The psychology behind child abuse and neglect

The psychology behind child abuse and neglect The Psychology of the Child deals with mental growth or, what amounts to the same thing, the development of behavior patterns (including consciousness) up to adolescence, the transitional phase marking the entrance of the individual into adult society. Mental growth is in- separable from physical growth: the maturation of the nervous and endocrine systems, in particular, continues until the age of sixteen. The psychology of a child must be regarded as the study of one aspect of embryogenesis, the embryogenesis of organic as well as mental growth, up to the beginning of the state of relative equilibrium which is the adult level. Child abuse is the physical and/or psychological/emotional mistreatment of children. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts or commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Most child abuse occurs in a childs home, with a smaller amount occurring in the organizations, schools or communities the child interacts with. The mental health journal, states that child abuse is defined as any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm. There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. NEGLECT: Neglect is the instance in which the responsible adult fails to adequately provide for various needs, including physical (failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or hygiene), emotional (failure to provide nurturing or affection) or educational (failure to enroll a child in school). PHYSICAL ABUSE is physical aggression directed at a child by an adult. It can involve striking, burning, choking or shaking a child. The transmission of toxins to a child through its mother (such as with fetal alcohol syndrome) can also be considered physical abuse in some jurisdictions .The distinction between child discipline and abuse is often poorly defined. Cultural norms about what constitutes abuse vary widely: among professionals as well as the wider public, people do not agree on what behaviors constitute abuse. Some human service professionals claim that cultural norms that sanction/ support physical punishment are one of the causes of child abuse, and have undertaken campaigns to redefine such norms. In the United States, the National Association of Social Workers has issued statements that even the mildest forms of physical punishment, such as moderate spanking, can lower childrens self-esteem, constitute acts of violence, and teach children that physical force is an acce ptable way to resolve conflicts. Against this latter argument, the philosopher Prof. David Benatar points out that one might as well say that fining people teaches that forcing others to give up some of their property is an acceptable way to respond to those who act in a way that one does not like. If beatings send a message, why dont detentions, imprisonments, fines, and a multitude of other punishments convey equally undesirable messages? He adds. 3 PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE also known as emotional abuse, which can involve belittling or shaming a child, inappropriate or extreme punishment and the withholding of affection. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE is any sexual act between an adult and a child, including penetration, oral sex and forced nudity in front of the adult. According to the (American) National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, in 1997 neglect represented 54% of confirmed cases of child abuse, physical abuse 22%, sexual abuse 8%, emotional maltreatment 4%, and other forms of maltreatment 12%. A UNICEF report on child well-being stated that the United States and the United Kingdom ranked lowest among industrial nations with respect to the wellbeing of children. This study also found that child neglect and child abuse are far more common in single-parent families than in families where both parents are present. CAUSES OF CHILD ABUSE Child abuse is a complex problem which has multiple causes. Understanding the causes of abuse is crucial to addressing the problem of child abuse. Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely to physically abuse their children However, it is difficult to know whether marital strife is a cause of child abuse, or if both the marital strife and abuse are caused by tendencies in the abuser. Substance abuse is a major contributing factor to child abuse. One study found that parents with documented substance abuse, most commonly alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, were much more likely to mistreat their children, and were also much more likely to reject court-ordered services and treatments. Another study found that over two thirds of 4 cases of child maltreatment involved parents with substance abuse problems. This study specifically found relationships between alcohol and physical abuse, and between cocaine and sexual abuse. In 2009 CBS News reported that child abuse in the United States had increased during the economic recession. It gave the example of a father who had never been the primary care-taker of the children. Now that the father was in that role, the children began to come in with injuries. CAUSES OF CHILD ABUSE Children have that right to be loved. But there are those who suffer child abuse in the very sense of the word. Child abuse could either be physical, mental or sexual abuse to children. This might have certain adverse effects on the child so they must be given extra support and attention physical abuse concerns maltreatments of children in a physical way. This means hurting the children physically, or not giving them proper nutrition. Emotional abuse or mental abuse, on the other hand, is about abuse in children which affects primarily their emotions. This includes saying hurtful words to children, as well as scolding them often that lower their self esteem. Sexual abuse, however, is abuse that concerns the sexual attributes of a child. This is one of the worst cases of child abuse. Like any other abuse, child abuse also has a cause. There are many causes of child abuse. The most prominent one among the causes is mental illness, as well as psychological problems. The tendency is that people who are not in their right minds, could easily do harm to children, whether intentional or not. Also, family problems are major causes of child abuse. Parents under the power of drugs could easily hurt their children. Plus, financial problems could invoke parents or other 5 members of the family to abuse children as an outlet of their emotions. Stress could also be a root cause of child abuse. It is good to know the cause of abuse on a certain child so that the treatment and the actions could be well defined. EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE (SHORT TERM) Studies indicate that every day a significant number of children are exposed to serious maltreatment and neglect leading to physical and psychological injury and serious long-term consequences. Researchers are continuously examining the wide range of potential consequences of child abuse and neglect. Mounting evidence suggests that, in addition to the immediate negative effects on children, maltreatment is associated with a host of problems manifested in adolescence and adulthood. Child abuse is not, however, a short-term crisis in a childs life. Although children are removed from violent homes or leave home to live on their own, the effects of experiencing abuse in their childhood follow them through life. Child abuse can affect all aspects of a childs life and can spill over in there adult life as well. Effects of child abuse include the following: PSYCOLOGICAL EFFECTS Child abuse may permanently alter the psychological well being of a child. Following maltreatment, children are known to display the following problems: Extreme and repetitive nightmares, Anxiety. Unusually high levels of anger and aggression. Feelings of guilt and shame for sexually abused victims this can be quite severe, especially if the victim experienced some degree of pleasure during part of the abuse. Sudden phobias, such as a fear of darkness or water. 6 Psychosomatic complaints, including stomachaches, headaches, hypochondrias is, fecal soiling, bed wetting and excessive blinking. General fearfulness and a specific fear of others of the same gender as the abuser. Depressive symptoms, long bouts of sadness, social withdrawal. Self-reported social isolation and feelings of stigmatization.. After continued exposure to maltreatment, children may develop further psychological complications: Significant increase in rates of psychiatric disorders, Dissociation, intrusive thoughts suicidal ideation and more acute phobias, More serious levels of anxiety fear depression, loneliness, anger, hostility and guilt, Distorted cognition, such as chronic perceptions of danger and confusion, illogical thinking, inaccurate images of the world, shattered assumptions about the world and difficulty determining what is real, decreased effectiveness in comprehending complex roles. PHYSICAL EFFECTS In addition to the obvious physical injuries, such as broken bones, bruises and scarring, abuse is also related to several additional physical complications for children, including the following: Children who have suffered serious and chronic neglect are more likely to be smaller and lighter than non-maltreated children, which has been shown to affect long-term health. Children who are physically abused (or shaken in the case of very young children) may suffer permanent neurological damage, dramatically affecting their future development. Weight problems often emerging as eating disorders. Serious sleeps disturbances and bouts of dizziness when awake. 7 Other stress-related symptoms, such as gastrointestinal problems, migraine headaches, difficulty breathing, hypertension, aches, pains and rashes which defy diagnosis and/or treatment, Poor overall health. BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES Abused children are known to display the following behavioral problems: Developmental delays, Clinging behavior, extreme shyness and fear of strangers, Troubled socialization with peers constant fighting or socially undesirable behaviors, such as bullying, teasing or not sharing, Poor school adjustment and disruptive classroom behavior,there is a growing understanding among researchers that child maltreatment is associated with a host of behavioral problems that manifest themselves in adolescence: School-age pregnancy, Self-destructive behaviors such as self-mutilation or burning, Truancy and running away behavior, Delinquency and prostitution. Early use of drugs/alcohol and substance abuse/dependence, Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia or obesity primarily among female victims,Suicide and suicide attempts. Evidence suggests that many of these problems continue into adulthood and become ingrained patterns of behavior. It is believed that in order to deal with the trauma of being abused and neglected, children and youth develop such behaviors as coping strategies. And although these behaviors eventually become self-destructive, they are often extremely difficult to abandon. EFFECT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE One of the most destructive consequences of child abuse may be the detrimental effect on 8 a childs school performance. Over and over again, research indicates that abused children demonstrate reduced intellectual functioning and perform very poorly in school. And poor school performance can have serious long-term consequences. Academic failure has been associated with antisocial behavior and quitting school. These behaviors in turn increase the risk of long-term decreased productivity, long-term economic dependence and generally lower levels of satisfaction with life as adults.58 Maltreated children may display the following: Lower overall schools performance test scores and lower language, reading and math scores. Grade repetitions, disciplinary referrals and a high number of suspensions. Working and learning at below average levels (as reported by teachers). Weaker orientation to future vocational and educational goals compared to non-maltreated children. It is understandable that maltreated children will perform poorly in school. Not only do they face the obvious complications associated with a violent home life, but neglectful and abusive parents are less likely to provide an intellectually stimulating environment for the child, read to the child, supervise homework and generally become involved in their childs academic life. EFFECT ON SEXUALITY In general, abuse adversely affects a childs concept of sexuality reduces his or her ability to set appropriate boundaries and often instills a fear or negative perception of sex. While the majority of sexual consequences are the result of sexual abuse, other forms of maltreatment can also be sexually destructive. For example, a neglected child may seek 9 sexual intimacy very early in life in order to fulfil an unmet need for parental intimacy. This creates a risk for teenage pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. The following are the major sexual consequences of maltreatment reported in the literature: Engaging in open or excessive masturbation, excessive sexual curiosity and frequent exposure of the genitals. Simulated sexual acts with siblings and friends, inappropriate sexual behavior such as breast or genital grabbing. Premature sexual knowledge sexualized kissing in friendships and with parents. In adolescence and adulthood, maltreated children continue to display sexually maladaptive behavior: Orgasmic disorders and painful intercourse, Promiscuity, Dissatisfaction with sex and negative attitudes about sex. These problems are often the result of introducing a sexual component into a parent-child relationship, which affected the childs sense of sexuality and intimacy. In essence, a child who has suffered sexual abuse can, as a result, have difficulty distinguishing between a sexual and a non-sexual relationship and therefore introduce a sexual element into all relationships. INTERPERSONAL CONSEQUENCES Child abuse can interfere with a persons ability to develop meaningful and appropriate relationships from childhood through to adulthood. Abused and neglected children are consistently rated by their peers as demonstrating socially undesirable behavior. Children displaying multiple psychological and behavioral problems often have a difficult time 10 both developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Victimization reduces social competence and limits empathic ability, both of which are necessary to establish satisfying relationships with others. Maltreated children have been known to display the following interpersonal problems: Insecure attachments to parents and caregivers,loss of close friends, difficulty in trusting others. Relationship problems, such as overly sexualized or overly conflicted relationships. Chronic dissatisfaction with adult relationships and fear of intimacy. EFFECTS ON SELF PERCEPTION Parental abuse undoubtedly affects the self-esteem of a child. A lack of interest in a child or a violent attack on a child, for example, will likely lead the child to develop a sense of unworthiness. Maltreatment has been associated with distorted or extremely negative self-images starting in childhood and continuing throughout ones life. Maltreated children typically view themselves as bad, worthless or unlovable and may develop the following problems: Extremely low levels of self-esteem, Feelings of being out of control, Inaccurate body images which often lead to eating disorders, Overwhelming sense of guilt or self-blame for the abuse, Impairment of a cohesive sense of identity, Self-disgust, self-denigration, self-hatred.   SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES Often, children who have been abused and neglected report having lost their sense of faith, not just a religious belief in a divine being, but also their faith in themselves, other people and the world around them. It is common for maltreated children to display what 11 some authors have called a shattered soul or soul pain. Moreover, adults who have experienced maltreatment display less interest and participation in organized religion. Systematic battering, sexual abuse, emotional attacks or the long-term neglect of a child is likely to destroy his or her spirit or enthusiasm for life. While often overlooked in the literature, the shattered soul may prove to be an extremely significant long-term consequence of child maltreatment. SUBSEQUENT VIOLENCE Victims of child abuse often become further victimized as adolescents and adults and/or become violent themselves toward their own children and in intimate relationships. According to studies on the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment, one third of all victims grow up to continue a pattern of seriously inept, neglectful or abusive child rearing as parents; one third do not; and one-third remain vulnerable to the effects of child maltreatment depending upon social stressors in their life. Adults and adolescents who report a history of child maltreatment may demonstrate the following: Maltreatment of their own children. A history of being a victim of a violent assault by a non-family member during adolescence. Perpetrating dating violence in adolescence and/or spousal violence in adulthood. Becoming a victim of an assaultive partner (most often a male abuser) and/or the victim of additional sexual assaults. CHILD ABUSE A PERMANENT AND LIFELONG TRAUMA When an orphan or adolescent experience trauma such as family violence, child abuse, or witnesses prolonged violence, several problems arise. These children might experience 12 anger, distrust, and fear commitment. Children who live through such childhood trauma often suffer permanently. Extensive studies about adults abused as children investigate the relationships between childhood trauma and problems including uncontrollable anger and a negative attitude. Miller, Villani and Sharfstein all discuss numerous factors that influence violence, including alcohol, violent threats, and a violent past (Miller, p. 61-62; and Sharfstein, p. 2). Miller (1998) presents several abuse and mistreatment studies concerning children who experience family violence at an early age and how this violence leads them to have behavioral problems as adults (p. 62). Child abuse, whether inflicted on orphans or children who live with biological parents, causes distrust, another problem and long lasting effect. Distrust can result with abused children. These children begin to distrust the people closest to them, their family, and this lack of trust carries over into adulthood. 13

Confederate :: essays research papers

The issue of the Confederate flag has created one of our countries age long debates. It stems from its presence during the Civil War; where it represented the Confederate states, all of which supported slavery. According to many the Civil war was fought in order to end slavery in the United States, so accordingly, to those the flag represents a past of slavery that they would much rather forget. In opposition to those who feel this way about the Confederate flag, others see it as just a symbol of their Southern heritage whether they are ancestors of slaves, slave owners or sharecroppers; their heritage is the Confederate South. The Confederate Flag should be outlawed and not used as a symbol to represent a state because it has a modern association with white supremacist, presents no positive contribution to those of this country, and those who flaunt the flag have an attitude which is â€Å"backward-looking, rejecting the diversity and dynamism of this country.†(ABC News.com)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The confederate flag should be outlawed because it has a modern association with white supremacist. White supremacist, are not an unorganized throng of individuals rather they are a political group known for being hateful to all those who are different from them, be it by race, religion, or even thought pattern. This group of individuals also feels that they are better than others just because of their skin color. White supremacist have a very narrow minded view on life in general and any symbol that represents them often offends others. The country, which we live in, is based on equality and a symbol of a group that does not believe in equality should not be used as a sign to identify a state. The Confederate flag in essence represents a political party whose overall priority is â€Å"to totally subjugate and dehumanize those different from their selves.†(Newsweek)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Furthermore, the confederate flag presents no positive contribution to those living in this country. Those who fly the confederate flag are often regarded as showing support for racist principles and a hurtful past. Surely all those who fly the flag are not racist or intentionally have a desire to hurt those who they fortuitously offend, but in many cases they are perceived this way. The representation that those who fly the flag take on often does more to cause a problem than it does to unite those of this country.

Irish Equality Acts 1998-2011

Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the relevant provisions of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2011 (and their predecessors) in eliminating pay discrimination on the ground of gender within the workplace and thus reducing the gender pay gap. The European Union is founded upon core values including respect for human dignity, freedom and equality between men and women. This equality extends to the workplace where both men and women are entitled to equal conditions of employment and pay.Articles 20 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights similarly states that all persons are equal before the law and that equality between men and women must be ensured in all areas â€Å"including employment, work and pay. † Despite this the average hourly gender pay gap within the European Union stands at 17. 1% but varies from 6%- 34% depending on the member state[1]. In an attempt to close the gender pay gap in the European Union, various legislation has been drafted and implemented o ver the previous forty years.The right to equal pay is set out in Article 157TFEU(formerly Art 141,Art 119) which expressed that â€Å"each member state shall ensure that the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value shall be applied†. The subsequent legislation for preventing discrimination in the workplace was incorporated into Irish law by means of the Anti-Discrimination (pay) act 1974 and the Employment Equality act 1977.The jurisprudence for the right to equal pay is the landmark case of Defrenne v Sabena[2] which saw the European court of justice establish that the right to equal pay was legally binding in agreeing that the complainant’s right to equal pay derived directly from Article 119(now Art 157TFEU). The law in Ireland is now governed exclusively by the Employment Equality acts 1998-2004 which replaced the acts of 1974 and 1977.Article 8 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union states that in al l its activities the Union â€Å"shall aim to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origins, religious belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. † The issue of discrimination in relation to equal pay can arise both directly and indirectly as has been seen in the case law and legislation surrounding this area. The case of Gillespie v Health and Social Services Board[3] efined discrimination as â€Å"the application of different rules to comparable situations or the application of the same rule to different situations†. Article 2(1) of the Recast equal treatment directive has defined direct discrimination as occurring in a situation where â€Å"one person is treated less favourably on the grounds of sex than another is, has been or would be in a comparable situation†. A necessary requirement of the test for direct discrimination is a suitable comparator that the complainant can compare themselves to in order to establish discrimination has occu rred.It is then the duty of the tribunal to consider the reasons for selecting that comparator and whether they are suitable as a relevant comparator in the given situation. Section 6(1) (a) of the Employment equality acts allows a person to select a hypothetical comparator as the scope extends to situations where a complainant â€Å"would be† treated less favourably, but this is not the case when concerning issues relating to pay[4]. It is important to note that there are exemptions to the prohibition on discrimination.Under section 25 of the Employment equality acts an employer may be permitted to treat employees differently based on gender. This is only non-discriminatory where the objective is legitimate and proportionate. The Employment equality acts also provide for the employer to promote equal opportunities for both male and female employees. This may come in the form of vocational training or improving working conditions which help create a higher skilled workforce a nd help to address imbalances evident in the workforce by the gender pay gap.Section 24 of the Employment Equality Acts allows an employer to implement measures which initially make it easier for an under-represented sex to pursue a vocational activity but also to prevent or compensate for disadvantages in professional careers. Promotion or the advancement of one’s career will be dependent on whether that employee is best suited to the position based on their skills and experience and this has been echoed by the European court of justice.Section 24 should be viewed with the understanding that female employees are not automatically entitled to a promotion and thus a higher rate of pay, but that any measures introduced by the employer are to ensure that equal opportunities are available to both sexes. Section 19(4) of the Employment Equality Acts prohibit indirect discrimination on gender grounds in relation to pay where it states â€Å"indirect discrimination occurs where an apparently neutral provision puts persons of a particular gender at a particular disadvantage in respect of remuneration compared with other employees of their employer†.It’s clear from this that indirect discrimination concerns a provision which appears to affect all employees in a firm but really favours or disfavours a category of employees. In Nathan v Bailey Gibson[5] indirect discrimination on the grounds of gender was evident where the complainant had been employed as an assistant to a machine operator and subsequently applied for his job after he retired. The employer had a â€Å"closed shop† agreement in place with the trade union and hired an unemployed male member of the union after the vacancy became available.The union itself was made up predominantly of male members. The Supreme Court held this amounted to indirect discrimination. Indirect discrimination allows for an employer to defend the imposition of an indirectly discriminatory provision as bei ng objectively justifiable. This is enshrined in section 19(4) which states that indirect discrimination on the grounds of gender will not occur where the act or clause is â€Å"objectively justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary†.The landmark case of Bilka-Kaufhaus GmbH v Karin Weber von Hartz[6] where differential treatment of part time and full time staff relating to pension rights was occurring and the employer attempted to justify the refusal to pay pensions to part time workers on the basis that it was necessary to discourage staff from working part time for economic reasons. The complainant argued that this breached Article 157TFEU in relation to equal treatment relating to pay.The European court of Justice rejected the argument of the employer but did state that an indirectly discriminatory measure may be justifiable if it is necessary to meet a real need on the part of the employer. The court went on to say that this would occur only if it is appropriate with a view to achieving the objective pursued. In order to understand how the legislation implemented has aided the elimination of pay discrimination, it is first necessary to understand the meaning of pay and ultimately what constitutes pay.Article 157TFEU provides that both male and female workers are entitled to receive equal pay for equal work, or work which has an equal value and the right of community members to equal pay is provided for in the Employment Equality Acts. This provision has both vertical and horizontal effect owing to the decision in Defrenne v Sabena, which allows employees to take actions before their national court.The Employment Equality Acts provide a clear and concise explanation of the right to equal pay in section 19(1) where it states that â€Å"It shall be a term of the contract under which A is employed that, subject to the act, A shall at any time be entitled to the same rate of remuneration for the work which A is employed to do as B who, at that or any other relevant time, is employed to do like work by the same or an associated employer†. However, both the European Court of Justice and the national courts have held there to be a broad scope as to what constitutes pay.These courts have held that sick pay, travel concessions, grading systems, inconvenient hours supplement, redundancy pay, bonus pay and share allocations all fall within the scope of pay[7]. The European court of Justice defined pay in the case of Arberterwohlfahrt der Stadt Berlin v Botel[8] where it was said to be â€Å"all consideration, cash or in kind, whether immediate or future, provided that the worker receives it, albeit indirectly, in respect of his employment from his employer, whether under a contract of employment, by virtue of legislation or on voluntary basis†.The European Court of Justice has also considered the less favourable treatment of part time workers which it considers to be indir ect discrimination on the gender ground. The case of Bilka-Kaufhaus features again here as the ECJ held that where a part time employee earns less pay for doing an equal amount of work as an employee working full time then this may constitute indirect discrimination on gender grounds as a vast majority of part time employees are female which is certainly in line with the legislation under section 19(1) of the Employment Equality Acts.Pay in relation to pregnancy and maternity leave has resulted in the European Court of Justice determining that any allowances paid will not constitute pay. Gillespie and ors. V Northern Health and Services board saw complainants fail in bringing a claim arguing that their employer was in breach of Article 141(now Article 157TFEU) by paying them less than their full salary during maternity leave. It was also the case in North Western Health board v McKenna[9] that the ECJ decided a female employee absent from work due a pregnancy related illness is not entitled to maintenance of full pay.This is the case currently but it should be noted that an amendment to Directive 92/85 has been proposed and if passed, would allow for a female employee to obtain her entire salary while on maternity leave subject to a Member state possibly placing a maximum level at the level of national sick pay[10]. This has not yet come into force due to opposition from various member states primarily on the ground of cost but also â€Å"limiting parental rights to mothers rather than to fathers and creating obstacles to the recruitment of women in the workforce†.It has been necessary for the ECJ and national courts to determine whether the complainant is doing equal or â€Å"like work† to their chosen comparator. Fortunately, the legislation clarifies the meaning of â€Å"like work† in section 7(1) of the Employment Equality Acts as being: 1. The same work undertaken by another person under the same or similar conditions 2. Where the wor k is of a similar nature 3. The work is of equal value taking into consideration such matters as skill, physical or mental requirements, responsibility and working conditions.From this it is clear that in order for the complainant to establish they are partaking in â€Å"like work† they must show that they are interchangeable with the comparator at any given moment and without any notice. In the case of Department of posts and telegraphs v Kennefick[11], a complaint was made by a female post and telegraph clerk that she was being paid less than her comparator who was doing like work. The employer argued that the male telegraph clerk’s job description included additional duties which he was seldom asked to perform. The Labour Court in this case refused to be guided y job description and ordered that the female employee was entitled to equal pay. However, it has been held that higher qualifications will justify a party receiving a higher salary. This was evident in the à ¢â‚¬Å"Austrian psychotherapists’ case†[12] where a group made up primarily of female psychotherapists who had psychology degrees sought equal pay with medical doctors who were employed as psychotherapists. The ECJ agreed that both parties undertook â€Å"seemingly identical activities† but found that the medical doctors were also qualified to undertake additional activities due to their qualifications.Therefore, the ECJ held that the difference in training and qualifications meant that the two parties were not in a comparable situation. The courts have also been faced with determining situations where the work is similar in nature or equal in value. For example, the case of Dowdall O’Mahony v 9 female employees[13] saw equal pay awarded as the court held that the differences in the positions were found to be of little importance in the context of the work as a whole.When dealing with issues where the work is deemed to be of equal value, it is the function of the court to look at the skill, physical effort and responsibility required to perform the work. In 24 women v Spring Grove Services[14] the female employees were employed in the finishing area of the linen maintenance section. They sought to compare themselves with a group of male employees who were employed to work in the wash house.The court subsequently compared the work undertaken by one male employee and one female employee and concluded that the male used more physical effort and skill than the female employee in the course of her work and therefore they were not doing equal work. Section 19(1) of the acts provides that the claimant and the comparator must be employed to do equal or like work by the same or associated employer at that or any other relevant time which under section 19(2 b) is defined as any time during the three years preceding or following the time at which the action is taken.Despite the benefits of the legislative provisions provided in the Employment Eq uality Acts, there are numerous problems with their effectiveness and enforcement. Despite the legislation there is a scarcity of discrimination cases relating to pay being taken to national court level and there are a variety of reasons for this. In some situations it is difficult to ascertain the scope of comparison for the wording of certain provisions in the legislation as it is not defined in statutory law, such as the meaning of work of â€Å"equal value†.Another issue is that the concept of the â€Å"hypothetical comparator† is not allowed in most countries and it’s also the case that the comparator must be employed by the same employer. The problem with this is that locating a real comparator can be difficult in segregated professions where comparators of the opposite sex are rare. In various European states it is the case that the citizens have no faith or trust in the judiciary to appropriately or effectively deal with a case of sex discrimination.Havi ng explored in detail where the relevant provisions of the Employment Equality Acts have been applied to eliminate pay discrimination on gender grounds, it is important to note that the employer is entitled to show that the difference of treatment in relation to pay is not indirectly discriminatory but valid on some other ground. This â€Å"defence† is provided in section 19(5) of the Employment Equality Acts. Under this section employers may pay different rates of remuneration to both men and women but it must be justifiable on grounds other than gender.The test for this stems from the BIlka Kaufhaus[15] case where the employer is required to show how and why the decision to discriminate was made at that point and it was subsequently decided that retrospective justification was unacceptable. The qualifications of the employee, worker flexibility and length of service may be objective grounds if they can be attributed to the needs of the employer. The case of NUI Cork v Ahern [16] concerned a pay differential between male security guards and female phone operators’.This was deemed to be justifiable as the female operators were paid more for doing less work. This was not due to gender as they had originally been doing an increased amount of work but due to family issues was now doing less. This thinking was continued in the case of Dept of Justice, Equality and law reform v CPSU[17] where the court held that the department had grounds other than gender for the payment of a higher rate to Gardai members performing clerical work compared with civilian clerical workers.Certain posts within An Garda Siochana are reserved for Gardai. Here, the majority of the 761 clerical posts in An Garda Siochana were female. This was deemed to be justifiable for â€Å"genuine operational reasons† and to ensure the continuity of services at all times. Employers may also be able to rely on a defence of market forces where they establish that the payment of a low er wage for some employees is part of the business strategy on economic grounds which can be objectively justified.This was developed in Enderly v Frenchay Health Authority[18] where a comparison was made between speech therapists who were predominantly women and pharmacists who were predominantly men being paid at a higher rate. The employer’s argument was that differential pay was due to a shortage of pharmacist candidates and not due to sex discrimination found favour with the court. Despite the legislation, the European gender pay gap still stands at 17. 1%, but there are a variety of innovative ways to help close the gender pay gap[19].The Finnish government has coined the concept of an equality pot, which is a sum of money set aside for municipal governments to fund pay rises in low paid, highly educated female sectors as low wages are traditionally paid to female workers in highly feminised branches of the public sector[20]. This would help to reduce the pay gap and pu t in place a greater level of equality relating to pay between the two genders. Another method of closing the pay gap is to support the continuity of female employment as they often interrupt their employment in order to manage both their family and professional life.This could be done by the reconciliation of both and could be achieved through the provision of child care facilities in the workplace ensuring female employees were able to bring their children to work[21]. It should also be noted that imposing an obligation on male workers to be involved in child rearing would allow for the continuation of women in employment and would help to close the gender pay gap. References †¢ European Gender Equality Law Review-No. 1/2011 †¢ Principles of Irish Employment Law: Brenda Daly, Michael Doherty 2010,Page 111. †¢ Employment Law in Ireland: Maeve Regan, page 459 published May 2009 †¢ European Gender Equality Law Review No 1/2011, â€Å"Equality Pay for Men and Wome n in Europe Anno 2011 The Gender Pay gap on the retreat? † Petra Foubert †¢ http://epp. eurostat. ec. europa. eu/portal/page/portal/eurostat/home/ ———————– [1] European Gender Equality Law Review-No. 1/2011 [2] Defrenne v Sabena (1976) ECR 455(C-43/75) [3] Gillespie v Health and Social Services Board (1996) ECR 475 4] Principles of Irish Employment Law: Brenda Daly, Michael Doherty 2010, Page 111. [5] Nathan Bailey v Gibson (1998) 2 IR 162 [6] (1986) ECR 1607 [7] Employment Law in Ireland: Maeve Regan, page 459 published May 2009 [8] (1992) IRLR 423 [9] North Western Health board v McKenna(Case C-191/03) [10] Principles of Irish Employment Law: Brenda Daly, Michael Doherty, 2010, p160 [11] Department of Posts and Telegraphs v Kennefick EP 9/1979 [12] Case C-309/97 (1999) ECR 2865 [13] Dowdall O’Mahony v female employees EP2/1987 [14] (1996) ELR 147 15] (1986) C-170/84 [16] (2005) SC IE 40 [17] (2008) ELR 140 [ 18] (1993) ELR 1-5535 [19] European Gender Equality Law Review No 1/2011, â€Å"Equality Pay for Men and Women in Europe Anno 2011 The Gender Pay gap on the retreat? † Petra Foubert [20] European Gender Equality Law Review No 1/2011, â€Å"Equality Pay for Men and Women in Europe Anno 2011 The Gender Pay gap on the retreat? † Petra Foubert [21] European Gender Equality Law Review No 1/2011, â€Å"Equality Pay for Men and Women in Europe Anno 2011 The Gender Pay gap on the retreat? † Petra Foubert

Free Essays on 360 Degree Feedback

What is 360-degree feedback? A process in which you evaluate yourself on a set of criteria, your manager evaluates you, as do your peers and direct reports. You receive a gap analysis between how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. Effective 360-degree feedback processes also include coaching sessions and development planning. How can I easily refer to ratees and raters? The terms "ratee" (the person being evaluated) and "rater" (the person doing the rating) can be cumbersome. Team Builders Plus utilizes the word "subject" instead of "ratee" and "respondent" instead of "rater". This methodology is also easily transferable to other 360 processes where the subject is not a person but a thing, such as a organizational climate or customer satisfaction survey. What type of information should be targeted?  ·knowledge - familiarity with job, industry, company  ·skills - task proficiency  ·behaviors - patterns in relating to the environment (energy, optimism)  ·NOT personality traits or styles What are the benefits of 360-degree feedback degree feedback? To the individual:  ·Perception is reality and this process helps individuals to understand how others perceive them  ·Uncover blind spots  ·Feedback is essential for learning  ·Individuals can better manage their own performance and careers  ·Quantifiable data on soft skills To the team:  ·Increases communication between team members  ·Higher levels of trust and better communication as individuals identify the causes of breakdowns  ·Better team environment as people discover how to treat others how they want to be treated  ·Supports teamwork by involving team members in the development process  ·Increased team effectiveness To the organization:  ·Reinforced corporate culture by linking survey items to organizational leadership competencies and company values  ·Better career development for employees  ·Pro... Free Essays on 360 Degree Feedback Free Essays on 360 Degree Feedback What is 360-degree feedback? A process in which you evaluate yourself on a set of criteria, your manager evaluates you, as do your peers and direct reports. You receive a gap analysis between how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. Effective 360-degree feedback processes also include coaching sessions and development planning. How can I easily refer to ratees and raters? The terms "ratee" (the person being evaluated) and "rater" (the person doing the rating) can be cumbersome. Team Builders Plus utilizes the word "subject" instead of "ratee" and "respondent" instead of "rater". This methodology is also easily transferable to other 360 processes where the subject is not a person but a thing, such as a organizational climate or customer satisfaction survey. What type of information should be targeted?  · knowledge - familiarity with job, industry, company  · skills - task proficiency  · behaviors - patterns in relating to the environment (energy, optimism)  · NOT personality traits or styles What are the benefits of 360-degree feedback degree feedback? To the individual:  · Perception is reality and this process helps individuals to understand how others perceive them  · Uncover blind spots  · Feedback is essential for learning  · Individuals can better manage their own performance and careers  · Quantifiable data on soft skills To the team:  · Increases communication between team members  · Higher levels of trust and better communication as individuals identify the causes of breakdowns  · Better team environment as people discover how to treat others how they want to be treated  · Supports teamwork by involving team members in the development process  · Increased team effectiveness To the organization:  · Reinforced corporate culture by linking survey items to organizational leadership competencies and company values  · Better career development for employees  · Pro...

Overview of My Cultural Identity Essays

Overview of My Cultural Identity Essays Overview of My Cultural Identity Essay Overview of My Cultural Identity Essay My parents were born and raised on the tiny islands of Tonga located in the South Pacific. My father worked alongside his father for most of his early life fishing and tending to the family farm before and after school. My mother lived in the city. She was a bright student and had many opportunities to excel during her middle and high school years. I was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Oakland is home to a large Tongan community and most of my early life was spent in this tight knit circle. My earliest memory of Oakland will always remain with me and is a reminder of how Oakland was then, and how it is even today. On our way to school one morning there was a commotion in the street as we walked towards the school. Two men began to fight and I remember each of them drawing knives and one of them stabbing the other as he laid lifeless in the street. This was my introduction to the environment I would be raised. Even today I am still proud to call Oakland, CA my home. I was raised in a very religious, strict and cultural home. My father was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, better known as the Mormon church during his first year of high school. To him, it became an even better decision when he found out school tuition would be less expensive. My mother was born and raised in the church. We attended church regularly, had family prayers daily, and many of the activities in our home were family oriented. The Tongan language was used in our home and English was only spoken outside of our home at school or at work. My mother tells me I had a difficult time the first few years of school becoming used to the English language. Family connections in the Tongan culture are very important. Cultural practices that were common during the early years of Tongan culture still exist today in the islands and in any part of the world you find us. I interacted with distant relatives as if we were brothers and sisters on a

Afforestation in Hong Kong

Afforestation in Hong Kong Afforestation in Hong Kong is one of the topics of the on-going debate on sustainability.Advertising We will write a custom dissertation sample on Afforestation in Hong Kong specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Chinese government is trying to address the problems related to environmental problems and afforestation is seen as one of possible effective ways to solve such issues as soil erosion, vast amounts of carbon dioxide, etc. (Xin, 2012). Though, it is necessary to note that these attempts are not new as afforestation policies were introduced as far back as the end of the nineteenth century when Government Gardens and Tree Planting Departments (Hamilton, 2008). Those were first initiatives aimed at securing forests from non-sanctioned felling (Demurger Yang, 2006). Nonetheless, massive afforestation policies were launched only after the World War II. The situation in the region was really alarming as the aftermaths of the war were dev astating and it was time to come up with effective solutions (Xi, Bi He, 2012). Another stage of afforestation began in 1979 when a number of strategies were developed to effectively develop ecosystem of the region (Harris, 2012). Those measures head a positive impact on the environmental situation in the region as the forest cover in the area increased from 8.6% in the middle of the twentieth century to 18.21% in 2003 (Zhang Song, 2006).Advertising Looking for dissertation on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Elliott et al. (2006) claim that the strategies used are not as effective as they could be and the policies should be reconsidered. Therefore, the afforestation strategies used have raised a number of questions. Thus, the reforestation in the region has been characterised by the use of exotic tree species. This approach is supported by some researchers, but it is highly criticised as it regard ed as rather ineffective. As far as positive effects of the use of exotic trees are concerned, it is possible to note that there is certain impact on the diversity in the region (Pullar Lamb, 2012). Willoughby et al. (2007) argue that exotic species are potentially favourable for development of biodiversity in a region. Though, it is necessary to note that the researchers focused on a specific area (Britain) and the time the trees were observed is insufficient to come to particular conclusions. Liu (2003) claims that planting exotic species of trees had a favourable impact on the rehabilitation of the area due to high productivity of the chosen species. The researcher notes that some species of bamboo can help restore forest coverage in limited periods of time. Yau (1997) also supports the idea that exotic trees can be useful to ameliorate the environment which will become a good basis for the future reforestation with native species. Lee, Hau and Corlett (2005) stress that exotic species can have favourable impact as they can be used for restoration of soil system, but the researchers also argue that exotic trees are inappropriate for restoration of biodiversity in the region and, due to this, native species of trees should prevail.Advertising We will write a custom dissertation sample on Afforestation in Hong Kong specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Obviously, the majority of researchers agree that the use of exotic trees is quite limited and is inappropriate for massive afforestation of the area. The use of native species of trees is seen as the most effective strategy to effectively restore biodiversity in the area. Chen et al. (2008) provide comprehensive evidence to support their argument that the use of exotic trees is ineffective for afforestation of areas. At the same time, Elliott et al. (2006) argue that the use of exotic species can negatively affect biodiversity of the area as such species can replac e native trees. Even though, this can have no negative impact on the soil, it can negatively affect the ecosystem as natural pollinators will not be able to adjust to the new environment (Clark, 2005). Hau (2000) notes that the effectiveness of the use of native species still needs certain research as time is needed to investigate all possible outcomes of the use of this or that strategy. Nagendra and Southworth (2010) claim that biodiversity is crucial to the environment and, therefore, the use of exotic species is hazardous. The researchers believe new strategies of afforestation should be used. In particular, the use of native trees should become the major strategy (Jim, 2012). Hau (2010) also stresses that native trees should be used to restore the ecosystem as the use of exotic trees can result in degradation of biodiversity in certain sites.Advertising Looking for dissertation on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, it is clear that quite extensive research has been implemented on the matter. The majority of researchers agree that the use of native trees is of paramount importance for the restoration of the biodiversity in the region and it should be the core strategy of the afforestation policies in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, it is necessary to note that the experiments were carried out in quite limited periods of time. Admittedly, investigation of the development of ecosystems and biodiversity cannot be held within a decade. Therefore, further research is essential. It is necessary to analyse the effectiveness of policies used in the middle of the twentieth century. It is also important to have a closer look at the exact species used in particular areas. Reference List Chen, L., Tam, N.F.Y., Huang, J., Zeng, X., Meng, X., Zhong, C., Wong, Y. Lin, G. (2008). Comparison of ecophysiological characteristics between introduced and indigenous mangrove species in China. Estuarine, Coastal a nd Shelf Science, 79(1), 644-652. Clark, J. (2005). Preserving Hong Kong’s Biodiversity. Retrieved from civic-exchange.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/200508_EcologicalRestoration.pdf Demurger, S. Yang, W. (2006). Economic changes and afforestation incentives in rural China. Environment and Development Economics, 11(5), 629–649. Elliott, S., Blakesley, D., Maxwell, J. F., Doust, S., Sutthathorn, S. (2006). How to plant a forest†¯: The principles and practice of restoring tropical forest. Retrieved from forru.org/PDF_Files/htpafbook/htpafbook.pdf Hamilton, S. (2008). Watching over Hong Kong: Private policing 1841-1941. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Harris, P.G. (2012). Environmental policy and sustainable development in China. Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. Hau, B.C.H. (2000). Promoting native tree species in land rehabilitation in Hong Kong, China. In S. Elliott, J. Kerby, D. Blakesley, K. Hardwick, K. Woods and V. Anusarnsunthorn (Eds), Forest restor ation for wildlife conservation. (pp. 109-120). Thailand: Chiang Mai University. Hau, B.C.H. So, K.K.Y. (2003). Using native tree species to restore degraded hillsides in Hong Kong, China. Retrieved from aseanbiodiversity.info/abstract/52001396.pdf Hau, B.C.H. (2010). Using native plant species in forest restoration and slope rehabilitation in Hong Kong, China. Retrieved from rainforestation.ph/news/pdfs/Hau.pdf Jim, C.Y. (2012). Restoration of forests associated with new town development in Hong Kong. In J. Stanturf, D. Lamb, P. Madsen (Eds.), A goal-oriented approach to forest landscape restoration (pp. 129-149). London, UK: Springer. Lee, E. W. S., Hau, B. C. H. Corlett, R. T. (2005). Natural regeneration in exotic tree plantations in Hong Kong, China. Forest Ecology and Management, 212(1–3), 358–366. Liu, D. (2003). Rehabilitation of degraded forests to improve livelihoods of poor farmers in South China. Bogor, Indonesia: CIFOR. Nagendra, H. Southworth, J. (2010 ). Reforesting landscapes: Linking pattern and process. Bloomington, USA: CIFOR. Pullar, D. Lamb, D. (2012). A tool comparing alternative forest landscape restoration scenarios. In J. Stanturf, D. Lamb, P. Madsen (Eds.), A goal-oriented approach to forest landscape restoration (pp. 129-149). London, UK: Springer. Willoughby, I., Stokes, V., Poole, J., White, J.E.J. Hodge, S.J. (2007). The potential of 44 native and non-native tree species for woodland creation on a range of contrasting sites in lowland Britain. Forestry, 80(5), 531–553. Xi, W., Bi, H. He, B. (2012). Forest landscape restoration in China. In J. Stanturf, D. Lamb, P. Madsen (Eds.), A goal-oriented approach to forest landscape restoration (pp. 65-93). London, UK: Springer. Xin, Z. (2012, March 12). Afforestation to continue into next decade. The China Daily. Retrieved from chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-03/12/content_14814759.htm Yau, F. (1997). Soil and afforestation in the Shing Mun Country Park, Hong Kong (M aster’s Thesis. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China). Retrieved from http://hub.hku.hk/bitstream/10722/55287/3/FullText.pdf Zhang, Y. Song, C. (2006). Impacts of afforestation, deforestation, and reforestation on forest cover in China from 1949 to 2003. Journal of Forestry, 104(7), 383–387.

Comparison of Ingre's 'Grande Odalisque' and Titan's 'Venus of Urbino' Essay

Comparison of Ingre's 'Grande Odalisque' and Titan's 'Venus of Urbino' - Essay Example The depiction of the female nudity in history of art exists in plenty; as does the archetype from which these nudes got styled. Titian and Ingres were deliberated as some of the most significant artists of their time; accredited with being broad - minded and conservative (Gardner 290). Noting the painters and paintings, they stand as genius on their own considering their individual contributions which are monumental to the corresponding movements. Through identifying these works through their separate form content and context, the two works will be compared and contrasted. It remains easy to describe Ingres as a consistent supporter of the Neo - Classical stylishness from his period in David's studio to the mid19th century. Ingres returned to Neo - Classics after having overruled the lessons of David, his teacher, and after having set the foundation for the emotional Romanticism expressiveness, the new style of young Delacroix and Gericault that Ingres would ultimately defend. Ingres' early Romantic penchants can be seen most legendarily in his work â€Å"La Grande Odalisque† painted in 1814. On Ingres’, Grande Odalisque, a languid nude is outlaid in a sumptuous interior. On its first glance this nude appears to follow in the convention of the Venetian masters, for instance, Venus of Urbino (1538) by Titian. However, upon closer scrutiny, it seems that this is not a classical setting. Instead, Ingres has generated a distant eroticism emphasized by its exotic context. This work is full of sensuality, idealization and mystery. The background seems quite undefined with a purported black portion that makes it more attractive. The different shades of bluish clothing and decorations make the picture more striking to the viewer. The woman’s gaze, like Titan’s Venus, is directed straight towards the spectator and the fan made of peacock feathers in her hand looks as if it has just been used. Odalisque position and size gives a deeper meaning although, it is much more than a naked lady staring at the viewer. She reflects her life as a concubine, on her duties . She is believed to have been part of the sultan’s harem, she was there to satiate the lascivious pleasures of the sultan, despite what she may want or feel. She reflects a woman with deep thoughts, complex feelings and emotions (Lewis 328). In the cognizance of a 19th century French male observer, the sort of individual for whom this picture was made from, the odalisque would have made up not only a harem slave, being itself a fallacy, but a set of desires and fears connected to the long aggression history between Islamic Asia and Christian Europe. Certainly, Ingres' porcelain sexuality is acceptable even to a progressively prudish French culture due to its subject's distance. While the Renaissance painter Titan veiled his eroticism in myths, Ingres covered his piece of desire in a murky exoticism. Some art historians suggest that colonial politics played a role too on the work. France was expanding its African and Eastern possessions, often brutally at this time (Gardner 4 41). The myth of the barbarian served the French who would then claim a moral authoritative. Incidentally, on clear look, anyone can notice something "wrong" with the figure's anatomy. Titian is deliberated to have been an outstanding Venetian painter of the 16th - century, and the former of the Venetian colorist and painterly tradition. He remains one of the significant figures in the Western art history. Tiziano Vercelli got born in the northern Venice, in 1477. He got trained by both Giorgione and Bellini, and after