article entitled: ‘Business to Business comes of age in qualitative research’, highlights the use of modern information technology in advancing the frontier of qualitative research in business and industry. It is Harris’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 ’Theoretical Issues to Ergonomics Science’ 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 ‘Dangerous Intersections’ 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: ‘Trust, Power and Work place democracy: Safety and Health Works Councils in Oregon’. Description of Methodology: In analyzing the qualitative research methodologies used in ‘The Brown Dissertation’ salient aspects of each methodology will be highlighted. The sum total of the evaluation of the ‘Brown Dissertation’ 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. †¢ Preliminary contacts with employees and management in of target firms selected for his studies in the summer of 2002. †¢ Actual interviews took place in Fall 2002. †¢ Designing of research project. †¢ Gaining access to the worksites †¢ 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, Brown’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, Brown’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. Brown’s research protocols were gleaned from Richard Freeman and Joel Rogers book with the title: ‘What Workers want’ 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. Brown’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 ‘active interview’ 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 Brown’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:†Active Interviews† (Holstein and Gubrium,1995). The use of ‘Active Interviews’ 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 ‘active interviews’. Maximillian Brown’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. Brown’s approach evidently made for more reliable and truthful answers to the interviewer’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 Brown’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. â€Å"The intimacy required for the two parties to move from formal to informal conversational style will be inhibited. †(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, Brown’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 subjects’ 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 Brown’s Qualitative Research Methodology The research methodology of ‘active interviews’ 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, Brown’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 Brown’s qualitative research methodology. (Harris,1995). Overall, the methodology employed in Maximillian Brown’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 — large and small — 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. â€Å"The Shop Committee in the United States. † 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

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.