Thursday, October 31, 2019

Role of transfer in second language acquisition Essay

Role of transfer in second language acquisition - Essay Example Most researchers now presuppose that innate principles and transfer interact in L2 development, but researchers have varying positions on how these interactions take place (Gass 1996). This paper explores second language (L2) acquisitions theories and their analysis of the role of transfer. Universal-grammar based approaches contend that transfer has a significant role to play in L2 acquisition through the exercise of innate principles (Universal Grammar or UG) (Gass 1996:330). Two major alternatives explanations have been expressed by studies. First, learners have access to UG either (a) completely, in the way that children do, or (b) partly, in ways that other variables, such as L1 may interrelate with UG and avoid complete access to UG. Second, learners cannot access UG (Gass 1996:330). When exploring these possibilities, the first (UG access) hints that UG is the preliminary access stage for L2 grammar development. In the strong account of UG access, UG limits grammar development through the complete process of L2 acquisition; in the weak account, UG is the initial point, but the L1 is a vital part of the process, successfully stopping the full use of UG (Gass 1996:330). The second likelihood indicates that the L1 is the preliminary point and provides the foundations on which L2s build up (Gass 1996:330). Principles are important in second language acquisition and accessible to all humans during the acquisition of L1.Otsu and Naoi (1986) studied the principle of Structure Dependence, which asserts that linguistic rules work through structural units, through investigating data from Japanese learners (ages 14-15) of English (Gass 1996:330). The focus was on L2 question formation with subjects that have relative clauses (Gass 1996:330). In Japanese, questions are made by adding a particle without changing the word order. This means that from L1, there is lack of available information on how question formation is processed in English (Gass 1996:330). Generally, the subjects observed the limitations of the structure dependency, although by the age of the subjects, the results may not directly shape L2 acquisition as adults (Gass 1996:330). The goal of the study was to establish access to a principle that cannot be found in L1. Nevertheless, White accurately recommends that this principle may still manifest in NL through other structures (Gass 1996:330). If this is true, it is not certain if UG is directly accessible to L2 learners or whether it is accessible through the L1 (Gass 1996:330). Another theory that has recently surfaced is the Full Transfer/Full Access theory (FTFA) (Schwartz and Sprouse 1996), which has greatly influenced the literature. This theory argues that at the beginning of L2 acquisition, the L1 grammar is being transferred in full (except the phonetic structures of lexical items). Consequently, this grammar will be restructured, as limited by the UG (Schwartz and Sprouse 1996). Hence, the L1 provides the foundation for L2 acquisition. It suggests that a Turkish speaker learning English will use grammar based on Turkey, so that the English language can be learned. For instance: 1) I see a red house. 2) Ben k?rm?z? bir ev gorurum. In order to learn number one, Turkish speakers use their L1 grammar. In the Competition Model (Bates and MacWhinney 1981), transfer plays a large role. The model assumes that form and function cannot be detached from one another, which is its

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Iroquois myth Essay Example for Free

The Iroquois myth Essay Throughout time there have been many myths about creation and the balance of good and evil in the world.   Examining an Iroquios, Penobscot, and Christian myth there are striking similarities. By taking a look at the beliefs behind these myths we are also taking a look at how people have viewed creation, the balance of good and evil, and human sacrifice over time. The Iroquois myth, â€Å"Skywoman†, shares beliefs about the creation of the world.   It first speaks of the heavens above and the miraculous conception of Skywoman.    Skywomen’s father is the first to die in this world and she in only able to be consoled by visiting his body or grave.   Father’s spirit tells her to take a dangerous journey to the village of her soon to be husband.   Once there she, like her mother, becomes pregnant without having intercourse.   Her husband becomes extremely jealous and kicks her through a hole to the next world.   She is saved by flying ducks and a turtle and gives birth to a daughter. This daughter grows and becomes pregnant with twin boys to the spirit of the turtle. The boys symbolize the beginning of good and evil.   The evil twin kills his mother in birth.   The grandmother believes the good twin killed her daughter and he is exiled from their home.   The good twin creates a new world consisting of mortal humans, straight rivers, edible plants, and animals who sacrifice themselves for human consumption.   The bad twin does everything he can to make life hard for the humans including making maize hard so it has to be ground before it can be eaten, making some animals predators to humans, and making rolling hills and winding rivers to make travel harder.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Penobscot myth is also about creation.   In this myth the people are born from the elements of the earth; the man is born from the ocean, â€Å"the foam of the wave† and his wife is born â€Å"because a drop of dew fell on a leaf and is warmed by the sun.†Ã‚   The husband and wife have children, who have children, and the people survive by hunting.   One day the animals are gone and the family is starving.   The wife tells her husband that she must be sacrificed if the family is to survive.   She gives him specific instructions and she is sacrificed.   Her body is used to nourish the land and after seven moons there are edible plants and tobacco at her resting place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many myths throughout the world and throughout history about the creation of the world as we know it.   It is interesting that so often these myths from many different cultures and religions have similar ideas.   I find one of the most common stories of creation to be that of Christian nature with the story of Adam and Eve.   In this story Adam and Eve are living in the Garden of Eden, a pure world.   In this world there is no shame and plenty of food and water.  Ã‚   The world as we know it comes to an end when the evil snake steps in and creates temptation.   Thus the world as we know it is now is created with good and evil both playing a role.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I find it fascinating that across time, oceans, and cultural boundaries people have had such similar ideas about creation, the presence of good and evil in the world, and sacrifice.   In many myths about creation the world is created from heaven and hell, or in the case of the Iroquois myth from the sky world and the underworld, or from the earth as seen in the Penobscot myth.   In the Iroquois and Christian myth there is always a struggle to find the balance between good and evil, the Iroquois twins or the snake tempting Adam.   There is also the reoccurring theme of sacrifice.   In the Iroquois myth the twins’ mother was sacrificed at birth.    The animals in this myth originally offered to be sacrificed for human consumption.   The first mother sacrificed herself in the Pencobost myth to the earth and to create food for her children.   I believe that it has been known for quite a while that once these necessities are fulfilled then we can move on to fulfill our psychological needs such as acceptance and love.   Human nature crosses generations upon generations of people.   In essence I feel that people have always known what they need and want out of life.   The balance of good and evil comes into play because of the ways of which people choose to go about obtaining their wants and needs.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

A Personal Ethics Reflection

A Personal Ethics Reflection It appears that my ethical framework may be somewhat eclectic. Nonetheless, having happened to read the articles on Deontology and Utilitarianism (Kay, 1997; Deontological Ethics, 2008), I have come to the conclusion that my ethical framework largely revolves around the duty aspect of Deontology. Up to this point, I was unable to put a name to my ethical beliefs/value system. I knew for sure though that my values were strongly based on my experiences as a Christian. I strongly believe that rules are meant to be kept-not broken as is the commonly heard expression. For me, life consists of a set of rules and duties-typical of a Deontologist. . I believe strongly that ones duty is strongly stipulated by Christ; for example, the Great Commission, and the living a righteous life that is pleasing to God. Here is an example: recently I was to complete some readings for one of my courses but I was unable to do all the readings as I had previously made plans to attend a function at church. Wh en I attended the class, I considered the possibility of being questioned directly about one of the articles that I had not read. Knowing that lying was not an option, I would have (as is my moral duty) had to tell my lecturer that I had been unable to complete that particular reading. Had my moral principles revolved largely around Utilitarianism and Consequentialism, I would have told a lie because it would have prevented me from being suspended from the seminar which would have affected my attendance percentage Thus at the end of the day, my ethical principles are incorporated with the whole idea of the Trinity residing in me. Now one may argue that it would be different if I had a family member who was a homosexual or committed homosexual acts. I concur, it would be different. In fact, I would be more emotionally and spiritually invested which would be the precursor to more intense prayer and fasting for that loved one. My Bible points me to the availing power of the effectual and fervent prayer of the righteous (James 5 verse 16). Therefore, based on the fact that I would hate to see my loved one sent to hell, I would be on my knees praying for that persons deliverance. As I noted before, there is a mixture of duties and consequence. I have my Christian duties that if not fulfilled have great consequences for my soul. Additionally, I have as a new man in Christ an understanding of Gods specific commands, so it does not matter who the person is; that is, there is no agent-relativity. Within my ethical framework, I think my primary ethical principle revolves around the concept of Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Within this principle, some of the rules that I subscribe to relate to a passage of Biblical scripture that require Christians to avoid judging and condemning others whilst ensuring that they are merciful and forgiving (St. Luke 6 verse 36-37, King James Version). The idea of avoiding judgement and condemnation does not imply that one is to accept or encourage an act that is not of God. The Bible gives specific guidelines as to what activities are condoned and prohibited. Thus, it is my duty to uphold the Christian laws and bring the Word to a non-Christian (St. Matthew 28 verse 18-20). Therefore, the principle regarding judgement and condemnation does not conflict with the stance I took with homosexuality (Romans 1 verse 24-32; 2 Corinthians 6 verse 8; 2 Thessalonians 3 verse 6). I will give a further example of the principle regarding judgement and condemnation. I have recently found myself in a quandary whilst interacting with persons who are not Christians. The most recent example was whilst interacting with a lecturer in class about Professor Stephen Hawkings most recent theory on the creation of the universe. My lecturer became instantaneously excited once Professor Hawkings name was mentioned. In fact, he proceeded to declare how awesome Professor Hawking was in his ability to explain the creation of the universe without acknowledging the presence of a supernatural force. Of course I thought this was absolute blasphemy and pitied my lecturer for what appeared to be atheism and his sure eternal damnation. It was not until after the class that I was sent back to my principle and rules about judging others. I was reminded that it is not my duty to decide on my lecturers fate though I am required to be a witness. In my estimation, ethics is a convoluted concept that requires much emotional, spiritual and cognitive investment. I also believe that the formation of my ethical principles has gone through and will go through several revolutions. The revolutions I forsee involve a strengthening of my present beliefs. Of course, it is expected that future exposure will likely hone the way in which I presently express my beliefs and so I will possibly become more tactful whilst voicing my principles. My ethical principles have been formed due to life experiences. When I was much younger, my principles were probably more a function of fearing the belt (consequences) versus what was my inherent DUTY. With age, emotional, cognitive and spiritual maturity, I have progressed from a more concretized way of accepting principles. The Bible speaks to allowing God to reveal Himself to us (1 Corinthians 2 verse 9-14; Life Application Study Bible, 1991) and in questioning certain things ranging from the presence and development of God to the importance of Gods grace; the Lord has proven Himself to me as a being who is worthy of my praise. Thus, I believe the fundamental framework, principles and rules that I subscribe to will remain with me until death. I also recognize that my beliefs and values transcend all areas of my life. Thus, whereas some persons subscribe to the law of the land as the highest form of power; the laws of my creator supersede all others. Therefore, within my professional and personal life, the Trinity reigns supreme and will continue to influence the way in which I define my ethics. Second Timothy 4 verse 16-17 notes ALL scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (Life Application Study Bible, 1991).

Friday, October 25, 2019

Childhood Obesity in The United States Essay examples -- overweight, c

Over a half-century ago obesity, and overweight has become a silent monster that creeps from within. Americans have been preoccupied in the last fifty years with countless numbers of problems that it seems that we have forgotten about our very own waistline. But, what is the difference between overweight and obesity? According to the Center for Disease for Control and Prevention overweight means that a person has a body mass index or BMI between 25 through 29 and anything higher than a 30 is consider obese. In 2009 and 2010 the CDC stated that, â€Å"more than 35% of U.S. men and women were obese†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Carroll, Flegal, Kit, Ogden p.2). The obesity epidemic has reached 1/3 of the United States adult population; as a result many have considered that the only way to manage this epidemic is by implying a fat tax. This tax will target people who fit a specific profile, if they tip the scale they must pay. But the weight is not only targeted at adults, obesity has targeted the mos t vulnerable people of our society, our children. According to the CDC obesity and overweight affects â€Å"17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (p.1.) One day this generation of children will be adults and they should not be paying a tax because of their weight. Drastic measures need to be taken to treat childhood obesity and avoid a fat tax. Food consumption is a common body function that everybody must fulfill. But why do we eat? According to Levine and Billington, the authors of â€Å"Why do we eat? A Neural Systems Approach,† we â€Å"eat for a variety of reasons, including energy needs, time of day, social setting, stress, boredom, palatability/reward, and food availability at little or no cost. Historically, studies of energy metabolism have focused ... ...Sabrina Morrison a RN points out that, â€Å"teasing or negative verbal feedback is a risk factor for the development of body dissatisfaction and eating disturbances such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorders (Lunner et al., 2000)† (p. 203.) According to Morrison being bullied and teased will cause a child to develop bulimia, or anorexia. It is not a unknown fact that in severe cases where the persecution comes to such a cases that many children think of â€Å"†¦suicidal ideation and attempts associated with weight-biased teasing were two to three times higher among those teased then their nonteased peers. (Eisenberg et al., 2003)† (p. 203.) Sadly children are having suicidal thoughts because of their weight and how much they are bullied at school. However, many think that the obesity and overweight epidemic is a â€Å"problem† that has been overrated and exaggerated. Childhood Obesity in The United States Essay examples -- overweight, c Over a half-century ago obesity, and overweight has become a silent monster that creeps from within. Americans have been preoccupied in the last fifty years with countless numbers of problems that it seems that we have forgotten about our very own waistline. But, what is the difference between overweight and obesity? According to the Center for Disease for Control and Prevention overweight means that a person has a body mass index or BMI between 25 through 29 and anything higher than a 30 is consider obese. In 2009 and 2010 the CDC stated that, â€Å"more than 35% of U.S. men and women were obese†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Carroll, Flegal, Kit, Ogden p.2). The obesity epidemic has reached 1/3 of the United States adult population; as a result many have considered that the only way to manage this epidemic is by implying a fat tax. This tax will target people who fit a specific profile, if they tip the scale they must pay. But the weight is not only targeted at adults, obesity has targeted the mos t vulnerable people of our society, our children. According to the CDC obesity and overweight affects â€Å"17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (p.1.) One day this generation of children will be adults and they should not be paying a tax because of their weight. Drastic measures need to be taken to treat childhood obesity and avoid a fat tax. Food consumption is a common body function that everybody must fulfill. But why do we eat? According to Levine and Billington, the authors of â€Å"Why do we eat? A Neural Systems Approach,† we â€Å"eat for a variety of reasons, including energy needs, time of day, social setting, stress, boredom, palatability/reward, and food availability at little or no cost. Historically, studies of energy metabolism have focused ... ...Sabrina Morrison a RN points out that, â€Å"teasing or negative verbal feedback is a risk factor for the development of body dissatisfaction and eating disturbances such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorders (Lunner et al., 2000)† (p. 203.) According to Morrison being bullied and teased will cause a child to develop bulimia, or anorexia. It is not a unknown fact that in severe cases where the persecution comes to such a cases that many children think of â€Å"†¦suicidal ideation and attempts associated with weight-biased teasing were two to three times higher among those teased then their nonteased peers. (Eisenberg et al., 2003)† (p. 203.) Sadly children are having suicidal thoughts because of their weight and how much they are bullied at school. However, many think that the obesity and overweight epidemic is a â€Å"problem† that has been overrated and exaggerated.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

John Donnes’ “A Valediction: Forbidden Mourning” Essay

In the poem â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning†, by John Donne, the speaker is consoling his lover who is mournful of the speaker’s imminent departure. The speaker is saying that since they have stronger than ordinary love for one another, their love will endure the separation. Donne uses metaphysical conceits and comparative imagery to illustrate the crux of the poem. The speaker is reassuring his lover by reminding her of how great their love is; it transcends the physical and therefore will overcome whatever obstacle is set on their path. He is forbidding his lover to mourn his departure. In the first half of the poem the speaker contrasts their love between that of spiritual and material objects; the inferior actions of the earth compared to those of the heavenly â€Å"spheres† (11). He is trying to prove to his lover how their love is not of the ordinary kind; it is more than simple affection. He compares their love to that of pure gold saying â€Å"let us melt, and make no noise† (5). Pure gold, when melted, does not spatter, it melts down smoothly. Therefore he is saying that if there love was gold it would make no noise for their love is that of the purest kind. The speaker then says that earthly things â€Å"[bring] harm and fears† (9) but since their love is above earthly matters, they should consequently not be afraid of parting. The speaker feels that there should be no grieving and exaggerates his lovers anguish, telling her there should be â€Å"no tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests† (6). The narrator talks of â€Å"dull sublunary lovers†¦whose [souls are] sense'† (13/14); these lesser couples’ love is based upon the five senses. He is saying that love cannot be simply based upon these senses, which are purely physical. Love has to transcend the physical to be pure and their love does. The speakers tone then turns comforting by saying that they both know that their love is more than physical therefore they should be at ease. A physical separation is ensuing but not an emotional one: their love will endure. He describes their â€Å"two souls†¦which are one† (21). He says that their separation will not be a â€Å"breach but an expansion† (24) of their love; their souls are united and cannot be separated by whatever forces shall come in their way. He continues to develop the image between their love and pure gold by saying that through this separation their souls will simply spread  apart â€Å"to aery thinness† (24) but never separate (as does pure gold when flattened). Donne compares the couple to a geometrical compass, a metaphor which carries two significant meanings. The first being the idea of a compass being two separate entities, two feet, which are attached but not always together. He says that the compass is them, separate beings but still united as one, by their soul. One foot of the compass will stay as the other moves around and away, and the stationary foot â€Å"hearkens after it† (31) but is unable join the other. The speaker is making the point that not matter how far one of them may travel they will always complete the circle and eventually return to the beginning. The compass also portrays their love as a circle. A circle is an image of perfection: never ending and continuing for eternity as is their love. The speaker is saying that no matter how far apart they may travel they will always come back to one another. He may travel far but he will   [draw] his circle just, and†¦ end, where [he] began† (36). The speaker described before how their love transcends the physical, it is deeper than sex and arousal of the senses. In the final stanzas though, the speaker addresses all the factors of any healthy relationship. The speaker says that his â€Å"compass foot†, as it draws nearer home, grows â€Å"erect† (32), an allusion to the sexual component of their relationship. Despite the awesome power of an emotionally based relationship there is still a strong a physical aspect. He misses her with his soul but also physically yearns for her. This poem is written to comfort a lover. Donne opens with comparative images of the physical and earthly, saying that the sentiment between the two lovers is more than earthly love. He then uses metaphysical conceits, comparisons of unrelated objects–the physical and the spiritual–to further emphasize his point. The two compasses, no matter how far apart they travel will always return to the other. If one is truly in love then physical separation does not matter; if anything it will only strengthen the union. The feelings between the speaker and his lover are greater than common love, therefore they can endure the separation; the speaker’s departure should not  be mourned.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

“Legalization Of Marijuana”: Pro Marijuana Essay

Marijuana should be legalized to solve many of today’s problems. These problems have gotten so out of hand that many extreme options are being considered to control or solve it. There seems to be no way to end the war against Marijuana other than to legalize it . The war on Marijuana doesn’t seem to be accomplishing too much. Different options need to be considered. There have also been too many lies, misunderstandings and misinterpretations thrown at Marijuana. Legalization is an option that hasn’t gotten a chance but should be given one. Although many people feel that legalizing marijuana would increase the amount of use, marijuana should be legalized because it will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement and it will increase our country’s revenue. There are also many benefits that can be found to help people if legalization of marijuana is given a chance. Legalizing marijuana would increase our economy’s revenue. During alcohols prohibition, alcohol was still sold and used, but people were doing it illegally. Then the government took away the prohibition law and alcohol taxes were increased. The same thing should happen with Marijuana. Marijuana should be taxed heavily to increase our revenue. Marijuana would be made by the same people at pharmacy’s, so the quality would be assured, containing no poisons or impurities. Then Marijuana could be taxed heavily because the users will be assured of â€Å"clean drugs.† Making Marijuana legal will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement every year. Drug dealers and users are one step ahead on the enforcement process. If one drug lord is caught, another one will show up somewhere else. We can’t defeat the dealers that way. Too much money is wasted on a cause that seems to have no end. So much of this money could be used on better things. By lifting the ban on marijuana use and treating it like other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, the nation would gain immediate and long-term benefits. This change in the law would greatly improve the quality of life for many people. Victims of glaucoma and those needing  antinausea treatment, for example, would get easier access to Marijuana. Also, Doctors could get on with the investigation of marijuana’s medical uses without fear of being put in jail. It might also become possible to discuss the accusations of the dangers of marijuana use without getting caught up in a policy debate. Meanwhile, the black market would disappear overnight. Some arrangement would be made to license the production of marijuana cigarettes. Thousands of dealers would be put out of business, and the economy would begin to open up. This would lower crime dramatically. The dealers and their organizations would have no flow of money, no money means no guns and no reason for as many gang wars. The legalization of marijuana would also help the federal budget in two ways, the federal cash flow would increase, because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed. In return, the companies that make the cigarettes would also pay taxes. Second, there would be less money spent on law enforcement to apprehend and jail users and sellers of marijuana. The drug enforcement authorities might finally focus more on intense, hard drugs and violent crimes and the courts wouldn’t have to worry about sending so many people to jails. Marijuana should be legalized to solve many of today’s problems.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Use of Child Booster Seats in Motor Vehicles Following a Community Campaign

Use of Child Booster Seats in Motor Vehicles Following a Community Campaign Journal- Child:"Use of Child Booster Seats in Motor Vehicles Following a Community Campaign"Child booster seats are designed to improve safety for children who are too big for a traditional child harness seat but who are too small to properly use an adult seat belt. Usually these children are between four and eight years old and weigh between 18 and 36 kg. The purpose of this study is to determine if a community centric campaign would improve the rate of child booster seat usage among those children who would benefit from a booster seat.Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death of children age 4-8 however booster seat usage remains low. This study uses a community advertising campaign modeled on a campaign to increase bicycle helmet usage among children. Four communities in the Seattle, WA area were selected for the campaign and eight communities in the Portland OR, and Spokane WA areas were selected as control groups.SAKURAKO - TAKATA child safety seat.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Gun Control misc10 essays

Gun Control misc10 essays "Stick 'em up." These are three of the most feared words known to us today. Innocent people, males and females, the elderly, our nation's youth, all of these people must currently live in fear. Walking down the street, taking a Sunday drive, going to the supermarket, the bank, or a gas station have all become dangerous tasks. One item has made all of these normal, routine things dangerous. That item is, a gun. Many people have lost their lives because of guns. Others have been crippled because of guns. Many great leaders and politicians have lost their lives due to guns and gun violence. This great land of America, the land of the free, has been turned into the land of the feared. No other nation has been able to conquer these United States of America. Guns have done something which to the world, pretty much seemed impossible, they have taken over America! The police do not solely control citizens because of their title, but rather because of what each and every one of them has strapped to the side of their hip. The FBI, Police, SWAT Team, and other law enforcement agencies wouldn't be so feared if it weren't for guns. Yet, that's just what they are, feared. Feared, instead of respected, which isn't right. Names like "PIGS" and other insulting names wouldn't exist if they were respected. Switzerland has introduced new laws requiring every household to contain at least one fully automatic assault rifle. Surprisingly, the murder rate has gone down. This was an extreme measure that was taken, which the leaders of Switzerland thought would help the citizens protect themselves. Gun control would have probably helped the citizens out more by making less guns available and allowing them to lives their lives normally rather than in fear. On April 20th, 1999 America came to a stand still while watching a tragedy unfold in the small town of Littleton Colorado, where twelve people lost their lives to gun violen ...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

A Look at the Idea of Equity as Per the Civil Law System

A Look at the Idea of Equity as Per the Civil Law System In the English common law system equity is the principle which governs the legal system. Equity in general happens to be nothing but a basic set of rules or legal principles and maxims which possess the power and legitimacy to override the law in question. This is the system which has given the civil legal system all its limbs and extensions. The civil law legal system basically flows from equity. It is said rather believed and proved beyond any dispute that the principle of equity on the whole alleviates the severity that exists in the common law system and overshadows it . It allows the courts to apply their prudence and relate fairness in unity with the natural law system. In reality, contemporary equity is restricted by procedural and substantive system. English legal critiques lean to spot on technological features of equity. In the case of historical criticism the critiques state that the equity was lacking of the prompted rule in the initial stage. Lord Chancellor seldom arbit rated in the major features of the equity in according to his principles . Various critics state that the equity must be flexible in nature. This paper attempts to explore the theory of flexibility in the equity principle. Along with that this paper attempts to explore the effect of growth and development in the principle of equity in the modern aspect. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT OF EQUITY: That court order provide him the written privilege to re-admission to his own territory and recognized this privilege in the defense of the violation of his right of property of his land. In the year of 1253, to avoid judges from discovering fresh writs, legislature stated that the authority to concern writs would after that be moved to judges merely one writ at a single phrase of time, in a writ for privilege wrap up recognized as a outline of act. As a result of deficiency in a legal cure, the only alternative of plaintiff could be pleading to the King . So, as a result of it, populace started pleading to the King for reprieve against unjust court decisions, and as the community of petitioners speedily developed, so the King hand over the job of trial those appeals to Lord Chancellor . As the premature stage Chancellors had short of official legal guidance and produced small observance for precedent, their conclusions were over and over again widely miscellaneous. In near about the year of 1529, an advocate named as Sir Thomas More, was selected in the position for Chancellor which makes the commencement of an innovative era. The question put forth primarily concerned its worth and the certainty it possessed. While on one hand, one chancellor could have a long foot and the other could have a short one while in the other instance, the third one could have yet another different measure of it. The problem would be that all of it would qualify to be a similar thing in the conscience of a chancellor. With the development of the law of equity, it saw a rising conflict and rivalry with the common law principles. The parties to a dispute might indulge in â€Å"litigation shopping† and thus would look for an equitable restraint that shall impose a prohibition on the enforcement of the orders of the common law. The punishment that was imposed for not having obeyed the equitable â€Å"common injunction† and enforcement options that was given by the judgment of the common law courts amounted to an imprisonment . Sir Edward Coke, who happened to be the Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, initiated the system in which the writ of habeas corpus began to be issued which demanded that those offenders who were imprisoned for having made contempt of the chancery orders would be made to go on release. This difficulty that was ongoing reached a highest threshold in the case of Earl of Oxford (1615) where the decision that was delivered by Chief Justice Coke, was wrongfully obtained by commission of a fraud. Lord Ellesmere, who was the Lord Chancellor, passed a linked injunction from the Court of Chancery which expressly imposed a prohibition on the common law order from being enforced. The two conflicting courts became stuck up in a standoff and subsequently, the matter was referred to Sir Francis Bacon who happened to be the Attorney General. Sir Francis Bacon referred to seek the authority of King James I and under such authority, he upheld that the common injunction can be granted and it was also concluded by him that in case if any conflict lies between common law and equity, what would remain in existence is equity . DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN EQUITY: Post 1473, the legal system witnessed a development of the Chancery system where the rights of the parties were determined by the Courts based on its own issued decrees and actions. Gradually problems started arising with the different mode of action of the chancery system and based upon situations when the decisions came directly under conflict with the prevalent system under the common law . The process in the Court was not related to the issue of writs per se but was concerned with the putting forth of a petition that was under the requirement of the fact that the complaint that is the subpoena should be given attention but at the same time, there should be ample room of prevention that should be provided to prevent any action under common law and at the same time, prevent from issuing any kinds of injunctions . Thomas Moore has advocated for the proposition that injunctions or any kinds of restraints should not be issued in case if the judges who occupy the seats in the common la w courts would resolve with the harsh reality of the system but at the same time, if they fail to agree and conjointly decide on a single issue in a situation when the systems under existence were under the fate of destiny to collide and concur. In the year 1617, the Chief Justice of the King’s Bench was Sir Edward Coke. The Chief Justice put forward complain to the then king James I who gave an affirmation to the rights of the chancellor which eventually gave development to the equity jurisdiction. Settled principled were subsequently developed by the Chancellors who succeeded. The most notable figures in this development were Lord Nottingham who is popularly referred to as the father, Lord Hardwicke who happened to be the developer of the principles that were settled and Lord Eldon who is known as the consolidator. There was a massive dissatisfaction that was caused in the Chancery. What was the most attributable cause for this discontent in the Chancery was that there was a buffer increase of workload and the administration happened to be highly ineffective . This ineffectiveness came in association with the fee structure. This entire list of exhaustive causes resulted in the dissatisfaction there in the Chancery. In order to resolve this dispute, more number of appointments with regard to judges was made and a harmonious situation was intended to achieve . The remedies that were assimilated with the harmonious construction between the provisions of the common law and equity facilitated this regard. The resulting legislations in this regard were the Common Law Procedure Act 1854 and Chancery Law Amendment Act 1858. It was eventually felt that that time has been attained which immediately demands for further reform. THE FLEXIBILITY IN THE THEORY OF EQUITY: Generally it is presumed that equity principle is an opposite or sometime complementary to the common law legal system . Whenever the law is strict the equity provision remains flexible on that particular matter. This principle advocates for the discretionary of the court of judges rather depending on only to the rules and law. This principle provides for justice rather those establishing mere rights of the parties. In the feminist jurisprudence the profounder claims that the law of equity advocates for the justice to the women by applying the rule of flexibility. Though, many people argue that the proper flexibility in terms of equity is an imaginary thing. Lord Denning advocates that there is a need for a new Equity. He state that the established law can be changed for the obvious and good reasons and for the requirement of the society. After 50 years of this approach, there were so many modifications are made according to need of the society. The claim of the Lord Denning is consi dered to be one of the most modern approaches to the concept of equity . FEMINISM IN EQUITY: Feminism in equity and feminism in gender are the two classifications of feminism the definition of which was for the first time put forward by the eminent scholar Christina Hoff Sommers in herself authored book â€Å"Who Stole Feminism?† She went on to give the description of feminism in equity as possessing the objective of ideology of ascertaining equal and legitimate rights as conferred under law to both men and women. She went on to define feminism in gender as possessing the intention of combating the challenges put forth under sexism and social structures of patriarchy which come to be addressed in everyday practice associated to society and cultural diversity. Sommers herself very strongly stands for advocating her view which she gives preference of calling feminism in equity and at the same time, she continues to constantly criticise her concept of what continues to be feminism in gender . Sommers gives a description of feminism in equity as an ideology that has its roots deeply implanted in the essence of classical aspects of liberalism that has the specific aim to attain an entirely equal footing as far as the civil and equal rights of women are concerned. Experimental psychologist Steven Pinker gives an exhaustive expansion on what Sommers has stated. he continues to say that feminism in equity is nothing but a simple moral doctrine which has its basic impetus on treating men and women equally. it makes absolutely no commitments that require and give regard to livid and unenclosed issues possessing an empirical nature that exist either in psychology or in biology. As per the views of the researcher, after having analysed, the entire aspects of the existing law, and the various perspectives of the equity, it can be said that in order to have a proper reform on the field of feminism, equity can be totally argued in favour. As far as the different dimensions of feminism are concerned, various researchers witness a significant restructuring associated with the construction and deconstruction of the law. Of course, there are certain exceptions to this feasible option as regarded in Wong’s essay titles â€Å"Property Rights For Home-Sharers: Equity Versus A Legislative Framework†. Another scholarly work which points the underlying exceptions is given in Fehlberg’s study of Sexually Transmitted Debt. RELEVANT CASES ON THE PURPOSES OF DEVELOPMENT: Williams and Glyn’s Bank v. Boland is an important case in this discussion. This is important aspect in the modification of the mortgage industry. In this case for the very first time lenders would have take consideration of a woman at home. But the court of Appeal extended the offered protection to Mrs. Boland. In the later part of the 20th century the position of equity increased and advocates the situation of flexible and adoptable rather than mere technical and rigid. The house of lords focuses on the progress of equity. The equitable principles create more bendable to the urge of the woman and feminism. In the case of Re Roger, Lord Denning develop a fresh role for the equitable principle or equity. The increase in home ownership provision, cases of divorce, cohabitation outside the institution of marriage creates the reform in the property law in 1925. The law court applied the law of trust to find out solution in the case of Mrs. Roger. But the Lord Denning was opposing the technical and rigid application of the law of equity. It creates a new development in the case of equity. The justice appealed for the flexibility in the concept of equity. In the case of Rimmer v. Rimmer , Lord Denning declared a new aspect of equity principle regarding the flexibility. The law and judgment provide that the family ownership is the joint ownership between husband and wife. The view of flexibility in the law advocates for the wife’s equitable right in the property. The concept of flexibility approach in the equity carry is forward by Lord Diplock in the case of Gissing v. Gissing . The flexibility principle basically helps to construct he feminism approach to the principle of equity in the modern aspect. The development of this is taken place by different cases. Lord Bridge contributes than women paid less to the house hold because they have less access to the financial stability. Women generally utilize their money to house hold things and on their children as described in the case of Burns v. Burns . In this case the House of Lords admit the injustice to the women in 1990’s regarding the application of equity principle. Justice Harman in 1950 state that equity is assumed not to fulfill the period of child rearing, but in the era of 1952 the situation is changes. In 1952 Lord Denning claim that the equity need a good and fresh approach in the modern era. But the flexibility becomes a myth. It fails to protect the claims and interest of the women. Though the evaluation procedure is still ongoing but it requires more flexibility in to ensure the right of the woman. CONCLUSION: It can be said that it will become totally wrong to say that equity has essentially been a concept under female dominance. The critical study of the law under equity clearly indicates that it has gradually gone through various kinds of changes over the years and has evolved manifold. The development can be said to have been a critical issue and it is something which has always thrived to be on the positive side of the slope. Though, there are certain flaws in the existing system, yet it is also not unknown to us that even the best legal system has flaws in it and considering that in view, it can be said that the existing flaws are negligible. The only requirement at this point of time is that equity needs to be a bit more flexible in those points where the law remains strict and unbent. It also needs to be a bit more discretionary where the law remains obligatory and binds the citizen under its purview. It also needs to be a bit more humane because the main thing with which it is con cerned is doing and imparting â€Å"justice† rather than giving and justifying the ascertainable â€Å"rights†.

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Effect of Technology on Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Effect of Technology on Business - Essay Example Distant people can communicate easier through e-mails, text messages as lots of people carry internet enabled phones around (Aswathappa, 2006, p.296). Through technological communication distant people get in touch in a competent manner. However, it is arguable that this form of communication has led to individuals losing their human touch. Global and national commerce has been made more feasible through technology (Aswathappa, 2006, p.751-61). People can transact all over the world at ease as opposed to when there was no technology. A good example is how emails can reach other individuals in seconds as opposed to when letters were sent and took long to be delivered. Technology has, consequently, made the world a small village; thus, convenient for business persons. The information age has also seen businesses embrace technological innovations such fax machines, telephone amongst others (Aswathappa, 2006, p.652). Businesses, therefore, become more flexible and efficient and most businesses that embrace the same survive and prosper. This form of technology also increases the pace in which business is conducted, complex business are also possible as novel means of manipulating, cataloging and processing information is possible (Aswathappa, 2006, p.553). Conclusively, it is evident that technology has a huge effect on the commerce world. The business world today is clearly not the one that existed when technology was lacking. The internet, computers and other technological innovations have made business world easier and more

Conceptual Map Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Conceptual Map - Essay Example are business, system for reporting purposes, system for healthcare business intelligence for example data marts, data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP ) systems. Quality data collection enhances the quality of services offered as measured by a focus on patients’ needs, speed of response to enquiries and problems and accuracy of information. It also enhances quality of information as measured by timeliness, accuracy, accessibility, completeness, relatability, uniqueness and validity. Approaches for incorporating data quality into CRMs data warehouse include defining data quality expectations and metrics, which can be done by the use of metadata or data quality metrics, indentifying poor data and its limitations, assessing data quality limitation and improving data quality through human experts or state-of-the-art tools. Data integration is essential for unified view of the patients. It also allows combination o information on patients’ products and better understanding of patients’ needs and its findings are useful in planning, marketing and sales efforts. Data integration tools include statistical modeling, campaign management and data mining. All these lead to improved data quality and subsequently lead to improved results, reduced cost and informed healthcare decisions. They also improve patients’ acquisition and retention, enhance customer services, increase patients’ loyalty and preference and maximize the lifetime value of each patient. Alshawi, S. et al. (2003). Healthcare information management: the integration of patients’ data. Retrieved, February 26, 2009 from

Compare - Contrast Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compare - Contrast Paper - Essay Example Thus, Emily spends years with a corpse and her death unravels the ambiguity of Homer Barron’s disappearance. Simultaneously, the short story of Turman Capote â€Å"A Christmas Memory† from written from an autobiographical reflective aspect; thus, it entails the tale of two friends living with far away relatives in destitution. Hence, this narrative centralizes around the adventures and experiences of two odd-age friends, an elderly eccentric spinster and a young boy of seven named Buddy. Throughout, their course of friendship even in their pecuniary famines, their time together was ecstatic and memorable (Turman). Thus, Capote has intertwined his narrative of reminiscence in a fictionist character of Buddy, who does not feel the adversity of life in the presence of his elderly cheerful distant cousin. Hence, their simple life is full of happiness because of their cheerful disposition and behaviour. Absence of companionship brings immense changes in a person’s lif e. Thus, people tend to accept isolation and keep their past memories alive to cherish them. William Faulkner’s monstrous and gothic Southern tale is a compilation of many unconventional themes of the late twentieth century. Thus, this short tale entails death, isolation, absence of companionship, murder, rigid Southern aristocratic norms and most prominently the theme of necrophilia. Moreover, it also entails sub-themes as obsession, denial, radical change in society, haunting memories and the aspect of austerity in clemency. Isolation since childhood impacted on Emily’ mental stability and she transformed into an eccentric individual, who could go to extreme extent to save her memories or literally to bring back the dead loved ones into her life. She couldn’t accept the death of her father on the second day of his funeral; subsequently, she kept the corpse of her lover in her house, which further proved her insanity (necrophilia). Instead of cherishing the mem ories from her past she kept the physical corpse with herself, to comfort from dead Homer Barron’s companionship. Thus, â€Å"the strand of iron-gray hair† ( Kriszner, p.125) with the skeleton Homer Barron’s corpse further corroborates that she couldn’t let go her past. On the other hand, Turman Capote’s brief and highly influenced autobiographical narrative entails the main themes of friendship, joyous memories, simplicity, paucity, compassion and generosity, separation, isolation and eventually death along with stark realities of life. Thus, the author has enabled his readers to take a peek into the lives of two odd age cousins, who cherished the company of one another without getting gloomy about the deficiencies in their lives. Thus, the fruit cake season, kite flying, searching for the best tree for Christmas decoration and unwrapping presents were the most precious and memorable experiences of a seven year old Buddy with his sixty plus female cousin. Hence, throughout the story the author has been narrating this tale in present tense just to cherish those past moments spent with his elderly friend. The author has articulated his tale in a manner, which serves rightly to his intensions, to feel the happiness of past and to recall it in a present tense to emphasize on the aspect that the memories with her cannot be dead or become a past phenomenon. Hence, his readers are neither surprised due to any grotesque element nor

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Econ Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Econ - Essay Example Such agreements become a hindrance to the free flow of goods causing global economic loss. In the current dynamic world, countries having wafer-thin comparative advantage suddenly lose the market to a rival who have entered into a PTA. The article 24 specifies that the external tariffs should not be raised when the PTA is functioning. This is precisely to prevent harm to nonmembers. During Mexican currency crisis of 1994, tariffs on 502 items were raised from 20 percent to as high as 35 percent but at the same time tariffs on US and Canada, under NAFTA continued unchanged. Even small tariffs are likely to create trade diversion when tariffs are nonexistent on members of PTA while they remain applicable on nonmembers. This trade diversion is against the very basic intent of Article 24. The basic purpose of GATT was to encourage multilateral trade through reduced trade barriers. It aims at imposing the same tariff on goods regardless of which country supplies them and that purpose is not only defeated but restricts global economy to

Organizational profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organizational profile - Essay Example NHS has implemented the Accreditation Canada classification of quality which is the level of quality; the level to which any healthcare facility fulfills patients’ requirements and goes beyond their expectations. This quality framework acts as the basis for quality enhancement at all the six sites and provides strategic coalitions for every divisions and service ensuring quality care. It includes formulating a yearly quality enhancement plan, assessing and controlling advancement in carrying out the work plan, and forwarding the outcomes of these activities to the relevant stakeholders. Requirements for healthcare facilities for the population of Niagara are distinctive and reliant on the determinants of health. Knowing these factors helps NHS to recognize the health condition of the people in addition to their continuing healthcare requirements (Klinger et al, 2013). It further ascertains that everyone has a positive experience of care. NHS operates within an integrated structure to ensure healthier environment and offers timely access to an extensive range of patient centric facilities and cure. It improves society’s welfare and healthcare provision by means of training, promotion and research efforts, and strives for incessant quality enhancement within healthcare facilities to face the challenges of varying requirements for health care. According to the objectives of NHS, the protection of the environment is necessary for acquiring sustainable development to fulfill the existing requirements. It identifies that as a key employer as well as supplier of healthcare facilities, its actions have long term influence on the environment (Bartol et al., 2011). Niagara Health System recognizes its liability for the environment, and is dedicated towards conservation as well as protection of the environment (Cathcart et al., 2004). External environment of NHS incorporates financial stress,

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Compare - Contrast Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compare - Contrast Paper - Essay Example Thus, Emily spends years with a corpse and her death unravels the ambiguity of Homer Barron’s disappearance. Simultaneously, the short story of Turman Capote â€Å"A Christmas Memory† from written from an autobiographical reflective aspect; thus, it entails the tale of two friends living with far away relatives in destitution. Hence, this narrative centralizes around the adventures and experiences of two odd-age friends, an elderly eccentric spinster and a young boy of seven named Buddy. Throughout, their course of friendship even in their pecuniary famines, their time together was ecstatic and memorable (Turman). Thus, Capote has intertwined his narrative of reminiscence in a fictionist character of Buddy, who does not feel the adversity of life in the presence of his elderly cheerful distant cousin. Hence, their simple life is full of happiness because of their cheerful disposition and behaviour. Absence of companionship brings immense changes in a person’s lif e. Thus, people tend to accept isolation and keep their past memories alive to cherish them. William Faulkner’s monstrous and gothic Southern tale is a compilation of many unconventional themes of the late twentieth century. Thus, this short tale entails death, isolation, absence of companionship, murder, rigid Southern aristocratic norms and most prominently the theme of necrophilia. Moreover, it also entails sub-themes as obsession, denial, radical change in society, haunting memories and the aspect of austerity in clemency. Isolation since childhood impacted on Emily’ mental stability and she transformed into an eccentric individual, who could go to extreme extent to save her memories or literally to bring back the dead loved ones into her life. She couldn’t accept the death of her father on the second day of his funeral; subsequently, she kept the corpse of her lover in her house, which further proved her insanity (necrophilia). Instead of cherishing the mem ories from her past she kept the physical corpse with herself, to comfort from dead Homer Barron’s companionship. Thus, â€Å"the strand of iron-gray hair† ( Kriszner, p.125) with the skeleton Homer Barron’s corpse further corroborates that she couldn’t let go her past. On the other hand, Turman Capote’s brief and highly influenced autobiographical narrative entails the main themes of friendship, joyous memories, simplicity, paucity, compassion and generosity, separation, isolation and eventually death along with stark realities of life. Thus, the author has enabled his readers to take a peek into the lives of two odd age cousins, who cherished the company of one another without getting gloomy about the deficiencies in their lives. Thus, the fruit cake season, kite flying, searching for the best tree for Christmas decoration and unwrapping presents were the most precious and memorable experiences of a seven year old Buddy with his sixty plus female cousin. Hence, throughout the story the author has been narrating this tale in present tense just to cherish those past moments spent with his elderly friend. The author has articulated his tale in a manner, which serves rightly to his intensions, to feel the happiness of past and to recall it in a present tense to emphasize on the aspect that the memories with her cannot be dead or become a past phenomenon. Hence, his readers are neither surprised due to any grotesque element nor

Organizational profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organizational profile - Essay Example NHS has implemented the Accreditation Canada classification of quality which is the level of quality; the level to which any healthcare facility fulfills patients’ requirements and goes beyond their expectations. This quality framework acts as the basis for quality enhancement at all the six sites and provides strategic coalitions for every divisions and service ensuring quality care. It includes formulating a yearly quality enhancement plan, assessing and controlling advancement in carrying out the work plan, and forwarding the outcomes of these activities to the relevant stakeholders. Requirements for healthcare facilities for the population of Niagara are distinctive and reliant on the determinants of health. Knowing these factors helps NHS to recognize the health condition of the people in addition to their continuing healthcare requirements (Klinger et al, 2013). It further ascertains that everyone has a positive experience of care. NHS operates within an integrated structure to ensure healthier environment and offers timely access to an extensive range of patient centric facilities and cure. It improves society’s welfare and healthcare provision by means of training, promotion and research efforts, and strives for incessant quality enhancement within healthcare facilities to face the challenges of varying requirements for health care. According to the objectives of NHS, the protection of the environment is necessary for acquiring sustainable development to fulfill the existing requirements. It identifies that as a key employer as well as supplier of healthcare facilities, its actions have long term influence on the environment (Bartol et al., 2011). Niagara Health System recognizes its liability for the environment, and is dedicated towards conservation as well as protection of the environment (Cathcart et al., 2004). External environment of NHS incorporates financial stress,

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Government Intervention Essay Example for Free

Government Intervention Essay The purpose of this report is to exemplify the role of government with the focus on the developing countries by answering the proposed question of Why do we need government intervention? and Why government intervention is necessary for the new economy? The first part of this report illustrates the essential roles of government in social, business, and the future of country aspects. Then, Thailand was chosen as an example of a country entering into the new economy, while using the other countries in East Asia to illustrate the successful government action in transferring the countries to new economy. 1. To provide social welfare for the whole country Education Environment Health care Basic infrastructure Ideally, the government should bear the cost of high-risk or long-term payback project, or even the project that is difficult to finance as a trade-off for the national interest and benefit of its people and, in a way, attracting private sector to invest in the underdeveloped region later on. 2. To set up fair-games, fair competition, rules, laws and regulations, and trade agreements for business sector 3. To determine the future direction of the country Provide information and guidelines for firms to follow Develop strategy for the nations economic growth 1. Social contexts: 1.1. Environmental protection Waste management: company cannot hold the idea of more production, more pollution any longer as it creates externalities (social cost), which in turns will impose a negative impact on the companys reputation. Government must enforce regulations, inspections, and control on environmental aspect. This is for the social interest so that the firms cannot take advantage from the society. Furthermore, by having regulations, not only the society will benefit from it; it also raises an issue of long-term sustainable development for the business sector to consider upon. Cons of free-enterprise Only aimed at generating profit and production, while disregarding the environment as it is considered an unnecessary cost for the company. This in turn, the environment would be destroyed (e.g. Waste  from production, a vicious cycle, will hurt everyone if there are no regulations enforced.) Environmentalist vs. Government: for developing countries, the environmentalist plays a minor role in protecting the environment comparing to government intervention. Although the voices of environmentalist are significant when it comes to making changes, the government regulations are better suited in preventing and solving the problem on the national level. This is because the environmental problems have to be solved simultaneously, since the effects from decaying environment can create chain-reactions affecting the whole country or even the world (e.g. air pollution or destruction of rain forest). The environmentalist is important, as it is able to create awareness for the society, at the same time the government intervention is necessary in order to support healthier environment for its people. 1.2. Education Quality of the human resource is the driven force to push economic growth. Without basic education, it limits the opportunity for the entire nation to grow and foster new innovated ideas, while limiting the improvement in quality of life among population. 1.3. Health care The basic need for life. There shouldnt be perceived as privilege for someone to obtain. Recent development on Thailands health care: Ministry of Public Healths campaign on the 30 Baht-Health for All demonstrating that equal access to health care is important for the growth of recovering economy. 1.4. Infrastructure For a nation to propel into the future, decentralization of development to regional and local levels rather than concentrated on specific metropolitan areas is significant, as it needs involvement from everyone. 2. Business contexts: 2.1. Laws and Regulations (Thailand) Trade Competition Act (1999): This is to eliminate unfair trade practices, monopolization, and business collusion. If there were no regulation, monopoly can drive up prices or limits supplies while the consumers would have to bear the costs  as well as limiting the sense of entrepreneurship. Bankruptcy Act (1999): From the result of the Asian crisis, the past bankruptcy law in Thailand was not efficient enough causing the failure in the loaning agreement, lowering the foreign investors confidence. By amending the old 1940 Bankruptcy Act in 1998 and 1999, the new amendment provides a foundation for both creditor and debtor to work cooperatively and be more transparent in order to create a win-win situation, especially for the recovering companies as well as preventing future non-performing loans (NPL) for the creditors. SMEs Promotion Act (2000): Thai government encourages support for this new legislation by creating a Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) designed to introduce fresh investment opportunities. The Minister for Finance emphasizes the significant role that MAI would play in supporting and strengthening SMEs in Thailand. 2.2. Trade agreement The role of trade agreement is to encourage, assist, and advocate the export sector and to ensure that domestic business would have equal access to compete in foreign markets. In addition, the trade agreement can enforce antidumping and countervailing duty laws providing remedies for unfair trade practices. Moreover, the trade agreement can promote cooperation among member countries in order to avoid fierce competition (e.g. Asian Summit Conference, G7 Conference) World Trade Organization (WTO): Before a country decides to join the WTO, its government must prepare the readiness of the country whether it is law and regulation aspects or its infrastructure. This is to protect the domestic market and businesses from being exploited by foreign firms. Thailand vs. China on WTO issue: Thailand officially entered into the WTO in 1995 when its laws and regulations on globalization issues were not fully developed. As a result, Thailand inevitably had to endure the consequence of globalization. Compared to China, who does not fashionably join the WTO as the other neighboring countries did, China waited and now is able to  negotiate other privileges on bilateral agreement with foreign investors. 3. Future direction determination: 3.1. To provide information and guidelines for firms to follow. To be competitive in international level, the government must provide information for the public in order to assist the business sector to establish suitable strategic and decision plans for their businesses accordingly. DEP (Department of Export Promotion) to assist in matching local manufacturers with overseas buyers or vice-versa by providing quick and cost-effective access to local products through substantial information and oversea organizational facilities. BOI (Board of Investment) to assist investors by providing support services in order to reduce risk and cost that associate with investments. 3.2. Develop strategy for future economic growth: SMEs (Small-Medium Enterprises): encouraging entrepreneurship through promoting business start-up spreading and stimulating more nationwide microeconomic growth. o Stimulation on more sense of ownership among the population enabling the spread in development. Because in the past, with lesser government intervention, growth and income were concentrated mainly in heavy industry or big business rather than being distributed more evenly among the people. o Satisfaction of local need through the intellectual local-knowledge based transferring into productivity in community level. Microlending being implemented in the Philippines and Thailand to help poor people gain access to credit so that they can finance or start up their own businesses. As a result, there would be a decrease in poverty as well as an increase entrepreneurship / small businesses. IT: NECTEC (National Electronics and Computer Technology Center) is Thailands main driven force for IT development. NECTEC established new strategic master plan on Electronic, Computer, Telecommunication and Information (ECTI) Technologies for year 2000-2004.   This is because as the world is dominated by global businesses and industries, information and communication technologies play a tremendous role in the issues for long-term recovery and sustainability Thailand needs to transform itself from the old economy to the New Economy in order to remain competitive. IT will gradually replace the old traditional business transaction by offering real time information, reduction in transaction cost and time, opening the market to many more suppliers and buyers, and no need for physical presence; which consequently more productivity would be generated. 1. Infrastructure: Revamped of telecommunication monopoly by encouraging investments from private sectors. The Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) granted telephone-wiring licenses to TA and TTT and granted wireless phones licenses to AIS and PCT, while the Communication Authority of Thailand (CAT) authorized DTAC to operate in mobile phone industry. The government granted private sectors to take on the telephone-wiring project because of the urgency of the IT infrastructure expansion (from 800,000 users in 1999 to more than 1,000,000 users in 2000) in a sense that the private sectors are able to install the lines faster than the government sector in certain areas. Installation of fiber optic infrastructure throughout Bangkok and Thailand. Increase the telephone availability from 13 lines per 100 populations to 18 lines per 100 populations. Nation wide local call ISP access Possibility of free internet in the future Lowering cost of PC More mobile phone usage with cheaper rate 2. IT Education: Increase the number of schools connected to free internet from  1,500 schools to targeted 5,000 schools. Better focus on the optimization of the computer usage in schools, not just computer availability. Teachers IT training, NECTEC provided pilot courses and teaching materials for Rajabhat Institute, which in turn will teach and prepare the future schoolteachers for the SchoolNet project. 3. Laws and Regulations Electronic Transactions Bills and the Electronic Signature Bills were approved by the cabinet on March 14, 2000. Electronic Transactions Act defines the legal status of electronic records as being equal to paper documents, if they are properly handled. The Act also defines the scope of legal recognition of transmission and reception processes for electric data records, time and place of occurrences of such transmission. Electronic Signature Act defines the electronic equivalence of signature as a proof to identity of the signing party (i.e. authentication) and that the signer approves the content that is being signed. The law is neutral to the choice of technology used for electronic signature. It recognizes the well-established trusted third-party system of Certification Authority (CA) and public-key infrastructure (PKI) based on encryption technology. Intellectual Property Laws: Thai government recognizes that an effective intellectual and industrial property system is vital to the development of new economy especially on the innovations and technology transfer aspects. Thus, to encourage such originalities, the government has established laws and regulations to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when beneficial to people and its nation. When the IP laws are being violated, the offender will be inflicted with fine or imprisonment or both. Currently, there are three major IP laws in Thailand: Trademark Act (2nd revision in 2000) Patent Act (3rd revision in 1999)  Copyright Act (amended in 1994) Other drafts in the pipeline are the Computer Crime Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and the Data Protection Act. 4. Electronic Commerce The Electronic Commerce Resource Center was set up by the cabinet resolution in December 1998 as a unit within NECTEC where drafting of the Electronic Commerce Policy Framework is being planned. E-commerce infrastructure project has been carried out by NECTECs sister organization Internet Thailand Company, which started a neutral yet highly diverse portal site called THAI-DOT-COM (http://www.thai.com) with free commerce hosting provision to all business partners (merchants, banks, and application service providers). 5. Software Park Software Park is the first and unique infrastructure Thailand ever built for this new software industry. Local software developers in Thailand can enjoy professional support for international marketing. It also provides a one-stop meeting point for potential customers both locally and from abroad as well as providing high-speed networking. In addition, world-leading companies like Intel, Informix, IBM, etc. have invested in RD infrastructure for local software companies to use at very low cost. 6. BOI incentive on IT related industry Electronic Industry: This is to promote specific industry in order to respond to the development in the New Economy. Thai government offered tax-based incentives to stimulate such investment, such as Corporate income tax exemption for 8 years, regardless of location. Exemption on import duty on machinery relevant to production process. Additional privileges according to zonefurther tax and duty reduction as well as allowances for infrastructure investment. Singapore o Well-connected IT infrastructure facilities such as the science-park (ranging from biotechnology to robot researches) and information superhighway which enable Singapore to become IT hub for exportable services, for instanceconsulting or engineering advises, in East Asia. o Focusing on RD, the fastest growing activities in Singapore, since Singapore has competitive advantages on superior infrastructure and manpower capabilities to explore this possibility. o Implementation of E-Government Services people saved time through complete government-related transactions (e.g. tax, registration and licensing fees). As a result, this action has saved cost for government on transaction filings, while saving cost and time for the business sector. Malaysia o Due to the aspiration of becoming a fully developed country by 2020, the Malaysian government has developed a path that has been strategically mapped out to ensure that the objectives of 2020 visions are achievable. o With the focus on welcoming the information technology age phenomenon, the government has created the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in which is a world-first, world class place to help companies of the world test the limits of technology and prepare themselves for the future. o Creation of the perfect global multimedia climate. Cyberjaya: a conceptualized model intelligent city with multimedia industries, RD centers, a Multimedia University and operational headquarters for multinational firms wishing to direct their worldwide manufacturing and trading activities using multimedia technology. Putrajaya: a concept of electronic government and administration will be implemented. These two cities are the nucleus of Malaysia strategic vision for the new economy. No one knows whether it would turn out as successful as the Malaysian government has envisioned or not, but at least its government has took a tremendous step by investing into a project that certainly the whole country will realize the impact of new economy and information technology and, hopefully, benefit from it. Transforming Thailand to New Economy needs a very strong foundation and cooperation in every level starting from redesigning infrastructure, IT education, HR development, and IT laws and regulations. These four factors needed to be organized by the government, not only because the whole country needs to be involved in this transforming stage, but the government needs to also provide assurance for the business sector on security issues as well as providing a sense of borderless marketing condition for the company to excel in the global competition. In addition, the government involvement is very crucial; this is to prevent the concentration of IT development in certain sectors or business fields as if would have done by the private sector. And ensuring that the country would explore into the New Economy era together, and that there should be no discrimination in IT development in which, as a result, the country and everyone involved will mutually benefit from this New Economy endeavor.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Impact Of Crime On Jamaicas Economy

Impact Of Crime On Jamaicas Economy An economic problem that Jamaica faces as a country is Crime. Crime may be defined as an intentional act or omission in violation of criminal law. For many decades Jamaica has been plagued with crime and violence. This has been a major concern of the nation and the Government since the mid -1970s. In January of 2012, Jamaicas murder rate was over 20% higher than in the same period of 2011. The Government has made numerous attempts to decrease the rate of crime but these measures have been short term. The Governments ultimate plan was to increase Police mobility and firepower but this has proven futile as Police are understaffed, corrupt, and ineffective and the cost is unsustainable. Jamaicas population is estimated at approximately 2.7 million people. The number of murders and other violence causes Jamaica to have one of the highest crime rates in the world. Police statistics in Jamaica has shown that since the year 1999 Jamaicas crime rate has steadily risen. In 2005, according to International statistics, Jamaica was the Murder capital of the World. There has been tremendous increase in the rate of homicides and shootings, illegal drugs, arms and ammunition, rape and carnal abuse which continues to negatively impact the countrys social and economic growth. Crime can be attributed to several factors namely: weak family structure, poverty, income inequality, unemployment and lack of opportunity. According to Lewis (2010), Jamaica is experiencing a G-culture challenge which is characterized by a hazardous combination of guns, gangs, grand money and girls to which Jamaican men gravitate. Bunting stated, The estimated cost of crime has been 67 to 90 per cent of Jamaicas gross domestic product over the last 40 years (jamaicaobserver.com, Business Reduced crime leads to better economy, Bunting June 17, 2012). The purpose of this research is to investigate the causes and effects of crime and recommend economic concepts that could be employed to correct this problem in Jamaica. A Review of Literature Types of Crime Violent Crime Violent crimes may be defined as offenses that involve the use of force or injury to the body of another person. The seriousness of a violent crime is usually determined by the degree of physical harm caused to the victim (LaMance, 2011). Jamaica has an above average violent crime rate in the world. From the period 1989 to 2009 Jamaica saw a rise in organized crime and a subculture of violence. Since the arrest and extradition of Christopher Dudus Coke in June 2010 there has been a significant decrease in the murder rate and other crimes across the country. Recent crime statistics have shown that Jamaicas crime rate has decreased by 80 percent. However, crime is still an issue as the country continues to be affected by it. Jamaica is plagued with robbery, gang violence, domestic violence, rape and carnal abuse. Rape and carnal abuse is rapidly increasing. Mostly females are the victims. There has been a recent incident in Montego Bay, St. James where five women including three girls below 18 were brutally raped. Police statistics have shown a 100 percent increase in the number of rapes reported in Clarendon, 58 percent increase in St. Catherine, 43 percent in Manchester, 40 percent in Trelawny and 33 percent in other communities across Jamaica. According to statistics for the period January to September 2012, a total of 626 rape cases were reported while for that same period 2011, 595 cases were reports, this depicts a 5 percent increase. REPORTED CHILD ABUSE CASES JAN JUN 2012 Sexual abuse 1402 Physical abuse 1201 Trafficking 2 Of the sexual abuse cases mentioned above 92.9 per cent of the victims were girls. The above data is from the Office of the Childrens Registry (OCR). Types of Crime Nonviolent Crime Non-violent crimes may be defined as crimes that do not involve the use of any force or injury to another person. The seriousness of a non-violent crime is usually measured in terms of economic damage or loss to the victim (LaMance, 2011). Common non-violent crimes affecting Jamaicas economy are: theft, bribery, drug related crimes, corruption and fraud more so the infamous Lottery Scam. The lottery scam is smearing the countrys reputation internationally. It deters foreign investors Lottery scam inflows may be Jamaicas third largest foreign exchange earner. Income from defrauding persons overseas only follows remittances and tourism earnings, if estimates of US$300 million a year are true. The fraudulent activity was listed among the highest threats to Jamaica in the national security policy published by the Cabinet for public comment last Friday. Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/The-high-cost-of-crime_12370259#ixzz2DS3ouLjm Nonviolent crimes have a greater impact on the countrys international reputation. Crime Factors Weak Family Structures In Jamaica there is a vast amount of children with absent fathers. Growing up without a father or male figure as a role model is very difficult for children, especially boys. There are too many neglected, unloved and uncared for children especially in the inner cities, many of which can be seen wandering on the streets and left to the mercy of perpetrators. Mothers are left to raise their children by themselves, the fathers are never around. Often times these mothers are teenage girls or under twenty five (25) years of age who lack experience and need guidance themselves. Boyne stated, A recent study of Caribbean youth found that only 9 per cent grew up with a father, and when step-fathers were factored in, the percentage grew to only 13 per cent. So a large percentage of Jamaican youth are growing up without their fathers. This has grave economic and social consequences for society, Boyne, I. (2005, November 20). Closing Jamaicas crime factories. Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved November 01, 2012, from http:www.jamaica-gleaner.com. In Jamaica society, fatherless children are at a disadvantage as they face more struggles to achieve success in their lives both personally and academically. They lack the sense of the most basic social norms and behaviours. These children become the raw materials of crime in Jamaica as they usually form gangs and engage in criminal acts due to lack of proper guidance and stability. Children from broken homes are far more likely to commit crimes than those from stable families. Many research studies support the theory that weak family structure correlates with delinquency. The family is the foundation of human society. Crime Factors Poverty There is a direct link between poverty and crime as they usually go hand in hand. Crime exists everywhere in Jamaica and among all people. However, where there are high poverty levels the rate of crime is significantly high. Poverty causes hunger, when impoverished people are hungry they engage in acts of stealing or robbery to acquire what they need as they lack legitimate means to attain them. The lack of independence which comes with economic hardship makes the poor more likely to commit crime (Harriot, 2001). Young people especially in the inner cities are more likely to get involved in drug dealing and gangs as they feel there is no other way out of their impoverished state. Jamaicas poverty level is unacceptably high. According to CIA World Fact book, 16.5% of the countrys population is living below the poverty line (2010 est.); this would be equivalent to approximately 462,000 people who are unable to meet their basic needs. In addition, the IMF report states that 1.1 million Jamaicans are living in poverty and earning less than US$2.50 per day. A combination of Poverty and crime equals: people benefiting from criminally generated income. People in poverty are more likely to get arrested. Crime Factors Income Inequality Income inequality makes it difficult for the poor to survive and on a wider scale it lowers the economic growth of Jamaica. When income inequalities are high, crime is equally high as it is a major determinant of crime. When the poor feel inferior to the rich it causes serious social tensions to increase hence decreasing the opportunity cost of crime. Consequently, as the income distribution gets more unequal, the gap between the benefits and costs of crime widens and thus the incentive for crime becomes higher (Becker, 1968). Three major ecological theories that fit to the conception that inequality increases crime rates are: Beckers economic theory of crime, Mertons strain theory and Shaw MacKays social disorganization theory. According to Beckers framework, areas of high inequality, i.e. those areas where very poor and very rich coexist; the rational criminals motivation is stimulated by the inequality. Mertons theory argues that when faced with the relative success of others around them, unsuccessful individuals feel frustration at their situation. The greater the inequality is, the greater the inducement for low status individuals to commit crime. The motivation to commit crime is not solely drawn from the expected economic benefits, but from social disgruntlement and dissatisfaction (Kelly, 2000). Crime Factors Unemployment Lack of Opportunity Jamaica faces great challenges with high rate of unemployment and underemployment. Unemployment creates an environment where parents cannot provide a good education, a comfortable home and healthy meals for their children. These children become economically and socially lacking. On a broader scale this also increases the countrys illiteracy rate due to high percentage of uneducated children. More than likely they will become criminals as they see no other option for future fulfilment. Youth going to work or school tends to reduce the probability of being involved in criminal activities (Tauchen and Witte, 1994). When people are unemployed they tend to be more hostile, angry and jealous this creates social dismantling and crime. It can be concluded that unemployment and crime are closely related. According to CIA World Factbook, Jamaicas unemployment rate was 12.7% in 2011 and 12.4% in 2010. This reflects an increase by .3%. In comparison to other countries Jamaica is presently ranked at sixty nine (69) with an unemployment rate of 12.7%. The unemployment rate in Jamaica is approximately 14.3% with youth unemployment significantly high (World Bank, 2012). Lack of Opportunity Job opportunities in Jamaica are limited. Too many persons have spent enormous amount of money to send themselves to Colleges and Universities and are unemployed or underemployed due to the lack of job opportunities. There are too many children graduating from High School without a skill or qualification. They end up at a dead zone because the society lacks the appropriate training facilities. Cost of crime on the Jamaican economy Crime has a negative impact on Jamaicas economic growth. The cost of crime is very high and the effects are both monetary and non monetary. At present, Jamaicas debt is estimated at 139.7% of GDP (World Bank, 2012) which is equivalent to a current debt stock of J$1.7 trillion (Global Competitiveness Report, 2011-2012). Crime affects: economy, tourism, cost of doing business and foreign investment. The non monetary effects of crime are: trauma, emotional and social break down, suffering and death. A study of the effects of crime carried out in Jamaican neighborhoods found out that resident of inner-city neighborhoods suffer from what is called area stigma. Based on where they live, these persons are stereotyped to be associated with criminals this makes it difficult for them to find employment. The study also made emphasis on the intangible effects of violence on a person socially, indicating that violence destroys social relationships increasing levels of tension. Due to the high rate of crime and violence in inner-city areas of Jamaica, residents are afraid to leave their homes and socialize less often with friends and family who live elsewhere (Moser and Holland 1997). Economy Crime slows the growth of the economy and decreases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. According to CIA World Factbook, since the year 2008 Jamaica has not seen any marginal growth; 2008 showed a decrease by -0.6%, -3.1% in 2009, -1.4% in 2010 and 1.5% increase in 2011. Jamaica, in comparison to other countries is ranked at one hundred and seventy (170) out of countries with a GDP rate of 1.5%. A report by the World Bank (2008) indicated that a reduction in Jamaicas crime rate would increase the GDP growth by 5.4% yearly. Based on a study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2012) confirmed that Jamaica has the highest number of youths convicted of crime in the Caribbean. Every year Jamaica spends more than US$529 million to fight youth crime, which includes public and private cost. The report also states that crime in Jamaica by youth is costing the country approximately 3.21 % of GDP. According to the World Bank, crime costs the medical sector approximately US$29.5 million per year. Tourism Most of Jamaicas revenue comes from tourism which accounts for 10% of the countrys GDP. High crime rates negatively impacts the arrival of tourists in Jamaica. As a result, tourists are reluctant to visit Jamaica and therefore choose other destinations as they are concerned about their safety. This dampens the sectors economic growth which inevitably affects Jamaica on a macroeconomic level. In 2004, the tourism minister of Jamaica said that, the countrys unprecedented crime rate was threatening to hamper the tourism industry by scaring away visitors and hurting investment (Associated Press, 2004). A study by Dunn argued that, of popular perceptions of those working in the tourism industry found that crime and violence were perceived as the main problem afflicting the tourism industry (Dunn and Dunn, 2002). In another theory, tourists that visit Jamaica are unwilling to leave the confinements of their Hotels as they fear being harassed, robbed, or even kidnapped. This impacts the tourist experience, Jamaicas paradise image and hurt local businesses (especially craft vendors). Harriot (2000) argued that: Crime control has become a central development issue and an important public policy concern in most Caribbean territories. These tourism dependent economies have become more vulnerable to violent crime, yet more crimogenic. In the case of Jamaica (which is perhaps the most problematic), the high rates of violent crime and insecurity among all segments of the population are matched by declining public confidence in the criminal justice system and growing cynicism among its functionaries. Cost of doing business in Jamaica According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013, Jamaicas competitive rating was ranked at 141 out of 144 countries which measures 12 criteria, and Jamaica performed the worst in the category of macroeconomic performance and business cost of crime and violence. High crime rate results in: An increase in security costs because of the need to acquire more security personnel and systems. Loss of business due to theft and extortion, etc. Discouraging investors from investing or developing a business. Reduction in productivity and thus revenue due to early business closure or shortened hours of operation in crime prone areas. Reduction in output from the labour force due to injury or worst death of a worker. Permanent closure or relocation of a business to an area that is less prone to crime. Loss of Foreign Investment Investment is a major contributing factor to GDP because it aids in increasing production in an economy. Crime discourages investors both local and foreign. A decline in the level of investment decreases the GDP of the country and thus its economic growth. Jamaicas crime level has dampened investors confidence in investing in the country. According to the National Security Policy for Jamaica published by the Government of Jamaica, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is affected as a result of the increased cost of security, insurance, capital, and recurrent costs in addition to other costs that may be specific to each business. Recommendation In an effort to fight and possibly correct Jamaicas crime problem, the following recommendations are proposed: It commended the Jamaican Government for the programmes implemented to provide inner-city community infrastructure and services for the poor, including measures to promote short-term conflict mitigation and resolution, as well as medium-term social prevention and capacity enhancement interventions. The Government should build legitimate institutions that can provide a sustained level of citizen security, justice and jobs.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Complaints Against the Northwestern University Students :: Northwestern University Students

Rowdy Drunken College Students I read an article about Northwestern University students in Evanston, Illinois, and the community’s complaints against them. The article, written by Bob Seidenberg, discusses the need for city council to call a meeting to address the problems of rowdy drunken college students disturbing the peace and quiet of the evenings, by wandering around and through Evanston homes late at night. The underling issue is, is this Northwestern’s problem, or simply a lack of respect from youths today? The drunken rowdy college students have always, and will always be around. However, the Evanston community has progressively seen the situation get worse. The college students are beginning to buy houses next door to families with young children, which, potentially causes a problem. While there are no laws forbidding NU students living off campus, people in these areas are becoming upset with the result of the students living in next door. When you have students whose primary focus, beginning on a Thursday night, is to become completely â€Å"plastered†; living next door to the middle school child trying to sleep, problems arise. The parents of these children are sick of the students behavior, and are voicing their complaints. Jane Evans was quoted saying, â€Å"These students are supposed to be the cream of the crop, but we would assert, and many of our neighbors would agree, that these students feel grossly entitled to run wild in our streets without any respect for the community in which they live.† (pg. 18) This quote is more than true. I have spent many nights at my friend’s house, and the next morning there will be empty beer cups all over the yard, and most of the night we were kept up by yelling and laughing college students running up and down the streets; she lives in the thick of the college student off campus housing. The only problem is, whose fault is it? Northwestern University has on campus housing; however, the University is completely engulfed within the community. Living off campus is one of the benefits of going to NU, because the community and environment around the campus is extremely college oriented. When you have an environment that is so conducive to the typical college student, obviously they are going to treat the surrounding territory as their territory. So then the issue really becomes, whose fault is it? Who is to blame for the noise complaints and the rude, rowdy behavior?

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Duchess of Malfi - Character Summary :: English Literature

The Duchess of Malfi - Character Summary "The birds that live i' th' field On the wild benefit of nature, live Happier than we; for they may choose their mates, And carol their sweet pleasures to the spring." The Duchess of Malfi (3.5.18-21) The Duchess of Malfi: Character Summary A widow, the duchess rules her duchy alone. Lonely and in love, she secretly marries her steward Antonio. This is done in a hand-fast marriage witnessed by Cariola, the Duchess' hand-maiden. By choosing to marry Antonio in secret, the Duchess neglects her duty to her people. When she begins getting pregnant and giving birth, her people denounce her as a strumpet. They then lose their respect for their leader. The pilgrims in Act 4 (when the Duchess and her family are in Loreto at the religous shrine) are the only disinterested parties in the play. They are also the only disinterested commoners. back to top. "That's the greatest torture souls feel in hell, In hell: that they must live, and cannot die." The Duchess of Malfi (4.1.70-71) Women as Rulers Women rulers and the circumstances they deal with are very much unlike men rulers and their situations. The women must worry about society's propensities, their own feelings, and the welfare of their people. It is much more difficult to be a woman in power than to be a man in power. The choices women rulers make cannot be only for themselves, and one wrong decision can spell disaster. Interested in women's courtly power and influence? "A count! He's a mere stick of sugar-candy, You may look quite through him. When I choose A husband, I will marry for your honor." The Duchess of Malfi (3.1.43-45) The Real-life Duchess of Malfi: Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth I ruled over England alone. She never married, choosing to claim instead that she was married to her country. By doing this, Elizabeth retained her authority and she was not forgotten behind the name of a man. In spite of this, though, or perhaps because of it, she endeared herself to her people. The Duchess, choosing love, chooses her downfall. The Queen Elizabeth, choosing duty (her throne), chooses the path to immortality. "I am acquainted with sad misery, As the tanned galley-slave is with his oar. Necessity makes me suffer constantly, And custom makes it easy." The Duchess of Malfi (4.2.27-30) The Duchess and Ferdinand Incest, as a motive, was used extensively in various Elizabethan /Jacobean plays including Hamlet, A King & No King, and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore. Incest is merely implied in The Duchess of Malfi because the queer nature of the play does not allow it to become an absolute.