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Homelessness in Toronto, 2007. This paper examines homelessness in Toronto within the context of the different definitions for the term "community" and proposes ways to reduce homelessness in this city. 1,725 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 33.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that the homeless community can be seen as a community because they are people trapped in a common cycle from which they would like to escape, with common interests in finding shelter and adequate food, which often compels them to act in unison performing petty crime as a means of survival. The author points out that, if the burgeoning homeless problem in Toronto is not addressed, then the community of Toronto will start to see an increase in crime and movement out of the areas populated by homeless people thus creating impoverished pockets within the city. The paper recommends that funds, which have been earmarked for homeless shelters and other programs should be spent rather than be languishing somewhere because of bureaucratic red-tape. The author suggest that this money should be invested in re-training programs and the conversion of brown fields areas into affordable housing condominiums for the working poor.
From the Paper "Toronto's homeless situation can also be looked at by looking at Marxist definitions of what a community is - or, more precisely, what it is not. For instance, those academics who subscribe to Marxist theory maintain that communities are manifestations of the class dialectic; in other words, communities are organized in such a way as to ensure the exploitation of some by others at the same time as they reveal the inequalities present in a capitalist society. While this assessment of the community can be dismissed as unduly cynical and extreme, there is little doubt that Toronto is a city of extremes."
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Ending Homelessness, 2008. This paper looks at the issue of homelessness in a social science analysis. 1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 23.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the issue of homelessness is one that has been of pre-eminent concern in Canada, and indeed in much of the industrialized world in recent years. This paper attempts a positive or social science analysis of this issue, exploring not only the nature of the problem but also the state of critical debate among both social scientists and policy makers on the best avenues to address this matter. The writer argues that in order to address this problem one must detach homelessness from its historic connotations with anti-social disorder traditionally addressed through police authorities, and recognize the issue as a convergence of economic and social determinants.
From the Paper "This fact has led many social scientists studying the problem of homelessness to argue that it is not so much a criminal problem, i.e., associated with drugs or anti-social activities, as primarily a matter of housing economics. While it must be acknowledged that a variety of factors contribute to homelessness - from changing patterns of employment and cyclical economic trends to the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill - the scholarly consensus seem to be that the most important structural cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing in urban areas. The current situation represents the culmination of a process that has been ongoing in North America for decades.."
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Plato, Aristotle and the Ideal State, 2008. This paper looks at the views of Plato and Aristotle regarding government and the ideal state. 2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 45.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that two of the greatest philosophers that emerged from Greece in the fourth century B.C.E., Plato and Aristotle, gave civilization some of its greatest philosophical discourses. The writer notes that both tried to envision the ideal state. The writer then points out that neither Plato nor Aristotle believed strongly in individual freedom. The writer concludes that both Plato and Aristotle have had a profound influence on philosophy since their own time. Further, the writer maintains that remarkably, these two men are remembered as figures in Athens, which is considered the source of modern democracy, but neither of them believed strongly in individual freedom.
From the Paper "Much of what Aristotle wrote in Politics was a response to Plato's Republic. Particularly, he felt that Socrates/Plato had not presented a sound argument when contending that possessions, women, and children should all be held in common. To begin, this practice was intended to unify the state, but it would not do so. That which is owned by all is effectively owned by none and neglected by all. Economically, it would lead to under-work and over-consumption as everyone would feel a right to take from the common produce, but would resent having to contribute to it. This communism would destroy temperance and liberality in the citizens, but would only encourage covetousness and jealousy."
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Cultural Anthropology Critique, 2008. This paper provides a critique of three articles: Richa Nagar's "Exploring Methodological Borderlands through Oral Narratives", Faranak Miraftab's "Can You Belly Dance?" and Oyeronke Oyewumi's "Visualizing the Body: Western Theories and African Subjects". 1,522 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 30.95 »
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Abstract This critical review comments on the themes, methodological challenges, suggestions and perspectives in the three articles: Nagar's "Exploring Methodological Borderlands through Oral Narratives", Miraftab's "Can you Belly Dance?" and Oyewumi's "Visualizing the Body: Western Theories and African Subjects". The writer maintains that these articles all fall within the tradition of feminist contributions to the re-evaluation of difficult challenges that arise within the fields of social anthropology and ethnography. Each adopts a very different approach, but all are thought-provoking, especially because none of the authors is a typical social anthropologist. The writer concludes that all three articles offer different insights and advice. However, the three are welcome voices, in that they smash the typical stereotype of white, Western, usually male cultural anthropologists.
From the Paper "This traditional situation is subverted by the women researchers in these three articles. For example, Nagar is a young, unmarried woman, from a lower-middle class Hindu family in India, who has affiliations with Western universities, as well as a white boyfriend in the USA. She is multilingual, well educated and a part of the elite in the sense of being globally mobile and funded to do research. In that sense, she is entirely different from the people she researches. On the other hand, when she researches the Asian community of Dar Es Salaam, she has sufficient common ground with some of them - e.g. being Asian, being Hindu, sharing languages, ability to adopt approved clothing styles, such as salwaar kameez, or a sari, depending on context - that she can frequently be accepted by these communities as an insider. This positions her vis-a-vis the communities she studies in an utterly different position than if she had been a white, American man, who quite obviously could not simply don a sari and blend into a social group of Asians in Dar es Salaam! This unusual situation on the one hand puts her in a much less powerful - for example, the American male would probably not be sexually propositioned by an interviewee. However, her entree into these communities must surely enable her to gain more understanding of the communities."
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Alcohol and Drug Treatment, 2008. This paper provides an analysis of Chicago area drug and alcohol addiction programs. 1,962 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 38.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that comparing and contrasting drug and alcohol treatment programs available in the Chicago metro area indicates that the programs offered by New Hope Recovery Center at Lincoln Park Hospital, by Hazelden, and by Haymarket are similar in many ways in terms of the quality of their services, their program focus and treatment approaches. But, the writer points out, these programs also vary. The writer maintains that the primary differences are the degree of emphasis these respective facilities place on the psychological aspects of addiction and recovery, and the economic levels of their respective clients. The writer concludes that although drug and alcohol problems plague men and women at every economic and social level
of society, people at the lowest income levels are more vulnerable to drug or alcohol addiction and are less likely to seek treatment and recover because they simply cannot afford the most effective treatment and counseling.
From the Paper "Although everyone agrees that drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are harmful, both for American society as a whole and for the individuals and their families who are struggling to deal with addiction and co-dependency, there is much disagreement over what types of treatment are most effective, what factors contribute the most to drug or alcohol abuse, how society should deal with it, what legal measures should be taken, and what can be done in terms of providing effective medical and psychological treatment for those who are addicted."
"Unfortunately, the effectiveness of treatment programs often depends upon the income level of the client. Since addiction has psychological causes, the quality of counseling is a very important factor in determining whether a client can maintain long-term recovery, and the quality of counseling is directly related to the cost of counseling. The best psychiatric therapy is the most expensive, so it is often the case that the clients most able to pay for high quality counseling are the ones most likely to overcome their abuse or addiction problems."
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Healthcare in Canada, 2008. This paper discusses why healthcare has become an important issue for Canadians. 785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 16.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer notes that the issue of health care in Canada is an important one for debate because the country operates a health care system that is unique, particularly in comparison with systems of other developed countries. The writer points out that Canada's one-tier system based on publicly funded health care is in stark odds to the two-tier system (of both public and private health care) common to other advantaged countries, such as the United States and Australia. The writer maintains that this in itself has caused contention amongst Canadian proponents for system change even though a number of other issues also play a role in debating the validity and importance of Canada's healthcare system.
From the Paper "Canada is unusual in that its health care system is wholly publicly funded, whilst the health care services are actually provided by private bodies. Healthcare is a hot issue in Canada, however; although the system appears to be a public one from the outside it is not in reality always so. In Canada, the health care system is paid for primarily by the government; however, at the other end of the spectrum, the government contributes so little to prescription drugs costs, and dental care, which is notoriously expensive.
"It is prudent for governments, researchers, critics and citizens to compare public national systems to those of other countries, not only as a basis for comparison but also in order to establish benefits of altering the existing system, if any positive changes are identified."
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Mental Health and Stigma, 2008. This paper looks at the effects of stigma as it relates to mental illness. 1,513 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 30.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the stigma attached to mental illness is found everywhere including the health care system. Stigma can be defined as attitudes, feelings and behaviors that cause a negative view towards individuals or groups. The writer maintains that such attitudes and behaviors are based on stereotyping and false notions such as the view that the mentally ill are always violent. The writer argues that stigma not only destroys self-esteem and limits opportunities for the person with a mental illness such as schizophrenia, but is a major barrier to recovery. The most serious effect of stigma is social isolation; stigma condemns the mentally ill to isolation and feelings of shame. The writer notes that stigma is so prevalent and embedded in society that it is almost impossible to eradicate, but there are strategies that can be effective.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Need
Objectives
Methods
Evaluation
From the Paper "The mentally ill person is not able to participate like other people in society because stigma results in the mentally ill person having diminished social status. Schumacher, Corrigan and Dejong explain how stigma related to mental illness is based on three main cues consisting of bizarre behavior, poor social skills, and little physical attractiveness. Stigma also results in discrimination on the part of employers and landlords, leaving the mentally ill with few or no opportunities for a normal life. As a result of such discrimination, many of the mentally ill are unemployed and homeless. In contrast to the stigma associated with race or gender, stigma attached to mental illness is based on the cues of labels, bizarre behavior, poor social skills, and physical appearance. Furthermore, the most intense stigma is a reaction to bizarre behavior and perceived strangeness.
"Research studies have indicated that the most effective way to eradicate stigma is through developing contact between healthy individuals and the mentally ill person."
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Culture and Immigration in Canada, 2008. This paper discusses the different views of Himani Bannerji and Neil Bissoondath relating to the Canadian approach to immigration. 1,072 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 22.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the approaches taken by Himani Bannerji and Neil Bissoondath when discussing the Canadian model vis-a-vis immigration. In comparing and contrasting the two, the writer notes that it becomes evident that Bannerji, while she may very well have solid grounds for her vehement stance with regards to Canada and its treatment of new immigrants, is also guilty of being very selective in terms of how she defines the Canadian society of which she is a part. On the other hand, the writer points out that Bissoondath offers a rebuke that, because of its moderate tone and use of example strikes a chord with the reader; more than that, he explains how Canadian approaches to culture institutionalize incompetence and make race a criterion in matters where it should have no place. The writer maintains that in the end, Neil Bissoondath's belief that Canadian multiculturalism encourages omission and self-deception is a stirring critique that resonates.
From the Paper "At this point, a number of things must be said. First of all, being designated a "visible minority" in Canada does not necessarily have the pejorative connotation Bannerji applies to it. For one thing, "visible minorities" are viewed favorably for affirmative action programs in both the workplace and in post-secondary institutions; secondly, given the aggressive, interventionist nature of Canadian multicultural policies (something Neil Bissoondath will discuss later), it is difficult to countenance the idea that being designated a minority in Canada makes one automatically marginalized - or subject to special "control" by the state. After all, Canada has some of the strongest anti-discrimination and workplace harassment laws in the world; therefore, if anything, being designated a "visible minority" grants someone protection from abuse and (if the wording of federal hiring policies is to be taken seriously) a "leg up" in the scramble for society's spoils."
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Public Choice Theory, 2008. This paper discusses the issue of public choice theory and urban governance. 1,056 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 22.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer explores public choice theory and the argument that public choice theory provides a thoughtful assessment of what needs to be done if urban governments are to become efficacious and expeditious providers of services to their citizens. The paper briefly outlines the general argument presented by advocates of local government and then provides some of the compelling arguments raised by those who feel public choice theory does not offer a stalwart solution to the problems of local governance. In the end, the writer maintains that while it sounds superficially appealing, public choice theory does not have a lot of empirical data to support many of its key claims.
From the Paper "Additionally, public choice theorists argue that municipal governments, because they are monopoly providers, are inefficient insofar as they have little incentive to lower their prices or be innovative. Public choice theorists thus argue that there needs to be a separation between the demand articulation role of government (the collective process whereby it is ascertained how and how much of something will be set aside for public use) and the supplier role of government. Simply put, when governments have to buy services for something, they tend to be exacting in determining the value given for the monies received. All in all, the public choice theorist cleaves to the view that local governance needs to be run as a business - and that government often falls short in its obligations to the general public because it does not separate the provider role and the production role involved in the delivery of a good or service, thereby creating costly inefficiency and waste."
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Community Policing, 2007. This paper discuses community policing, which is a program that link the police to the neighborhood citizens in an effort to solve the problems of the area. 3,425 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 14 sources, APA, £ 58.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that community policing has been successful in reducing crime and in improving the relationship between the police and the public. The author points out that bringing the community and the police together changes the traditional image of the police as an occupying force. The paper relates that community policing necessitates a number of organizational changes such as recruitment and education. The author states that this approach calls attention to the degree to which the police are dependent on the public for support, information and cooperation. The paper explains that one way for the police to learn more about the neighborhood is to be residents themselves; therefore, requiring officers to live in the community enhances the community policing effort and adds to the comfort level on both sides.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Effectiveness and Organizational Change
Involvement by Community Policing Institutes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Relations between the police and the black community have long been tense. In some regions, the police are viewed as an occupying army present not to protect the people but to control them and to keep them in their place. Numerous civil disturbances in recent decades can be traced to tensions between the police and the black community, from the riots of the summer of 1965 to the riot in Los Angeles after the first Rodney King verdict, from the problems in Crown Heights in New York to any number of disputed police shooting incidents in cities across the country."
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Health Care Delivery, 2008. This paper discusses health care in the United States and Canada. 844 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 18.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer notes that a comparison of health care in the United States and Canada demonstrates one significant fact above all others: Canada has a national health care system, while the United States does not. The writer points out that it is interesting to note that many within Canada believe that the delivery of health care services in the United States is considered superior, while there are those within the United States that believe that Canada's health care system should be the model of national health care that the United States should adopt. In general, however, the writer maintains that it is evident that both nations spend a significant amount on health care each year and that both nations still are plagued with health care concerns that have not been resolved despite their advanced knowledge about health care delivery.
From the Paper "In relation to infant mortality, it is evident that the primary concern for both nations is poverty. In the United States, as well as in Canada, poverty is widespread and impacts the health of mothers and children through lack of nourishment, lack of housing and lack of ability to receive health care. Although Canada has a national health care system, it may be unavailable to some residents of the nation that live in remote locations and do not have access to transportation. In the United States, however, access to health care for the poor most often occurs by impoverished citizens visiting emergency rooms and taking advantage of the law that states that all people must be served in these facilities, regardless of their ability to pay. The problem is, however, is that most Americans in this situation do not enter an emergency room until the health issue has become severe. In addition, follow up care and prescription medications are generally not sought, creating ongoing health issues for much of the poor population."
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Urbanization and Community, 2008. An analysis of the history of urbanization and the changing meaning of community within today's technological world. 1,524 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 30.95 »
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Abstract This paper explores the historical meaning of community in reference to social network theory. It discusses this theory as the determinant of a new type of community in the urban technological world. The paper analyzes the history of population shifts and urbanization. It also looks at Aristotle's views of what makes up a community and the social reality of a new community developing in the information age of technology.
From the Paper "Castells "network society" accurately reflects the social reality of a new community developing in the information age of technology. Simple facts such as those in the UCLA Internet Report (2000) (Hampton 110,) show that the use of technology does not have to mean an inversion of human interactions to a gesellshaft society. Early urbanization spawned the devastatingly anti-social realities of disease, poverty, and squalor as much as it provided the new opportunities it offered. Urbanization in the network society" can actually, not just virtually, realize as Aristotle desired, "the goodness of city" (Stalley 104) perhaps better than society has ever known."
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Prison Rape in the U.S., 2008. This paper provides a perspective of rape in correctional institutions in the United States. 1,552 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 30.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer examines the extent of rapes within the U.S. prison system, with some especial attention being given to the phenomenon of gang rapes. The writer notes that understanding the extent of the problem as well as the major associated risks is an important first step in formulating some procedures by which the number of rapes within corrections institutions can be significantly reduced. The writer points out that it is important to first note that eliminating the rape of prisoners will not come easily. In fact, it is unlikely that the problem will ever be completely eradicated. Nonetheless, the writer maintains that outlining a path that corrections institutions can take in the short-term and the long-term is crucial if any headway is going to be made against the problem.
From the Paper "Attitudes regarding prison rape in the United States, unfortunately, are not conducive to reducing the incidence of prison rape. The public view the rape of men in prisons as a joke. Gags about dropping the soap in a prison shower are common and only reinforce the assumption that the rape of prisoners, at least men, is acceptable. Many have the attitude that prisoners somehow deserve what they get--after all, they did commit a crime and aren't in prison because they are fully innocent. Additionally, a culture of machismo in the United States contributes to the attitude that men who are raped aren't really men because they weren't able to fend off their attacker. Unfortunately for prisoners, these assumptions and attitudes only increase the possibility that they will have to face sexual assault without any social or institutional recourse. The fact is that victims of prison rape are rarely able to defend themselves, especially in cases of gang rape, when attackers are more numerous and are only too willing to resort to physical violence-even murder-to get what they want."
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Friendship and Adolescence, 2008. This paper analyzes the article "The Waltz of Sociability: Intimacy, Dislocation and Friendship in a Quebec High School" by Vered Amit-Talai. 717 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 15.95 »
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Abstract The paper examines how Vered Amit-Talai's article "The Waltz of Sociability: Intimacy, Dislocation and Friendship in a Quebec High School" takes an innovative look at adolescent friendships. The paper describes how Amit-Talai successfully takes issue with many of the commonly touted assumptions held by anthropologists as to the nature of friendship. The paper is of the opinion that this is a well-researched and thought-provoking article, which deconstructs some widely held beliefs and points the way towards further research.
From the Paper "Amit-Talai prefaces her discussion of her observations of these students by telling the reader what her aims are. She wants to deconstruct the perception that adolescence and friendship are tautologous, by examining four features that are commonly assumed to be part of friendship. These are that "true friendships are private, free-floating relationships;" that adolescents have plenty of time on their hands for friendship; that friendship in adolescence has a particularly intimate nature; and that adolescent friendships are "necessarily transient as a function of life cycle changes" (Amit-Talai 236)."
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