Management and Leadership Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Management and Leadership Development - Essay Example In accordance with the traditional concepts of a leader, he/she is the one with a forceful attitude, who allocates clear agenda and expects his subordinates or followers to carry out and follow his/her commands without imposing any questions. However, in the fast changing commercial environment of the present day, with economic uncertainty ascertaining additional pressure, a single style of leadership does not efficiently match in every situation. Leaders of the present situation should be very much willing to adapt themselves to the various complex situations and simultaneously modify their various techniques and strategies. The truly charismatic leaders use their exquisite personality to charm over their followers and captivate the listeners. This particular form of ability to be able to inspire a strong feeling of attraction is liable to both positive and negative effects. Charismatic leaders are essentially good narrators and draw upon shared imagery to create a feeling of common purpose among its followers. The current American president, Barrack Obama, thoroughly demonstrated this particular phenomenon during his election campaign. Amongst all, one American citizen pointed out that the president’s most efficient talent was his natural ability to communicate difficult ideas comprehensively to his followers, rather than using the much popular yet complicated political words like other ministers practices vividly (The changing face of leadership, n.d., p. 22). Mabey and Lees (2007) in their research proposed that, management development is a potent and high profile human resource activity, involving some of the organizations key players and attracting high investment both in terms of corporate budgets and expectations. For this reason alone, management development requires sustained scrutiny. In the bureaucratized organization, the managers had responsibility for well defined roles such as planning, budgeting, controlling, staffing, and problem solvin g. In the present condition, very few organizations fit to this description of predictability. The decreasing numbers employed in workplaces, and the decline in the number covered by system of consultation and negotiation, have shifted the manager’s power base from positional to personal (Mabey, Lees, 2007, pp.3-4). According to Cornish, transitions and modification in leaderships are fundamental moments in the life span of an organization, and paying adequate attention to them benefits the business organization. However, inspite of having more than sufficient evidence in support to their creation, almost less than 30 percent of the freshly hired employees are devoid of any kind of integration plan. For the women executives who are freshly appointed, the upcoming challenge is much greater. For example in the USA, where 46 percent of the working people are of feminine gender, mere 3 to 5 percent have made it to the upper level of the management in an organization in their corp orate life. Even in this modern world, women are still vulnerable to different organizational barriers towards advancement, which includes, very few role models to whom they can look up to, excluding women from important and essential networks, gender stereotypes and the unavoidable problem of dual role of a woman, i.e. in her corporate life and family life. But this dismal situation can be averted by assigning sponsors to fast track women,

Thoughts on THX 1138 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Thoughts on THX 1138 - Research Paper Example The film depicts a dystopian future; workers are mandatory to take drugs to suppress their emotions and sexual desires in the way of their jobs. The plot of the move focuses on the worker THX 1138, a magnum manipulator who works in an operating cell 94107 with hundreds of other people. The plot of the film depicts that THX 1138 did not deliberately choose this job, and he was assigned the job. THX 1138 stops taking the drug and is suddenly influx with the emotion that leads him to a sexual encounter to with his roommate ‘Luh’. When THX is found involved in an emotional and illegal moment of passion, THX is imprisoned by the political dissident ‘Sen’ (Donald Pleasance) before he tries to escape. It is difficult to describe the amazing and fascinating experience in the film as it is focused on the visual and aural details. George Lucas describes the film (THX 1138) as an experience of sight and sound. The underground city of the film portrays everything in the film with the white, stark, bleak and nothing. All characters in the underground city are almost identical dressed up with white clothing, shaved head bald and identified with prefix followed by a number. Life in the film is controlled and monitored by computers and video cameras. In addition, the film portrays dark rooms as surveillance rooms that are darkened in order to view walls and the monitoring system of the city. The environment in the film is overlaid with the blueish-white glow and the mixture of stark white environment of the video monitors and the numeric computer records. On the contrary, the film depicts unimaginative sights, intense silence, echoes, hiss and the distorted radio sounds of people talking about the control of the workers and surveillance in the drones and clatters of machine. Also, the film illustrates intense controlling and monitoring of the surveillance over the populous by an unknown controller. It ends with a devastating and terrifying effect. Ind ividuality The film THX 1138 demonstrates the absolute loss of individuality and humanity. Internal forces without any leaders drive the entire society in the film (Telotte). Every activity in the film is carried out under intense observation and heavy surveillance; no one makes decision whereas no one else is charged. The robot police in the film enforces laws; laws are being argued by the lawyers, but the decisions made are computed (Telotte). According to Mike O’Neal, THX 1138 demonstrates a society where the society is not lead by any leaders. On the other hand, people are incapable to make independent actions. The film exhibits a society where law requires perfect compliance. Everyone in the society is subjected to perform with perfection (Douglas). Therefore, every worker is kept under heavy sedation by persuading these workers with the use of severe mind-altering drugs (Douglas). None of the workers can question the use of drugs; if any of them question their place the y are indoctrinate with the belief in Ohm (the God) that condemns individuality of the person and states that people are created for the masses (Telotte). The use of the elements allows every person in the society to perform their tasks mindlessly and efficiency (Douglas). Demonstrating that the society is no longer driven

Happiness And Thought Disorder Philosophy Essay

Happiness And Thought Disorder Philosophy Essay Everyone in life should be happy and the thought of happiness being a disorder should not be a thought someone have in there mind. In A proposal to classify happiness as a psychiatric disorder, Richard Bental argues that happiness is a major affective disorder. Although Richard Bental includes many arguments, I will focus on his argument that happy people have been shown to exhibit biases judgments that prevent them from being realistic and unrealistic opinions, and that happy people are not psychiatrically disordered. I will explain my opinion on happiness give reason in why happiness should not be called a disorder. I will argue that Richard P. Bental makes an argument that he believe must be true, but doesnt seem to be and the argument seems to be unsound. Realistically, people in life will not think of there state of happiness being a disorder that need attention, Therefore Happiness should not be considered a major disorder with bad side affects. First I argue that happiness is not a cause for therapeutics concern. Statistically not many people have made a doctor visit for being happy all the time. I make more sense for people to go to therapy for stress and miserable about things. Without signs of happiness and smile you can not attract many relationships and friends in life. Good Form Test: The argument seems to be deductive. Without a doubt the author sticks to his thought of happiness being a disorder. I argue that it is not likely for to attend therapy concerning problems with being happy. Although the author seems to have researched the topic, it is not proven that the disorder and side affects of happiness are anyway a bad side affect that affects that person life. In life when people seem to be happy and live a great life, it has almost always given them better chances of living than unhappy people. True premises test: I believe the Author thought of happy people needing therapy if controversial and false. The author goes on and explains research and why people should go to therapy but statistically I do not believe many happy people will seek therapy. Many people seek therapy when there seems to be greater problems that a doctor will have concern about. I believe the author would accept my argument after looking over statistic and talking to a therapist to view that average of how many people visit for problems on happiness. S2: Happiness is known for having low stress and good work performance, therefore it does not seem to be the type of stress the Bental explains. I will argue that a better term called Generalized Happiness Disorder is a better explanation than Bental view on disorder.(Sabah,Karima)GHD is now as a large part of the population and the effects are low stress, productive work, and positive social relationships. I believe more people can relate to this view point of happiness being a disorder versus Bentals. Bental believes that happiness is a disturbance of the nervous system and is very rare in some parts of the world. I believe that everyone finds ways to be happy in there own way, and at some point of time everyone will find ways in life to be happy. Good Form Test: The argument seems to be deductive. There is an article that explain happiness and a disorder with nothing but positive outcome which is opposite as the authors explanation. The author gives examples of what other people thinks of happiness which is more of a positive case. Bental still believes that happiness can cause abnormalities and bad nervous system. I this is invalid. True Premises Test: Again I believe the author is controversial and his premises for the argument seem false. Based on the Generalized Happiness Disorder happiness is a good state on being and the effect are not related to Bentals S3: People being happy in life does not require them having to take medication therefore, happiness should not be considered a disease that disturbs the body. When people smile it is a sign of happiness and smiling takes less muscles in your body than frowning. It is statistically proven the depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2010. After reading over percentages like this it is not likely that a person wants to compare there happiness to a disorder or disease. Good Form Test: This argument seems to be deductive. The author seems to make and invalid point but believe you cannot deny his conclusion. When happiness enters the body it is a healthy change for the body and its not harmful. Unless a person is abnormal he/she does not need medication for a happy condition. True Premises Test: I believe the authors argument is controversial and false. Based on the facts about depression more people are known to take medication and have complication in life fro m sadness and depression. I believe my arguments are also Deductive and pass the true Premises test. Many people in life would disagree in going to therapy for reason of happiness and, many people would agree with the Generalized Happiness Disorders rather that Bentals viewpoint Overall the state of being happy is more acceptable to people as a Generalized Happiness Disorder rather that psychiatric disease that needs therapeutic attention. Happiness may cause changes to you body but will always make better changes that sadness. Happiness is not a disorder that need attention, but its a disorder that people should look at in a good way. The GHD is the best was to explain happiness as a disorder. You should ignore that concept feeling the need for therapy and help in a happy state of being.

The I&M Canal :: American America History

The I&M Canal "Didn't expect no town" -Early Chicago Settler Mark Beaubien The I&M Canal is universally considered the driving force behind the huge surge of growth that turned the tiny hamlet on the banks of Lake Michigan named Chicago, in to a huge metropolis and bustling center of trade. Ever since Joliet first crossed the portage between the Chicago river and the Des Plaines river in 1673, explorers, investors, politicians, and farmers alike all agreed that constructing a canal across the continental divide that separated the two largest water systems in the United States would not only create a continuous waterway between New York and New Orleans but more importantly, place Chicago on perhaps the most valuable piece of real estate in North America and in the position to become an international player almost overnight. The plans to build the Illinois & Michigan canal began in the newly christened Illinois legislature in 1818. It was driven forward by groundbreaking on work to construct the Erie Canal in New York. Once the Erie Canal was complete only a canal between the Des Plaines and Chicago rivers would be necessary to complete the chain of waterways connecting New York to New Orleans. In 1822, Congress ceded to Illinois a large portion of land on which to not only build the canal, but to sell to raise funds for its construction. The land contained the portage between the two rivers and about 100 miles of land to the south and west of it. It had just recently been coercively and dishonestly purchased from the local Blackhawk Indians in a treaty that ended the Blackhawk War. As soon as the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, eastern investors quickly realized Chicago's huge potential. The land around what would one day be the canal soon became heavily coveted by land speculators. They envisioned a huge city rising around this soon-to-be hub of international trade. Pieces of land offered by the state were bought dirt cheap and sold for many times their original value as investors braced for what they hoped would be a huge windfall after the canal was completed. Many men made fortunes that would last them a lifetime in a matter of months by buying land from the state and then reselling it months and sometimes weeks or days later for up too 5000% profit. After years of planning, ground was broke for the first time on the Illinois & Michigan canal in 1836.

Business and Consumer Protection in Islam

Modern business is a very complex reality. Many factors influence and determine the business activity. Among other organizational factors managerial, scientific technological and socio-cultural-political, the business complexity of social activities, business with the complexities of modern society. For social events, business in many ways intertwined with the complexities of modern society. All the factors that make up the complexities of modern business has been frequently studied and analyzed through a scientific approach, especially in economics and management theory (K.  Bertens: 2000). In the myth of modern business business people are required to be professional people in his field. They have the skills and business skills beyond the average person, he should be able to show that performance is above average business performance amateur. What's interesting is not only about the performance aspects of the business, managerial, and technical organizations alone but also about the ethical aspects. Performance becomes prasarat business success also involves a moral commitment, moral integrity, discipline, loyalty, unity of moral vision, service, attitude give priority to quality, respect for rights and interests of relevant parties concerned (stakeholders), which over time will develop into a business ethics in a company. Conduct an honest Prophet transparent and generous in doing business practice is the key to success in managing the business Khodijah ra, is a concrete example of the morals and ethics in business. (Http://uika-bogor. ac. d/doc/public/etika% 20bisnis% 20islam. pdf) If we trace the history, the religion of Islam seems a favorable view of trade and economic activity. Prophet Muhammad was a merchant, and the religion of Islam spread primarily through the Muslim traders. In the Qur'an there is a warning against the misuse of wealth, but not prohibited from seeking wealth by lawful means (QS: 2; 275) â€Å"Allah has made trade and prohibits usury. † Islam puts trading activity in a very strategic position in the center of human activity seek sustenance and livelihood. This can be seen in the words of the Prophet Muhammad: â€Å"Pay attention by all your trade, real commercial world it is nine out of ten the door of sustenance. † Dawam Rahardjo precisely suspect Weber thesis on ethics of Protestantism, which cites business activities as a human responsibility to God quoting from Islamic teachings. The following business activities that are prohibited in sharia: 1. Avoiding business transaction that is forbidden in Islam. A Muslim must be committed to interact with things that are made lawful by Allah SWT. A Muslim businessman should not be doing business in the things forbidden by sharia. And a Muslim businessman claimed to always do the good business and society. Business, food is not halal or kosher not contain ingredients, liquor, drugs, prostitution or all of which relate to the world of sparkling like night clubs discotic cafe where mixing of men and women accompanied by a stomping songs, treats and drinks and the food is not kosher Other (QS: Al-A'raf; 32. QS: Al Maidah; 100) is a business activity that is forbidden. 2. Avoiding how to obtain and use property is not kosher. The practice of usury is miserable to be avoided, Islam prohibits usury with severe threats (QS: Al-Baqara, 275-279), while speculative transactions are very closely related to the business that is not transparent such as gambling, fraud, violated the trust so it will most likely harm. Hoarding of money to turn off the function to be enjoyed by others and the narrow space of business and economic activity is a disgraceful act and being rewarded to the most severe (Sura: At-Tauba: 34-35). Redundant and a waste of money for purposes that are not useful and dissipate all the excesses. All properties are prohibited because it is a trait that is not wise in the use of property and contrary to the commandment of God (Surah: Al A'raf; 31). 3. Unfair competition is denounced by God as mentioned in the Quran surat Al-Baqarah: 188: â€Å"Do not you eat some of the treasure of you in a falsehood. † Monopoly also includes unfair competition Prophet denounced the act was: â€Å"Whoever is doing then he is guilty of monopoly†, â€Å"A wholesaler was given sustenance by God as for someone who did that accursed monopoly. Monopoly done to gain market control by preventing the other players to compete in various ways, often in ways that are not laudable goal is to memahalkan price for these entrepreneurs have a huge advantage. Prophet said: â€Å"Someone who intentionally do something to memahalkan price, Allah will promise to the throne made from the Fire later in the day of Judgement. † 4. Forgery and fraud, Islam strictly prohibits falsifying and decepti ve because it can cause harm, injustice, and can lead to hostility and strife. Allah says in Surah: Al-Isra: 35: â€Å"And full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a right balance. † The Prophet said: â€Å"If you sell it you shall not deceive people with sweet words. † In the modern business at least we see in ways not commendable by some businessmen in its product offering, which is forbidden in Islam. In essence, the consumer contains a very broad sense, as expressed President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, â€Å"Consumers by definition include us all† (By definition, all of us including the consumer). (Shidarta, 2000: 2). Consumer Protection Act No. 8, 1999 Chapter I, article 1, number 2, the consumer defines as, â€Å"Every person users of goods or services that are available in the community, both for the interests of self, family, others, as well as other creatures and not for trading†. (Government of the Republic of Indonesia, 1999: 5) Consumers in the economic laws of Islam are not limited to those SAJ war, but also includes a legal entity (al-syakhshiyyat al-ma'nawawiyyah), such as endowments or foundations of certain companies and institutions. Islamic economic laws there is no difference between the end user with a medium user. Muslim jurists did not distinguish between goods kondumsi property, goods production, and intermediary goods, as contained in the general economics. This brings the influences on consumer definitions that must be protected in Islam because in Islam, including consumer goods all users, whether the goods were used directly, so exhausted, used as a tool for intermediaries to further prosuksi justice belongs to everyone, whether he is domiciled as individuals, groups or the public. Advances in technology and the development of economy and perdangangan volume demanding extra supervision of the risks that might arise from the use of certain products. Poor environmental conditions caused by business actors in general, should also get serious attention because every living being is a consumer of the environment. Muhammad, 2004: 180) In Islam there are five things that must be kept kemaslahatannya become key objective of sharia (al-necessities al-repertoire), the religion (al-din), reason (al-‘aql), descent (an-NASL), and property ( al-mal), while some Islamic jurists there is also adding to the al-‘ardh (honor), but according to honor the author is already covered in the custody of al nafs (soul). When associated with the risk caused by defective products or irresponsibility of a product, the main objectives of the fifth yag more focused on guarding the soul, mind and wealth. Muhammad, 2004: 181) However, if the risk of such usage caused by â€Å"negligence† of producers, then this should be linked also with the theory of liability contained in this kejahatab jinayah in Islamic Jurisprudence. In theory the responsibility of Islamic Jurisprudence crime, crimes and violations that occur on human rights can not be invalidated by reason of mistake, not intentional acts. Therefore, the perpetrators of these acts must bear the loss of property or life with fines that have been determined shari'ah.

Living Religions Essay

Learning about other religions has caused me to question my own religiosity. It reminds me of when I was a lot younger, when I would make an appraisal of myself based on my observations of other people. I used to gauge myself by what I saw in others. Today, reading about Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions has affected me the same way. To be frank, I was caught rather off guard by their experiences. It’s ironic that we need to read about other religions and how their followers practice their faith, in order for us to stop awhile and take a closer look at how we practice our own religion. The knowledge about other religious practices prompted me to compare them with the practices of my own religion. One of the five pillars of Islam, for instance, the daily prayers, which requires Muslims to make time to pray five times a day wherever they are, (Fisher. 2005. Islam) has made me realize how seldom I pray in a day. I was brought up by my parents to pray every night before going to bed, and that’s it. Now I wonder if I’m not doing enough praying, or whether my own religion is merely less demanding. Another is the hajj, a pilgrimage to their holy sanctuary, the Ka’bah, which was supposed to have been built by Abraham with the help of his son, Ishmael. (Fisher. 2005. Islam) I bet that going to such a pilgrimage even once in one’s lifetime costs a lot of money – but the fact that Muslims are doing all they can to save for it speaks a lot about their piousness. In the case of Judaism, reading about the holocaust which killed around six million Jews during World War II simply overwhelmed me. (Fisher. 2005. Judaism) I can’t seem to get over the fact that a simple church membership got that many people killed. And yet the Jews remained steadfast in their faith. Confronted with such naked cruelty, I could not help asking myself the inevitable question: What would have I done if my parents were killed in that holocaust? Would I have remained a Jew in spite of it? Faith, I know, would still matter in the end. The foregoing observations about other religions have not diminished my faith in my own. If at all, it strengthened me. I have come to realize that faith in God conquers all. References Fisher, M. P. (2006). Islam. Living Religions, Sixth Edition (pp. 362-416). Prentice-Hall. Fisher, M. P. (2006). Judaism. Living Religions, Sixth Edition (pp. 226-283). Prentice-Hall.

The Aramex Company Service Quality

The Aramex Company Service Quality Customer Satisfaction and Expectations Aramex Company is an international service provider whose service provisions are characterised by the pursuit of quality as an overall organizational goal. Therefore, an analysis of its services affords an understanding of the service quality, expectations of customers, and the quality gap quality gap model. The company is one of the case studies that are successful in service provision. However, the need to analyse and identify quality gaps based on the gaps model is vital in its pursuit of business goals.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Aramex Company Service Quality specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Based on the Aramex Company case study, the management and sales executives handle customer complaints promptly once they are raised. They have good listening abilities and communicate effectively (Lovelock, 99). Sales agents make after sales follow-ups and continuously inform the customer on new changes in the product, creating customer value. Promises made by the company executives and sales agents are always true, thus inculcating a sense of customer satisfaction, confidence and always strive to provide customers with alternative services that targeted at meeting their needs and expectations. Customer satisfaction is a key component in their business operations. One such incident that illustrates the approach to the integration of the quality component in its services is discussed hereafter. A customer enquired at the sales and marketing department with one of the representatives, the Aramex Company representatives aggregated their efforts to attend to the customer complaint about the customer’s bag that had been misplaced. Shortly after, the customer was kept waiting for a few minutes before a satisfactory response was given to the customer. Every effort was made to track the bag that was eventually handed over to the customer, to the customer ’s satisfaction. Departmental employees exerted a synergistic pursuit in search of the lost item, to the satisfaction of the customer, and meeting customer expectations (Lovelock, 23). Lovelock argues that justice, and fairplay are fundamental elements to consider in service provision activities, with compensation plans integrated into the system in the event of failure to deliver products according to customer needs and expectations (24). Therefore, distributive justice formed an important asset in the administration of justice (Lovelock, 50). Performance enhancement plans are laid down by the company’s management which outline standards and expectations from employees in service provision, focused at customer satisfaction and expectations. The company incorporates employee education on the need for quality service provisions while closely monitoring their productivity in the service industry. Effective Communications across departments, vertically, and horizontally i s another aspect that drives the organization to its success (Lovelock, 40).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Highly trained and skilled personnel are assigned duties that require skilled manpower. These include employees like Mohammed who are well skilled in the provision of services. Customers remain a key asset in any business organization. It’s through customizers that an organization generates profits and sustains itself. Therefore, the company enhances its service deliveries by integrating customer friendly service deliveries such as talking with customers and providing incentives. In addition to that, the company provides factual information on what they offer and how they offer what they have. These inspire customer confidence and maintain customer loyalty. Lovelock notes that the company executives are well trained on appropriate marketing, manageme nt, and leadership skills (100). Based on the Gaps model, a close study and analysis of the case study indicates that Aramex Company has not integrated good communication plans between the internal market planning and service production in the context of external service production. Services provision remains a fundamental component of a service provider. Source: Journal of Service Marketing The model indicates the existence of a gap between customer expectations and perceived services. According to the case study, all the departments ought to identify the gaps that exist between them and close them in relation to the customer and the consumer. A good communication link should exist between the customer driven service designs and standards and company perceptions and consumer expectations (Burnett, 19).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Aramex Company Service Quality specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More If the compa ny integrates these elements in the provision of services as outlined in both models, there will be a turnaround in service provision that could be of good quality leading to customer satisfaction and retention. These could in turn lead the company to improve its image leading to high profit generation and a sustainable business. The service quality model reflective of the Aramex Company is characterised by reliability, assurance, reliability, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness. Service delivery should be reliable to avoid a scenario of a customer making after sales requests for a service that should have been provided at the point of sale. In addition, customers should be assured of product and service delivery to inspire confidence in them, tangibles should be appropriately delivered by the sales representatives at the appropriate time, empathy should be the cornerstone in the business transactions of the organization, and responsiveness should be firmly integrated in day to d ay business transactions of the Company. Burnett, John J. Journal of Service Marketing. What Services Marketers Need to  Know about the Mobility- disabled consumer. Mcpup Ltd 10 (1996). Lovelock, Christopher. H. Services marketing. 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1991.

Free Essays on Why People Are Homeless

The Construction of the Statue of Liberty The construction of the Statue of Liberty began in France in 1875 by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. He was commissioned to design a sculpture that would be completed by 1876. It was not finished until June of 1885.The Statue was a joint effort between America and France. The American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible to build the Statue. It was to be assembled in the United States. (Pickin, 208) Lack of funds became a problem for both America and France. The French used public fees and various forms of entertainment. Gounod, the famous composer, wrote a song to the statue which he presented at the Paris Opera. In the spring of 1878 a lottery was organized to help with the funds. There was a law in France that permitted lotteries for charitable and artistic causes. The Statue of Liberty qualified under both of these. It was soon discovered that the statue would cost much more than they first thought. The final cost of approximately $250,000 was completely contributed by the French people. The French government did not have to aid in the construction of the statue. In America, the proposal to construct the statue reached the United States even before the Franco-American Union issued its appeal for funds in 1875.A committee was appointed in September 1876 to secure funds for the pedestal. The committee was appointed by the famous Union League Club in New York. John Jay served as the chairman. A similar committee was established in Philadelphia. The United States held theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights to assist in providing the needed funds. The fund raising was going very slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer who is noted for the Pulitzer Prize, used his newspaper, â€Å"The World† to help the fund raising effort. Pulitzer publicly criticized the rich for failing to finance the pedestal construction and he criticized the middle class ... Free Essays on Why People Are Homeless Free Essays on Why People Are Homeless The Construction of the Statue of Liberty The construction of the Statue of Liberty began in France in 1875 by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. He was commissioned to design a sculpture that would be completed by 1876. It was not finished until June of 1885.The Statue was a joint effort between America and France. The American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible to build the Statue. It was to be assembled in the United States. (Pickin, 208) Lack of funds became a problem for both America and France. The French used public fees and various forms of entertainment. Gounod, the famous composer, wrote a song to the statue which he presented at the Paris Opera. In the spring of 1878 a lottery was organized to help with the funds. There was a law in France that permitted lotteries for charitable and artistic causes. The Statue of Liberty qualified under both of these. It was soon discovered that the statue would cost much more than they first thought. The final cost of approximately $250,000 was completely contributed by the French people. The French government did not have to aid in the construction of the statue. In America, the proposal to construct the statue reached the United States even before the Franco-American Union issued its appeal for funds in 1875.A committee was appointed in September 1876 to secure funds for the pedestal. The committee was appointed by the famous Union League Club in New York. John Jay served as the chairman. A similar committee was established in Philadelphia. The United States held theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights to assist in providing the needed funds. The fund raising was going very slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer who is noted for the Pulitzer Prize, used his newspaper, â€Å"The World† to help the fund raising effort. Pulitzer publicly criticized the rich for failing to finance the pedestal construction and he criticized the middle class ...

Ang Tundo Man May Langit Din

Beyond what feels good, back to what is good In a relationship doing foolishness is all part of the game that everyone plays. I have known many teenagers at my age even younger than me thinks that having a relationship or so called boyfriend/girlfriend makes them proud for themselves. Not knowing you violated God’s order because of your thinking, your values and you desire to others. Even we grew up in a Christian way may still not be enough to be good as what God wants you to be. You still need a lot of learnings but it is important to start changes to your lifestyle and attitude toward others. We should forget old way of living. We should not live for ourselves, we should live for God and for the good of others. You should treat a person what is in his or her best interest. To care for others when there’s nothing to expect in return. To show love to a person with purity and holiness because it pleases God and it is important that our love for others be shaped by God’s love for us . Do not love a person as you wanted instead of what God’s wanted. You will find true peace and joy if you change your attitude towards the goodness and you will find that God has something better in store for you. Asking for forgiveness is the best thing you can do because God is so forgiving. As what God’s amazing love for us at the cross, our sins have been forgiven. Remember these†¦ At the end of out lives, we would not answer to everyone†¦ We’ll answer to GOD. Chapter 2: The Joy of Intimacy is the Reward of Commitment Joshua Harris stated that the fundamental problem with relationships today is that we’ve disconnected romance and Commitment. It’s true that sometimes we’re starting what we can’t finish, we’re pursuing romance while not ready for commitment. Some people specially teenagers are dating because they want to enjoy the company of others. But in most cases they want to experience the emotional and physical benefits of intimacy without the responsibility of real commitment. We wished for the pleasure of love without obligations, without sacrifice, without vows. Yes, I know it happened most of the time because we give importance for the satisfaction that we will get, the happiness we will feel. The Bible teaches about true love – Instead of being selfless, you become selfish; instead of being patient, you become impatient instead of looking out for the good of the person, it’s focused on the needs of the moment. As they say in the Golden Rule in romance – it’s deciding to do what‘s best for others by never asking for intimacy that you’re not able to match with commitment. Do not go in a relationship if you are not sure that you are ready to face everything and give your full commitment not only to him/her but especially to God. Everything has a proper time†¦ in God’s time. But for now while you are not ready to have an intimate relationship seriously you can build a commitment thru friendship as brothers and sisters in Christ. They say that the best relationships are between two people who care more about each others good than their own pleasure. Remember these†¦ You have to be careful on what you wish for sometimes it comes with a price and at the end of the day you are still hungry for something real, something true. True joy is found in God’s brand of love – love founded on faithfulness, love rooted in Commitment. Chapter 3: Recognizing Dating’s Negative Tendencies Good intentions sometimes aren’t enough to build a friendship specially by means of dating. Dating has the tendency to move a guy or girl beyond friendship and toward romance too quickly because you’re both out of control. Dating is not necessarily wrong – it’s our own wrong attitudes and values. Many dating relationships mistake physical attraction and sexual intimacy for true love. God demands purity and holiness for everyone. What happened to our life today, we’ll carry the memories of our past and have a big part to our future. God doesn’t want us to live in guilt and regret in life. Yes, we cannot live in the future but there’s a lot of things you need you need to do for tomorrows responsibilities. God gives us the abilities and skills to do better but sometimes instead of serving God, instead of educating themselves to be a better person and to equip themselves to succeed in life, many allow themselves to be consumed by the present need that dating emphasizes. God gives us singleness to give a chance and opportunities for growth, learning and service instead of finding and keeping boyfriends and girlfriends. Dating encourages people of wrong use of freedom. But we don’t find the real beauty of life in getting romance with as many as different people as we want. We find the real beauty in using our freedom to serve God with all our heart. Remember these†¦ Just because both people like each other doesn’t mean hearts have joined. And just because both person has intimate relationship doesn’t mean two people are right for each other. A physical relationship doesn’t equal the true meaning of love. Set your values and start to live life doing the right thing.

Current health issues in relation to the Australian Health Care System Essay

Current health issues in relation to the Australian Health Care System - Essay Example Health Issue Statistics e.g. Incidence According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 6% of Australian adults experience depression on a regular basis. Among employed Australians, 3.6% Australians experience depression on a regular basis. The financial cost of depression, which is estimated to be more than 50 billion dollars annually in Australia, includes the direct treatment costs as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity. Depression also exacts financial as well as emotional costs within the family of the affected individuals. While Australian adults of different age groups have reported suffering from depression at one time or another, it would appear to be most prevalent among women in their 20s, men in their late 30s, and in elderly Australians of both genders (Haywood, Garrat, and Fitzpatrick, 2005). Many Australians do not feel that their negative feelings may actually be characteristic of depression. This makes them quite reluctant to seek for medical trea tment until they are almost driven to attempt suicide by the negative feelings. Population type affected e.g. gender, age, group etc According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009), one in six Australian adults will experience serious depression on an annual basis. The high risk groups include teenagers, young adults, and the elderly people. While women are more likely to report feeling depressed and seek a relief for the negative feelings, Australian men are more likely to seek for more permanent ways, such as suicide, of dealing with depressing feelings. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009), depression among Australian men is linked to other illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Australian men are more likely to leave episodes of depression unreported than Australian women. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009), Australian men who are 65 years of age and above have the highest suicide rate in the nation, accounting for 29 suicides per 100,000 cases. A new Women's Health Australia research study has also provided evidence that Australian women between the ages of 28 and 33 tend to experience depression even more than their mothers, or even grandmothers, did. According to this study, one in five of these women goes regularly to doctors so as to get prescriptions for anti-depressants (Haywood, Garrat, and Fitzpatrick, 2005). Identify a range of factors which may affect the health of this client group including risk factors. Give consideration to any specific health and social circumstances of this client group. It is difficult to determine the exact factors that cause people to be depressed because there are so many factors that can trigger an episode of depression. In an Australian society, there are multiple factors that affect indigenous groups such as the Aboriginal community and result in an almost community-wide state of depression which afflicts the young as well as the old (Hunter, 2007). The Aborigines have to deal with racism, poverty, and feelings of detachment that are caused by the fact that their traditional values are for the most part irrelevant in the modern world (Hunter, 2007). This has spurred generational drug and alcohol abuse among the Aborigines which further exacerbates the incidence of depression among the community’s citizens. Among other Australians, there are factors such life traumas

Globalization, Education, and Cultural Identity Assignment

Globalization, Education, and Cultural Identity - Assignment Example As the essay declares in recent decades, the push towards globalization had been unrelenting. Seen mainly as a means by which countries could improve its competitiveness in the global market for goods and services, nations of the world embarked on an all-out race to adopt the international (read: Western) manner of speaking, dressing, and acquiring a taste for music on the MTV, products sold on eBay, or movie stars on HBO. Children are especially vulnerable, because their minds are much like a blank book for anyone to write in, so unguarded are they in discerning right from wrong. It is therefore a valid concern for policy makers to determine whether educational stress on globalization benefits a country economically at the expense of its unique cultural heritage. Answering this would provide direction for institutionalized education on how to deal with unfolding developments in this area. As the paper discusses Christoph Wulf, professor of general and comparative educational sciences in Freie University in Germany, outlined some crucial points in the transmission and learning of intangible heritage. Focusing, for example, on the cultural element of rituals and practices, Wulf is of the view that what makes rituals and other practices socially and culturally effective is the performative character of the body. Rituals are valuable social functions. They help to organize the transition from one social status to another, at socially and existentially central moments such as marriage, birth and death.

Population growth in Mexico Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Population growth in Mexico - Essay Example Mexico is primarily a middle-income nation and its economy is predominately linked with the economy of the United States of America. The country has shown rigorous improvement in its economic performance in the recent years. Furthermore the country is rich in mineral resources and other natural resources (The World Bank, 2013). Population Growth Rate of Mexico Mexico is one of the densely populated countries in the world. The population of the country has shown an increasing trend in the past years. From 1930 to 2000 the percentage population rise of the country was around 3.75%. However, since 1970 the population growth rate of the country is falling constantly. The fall in the population growth rate has been widely attributed to the declining fertility within the country. .. Figure: 1 below will provide a clear representation of the s (Tuiran, Partida, Mojarro & Zuniga, n.d.). Figure 1: Population Growth Pattern of Mexico (Tuiran, Partida, Mojarro & Zuniga, n.d.) Various survey res ults showed that the population of Mexico had been tripled since the year 1960’s. However, the population growth rate of the country in the recent years i.e. in between 2000 to 2012 is comparatively low to previous decade. The population growth rate in between 2000 is 1.4% which is quite lower in comparison to last two decades. The population augmentation rate of the last 10 years of Mexico is given below in figure 2 (Trading Economics, n.d.). Figure 2: Population Growth Rate (Trading Economics, n.d.) Despite the fall in the population growth rate, constant increase in population can be seen. The population of the country was around 101.02 million which has increased to 116.9 million in the current year (2013). This shows that the population of Mexico is continued to rise considerably over the years. The rise in the population of the country is illustrated below in the figure: 3. Figure 3: Comparative Population Growth of the Last Ten Years (Trading Economics, 2013) It is kno wn that rise or fall in growth of population is directly dependent on various factors which comprise of death rate, birth rate, fertility rate, and infant mortality and migration patterns among others. In general decrease in death rate and increase in birth rate is among the primary reason for the rapid growth of population in various countries of the world. Apart from rise in population is also quite related to migration patterns. Now-a-days, people travel from one place to another in search of their livelihood and gets settle to other country resulting in rise in population of that country. Similarly, fertility and infant mortality rate has high impacts on the rise and the fall of population of a country (Dettman, 2007). It has been analysed that the death rate of Mexico in the recent years has dropped considerably. Correspondingly, the death rate in the country was around 5.05 per thousand of the population in the year 2000 while in 2012 the rate seen a marginal decline with 4.9 per thousand of the population. This has been illustrated below in figure 4. Figure 4: Death Rate (Index Mundi, n.d.) Similarly, the birth rate of the country also shows a declining rate over the years. It has been observed that the birth rate of the country in the year 2000 was approximately 23.1 per thousand populations which have fallen to 18.8 per thousand populations in the year 2012. It can be observed that both the death rate as well as the birth rate shows decline from the past years. Figure 5: Birth Rate (Index Mundi, n.d.) Apart from these factors, it has also been learnt that infant mortality rate in Mexico is declining up to a larger extent. In 2000, the infant mortality rate of Mexico was recorded as 26.1 per thousand live births which fall to 16.7

Disability And Chronic Illness In Nursing Essay

Disability And Chronic Illness In Nursing - Essay Example (A Beautiful Mind: 21-3-2005). Taking Melissa's case, lets discuss the various aspects of chronic illnesses. Chronic pain is not very responsive to narcotics and analgesics; it is more restrictive to different therapies of pain. Only a few patients can define an injury or pain as the cause of the illness, which is much lesser than the psychological feelings of depression and trauma, which such patients undergo. All these side effects may be the main cause for the chronic pain. (T.J. Murray, Chronic Pain Study). Chronic pain is an important social and medical problem for many reasons. It is very distressing to patients, as it affects their life and even their employment, and not very responsive to treatment. Chronic pain is associated with large financial, as in the case of Melissa, who did not get any sort of compensation or insurance for her treatment. In spite of its regularity and large costs, it becomes very difficult to understand and manage a patient, and ultimately becomes a cause of stress and confusion to everyone concerned with the patient. Chronic pain becomes the main cause of irritation for everyone - the patient, his or her family and friends, the employers, the insurance and payment agencies, and their physicians. As the patients don't respond to treatment, the physicians try to find a cause for the illness. Annually around billion dolla... percent of all pain patients go on to become chronic, the chronic pain patients come up to around more than half of the total cost of compensation for the pain, and stand for an rising group of very distraught and suffering people. (T.J. Murray, Chronic Pain Study). It is very difficult to understand and assess people with chronic illness, and difficult to fairly take care and compensate such people. The patient can only experience the pain in such chronic illnesses, it is difficult for anybody to assess the pain, an outsider can only experience it, as the patient says the pain is there. Chronic pain is defined as constant pain for more than 6 months when normal healing should have been expected. Some of the steps, which can be taken to ensure better care for chronic patients, are Recognition of the emotional, physical, behavioral and psychological factors involved in patients with chronic pain. Educating physicians, nurses and other health care professional of the nature and management of patients with chronic pain. Adopting a proper rehabilitation program for chronic pain like, better care for trauma and pain, recognizing the characteristics and behavior of pain, stressing the need for improved activity and physical movement, even in the case of pain, accepting the aim to return to work early. (T.J. Murray, Chronic Pain Study). Apart from the illness, people like Melissa have to face the social stigma, associated to such disabilities. Scholars of the disability policy describe four different models of disability: A right model of disability which considers disability as the outcome of a sin, a medical model of disability which considers disability as a fault or sickness, which can be cured by medicines, a rehabilitation model, an outcome of the medical model,

My Synthetic Journey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Synthetic Journey - Essay Example I say again "The streets are always wet, my ashes can hardly fly and make a nuisance of my dark overcoat". But it is a matter of no importance, I decided then and there. The wet floor becomes puddles at places, and I try to skip them by and nibble at the only question that nags my mind "Am I really regular" I try to dally with the answer for bedtime soporific musings. Then I think, If I must go home now, there will be so much to do with the rest of the day. For instance, I will have to avoid being alone amidst the whole of the neighborhood, praying before dinner, holding hands across fences or already making love in their kitchen. In the street, I only need to fear the rain and the sky that is chequered with the fate of the stars. It is never regular and yet always the forgotten limit. The street is now a little darker; every window looks warm and lost in velvety warmth that has withstood the daylights assault. There! that's my home, my house, and my shelter. I will have the darkness to stir from the porch to the bed till I leave a wake of flooded ennui. I am lost within my own rhythm of chores. A sensitized journey along the streets to the unique shelter that I call my home is undergone and homeostasis is reached for the day until the day begins again and I start from the same point. I was supposed to know you by name, but I shall call you 'My synthetic journey'.

Population growth in Mexico Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Population growth in Mexico - Essay Example Mexico is primarily a middle-income nation and its economy is predominately linked with the economy of the United States of America. The country has shown rigorous improvement in its economic performance in the recent years. Furthermore the country is rich in mineral resources and other natural resources (The World Bank, 2013). Population Growth Rate of Mexico Mexico is one of the densely populated countries in the world. The population of the country has shown an increasing trend in the past years. From 1930 to 2000 the percentage population rise of the country was around 3.75%. However, since 1970 the population growth rate of the country is falling constantly. The fall in the population growth rate has been widely attributed to the declining fertility within the country. .. Figure: 1 below will provide a clear representation of the s (Tuiran, Partida, Mojarro & Zuniga, n.d.). Figure 1: Population Growth Pattern of Mexico (Tuiran, Partida, Mojarro & Zuniga, n.d.) Various survey res ults showed that the population of Mexico had been tripled since the year 1960’s. However, the population growth rate of the country in the recent years i.e. in between 2000 to 2012 is comparatively low to previous decade. The population growth rate in between 2000 is 1.4% which is quite lower in comparison to last two decades. The population augmentation rate of the last 10 years of Mexico is given below in figure 2 (Trading Economics, n.d.). Figure 2: Population Growth Rate (Trading Economics, n.d.) Despite the fall in the population growth rate, constant increase in population can be seen. The population of the country was around 101.02 million which has increased to 116.9 million in the current year (2013). This shows that the population of Mexico is continued to rise considerably over the years. The rise in the population of the country is illustrated below in the figure: 3. Figure 3: Comparative Population Growth of the Last Ten Years (Trading Economics, 2013) It is kno wn that rise or fall in growth of population is directly dependent on various factors which comprise of death rate, birth rate, fertility rate, and infant mortality and migration patterns among others. In general decrease in death rate and increase in birth rate is among the primary reason for the rapid growth of population in various countries of the world. Apart from rise in population is also quite related to migration patterns. Now-a-days, people travel from one place to another in search of their livelihood and gets settle to other country resulting in rise in population of that country. Similarly, fertility and infant mortality rate has high impacts on the rise and the fall of population of a country (Dettman, 2007). It has been analysed that the death rate of Mexico in the recent years has dropped considerably. Correspondingly, the death rate in the country was around 5.05 per thousand of the population in the year 2000 while in 2012 the rate seen a marginal decline with 4.9 per thousand of the population. This has been illustrated below in figure 4. Figure 4: Death Rate (Index Mundi, n.d.) Similarly, the birth rate of the country also shows a declining rate over the years. It has been observed that the birth rate of the country in the year 2000 was approximately 23.1 per thousand populations which have fallen to 18.8 per thousand populations in the year 2012. It can be observed that both the death rate as well as the birth rate shows decline from the past years. Figure 5: Birth Rate (Index Mundi, n.d.) Apart from these factors, it has also been learnt that infant mortality rate in Mexico is declining up to a larger extent. In 2000, the infant mortality rate of Mexico was recorded as 26.1 per thousand live births which fall to 16.7

My Synthetic Journey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Synthetic Journey - Essay Example I say again "The streets are always wet, my ashes can hardly fly and make a nuisance of my dark overcoat". But it is a matter of no importance, I decided then and there. The wet floor becomes puddles at places, and I try to skip them by and nibble at the only question that nags my mind "Am I really regular" I try to dally with the answer for bedtime soporific musings. Then I think, If I must go home now, there will be so much to do with the rest of the day. For instance, I will have to avoid being alone amidst the whole of the neighborhood, praying before dinner, holding hands across fences or already making love in their kitchen. In the street, I only need to fear the rain and the sky that is chequered with the fate of the stars. It is never regular and yet always the forgotten limit. The street is now a little darker; every window looks warm and lost in velvety warmth that has withstood the daylights assault. There! that's my home, my house, and my shelter. I will have the darkness to stir from the porch to the bed till I leave a wake of flooded ennui. I am lost within my own rhythm of chores. A sensitized journey along the streets to the unique shelter that I call my home is undergone and homeostasis is reached for the day until the day begins again and I start from the same point. I was supposed to know you by name, but I shall call you 'My synthetic journey'.

Cultural Identity Interview and Analysis Essay Example for Free

Cultural Identity Interview and Analysis Essay An interview with a member of the Mexican American community was conducted on December 1st, 2007. This research will provide a summary of that interview; particularly, it will include a description of the rules, norms, traditions, and values of Mexican American culture. The research will also discuss: a) how the assumptions regarding cultural norms affect the interviewee’s behavior in his daily life; b) any disadvantages related to his culture being outside â€Å"the norm† and how he reacts to that; c) any advantages related to being assimilated to the â€Å"normative† culture and how he reacts; d) his sources of strength or support; e) an analysis of the four dimension theory and how it relates to the interviewee’s life. Finally, the research will provide some insight on how one can effectively communicate with people of other cultures. In fact, communication with various members that belong to other ethnic groups (i. e. Arab Americans, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, etc) may be difficult some at times because of the cultural difference that exists between the groups. Jose Luis Aguilar was born in Tijuana, Mexico on January 7th, 1972. Mexican is the ethnic group he belongs. He lived in Mexico for 29 years. In 2001, he immigrated in Los Angeles, California. Job opportunities, presence of family members, and the presence of a massive Mexican community were the factors that brought him to immigrate into the United States. Mexican Americans are the largest Hispanic or Latino ethnic group in the United States. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 20 million Hispanic or Latinos of the 35 million in the United States are Mexican Americans (U. S. Census, 2000). Mr. Aguilar’s native language is Spanish. However, during the past years spent in California, he was able to learn basic English, although it remains a second language as the majority of the Mexican American who live in the United States. Richard Schaefer stated â€Å"as of 2002, about 23 percent of Mexican Americans are English dominant, 26 percent are bilingual, and 51 percent are Spanish dominant† (Schaefer, 2006, p. 241). Mr. Aguilar’s religion is Catholic. Indeed, Mexican Americans represent â€Å"the largest number of Catholic immigrants to the United States comes from Mexico; Mexico also sends the largest number of Protestant immigrants to the United States† (Murray, 2006). Mr. Aguilar is married. He has a 1 year-old son. Aguilar’s family has a patriarchal organization as the same as other many Mexican American families have. According to Kathleen Niska, Mexican Americans Families â€Å"continuity was characterized by mothers doing tasks inside the house, fathers doing tasks outside the house, and both parents performing toddler and early childhood tasks† (Niska, 2001). One of the Mexican traditions that Mr. Aguilar mentioned during the interview was â€Å"quinceanera†. This ritual is celebrated in church when women reach the age of 15 to thank God that they arrived to this stage of their lives. Similar to a wedding day celebration, the celebration of a girls fifteenth birthday is a major event in most Hispanic girls’ lives as it means that she begins her journey to adulthood (Mattel, 2001). They are ready to get married. The ritual of quinceanera is viewed not only as a gesture to strengthen faith and family but also as a means to prevent teen pregnancies. A quinceanera also allows for sending a message of sexual responsibility (NC Times, 2008). Mr. Aguilar is an independent contractor mainly for real estate management companies. He provides general maintenance services at $10 an hour. So far, he had limited choices regarding the jobs (e. g. janitorial, landscaping, and maintenance) he could do since he moved into United States. Lack of education and his pending status with INS (he has not received his green card yet, work permit only) were the obstacles that did not allow him to obtain better paid jobs. According to David Spener, â€Å"Mexican immigrant workers play an important economic role inside the United States as well. They constitute a significant portion (8 percent) of the total U. S. manufacturing work force† (Spener, 2000). Mexican Americans are usually have been seen by American companies as â€Å"cheap labor†. Mr. Aguilar shared that members of his culture had been affected by any form of racism, prejudice or discrimination. In particular, he pointed out the bilingualism issue and the tension that the proposition 227 created among his community. Proposition 227 went into effect in 1998 and required that all public school instruction had to be in English. A) How do assumptions about cultural â€Å"norms† impact your interviewee’s behavior on a day-to-day basis? Mr. Aguilar pointed out how one particular assumption regarding Mexican Americans culture affects his life on a day-to-day basis. He mentioned that one of his cousins was a gang member; he was killed months ago. A popular assumption is that Mexican American gang membership is generational which means the membership from a father to a son or from a family member to another one. Therefore, based on this assumption, people believe that he is a gang member. So, Mr. Aguilar’s behavior is direct to prevent anything that may mislead people in this sense, e. g. wearing red or blue, or specific clothing, or having tattoos. B) Does your interviewee recognize any challenges or disadvantages related to her/his culture being outside the â€Å"norm†? How does he/she respond to those challenges? Similar to several other fellow Mexican Americans, Mr. Aguilar is able to communicate in his native language without learning English properly. In fact, Spanish language is commonly spoken in the city of Los Angeles. Almost every place (grocery stores, restaurants, public offices, and so forth) has signs and directions in Spanish language. This massive promotion of Mr. Aguilar’s native language in the United States encouraged by Mass Media represents a disadvantage. Radio and television have also been factors that allowed Mexican Americans, as Mr. Aguilar, to maintain their original cultural values. In fact, in 2004, there were over 678 Spanish language radio stations compared to 1982, when there were 12 Spanish language television stations in the United States. This number more than doubled within 10 years. Several artists (e. g. Jennifer Lopez or Shakira) helped to promote their cultures by singing in their traditional languages (Jandt, 2007). Mr. Aguilar has responded to this challenge by enrolling himself in an adult school in order to improve his English. However, as of today, he is still struggling to write, read and speak English fluently. C) Does your interviewee recognize any privileges or advantages associated with assimilating to the â€Å"normative† culture? How does he/she react to that recognition? Mr. Aguilar recognized that being assimilated to the â€Å"normative† culture has some advantages. In particular, he stated that a positive aspect is that immigrants learn the language of the â€Å"normative† culture; they are able to avoid any form of isolation and segregation. Furthermore, these immigrants likely will not face any prejudice from the dominant society as he experienced during his stay in the United States. During the interview Mr. Aguilar recalled a few family acquaintances with 3rd generation sons and daughters who had an adaptation in the American culture different compared to their parents. In fact, they were able to go to school, learn the language, get a college education, and obtain a good job. They became a part of the American culture. In fact, they celebrate the 4th of July and the Thanksgiving, which are truly American holidays. They also had to learn about professional sports other than Mexican soccer. He now is also watching baseball, basketball, and American football games. D) What does that person cite as being sources of strength or support? Mr. Aguilar cited church and family as his sources of strength or support. As many others fellow Mexicans Americans, Mr. Aguilar gives exceptional importance to religion and family on a day-to-day basis; he is very active in his community especially with humanitarian initiative promoted by his catholic church. Mr. Aguilar is very family orientated. He tries to spend as much time as possible with his family; it may be common to see him doing business with his families around. E) An analysis of the four dimension theory and how it relates to the interviewee’s life A theory from the course that was well related to Mr. Aguilar’s interview is the â€Å"four dimensions of culture† by Geert Hofstede. Particularly, Aguilar’s interview confirmed that in the Mexican culture masculinity is predominant, mostly due its history. Mexican families were mainly patriarchal therefore men were in charge of the family; they were working to provide money and food while women were at home taking care of the children. Mexican culture is based more on collectivism due mainly to the fact that more people with financial difficulties seek to one another for help or gather together (e. g. two or three families living in the same apartment). Power distance is embodied in the Mexican culture. Mexico is a developing country with significant financial problems. The difference between people (e. g. poor and rich people) is well marked. Finally, the fourth dimension, uncertainty avoidance, is correlated to religion and history of the cultures (Jandt, 2007). Roman Catholic Christian cultures and cultures with Romance languages (e. g. Mexico) tend to score high. In conclusion, communication with various members that belong to other ethnic groups may be difficult at times because of the cultural difference that exists between the groups. However, inclusive language can be an effective way to communicate with such members. Mr. Aguilar and the interviewer are from different culture backgrounds. There were times during the interview where inclusive language was used to avoid miscommunication. Choosing the right words when communicating with members who have different backgrounds may help to prevent miscommunication that may end up stereotyping them on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, or other factors. Furthermore, conducting research and gathering information on members with different backgrounds may help not only to overcome language issues but also can assist people in becoming more culturally sensitive. References Jandt, F. E. (2007). An introduction to intercultural communication (5th ed. ). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Mattel Inc. (2001, May). Happy fifteenth quinceanera barbie ®! mattels girls division launches first hispanic-tradition theme barbie ® doll. Retrieved on January 11, 2008 from http://www. shareholder. com/mattel/news/20010515-43065.cfm Murray, B. (2006, January). Latino Religion in the U. S. : Demographic Shifts and Trends. Retrieved on August 19, 2007 from http://www. facsnet. org/issues/faith/espinosa. php Niska, K. (2001). Mexican American Family Survival, Continuity, and Growth: The Parental Perspective. Retrieved on August 19, 2007 from http://nsq. sagepub. com/cgi/content/abstract/14/4/322 NC Times. com (2008, January). For Latino Catholics, Quinceanera ritual provides lessons on faith, family - and sex. Retrieved on January 11, 2008 from http://www. nctimes. com/articles/2008/01/05/faith/17_56_271_3_08. txt Schaefer, R. T. (2006). Racial and Ethnic Groups. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Spener D. (2000). Mexican labor at the center of North American economic integration. Retrieved on August 19, 2007 from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_qa3688/is_200007/ai_n8892489 U. S. Census Bureau (2000). Profile of General Demographic Characteristics:2000. Retrieved on August 19, 2007 from http://factfinder. census. gov/servlet/QTTable? _bm=y- geo_id=01000US-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_DP1-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U.

Micro Credit In Mauritius Social Work Essay

Micro Credit In Mauritius Social Work Essay Abstract In this study, the impact of micro-credit as a poverty alleviation strategy in Mauritius is analyzed. A close link is made between microcredit and empowerment of women through different chapters and how it helps to empower Mauritian women. Women are empowered when they are able to take decisions, have their own roles and responsibilities, are independent, educated and are ready to face discriminations which exists due to deep norms and values of society. Income is the main concept of this study because data collected have proved that microcredit helped to increase income generated through these women business. This study has raised many questions because it is observed that microcredit tend to empower economically but very less in social terms. Findings have showed that women situation have changed but not that far compared to other countries where microcredit is very popular. Still, microcredit has encouraged women be follow trainings and develop their skills, and promoted participa tion in activities of society mainly economic activities. On the other side microcredit is also a vicious circle of debts for women who face difficulties to repay their loans which shows how microcredit create impoverishment of women which very is far from reducing poverty. CHAPTER 1.0: INTRODUCTION Poverty is usually defined as the lack of opportunities, lack of education and skills, and also in terms of standard of living. Poverty in Mauritius is not similar like other countries, whether someone lives in urban or rural areas is not valid to categorize him as poor. Poor people in Mauritius (mainly women) are often denied access to resources, to opportunities, education and training for development of skills. This is often the main reason why these people cannot cope with changes occurring in our Mauritians society, in terms of social and economical transitions (IFAD). There is a real concern to alleviate poverty a ministry of social security and social welfare has even been set up to tackle this problem. It is clear cut that poverty is not just an economic problem but also a social problem affecting life of Mauritians. The government work closely with NGOs and other institution, a National action plan has even been set up to promote economic growth. This includes improving educational system, providing financial support for investment ad micro-enterprises and micro-finance institutions (IFAD 2011). 1.2 Micro credit in Mauritius Microcredit started in July 2001; it was a project by the IFAD to promote Mauritian women through microenterprises. The aim of this project was to provide financial facilities and support to needy women and promote income-generating activities. Micro-credit is known as the key tool to poverty alleviation (Grameen bank). Micro-credit scheme in Mauritius has brought progress and attracted women there are more than 3,500 women registered as entrepreneurs (Nwec 2010). They are even given financial facilities like Microcredit loans for their business. The Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM) and cooperative bank provides with loans at lower interest rates Trade fairs are organized to these women to expose their product and even Awards ceremony are organized every year to reward the best women entrepreneurs. The ministry of Gender Equality and child welfare set up micro credit programmes to target women in poverty. Together with other institution like NGOs and banks, which provide further contributions to assist needy women. In Mauritius, the National Women Entrepreneur Council is responsible for women entrepreneurs, providing trainings in their incubators found at Phoenix. Empowerment of women is very important for economic growth, that is why an empowerment programme has been set up in 2006 and the National empowerment Foundation (NEF) in 2008 to ensure the good purpose of the empowerment programme (NEF 2009). There are very few reports that 1.3 Problem statement It is a fact that micro-credit is very important to fight poverty and many studies have shown its positive impact in terms of standard of living, income, education, and health. However despite these strategies, poverty still remains (Mosley 2002). The main question is that has it really empowered women? By empowerment we mean women being emancipated, taking and participating in decision making access to employment and trainings. But statistics show a different result because women in the active economy represent only 43.7 % compared to men 75.5%, only 35.5 % of women in Mauritius work (CSO 2011). Microcredit was supposed to help in creating job opportunities for women, Statistics show that there is a population of 645 875 women, and the number of female-headed household in Mauritius and this wage gap which exist between men and women make them less economically active compared to men. Only 30% of women work in government services in Mauritius, it has been observed that 61% of women are unemployed and the rest that is 33% receive an income of Rs 4,000 compared to the 8% of men. Women income is around Rs 8,350 compared to men Rs 12,560, we are very far from reaching gender equality. How far has microcredit helped in poverty alleviation, are these strategies enough to combat poverty, how did it change or not image that society set on women and their role, responsibilities and economic activities are the questions this study will try to answer. Aim of study To assess the impact of micro-credit programme in poverty alleviation among women in Mauritius. Objectives of the study To evaluate the benefits of microcredit as poverty alleviation tool in Mauritius. To determine how microcredit promoted socio-economic development in Mauritius. To describe how micro-credit alleviate poverty through income-generated activities. To analyze how women empowerment through micro-credit helps to alleviate poverty in Mauritius. 1.4 Layout of study This study is organized as follows: Chapter 2 give deep explanations about main concepts used in this study and how they are linked. Another part of this chapter describes studies conducted on the impact of micro-credit on women and how it helps to alleviate poverty in other countries and how different authors view it, its effect on these countries and also problems they faced. Chapter 3 describes methods used to collect data for this study and why it is appropriate. Different parts of this chapter define the problems faced during data collection, how data will be analyzed and ethical considerations to be respected for this study. Chapter 4 provides an in-depth explanation of all findings during data collection and is followed by the discussion part where findings will be linked with other authors explanations from chapter 2.Chapter 5 is the conclusion, a summary of this study followed by recommendation which might help to bring better improvements to this field or encourage other research. CHAPTER 2.0: LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter provides an in depth analysis of concepts used in this study and how different authors assessed microcredit effectiveness on women and poverty, how government and Ngos help to promote women. There are also various studies conducted across the world showing its impact on socio-economic development in many countries in contrast with Mauritius. 2.1 Concept of Poverty Poverty is defined in different terms and it is difficult to have an exact definition of it. The UN (United Nations) defines poverty as a denial of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity (Langmore 2000: 37). It means lack willingness and opportunity to participate effectively in society. UN also relate poverty to lack of income to enable survival, social discriminations that the poor face, and by denial of opportunities, it means that they are denied to participate in decisions in society (UN, 1995: Para. 19). In the Beijing declaration it was mentioned how poverty is characterized: lack of participation in social and cultural life, this occurs in many developing countries forming pockets of poverty: regions where poor lives. A poor is not poor because of lack of participation in civil society but also due to economic problems such as recession which prevent people below the poverty line from having a decent life. Sen. (1981), who is a famous researcher on the subject of poverty, explains poverty as the lack of basic needs essential for survival and fails to participate in social and economic activities. Poverty can be categorized into two that is absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty refers to a situation where an individual is unable to satisfy his basic needs that are food, shelter and clothing and health. Peter Townsend (1979) defines relative poverty as a situation where an individual standard of living is below the level that they are unable to enjoy normal way of life (Reporting poverty in the UK p 15). It is more about standard of living where there is an individual possess a big villa, new brand car, high income whereas another one is at medium level and can at least satisfy his basic needs and stay healthy. 2.2 Women and poverty More than 1.3 billion of people live in poverty in the world and most of them are located in developing countries like Asia and Africa (UNDP 1996). Women are the one who bear all the burden, they have to manage their household which means work and cater for their family at the same time which is not an easy task. A woman is described as a human being of female sex who can be distinguished through her gender roles and responsibilities in society (Wikimedia 2005). 70 % of women are poor and they mostly come from female-headed households (UNIFEM 2010). Poverty among women keep on increasing, that is why it was conceptualized as Feminization of poverty; an increase in female-headed household (Buduwski 2002). There are various reasons which explain why women, one because there are gender based values like gender roles (housewife/nest builder) which prevent women to emancipate, the increase of divorce increases female-headed families (GAP 2008). There are gender-based inequalities which re strict women to have access to resources and opportunities; which failed to empower them. There were more than 22 millions of unemployed women in the world in 2008 and in developing countries like African countries and south Asia women engaged in insecure jobs (UN 2009). Empirical studies conducted in Poland showed that there are more than 90% of women who are engaged in household work and also their paid, which is a real burden for them (Mandal 2008:163).In Mauritius, Women are more likely to face poverty than men; a report of the CSO showed that 8.9% of women compared to 8.1% of men live in relative poverty in 2009. There is a gap in income between male and female employee only Rs 7,100 for female and Rs 12, 330 for male (ESI 2010:11). 2.3 women and Poverty alleviation Poverty alleviation is based on different strategies to reduce poverty at individual, group and community level. These strategies include education facilities to promote socio-economic development and break down barriers leading to disparities in our society (Barder 2009). Greenberg (2005) defines poverty alleviation as set of strategies to reduce the impacts of poverty on vulnerable groups. In 2000, the millennium development goals were set up to reduce poverty (UN 2000). It was followed by a guideline for poverty alleviation to better help organizations over the world to achieve this objective (DAC 2001). To alleviate poverty barriers which restrict access and participation in society have to be removed (UNDP 2011). These barriers include; problem of unemployment, promoting human capital through educational facilities, trainings for development of skills, health facilities, support to family in difficulty through social benefits, promoting access to services through financial support and building up of self help groups to create solidarity and policies to reduce discrimination and inequalities towards the poor (Headey 2006). 2.4 Poverty alleviation among women through empowerment During the Women conference of the United Nations, it has been declared that to have stability in terms of social, economic, politic, culture and environment, achieving gender equality and empowerment is the essential keys (UN 2009). Empowerment refers to creating opportunities so that individual can develop their capacities in terms of skills and knowledge to face social prejudices in society (Waterhouse 2003). It is the 3rd goal of the Millennium Development Goals which aim to reduce poverty till 2015. Empowerment takes place through decision making, building up of self-esteem in women, improving their status in society and at home (Cheston and Khun 2002). Kabeer (2003) focus on empowerment as being able to make own choices and taking decision to achieve goals. A report from Unifem declares that to achieve women empowerment, access to all basic resources is important (Unifem 2008). Women do not only face money problems but also social ones through exclusion education, politics, and the world of work. Empowerment of women is very important to promote their participation in economic activities of society (Eyben 2008). Women are the ones who are most engaged in work and produce more but yet they only 10% of the income (Clinton 2009). Women tend to invest more even at home, a study done in Brazil showed that all household where women were in control improve the chances of survival of their children by 20% (OECD 2010). Why is empowerment important? It is because women are the one who are less educated, denied access to resources, support (financial), education and are mostly vulnerable in society, they are discriminated and exploited both at work and at home (Mayoux 2009). To achieve empowerment there are intervention from both government and Ngos working together to reduce poverty and promote women. In Mauritius, the NEF has been set up to promote empowerment of women through 2.5 Women and microcredit Micro-credit is too wide which makes it difficult to define (Oikocredit 2011). It is generally define as small loans granted to people from poor background to help them improve their income (income generating activities) and way of life (Grameen bank 2011). In the 1800s, Lysander Spooner found out that providing credit facilities to small famers was very successful that where came the new term micro-credit today, poor population have accessed to loans and payment facilities. In 1976, Muhammad Yanus (winner of the Nobel Prize in 2006) created micro-credit facilities in the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. At first it was only meant to assess the facilities which can be provided to the poor but later proved to be a key tool to reduce poverty. This was followed by the United Nations declaring the year 2005 as the international year of Micro-credit with five main goals among which were to promote contribution of micro-credit facilities and enable accessibility to these facilities (UN 2005). Micro-credit has been proved to promote social development and a tool to struggle against poverty in both developed and developing countries (Da Silva et al. 2007). MFI reports showed that 70 % of women are beneficiaries of micro-credit loans, this give an overview of women vulnerability and how they consider micro-credit loans as a way to get out of poverty. One main question is raised: Why women? Evidence have showed that women are the ones who are less paid and work in secondary sectors where they are at risk and do not have benefits compared to men in society (ILO 2008). Women face too many inequalities such as unemployment and discriminations based on gender, it has to be noted that Mauritius gender statistics showed that we are ranked 63rd  out of 146 countries on the Gender Inequality Index of the UN (CSO 2011). That is why micro-credit scheme has been introduced to promote access to resources such as land and infrastructure and also access to credit facilities. Besides Micro-credit programme also include training of women so that become independent and confident in their business (CIDA 1995). Micro-credit help women to improve their income household and build a safety-net which secure them and reduce their vulnerability to fall into traps of poverty., they become more mature to deal with issues of their business and make their o wn decision and choices (Mends 2000). Through entrepreneurship, Women have the opportunity to overcome cultural norms which trap them into their housewife role. (Swain and Wallentin 2007). 2.6 Empowerment of women through microcredit Many authors find a link between credit and empowerment. Cornwall and Edward (2010) consider empowerment as crucial to overcome economic and social dilemmas in society. Micro-credit is a system which gives access to finance through loans and savings for entrepreneurships. Studies have shown that micro-credit has been useful to the poor household due to low cost (Miller, Morhnee, Stephens and Tazi 2006). It is a fact that micro-credit programme improved women situation (economic, social, political, cultural) and also in terms of education (trainings) allowing them to develop their skills (Johnson Rogaky 1997).Empowerment has two dimension one in terms of household, women tend be at home doing housework and taking care of their family. With micro-credit programme they work and earn their own money which improves their status and their role at home compared to their previous role. They feel in a better position to apply their own decision (Osmani 2007). There were extensive debates about women and poverty and the impact of micro credit as a poverty alleviation tool. Many literatures have referred to the micro-credit scheme as the best alternative to reduce poverty and to empower women (Bernasek, 2003, Bhatt 2001, Khand Ker el al 1998, Leach and Sitaram, 2002). An assessment on the role of micro-credit schemes conducted through a survey in the South Asia together with Ngos showed that these schemes have improved economic status of women in society through education and training to acquire professional skills in entrepreneurship so that they become self-efficient and this has improve their social status in their household and improved awareness (Hashemi, Schuler and Riley 1996). Micro-credit programmes include Income-generating strategies, increasing awareness and empowering women. This help to socio-economic development of the country through education, participation in decision making, improving quality of health, sanitation and nutrition but most important of all to alleviate poverty through food security, income, improving literacy rates among women, thus leading to social inclusion of women in social, economic and political activities (Bernasek and al. 2003). Halkias, Nwajiuba, Harkiolakis, Caracatsanis (2011) study targeting the Challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with a sample of 62 females entrepreneurs a self-administered survey showed that women showed more devotion and effort for their entrepreneurship compared to male entrepreneurs. Another result was that female entrepreneurs can professionally control their entrepreneurship and maintain their household effectively. Micro-credit had also an impact on savings made each month to improve standard of living of their families (Siringi 2011). Kabeer (1998) found out that micro-credit is an opportunity for women to bring their own contribution in terms of money. Policies should target more social and educational spheres to encourage women in the combat to alleviate poverty. Besides (Rogers and Youssef, 1988; Consultative Group to Assist the Poor CGAP, 2004: 6) findings showed that a rise in women income has positive influence on education, and health of children in the hous ehold. A study conducted in Nepal showed that more than 68% which represent more than 89 000 women over 130 000 who were involve in empowerment programme and experienced a change in their role at home and towards their own community, they have become someone who is respected for efforts and sacrifice don to reach this target of women with confidence and esteem (Ashe and Parrot 2001). Micro-credit has open new avenues for women in terms of education and development of skills. Having access to credit is more secure for women and they are able to take care of their family. Reports have shown that women are the one who spend more for the welfare of their family; in-depth interviews conducted in Rwanda with women benefiting from micro-credit scheme have shown that more than 54% of them are now able to manage on their own in their business without men (URWEGO 1994). It also helps to build up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Self-confidence is part of the aims of empowerment of women. It is the based to change women perception on various patriarchal aspects that exist in society and this also enable them to develop skills for the success of micro-credit. Micro-credit is a programme which train women to become professional business women and to be able to control their own business. Microcredit programme have empowered women leading to a change women role, status and relationship at home and in society. In-depth interviews conducted in Rwanda showed that there was an increase of 69 % in self-confidence and self-esteem of women (Ashe Parrot 1994). Studies conducted by Gobezie (2007) showed that more than 54% of women (micro-entrepreneurs) feel more at ease to deal with decisions both at home and their enterprise with the increase in self-esteem and self-confidence. 2.7 Government contribution The government plays an important role in promoting welfare through programmes and policies to better address the problem of poverty and promote equity (Cawthorne 2008). Funds from taxation help for development of the country and the government establishes a framework to know how to use funds efficiently (Serpa 2008). There is a belief that government intervention in micro-credit to give access to credit facilities only. But reality is that it acts as facilitator which provides access to service to the poor without ceilings. Another question usually asked is how micro-credit helps the poor? It increases income of poor household and improve patterns of consumption. When the needy people have access to credit, it helps them to maintain basic standard of living and have cash for emergencies. The government has an aim to promote welfare of citizens mostly needy ones; through micro-credit policies to better target and assist them but also programmes, which create opportunities to poor peo ple to develop skills and gain experience in entrepreneurship and learn how to manage their business. Several reports have shown positive impacts of micro-credit on women but there is big dilemma, political influences which exist and result to abuses, giving privileges to others and drainage of funds to be allocated to micro-entrepreneurs (CGAP 2002). Such influences affect good running and success of these programmes. Similarly to others countries like Bangladesh where the government work together with banks like BRAAC, in Mauritius there is the DBM which provide micro credit loans to people which also aim at socio-economic development and empowerment of women but through financial facilities. Micro-entrepreneurs (women) benefit from loan facility of Rs 150 000 with a period of five years for repayment, only women willing to create a small enterprise. These women are registered at the NWEC where they follow trainings to become independent wage earners (Nwec 2010). 2.9 Constrains of Micro-credit Micro credit was supposed to play a vital role in reduction of poverty but it also has its dark side. This strategy is seen as being too simple to reduce the problem of poverty (Endeley and Thompson 2005). Explanations provided to justify the failure of Micro-credit programme is that it failed to target real needy groups, it can observed that non-poor are taking most advantages of this programme and poor are becoming poorer, criteria of selection are not appropriate and this causes abuses (Copestake, Morduch, Dugger 2004). For Duvenduck (2011), until now there have not been valid evidence which prove that microcredit positively affect women. Abuses are not only from rich people but also from male in households where women benefit from micro-credit schemes. They are aware of their wives eligibility to access micro-credit loans and use them for their own business having nothing to do with women entrepreneurship (Goetz and Gupta 1995). This raises the question of gender equality which e xists in society and men always getting involved in female activities. Furthermore, the main purpose of micro- finance was supposed to provide credit a facility in terms of loan to the marginalized group to help them to generate income for their own business, the state has failed in its mission. (Swain et al 2008:193). It has rather created a vicious cycle of indebtness among women; they get trapped and become dependent on the state and banks. The problem is that they often failed to have the level of profit expected and have to work double to save for loan repayment (Copestake 2001). A report published by business week (2005:4) showed that interest rates are higher and failure to repay loans means closure of their business and huge debts to clear. It can be seen that intervention and contribution of private and public sectors are thin. There is a lack of continuous assistance to women entrepreneurs which makes the safety net very vulnerable as any mismanagement and low profitability can put the business at risk (Neff 1996). All these shortcomings of micro-credit have raised a question; is micro-credit really a tool to reduce poverty? Findings from different surveys showed that it really reduced poverty in the world but to some extent. Kandler (2005) found out that 31 % of women participating in micro-credit programs have been out of their abject poverty in Bangladesh. Another fact of micro-credit success is the increase and improvement of consumption patterns of poor people together with the increase in income this has lead to economic development. Kah (2005) reject the positive results of micro-credit in the developing countries. After a study in different countries with different methods like interviews, surveys and ethnogra phic surveys, Kay found out that it is a too optimistic assumption to classify micro-credit as a tool to alleviate poverty. Micro-credit programmes also have short-comings which tend to be ignored. Antaitwe (2006) claimed that there programmes have failed to meet their aims and objectives. The reason provided was that the fact that people who deserve this service and assistance were excluded from these programmes (Hulme 2003). Another short-coming of micro-credit is whether these programmes are accessible to extremely poor people. Reports from the United Nations (UN) showed that these programmes are inaccessible to extremely poor because of high interest rates and lack of infrastructures and structural patterns to better assist needy people so that they develop their skills and become efficient in society. Peredo and Chrisman (2006) focus on the fact that network should be created to enable better sharing and also facilities in terms of resources and management of enterprises including cost of resources, methods of distribution after production and how to value their products. Pollin (2007) consider microcredit as undervaluing entrepreneurship because it has rather encourage short-term income activities. Entrepreneurship is more based on investment of profit (Harper 2007), however micro-enterprises profit are used for personal matters like luxuries, education, health and other emergencies rather than for development of the country. The main problem with micro-credit shemes is that they deal with economic problems than social ones. It is clear that poverty is the socio-economic problem for most of the world. The male dominance which exists in the most societies acts like a barrier for women success. Men have control over everything in society, even incomes earned by their wife in their enterprise are used for other purposes and women barely have access to it (Omorodion 2007). All these deep-rooted perception, values and customs prevent women to protest because they fear to be harassed, beated up, humiliated by their husband. To some extent micro-credit create tensions in households in most developing countries. For example Mauritius is a country where men power prevails both at work and home. Men refuse to accept women emancipation and recognize their capacities which are very essential for the success of micro-credit programmes (World Bank 2006). This might explain the high rate of domestic violence which was 3 9% in Mauritius in 2011 (ESI 2011). It seems that micro-credit programmes have been introduced only to increase economic activity and supply of labor through job creations (Pitt and Khandler 1998). Micro-credit programmes were supposed to increase income of poor households but it failed because most of the money saved goes in loan repayment and in case of emergencies access to money become a big issue (Brett 2006). The fact that women have low status and are seen as weak ,ignorant and low skilled in society they tend to take loans to move further on the social ladder of society (Lucas 2001). They are trapped to being dependent on their husband and even more when they fail to repay their loan. This ideological image of women responsibility being at home to bring balance is a barrier to success, and though the effort to achieve gender equality in society it has failed. All government strategies for integration of women in society have failed and have provoked misconceptions about women failure in micro-credit programmes and confirming stereotype on women weakness and incapacity (Nesbitt 2006). Too little concerns are attached to empowerment of women (Bellman 2010), it is not only based on increasing their income and developing skills but it is based on changing deep perceptions. It is very difficult to change perceptions people make on women (Swain and Wallentin 2007:25). 2.8 Summary of literature review Through the previous paragraphs, in-depth explanations about the impacts of micro-credit have been given by different authors. It seems that micro-credit programmes have been very efficient in terms of income-generating, development of professional skill to manage own business, emancipation of women in the World. Women have been empowered by these programmes through increase of confidence and assertiveness and independency. The importance of empowerment to alleviate poverty is pointed by many authors; micro-credit increases their awareness and make women more efficient in society. It has brought changes in family income and standard of living and a change in roles that women become entrepreneurs this imply devoting time to both their business and their family which is very hard and often end into conflicts. The government and Ngos also play an important role to promote development and emancipation of women together with policies to protect and respect their rights and programmes to m ake them successful women in the future. Despite all positive impacts of micro-credit on women, there are also short-comings. Micro-credit encourage women to take loan to build their own business and are also trained for it but there is not enough assistance for mentors to make sure these women are on the right track and to counsel them in case of problem to tackle within their business. The problem is when these businesses are unable to make enough profit to repay their loan, there went to deficit and loses their business, all their efforts, time and sacrifices made to achieves this. This result to women becoming dependent on their husband again and men control them again which means empow