Iran Iraq war causes and consequences free essay sample

Iran-Iraq conflict causes and consequences (1980-88) INTRODUCTION : This conflict began when Iraq invaded iran in 1980 followed by border disputes and Irq’s desire to become dominant Persian Gulf state and the Iranian revolution at that time .but they couldn’t get the control they only occupied some portion of iran and then repelled by iran .Despite calls for a ceasefire by the United Nations Security Council, hostilities continued until 20 August 1988. The war finally ended with Resolution 598, Causes : The causes of Iran Iraq conflicts can be attributed to wide range of issues Political causes-historical claims of territory, Shatt Al Arab waterway dispute and result of six day war Economic causes- occupying of Khuzestan, religious  Cultural causes- cultural differences between Iran and Iraq and results of the Iranian revolution Long term causes: Historical disputes: The historical disputes over the shatt al arab waterway and border can be traced back to the Islamic period that occurred in 7 th century. We will write a custom essay sample on Iran Iraq war causes and consequences or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page invasions and counter invasions occurred between Mesopotamia and Persia regions.Iraq’s population was primarily composed of arab with small minority of kurds.Iran’s population was more diverse Persian,kurds,baluchis,turkmans and other tukic groups. In 1420 ad safavid empire began rebelling against dominance of Ottoman empire in Middle east. Ottomoan empire was In control over Iraq and safavid empire was in control of curren Iran.distinct branches in Islam (shai and sunni)became more distinct.resulted in the beginning of present day nationalism.in 1639 ad treaty of zuhab border lines between countries had always been vauge when described in the treaty of zuhab.the treaty was signed between former Ottomon empire (the Iraqis)and the safavid empire(Iran).treaty of zuhab stated that the border between Iran and Iraq would run between the zagros mountains and the tigris river.this treaty acted as final solution to the hundred year territorial dispute between the two countries.it grants the Persians tsoutheren Caucasus and all of Mesopotamia to the Ottomans the treaty however did not end the animosity  between Iran and Iraq.18 additional trations were digned before the turn of the twentieth century. In 1847 treaty of ezerum,was signed by two countries deeming the water way as a border.russian and Britain assumed roles as medi ators to 1847 treaty.Iraq would maintain complete control of this waterway and territories to the east and Iran would only granted minimal access to the river.however Iran only agreed upon these terms in exchange for two Iraqi cities.however shortly after Iran began to push their claims west.wanted to maintain part, if not all of shatt waterway and have unlimited access. In 1937 a revised treaty was established between the newly established and independent Iran and Iraq.the boundaries were to run along the left bank(east bank) of shatt al arab,except for a stretch of 8 kilometers in front of Abadan(Iranian town).Iran and Iraq maintained a somewhat friendly relationship. relationship was later disrupted by instability of monarchies. Border and shatt al arab water way disputes. Shatt al arab water way is responsible for the connection between the Persian gulf with Iranian ports of khorramshan and Abadan and Iraqi port of basra.the shatt al arab is of utmost significance as it acts as the current Iraq’s only access to the Persian gulf.the Russians supported the desired claim of the eastern bank waterway to the Persians while the Britain backup the Ottoman in occupying both banks.the support from the Russians and bretain in the occupying for the river would give them each an upper hand with their trading partners Shatt al arab treaty 1847 treaty was established and stated that the shatt would act as boundary khorramshahn and Abadan.Iraq would maintain complete control of this waterway and Iran would not be granted access to the river.howerver,Iran only agreed upon these terms in exchange for the two Iraqi cities.they turn reducd their dependence on the river. Short term causes: Result of six day war: The participation of Iraq during the October war,more commonly referred to as the six day war,under the governing of the Baath party was quite minimal.their minimal participation is primarly attributed to iarq’s poor preparation.this resulted in Iraq’s mentality to improve their warfare and  expand military.iraqpurchased 1600 additional tanks from the USSR and 200 more aircrafts.Baath party promoted saddam to head of military competence,essentially giving saddam the right to complete military control. Nationalism rivalry for power: Result of Iranian revolution: shah of Iran was overthrown in 1979 by radical Islamist and communist.ayatollah Khomeini came into power . the Iranian government led by shah was previously pro-western and anti-socialist turned into highly religious and theocratic government.Israel and the united states were now seen as enimies.mentality of Iranian government was drastically altered. Quest for dominance: with overthrowing of shah dictatorship,the shi’i muslims of Iran saw this as the new beginning for the country.they developed a strong sense of pride and nationlisam in their country.ayatollah Khomeini accused saddam’s regime of being anti-Islamic and overly secular. Looking to overthrow Iraqi regime. That was part of khomeinini’s border plan of expanding the Islamic revolution throughout the middle east. Saddam Hussein ,in Iraq was at the same time looking to establish himself as a great leader in the arab community.their neighbor’s in the west were seen as their largest threat.Iran was viewed as military vulanarable as result of their recent revolution in 1979.it is difficult to pinpoint precisely to when thewar broke out.earliest forms of violence between two countries are the attack of Iranian villages of khmoneini supporting Iraqis in 1979 by Iraq and the support of rebel groups and the deportation of Iraq born Iraqi civilians.majority of these acts of violence occurred at the border between Iran and Iraq The occupation of Khuzestan: Another geographic region that was considered valuble in addition to the shatt al arab ws Khuzestan.Iarq strategized to sieze control over Khuzestan(occurd in 1980),which is located in south western Iran across from the waterway.khuzestan is rich with oil and is responsible for majority of Iran’s oil supply.saddam was convinced that the capture of this valuble piece of land would result in a new Iranian revolution that would call for the instillations of a government whose intrests were more comparable with Iraq’s. Religious and governmental differences: Difference in ideologies and religious beliefs between Iran and Iraq was an outstanding issue.newly established leaders caused an increased level of nationalism. The invasion of Iran by saddam Hussein acted as culmination to fighting. Effects during the Iran Iraq war: In the final stages of war(1987-1988) no clear military gain for either sides’1983-84 stalemate. Iraq began facing difficulties prior to 1987.lacked capability to counter attack Iranian offensives. outnumbered by population. Iran strengthened by war strong initiative in 1987 attacks seeming better able to survive along conflict.since regaining all lost territory in 1982,Iran was on the offensive until 1988.course of war changed radically in spring of 1988 moving nations to cease fire. Series of Iraqi victories in 1988 compelled Iran to accept previously refused ceasefire agreement. Taker war: Tanker war of 1984 Iraqi attempt to sabotage Iran.strait of hormuz one of the most strategically important passages for oil transport. United states threatened to invade Iran if they closed strait. Iraq attacked Iranian kharg island iol tankers in 1984.iran retailed by attacking tankers of all countries that supported Iraq. Both nations attacked oil tankers and merchant ships in an effort to bankrupt opponent. US involvement lead to death of 290 innocent passengers on mistaken airline,strike on 5 oil vessels.damaged Iranian American relations. War of cities: Stalemate 1985-1987,Iraqi forces better trained ,out numbered by Iranian forces,civilinas became new target.started by Iraq February 1988.Iraq attacked 65 Iranian citites in 42 days 8 missile targets killed 65 children in an elementary school. Iranian civilian aircrafts,trains,Teheran oil refinery were destroyed . Iraq launched 520 scuds at Iran, received 177 in return.in march Iran retaliated by launching 3 scud missiles at Baghdad.gave Iraq excuse to sharply escalate war. Iran was losing morale after 8 years of  conflict. Repeated offesives exhausted Iranian capabilities for the war. Iranians no longer supported the war. Publicizing the war pushed for UN ceasefire .Iran ambiguously accepted.USSR and China denied US,UK and France’s arms embargo. Iran angrily denied USSR limited missile ceasefire. Iraqi Kurdistan: Iraqi controlled portion. Historically oppressed by the Iraqi government. Kurdish support for Iran angered Iraq. Iraq launched support for Iran angered Iraq. Iraq launched heavy poison gas attacks on halabjah, march 1988. Khomeini showed will to accept resolution 598 â€Å"happy are those who have departed through martyrdom †¦.unhappy am I that I have drunk this poisoned chalice â€Å". United States only nation that did not publicly condemn use of chemical warfare. Final stages –moving towards ceasefire: 1988 critical turning point in war’s outcome. 3 factors: that played a major role are decline of Iran’s ability to continue fighting due to political and military losses .western presence in gulf combined with Iran’s diplomatic isolation. critical changes to Iraq’s armed forces and methods of warfare. Cease fire: Iran accepted peace resolution 598 on august 20 1988, both sides agreed to pre-war boundaries. Important aspects of Resolution 598: Accept ceasefire and withdraw forces. Settle border disputes under UN held negotiations. Same terms as 1982 resolution. final exchange of POW in 2003. Effects after war: In Iraq: Political effects: Immediately rebuilt broken ties with Saudi Arabia ,Kuwait , Bahrain . started relations with European countries. Diplomatic problems with west untouched. UN was looking to contain Iran. New Iranian leadership (1989) ayatollah khomenini dies, ali Khamenei elected as supreme leader of Iran by assembly of experts. Akbar Rafsanjani elected as president. Adopted economy first policy.attempted to boost foreign investment and trade through liberalizing Iranian markets. Supported privatization policy. Economic reforms helped spur Iranian regrowth. Economic effects: Collapsing economy, futher declined collapse from Islamic revolution. More than 1 million casualities. Exhausted foreign reserves (14.6 billions to 1 billion). Saudi Arabia vetoed Iranian OPEC attempt to cut production and raise prices. Cultural effects: Shi’a muslims continued to dominate. Iranian revolutionary guard corps created to defend theocratic rule (Shiite national guard). Before his death, khomenin tried influencing sunni Iranians with his own theocratic beliefs. The 90s saw an imbalance of religion and republicanism. Technological effects: Outcome of war influenced scientific advancements in Iran.experianced technological and research revival.has fastest scientific growth rate. In Iraq: political effects: US-Iraq ties. Us largest western supporter of Iraq during the war. Iraq believed it could act without consequence in Gulf war.president bush signed NSD26, US wants to maintain friendly relations with gulf oil states.national security for US and stability in Gulf. Iraq relied on the oil exports to rrebuild economy .law of supply states that as supply increses, price decreses (vice versa). Kuwait refused to implement quota. Iraq’s economy unable to rebuild from war reparations. Accusations of Kuwait drilling illegally in Irqa oil fields. Lead to invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Cultural effects : Hussein introduced austerity measures to mobilize population for war effort. All citizens required to donate blood. To gain Shiite support, more were let into the government . brought support by making generous contributions of shia waqf.in Kurdish genocide systematic attacks against Kurdish population. US assisted Iraq in avoiding repercussions from worldwide condemnation. mustard gas, sarin chemical weapons. massacred 50000-100000 civilians. destroyed 4000 villages,4500 schools mosques, hospitals and 27 churches. War brought international attention to Kurdish oppression. UN passed resolution 688 in 1991,condemning Iraqi oppression of Kurd. demanded access to humanitarian aid. Economic effects: 600 billions debt accumulated with the destruction of economic developments. relations with allies grew tense as Iraq unable to pay back debts. Slowed GDP growth. eventually became most indebted poor country in the world. Conclusion: 8 years of fighting in vain,for both sides.this is the deadliest conflits since world war II.both countries were devasted economically. Iran seemed to have learnt from mistakes, while bankrupt Iraq found it self involved in another conflict .in 1990,saddam Hussein recognized Iranian rights over eastern half of shaat-al –Arab. First widespread use of chemical warfare since 1918.and Iran became more militaristic and anti-western.

Racial Inequality in America in 1998

Racial Inequality in America in 1998 Racial inequality in the United States is still a contentious issue. The demographic population of the US may be a possible explanation for this social ill because as commentator Ben Wattenberg importunes, the United States has become the â€Å"world’s first multinational society† (Lee, 2012, p. 2).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Racial Inequality in America in 1998 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Today, most nations across the world look up to the United States in awe of its immigration status in view of the relevant laws and policies. The US has comfortably managed to accommodate all races from Blacks to White to Asians and Hispanics within its borders. However, racial inequality remains the greatest vulnerability suffered by the United States’ democracy. Despite being the orchestrator of the Universal Bill of Rights, the US suffers gravely from a systemic cancer of racial imparity. This malevolence dates back to the ages of slavery, during which the role of the united states cannot be underestimated as it had the largest number of slaves within a localized geographical location (the South). Moreover, even after the ban of slavery in the US, it was notoriuious for continued infringement of human rights by discrimination even after the abolishment of slavery after the Civil War (Vorenberg, 2001, p.104). Nevertheless, since the 1960s, the United States has come a long way in the abolishment of discrimination and bias based on diversities. There have been three key legislations, viz. The Omnibus Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Free Housing Act of 1968 that assisted in the fight against racial iniquality by legislating the desired socio-political, economic, and cultural outcome of a free United States. After the Civil War, Americans were under the impression that the social ills leading to the civil strife that culminated in the war wou ld come to an immediate end. However, the continuation of these social atrocities until as late as 1998 was proof that it would take more than just a few new laws and declaration to rid people of the racial bias that had been so deeply entrenched in their minds and lives. The history of slavery dates back to the early seventeenth Century when a Dutch ship arrived in the New World loaded with African slaves (Buell, 2004). At one point, there was a severe shortage of labor to run the plantations and these human machines were perceived as the only way out. They were strong, resilient, and clearly built for hard labor and harsh living conditions, which suited their maters’ needs. Consequently, slave trade soon became a lucrative business and ships continued to arrive with armies of Africans who at first had been sold off by their own communities into slavery as outcasts, but as the demand grew, the slave dealers began to kidnap slaves for trade.Advertising Looking for ter m paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This went on for more than three centuries and so by the time slavery was being abolished in the early 20th century, whites had become accustomed to treating African Americans with contempt. There was a time in history when it was not conceivable that an African could read. The white masters did not believe that slaves had the intelligence to grasp any knowledge. With this kind of background, it is in fact commendable that the world has come so far as to accept black people in almost equal standing. In The United States, Blacks are actually ranking above Hispanics and some Asians in terms of development (Sowell, 2013). However, the issue of racial inequality still survives and policy makers are running out of ideas on what laws to install to get rid of racial inequality for the last time. However, if history is an indicator, legislation alone shall not solve this pr oblem. Immediately after the Civil War, policy makers came up with the Omnibus Civil Rights Act, of 1964. This Act is the mother of all antidiscrimination legislations and it covered racial, ethnic, and even sexual discrimination (Lee, 2012). Title VIII is an addendum to the Act and it tackles discrimination at the workplace, religious discrimination, and sexual harassment at the workplace. It also made segregation illegal and empowered the Attorney General to institute suits against institutions and agencies such as schools and employers who discriminated against their students and employees respectively, based on race among other variables. The second Act was the Voting Rights Act 1965. This Act established federal regulation over matters that were hitherto reserved for state and local jurisdiction only, such as political issues to do with voting and minorities’ rights. In 2006 when it was most recently amended, the Republicans in the House sought to abrogate the federal ov ersight capacity of the Judicial Department to no avail. The third Act was the Federal Housing Act of 1968 â€Å"that prohibited racial discrimination in the sale and renting of housing† (Bonilla-Silva, 2006, p.94). It covers all houses including those that are individually owned and occupied. Unfortunately, these legislations did not successfully eliminate racial inequality because although the law required compliance in certain institutional settings, it could not act as a watchdog in every social aspect of racism. For instance, it could not prevent racist comments between individual citizens. This shortcoming in the law’s capacity to address the issue of racial inequality adequately culminated in several instances of hate crimes that were egregious violations of human rights policies and in the case of James Byrd Jr., it cost his life (Petersen, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Racial Inequality in America in 1998 specifically fo r you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 1998, at Jasper County in Texas, three white men, viz. Lawrence Russell Brewer, John William King, Shawn Berry killed James Byrd in a shocking act that was described by one prosecutor as psychopathic racism. These three men were out on a drinking spree when they saw a black James Byrd walking down the street. They offered him a ride and a beer then began to ridicule him with racist sentiments (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2005). At first, he ignored the barbs, but eventually a fight ensued, which culminated in his throat being slit, black paint being smeared on his face and finally, being chained by his feet to the back of their truck and dragged for three or so miles until he died after getting decapitated. Soon afterwards, investigations began and since it was such an egregious act of racial violence, the Federal Bureau of Investigations coupled up with the Justice Department and the state to nub the perpetrators. Eventually, the three men were arrested, prosecuted, and the jury found them guilty of murder (Welch, 2007). King and Brewer were given the death penalty as the jury ruled unanimously that they should be put to death, while Berry got a life sentence. One of the questions asked of the jury in such instances is whether it believes that the perpetrator shall kill again if not put to death first. Racial inequality continues to be a contentious issue in the US democracy and statistics indicate a consistent pattern since from as early as 1968 up to date. If a hierarchy were to be applied, whites would be on top, followed by blacks in some instances, and the other races respectively. Worryingly, the newer races in the US economy are already surpassing or threatening to surpass the African American population in matters of poverty and employment (Lee, 2012, p. 7). However, the solution perhaps lies in education as educated individuals, irrespective of race, seem to live in a respectable sta ndard, but this is also not a foolproof remedy because there is still a gap between equally educated counterparts among the races. Consequently, more time is required for further unification of races in addition to all the preventive legislations and policies aimed at eradicating racial inequality as well as education. As time lapses, people’s attitudes seem to improve by abandoning long-held idiosyncrasies. Reference List Bonilla-Silva, E. (2006). Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the  Persistence of Racial Inequality in America. Oxford, UK: Rowman Littlefield Publishers.Advertising Looking for term paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Buell, T. (2004). Slavery in America: A Primary Source History of the Intolerable  Practice of Slavery. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group. Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2005). Hate Crime Statistics 2004. Web. Lee, C. (2012, May). Racial Inequality: Americas Achilles Heel- Full Chapter You are  here Todays American: How Free? Web. Petersen, J. (2011). Murder, the Media, and the Politics of Public Feelings:  Remembering Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana University Press. Sowell, T. (2013). Intellectuals and Race. New York, NY: Basic Books. Vorenberg, M. (2001). Final Freedom: The Civil War, the Abolition of Slavery, and the  Thirteenth Amendment. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Welch, K. (2007). Black Criminal Stereotypes and Racial Profiling. Journal of  Contemporary Criminal Justice, 23(3), 276-288.

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Report - Essay Example The resultant signal is channelled into the powered amplifier. The role of the power amplifier is to drive the loudspeaker. The circuit is designed such that the mixer contains a gain that can be varied, depending on the desirability of the required volumes. In addition, there should be the allowance for the volume of one channel to be controlled separately from another. This enhances the quality of sound as this enables one to have balance between the two channels. In this regard, the presented diagram consists of a set of two inputs; the speech and music. In this case, the speech voltage controls the music voltage. The operation of the circuit project only requires that the two signals are combined while the current should be adjusted to be adequate to make the speakers work effectively. It is expectable that in the cases where speech signal is lacking, the music voltage from the difference amplifier is about 1V. In the cases where the speech signal is peak, the voltage is expected to be at the minimum level, at around 0.17V. In this regard, mixing the speech and music amplifier creates the allowance to have the music volume by varying the voltage of the speech signal. Even so, the mixer’s output does not have the power capacity of driving the speakers. In this regard, it is expectable that when the amplitude of the mixer’s input is raised by a gain of well over 10 units, as well as utilizing the class B type of amplifier so that adequate current can be generated, the circuit would work successfully. The amplifier is connected to the speakers. About Power amplifiers Conventionally, most power amplifiers make use of the output stage, in the cases where a single transistor handles a half of the waveform signals and this is regardless of whether the half is negative or positive. This operation is often labelled as the push-pull. Its efficiency is unquestionable, considering that only minimal current flows when music signal is lacking. Furthermore, this comes with the implication that the compact power supply may be the only most essential component; hence it cost-effectiveness to the manufacturer. For the user, the resultant amplifier is relatively small in size, efficient and cheap. The power amplifier functions to deliver power, a product of load current and voltage. Power= IV I ~ Current V ~ Voltage In the basic sense, a power amplifier shares a lot of commonalities with the voltage amplifier. The only difference between the two is that in the power amplifier, the resistance of the load that is connected to the output is relatively low, for instance, a loudspeaker consisting of 7 ohms that triggers the flow of high current through the transistor’s collector. In consideration to the high currents that flow through the loads, it is imperative that the output transistors that are applied in the amplification of power should have high resistance. There are two categories of amplifiers that could be used; A-type and B-ty pe amplifiers. The A-type amplifiers are those in which the output current assumes the inputs’ full cycle, creating the allowance of the transistors to be forward-biased through the input cycles, without switching off. The following is an extract of the diagram for the A-type amplifier. Figure 1: A-type Amplifier On the other hand, the B-type amplifier is that which is designed to improve the energy of efficiency of the A-type amplifier, ensuring for the reduction of the amount of heat loss? Besides, its signal assumes a half

Fight club Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fight club - Essay Example As a response to the crisis, the narrator begins a nostalgic backlash that will help him to grapple with the outcome of the crisis. As the backlash materializes as aggressive affirmations of manhood, he comes disillusioned with the struggles in his life. He comes to terms with his crisis and decides to enter into a relationship with Marla Singer. The narrator’s life is characterized by undeviating job and life experiences. He considers his job boring and his life dreary. However, things turn when he met Tyler Durden during one of his flights. After the meeting, his life began to transform based on the ideas of manhood gained from Durden. The narrator realizes that emasculation in a society drives men to a rugged life, which leads to revolt. In the book, emasculation is a central theme. The male characters in the book have become slaves to a world of consumerism. The narrator notes that he â€Å"was not the only slave to my nesting instinct. The people I know used to sit in the bathroom with pornography, now they sit in the bathroom with their IKEA furniture catalogue† (Palahniuk 43). Nesting instincts are not associated with men because they do not become pregnant, and they do not give birth. This is the first instant in which the audience meets an emasculated character in the book. This statement shows that men have abandoned their duties and assumed new roles that give them nesting instincts. Emasculation is a central theme because it has been portrayed by the narrator in his association with support groups. The narrator states that emasculation has been caused by the consumer culture. He finds solace in a support group for people with testicular cancer (Collado 47). In my opinion, this is a metaphor that is meant to support the idea for emasculation. During his interactions with members of the support group, he met Bob, who was a former body builder. Jack learns that as a result of the testicular cancer, Bob has started to develop

Learning Strategies and Information Processing Development Essay

Learning Strategies and Information Processing Development - Essay Example Learning disabilities remain manifest more as students advance through elementary years and get ready to master readiness skills. Their memory difficulties could be attributed to weak information processing relating to retrieval and storage of information, and ineffective strategies for retrieval and storage of messages (Smith, 2003). How attention, memory, recognition and knowledge relate to learning strategies. Delays in learning strategies and information processing abilities, in addition to a deficient knowledge base on which new knowledge could be attached, affect the capacity of students in processing and recalling information. The opportunity to learn would be lost whenever the attention of a student remains free or not maintained. This loss creates a deficiency of skills and knowledge, therefore, making learning less meaningful and forgettable. The learning-disabled students often become more impulsive and distractible compared to their peers. They also use less psychological control procedures to focus their learning (Smith, 2003). Preschoolers with learning disabilities remain more active as well as having difficulty in directing their attention. However, their activity declines from age three into adolescence. In this regard, their learning strategies should incorporate attributes that would appeal to their attention such as shape, color, and uniqueness. An overemphasis on deficit remediation in the school curriculum does not expose the learning disabled to a wide variety of ideas, information, and language with the ability to stimulate cognitive development. Thinking skills need to be developed from the initial stage of a child’s career at school. These include, but not limited to, skills for developing, interpreting, differentiating, testing, memorizing, organizing, managing time, and solving problems. Special education teachers also need to direct these students on how to solve problems and focus on essential concepts (Smith, 2003). In orde r to develop and maintain short and long-term memory, information should be made memorable through repetition or association. The entry behavior of students also influences their capacity to have a focused attention, memorize, and retrieve information. Long-term memory results from intensive and varied information processing in the working memory during the initial stages. However, the learning-disabled students possess inefficient memory since they have difficulty stimulating information from the memory and associating it with new knowledge. Hence, more information could be learnt when a student possesses more knowledge Smith, 2003). An efficient, long-term memory of information should integrate verbal rehearsal and visualization as learning strategies for enhancing memory. Moreover, naming and grouping of information may also be used especially for younger students to enable them verbalize and memorize concepts. These strategies would mature during the middle and high school years . Conversely, it would be worth noting that the identification of visual-perceptual delays in preschool children remains a difficult process since the basic perceptual skills of space and form develop at early stages of growth and development in life (Smith, 2003). How visual-perceptual, motor and language relate to information processing developmen

Role of Religion in Society Sociology Essay

Role of Religion in Society Sociology Essay Functionalism is the most widely-used theory in modern sociology. In general, functionalism uses a systematical approach to any given object, asserting that each element of this object fulfills a necessary role, which is vital either to keep the balance of the system or for its survival. Any change in the state of any of the elements influences the whole system. Functionalism focuses on society as a unity of individuals and the way they, as part of this whole, are affected by various social institutions. It explores religion at the macro-level, analyzing the effect its practices and symbols have on different aspects of society as a whole as well as the harmony between its elements and/or its endurance. According to the functional approach, religion can fulfill different tasks, for example, establish unity, explain and introduce various norms to society, teach people to deal with probable unpredictable outcomes of certain events; it aims at simplifying the ideas or events that are dif ficult to understand. Extreme modern functionalists even argue that religion is vital for the survival of the human race and that it is the only means to enable the transition from selfishness to altruism. Another outstanding theorist of functionalism, Bronislaw Malinowski, also examined small groups to define the social role of religion (Sociology of Religion, 2003). His studies led him to a conclusion that religion had a calming effect on the people, especially in stressful environment. This result was based on the fact that religion had penetrated into fundamental but extremely tense for humans events, such as marriage or burial, for example. For Malinowski, death had a special significance as it meant that society lost one of its members. Nevertheless, he found religion very useful in this instance, as it proposed consolation in the form of life after death. By conducting a funeral, religion eased pain and stress, preventing possible social outbursts. Among others, Malinowski studied some tribes from the Trobriand Islands, who had a special ceremony performed before going fishing, which was their only occupation. This ritual helped them overcome fear about what might happen (as the sea was an unpredictable environment), and also built solidarity. The researcher came to a conclusion that religion helped people face the unknown future. In general, functionalism sees religion as a positive element of society, as it unites people, helps maintain social balance and prevents disorder. Functionalists accept that it is important as religious institutions fulfill functions that society needs for survival, creating individual models of behavior that are beneficial for the social balance. Religion is also viewed as a reconciling measure between an individual as an element of society and society as a whole. Functional approach allows individuals to have different levels of religious involvement. Contemporary functionalists, like J. Milton Yinger, also note that in modern society religion has expanded its influence from the church surroundings to everyday life, which means that activities previously unrelated to religion suddenly become associated with it in the peoples minds (Blasi, n.d.). Religion helps individuals to define their role in society, giving them the feeling of safety and familiarity with other individuals in a certain group. Machiavelli and Hobbes were the first scientists who introduced the concept of conflict into sociological theories. They applied the term of cynical realism to the description of society: motifs of individual behavior were based solely on self-interest. Each society has a certain ideology, represented in a system of beliefs (religion), which is often used according to the interests of the parties involved. But the core of conflict theory lies in the ideas of Karl Marx (McClelland, 2000). According to Marx, the driving force of social existence is labor, which provides people with means to satisfy their basic needs (e.g. food, shelter). The way this labor is organized from a social point of view determines the essential social characteristics, making those who carry out the production the constructors of society. Marx believed that economy was the basis for creating different social institutions that determined the form of social consciousness of each individual. In order to define the role of religion as it is seen in conflict theory, we need to understand Marxs view on society. He saw capitalism as the dominant structure of contemporary economical interactions, in which capital belonged to a small group of individuals, who employed workers. The latter used capital to produce different goods, but in order for that small group of individuals to receive profit, the workers were paid less than they actually had produced. So there was a conflict: those two classes needed each other, as they provided each other with what the other one did not have, but their interests had different vectors. In order to keep the workers (who outnumbered the bourgeois class) under control, different measures were taken: politics, police institution, religion. Conflict theory sees religion as a tool used to prevent the majority from acting on their own, to make them accept the established way of life in society. Marx believed that eventually the workers would take o ver (through growing consciousness), and a new model of economic relations socialism would be established. Max Weber is considered to be a uniting link between conflict theory and the interactionism. The scientist continued developing Marxs views, and added new levels of conflict to his theory. Weber believed that there were more conflicts than just one-kind-of-property conflict, thus acknowledging that there were more resources to fight for and that society was a multiple-class structure, with each class playing a specific role in material economic interactions. Unlike Marx, Weber moved the focus of conflict to the control of means of violence that served to suppress the opposition. What is more important for us, Weber had clearly showed what role religion played in society. He saw religion as a way to emotionally unite people, and that function of religion was exploited by the state. Religion helped different groups acquire certain statuses or develop into certain communities (based on ethnicity, for example). Religious ceremonies built strong feelings of solidarity within the group, cr eated emotional unity and bonds through application of symbols, techniques and various material aids. According to Weber, religion was not above the conflict or means of resolving it, it was another weapon. If some power incorporated itself into religious beliefs of people, it occupied the dominant position in society. Religion might also be used as a means of finding allies against a common enemy. It could be implemented to create a certain social hierocracy. Through this concept, Weber showed that religion was a manipulation tool, creating background for stratification of society (e.g. stratification in relations and established positions of religious leaders, member of the group and non-followers). In conflict theory, any conflict lies in the desire of one group to dominate the other or others, which can be most effectively achieved through violent constraint. One conflict arises when those who have the authority to coerce provide some groups with certain privileges and strip oth er groups of them. According to conflict theory, every individual acts in his own interests, having the ability to influence self-perception of others, which creates another conflict: different people having different resources available to them create the reality of others, which they use to their advantage. At a personal level, each individuals self-consciousness is developed based on the way this individual comprehends the reality that is through interpersonal communication which brings us to the theory of interactionism. Interactionism (short for symbolic interactionism) is another major theory in sociology, the most recently developed among the ones presented in this work. Some of its ideas were taken from Marx, Weber and further developed by George H. Mead and Herbert Blumer with the contribution of Charles Horton Cooley (McClelland, 2000). This theory concentrates on the subjective side of human behavior and social development. It focuses on individuals rather than society. According to interactionism, each person plays a certain role, being able to change his behavior if the behavior of others changes, too. This is because individuals are able to understand and read into the actions of others, which are perceived as symbols. Moreover, each individual perceives himself and his own actions as symbols as well. Interacting with one another, individuals are constantly in the process of interpreting the symbols that they exchange as well as the world around them. Interactionism recognizes individuals a s active participants of social life and constructors of society. Its focus is on the individual interactions, diminishing the importance of established norms (like in functionalism and conflict theory). According to interactionism, the changeable nature of negotiation process between the societys members forms the constantly changing social reality, which nevertheless stays in the frame of the stable set of rules regulating these interactions. It pays special attention to the roles that individuals play in social relations, believing that they can be either pre-defined or not. It is important to understand that individuals not just react, but evaluate the meaning of counteraction, and then decide on their reation. According to interactionism, religion is a certain ideology (a system of symbols) that helps people understand and relate to things that are above understanding, and in a certain way to track their lives in the wake of this ideology. Religion creates an outline of appropriate behavior and incorporates it into peoples minds. Participation in religious ceremonies is a way to confirm the correctness of ones course and to reinforce ones beliefs, but also a means of imposing certain symbols. Interactionism recognizes religion as a very powerful social institution, because if it succeeds in establishing itself as a symbolic system of some individual, it becomes the only right way for this individual to interpret the world around him. Religious ceremonies are seen by this theory as very important for confirming peoples system of beliefs and reinforcing certain interpretation of the world. In general, interactionism is a very subjective sociological approach. Conclusions The three theories represented in this research paper see religion not as an essential truth but rather an illusion of the truth, as it is immensely influenced by different variables. Functionalists see religion as a uniting force bringing societys members together through the feeling of solidarity. They assert that religious symbols are the representation of the values of people and give special meaning to the religious ceremonies and rituals, as they encourage stronger unity in social groups. Functionalism identifies religion as a positive element of the social system since it introduces another unearthly reality to people helping them forget the stress of everyday life. According to functionalism, religion is beneficial for health and is also an important condition for future survival of society. Conflict theory in a figurative meaning sees religion as a drug for certain social groups. It is one of the ways for the oppressed to feel united, though it is a cruel tool in the hands o f the ruling class. They use it to enforce the difficult way of life, make the working class believe that it is their fate and there cannot be another. Religion refers only to the future, promising reward or better life in the distant future or even after death (in afterlife). For conflict theory, religion is at a stage of change, blocking the idea that the current way of life benefits only a few while the majority of society suffers from injustice. It is interesting to mention that both Durkheim and Marx predicted that religion will vanish from the social life being useless. Symbolic interactionism concentrates on the individuals and their interactions through which the way the society functions and the roles of its institutions are defined. This theory sees society as a constantly changeable symbolic organism. Importance of religion is in the first place defined by the meaning of religion for each separate individual. Being part of religion is a continuous and regular comparison a nd confirmation of ones system of beliefs. The research shows that the role of religion can be explained from different points of view, and there is no right or wrong explanation.

Accommodating Pluralism: Liberal Neutrality and Compulsory Education :: Philosophy Philosophical Papers

Accommodating Pluralism: Liberal Neutrality and Compulsory Education ABSTRACT: This paper examines the general neutrality principle of Rawls’ liberalism and then tests that principle against accommodationist intuitions and sympathies in cases concerning the non-neutral effects of a system of compulsory education on particular social groups. Various neutrality principles have long been associated with liberalism. Today I want to examine the general neutrality principle Rawls associates with his own liberalism.(1) I want to begin by getting clear on just what that principle is. Then I want to test it in the context of compulsory education. Let us begin by noting that any basic social structure faithful to liberal principles of political justice will inevitably prove nonneutral in its effects on many comprehensive doctrines and ways of life. This will be true for politically unreasonable doctrines and ways of life (militantly theocratic doctrines, or ways of life centered on violating the basic rights of others). But it may also prove true for comprehensive doctrines and ways of life more or less unopposed to most liberal political values (perhaps the doctrines or ways of life of certain traditional or anti-modern religious sects). Liberalism, Rawls tells us, cannot and should not promise neutrality of effects. But this should not count against it. Every basic social structure faithful to some conception of justice, liberal or nonliberal, will prove nonneutral in its effects on some comprehensive doctrines or ways of life. Here one might think Rawls has missed the point. For what is problematic about his liberalism, it might be argued, is that it will prove non-neutral in its effects on doctrines and ways of life permissible on its own account of political justice. But Rawls has not missed the point. Rawls’s liberalism does not rest on a commitment to the value of, nor does it require, a social world maximally diverse with respect to comprehensive doctrines or ways of life willing more or less to accept liberal principles of political justice. Of course, Rawls’s liberalism would be in serious trouble were it to lead to a social world only weakly diverse. But so long as Rawls’s liberalism permits a healthy degree of diversity, to claim that its non-neutral effect on some comprehensive doctrine or way of life is unfair is to presuppose rather than establish the correctness of some competing conception of justice. Liberalism cannot and should not promise neutrality of effects, but it can and should promise what Rawls calls neutrality of aim. Accommodating Pluralism: Liberal Neutrality and Compulsory Education :: Philosophy Philosophical Papers Accommodating Pluralism: Liberal Neutrality and Compulsory Education ABSTRACT: This paper examines the general neutrality principle of Rawls’ liberalism and then tests that principle against accommodationist intuitions and sympathies in cases concerning the non-neutral effects of a system of compulsory education on particular social groups. Various neutrality principles have long been associated with liberalism. Today I want to examine the general neutrality principle Rawls associates with his own liberalism.(1) I want to begin by getting clear on just what that principle is. Then I want to test it in the context of compulsory education. Let us begin by noting that any basic social structure faithful to liberal principles of political justice will inevitably prove nonneutral in its effects on many comprehensive doctrines and ways of life. This will be true for politically unreasonable doctrines and ways of life (militantly theocratic doctrines, or ways of life centered on violating the basic rights of others). But it may also prove true for comprehensive doctrines and ways of life more or less unopposed to most liberal political values (perhaps the doctrines or ways of life of certain traditional or anti-modern religious sects). Liberalism, Rawls tells us, cannot and should not promise neutrality of effects. But this should not count against it. Every basic social structure faithful to some conception of justice, liberal or nonliberal, will prove nonneutral in its effects on some comprehensive doctrines or ways of life. Here one might think Rawls has missed the point. For what is problematic about his liberalism, it might be argued, is that it will prove non-neutral in its effects on doctrines and ways of life permissible on its own account of political justice. But Rawls has not missed the point. Rawls’s liberalism does not rest on a commitment to the value of, nor does it require, a social world maximally diverse with respect to comprehensive doctrines or ways of life willing more or less to accept liberal principles of political justice. Of course, Rawls’s liberalism would be in serious trouble were it to lead to a social world only weakly diverse. But so long as Rawls’s liberalism permits a healthy degree of diversity, to claim that its non-neutral effect on some comprehensive doctrine or way of life is unfair is to presuppose rather than establish the correctness of some competing conception of justice. Liberalism cannot and should not promise neutrality of effects, but it can and should promise what Rawls calls neutrality of aim.