Essay on The Texas Judicial System - 1414 Words

The Texas Judicial System The Texas Judicial System The Texas judicial system has been called one of the most complex in the United States, if not the world. It features five layers of courts, several instances of overlapping jurisdiction, and a bifurcated appellate system at the top level. The structure of the system is laid out in Article 5 of the Texas Constitution. The Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Appeals has a bifurcated appellate system at the highest level. Civil case appeals by the Texas Supreme Court, which also maintains the responsibility for licensing attorneys. For appeals on criminal cases those got to The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In times where the Death Penalty is in question cases are†¦show more content†¦There are 14 courts of appeal and two of them are located in Houston the 1st and 14th Courts, both having concurrent jurisdiction over the same counties cases are to be assigned on a random selection basis but may be moved in order to equalize the docket. Also the 6th and 12th courts in East Texas, appellate districts overlap in four counties Gregg, Rusk, Upshur, and Wood. The set up in the East Texas districts has been heavily criticized as being friendly to forum shopping. The following the districts and cities they are located: 1st Houston, 2nd Fort Worth, 3rd Austin. 4th San Antonio, 5th Dallas, 6th Texarkana, 7th Amarillo, 8th El Paso, 9th Beaumont, 10th Waco, 11th Eastland, 12th Tyler, 13th Corpus Christi/Edinburgh, 14th Houston. The state trial courts of general jurisdiction are the district courts. The district court has exclusive jurisdiction on felony cases, as well as divorce cases, cases involving title to land, and election contest cases. It shares jurisdiction with the county courts, and in some case justice of the peace courts, for civil cases the lowest limit for hearing a case is a mere $200 in controversy, while in Justice of the Peace courts can hear cases up to $5,000. In a catchall provision it hears all cases in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court.Show MoreRelatedThe State Judicial Selection Process884 Words   |  4 Pages The State Judicial Selection Process Name: Course: Institution: Tutor Date: â€Æ' Each state within the United States of America (USA) has its own unique judicial selection process within its court system. The judicial processes vary from court to court depending on a particular state. This paper analyses these processes, the qualifications for selecting the judges and the steps for removing judges from office, as it applies in the USA states of New York and Texas. To begin with my state, theRead MoreHistory And The Texas Judiciary System1516 Words   |  7 PagesThe history of the Judicial System in Texas began in the early nineteenth century, specifically in 1836. Since then, it has gone under many changes in structure, the importance of certain roles, and many constitutional amendments. Because of all of these adjustments and layering, the Texas Judiciary System is one that is very complex and intricate with many separations and overlapping areas. One unique feature about Texas’s system is the bifurcated appellate system. This means that there are twoRead MoreThe State Of The Texas Government1280 Words   |  6 PagesThe Texas Government is composed of three branches, the executive, legislative, and judicial branch, similar to the federal government. 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The study of children and childhood Free Essays

Why In A Society That Prides Itself On It ‘s Democratic Values Should The Suggestion Of Children ‘s Engagement Be So Contraversial? Introduction Until late geographers have paid light attending to the survey of kids and childhood ( James, 1990 ; Sibley, 1991 ; Philo, 1992 and Winchester, 1991 ) . Where surveies had been carried out, most were concerned with kids as future grownups and attending focused on their emerging accomplishments and cognitive development. Rarely were kids studied for what they are, as active societal agents in their ain right, with their ain lives, demands and desires ( Corsaro, 1997 ) . We will write a custom essay sample on The study of children and childhood or any similar topic only for you Order Now With the ‘cultural bend ‘ , kids have been ( rhenium ) positioned on the geographical docket ( Aitken, 1994 ; Valentine, 1996a and Valentine, 1996b ) . One ground is that consideration of other low-level groups in society ( for illustration, adult females, minorities, the disabled ) has drawn attending to the ways in which society is constructed around societal and spacial premises. Constructivist and interpretative positions of this sort have led to a acknowledgment that kids as a group are amongst the least powerful within western societies ( James et al. , 1998 ) and yet, their experiences within topographic point and infinite have non been consistently examined. In effect, there has been a rush of involvement in the mundane geographicss of kids ( Aitken, 1998 ; Matthews, 1995 ; Matthews and Limb, 1998 ; Matthews and Limb, in imperativeness ; Matthews et al. , 1998 ; Sibley, 1995 ; Skelton and Valentine, 1997 ; Valentine, 1997a and Valentine, 1997b ) and vigorous aver ment for ‘childhood infinite ‘ to be recognised as an of import dimension in societal and cultural theory ( James and Prout, 1992 and James et al. , 1998 ) . Unlike other marginalised groups, nevertheless, kids are non in a place within most western societies to come in into a duologue ( with grownups ) about their environmental concerns and geographical demands. In this sense, kids occupy a particular place of exclusion. Their ability to dispute the conventions of dominant political orientation from within, together with the patterns and procedures which lead to their socio-spatial marginalization, is largely beyond their appreciation. Children as ‘outsiders ‘ demand Alliess and geographics with its concern with the political relations and power of infinite and spatial property ( Painter and Philo, 1995 ) is good positioned in this regard. Just as feminist geographers have developed their surveies to turn to issues of adult females ‘s representation and engagement in socio-spatial decision-making, so geographers analyzing kids need to construct upon their surveies to take on the issue of kids ‘s rights. We contend that the argument about kids ‘s engagement ( or deficiency of engagement ) in society and public policy devising is cardinal to an apprehension of the modern-day geographics of kids and childhood. In the remainder of this assignment we develop these thoughts, within a cross-cultural model. The right to state about affairs associating to the quality of life is a basic human right ( Archard, 1993 ) . Although this cardinal rule of citizenship and of the democratic ethos was embedded in the United Nations ‘ Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( 1948 ) , it was non until the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child ( UNCRC ) in 1989 that kids ‘s right to take part in society was steadfastly established. Alongside Articles on proviso, protection and attention, the UNCRC sets out a figure of duties on the rights of engagement by immature people. Of primary importance are the undermentioned Articles: The Children Participation Controversy Engagement implies processes of engagement, shared duty and active battle in determinations which affect the quality of life. For the UNCRC engagement provides a mechanism for non merely safeguarding the ‘best involvements of the kid ‘ ( Article 3 ) , but besides for guaranting that kids ‘s positions and sentiments are given regard. However, whilst at that place has been broad acclamation and support within the UK for two other major rights of childhood identified by the UNCRC, that is, the rights to protection and proviso, there is less consensus about the impression of engagement. In malice of a turning anteroom in favor of kids ‘s rights to take part, there remains an intransigency in some quarters about whether such political engagement is appropriate. Lansdown identifies three grounds why some grownups are loath for kids to take portion in decision-making that will impact on their ain life and the lives of others ( Lansdown 1995, p. 20 ) . First, giving kids the right to state threatens the harmoniousness and stableness of household life by naming into inquiry parents ‘ ‘natural ‘ authorization to make up one’s mind what is in the best involvements of a kid. Yet, as Qvortrup et al. , ( 1994 ) suggest, to prolong such an statement, it must be beyond sensible uncertainty that grownups behave with kids ‘s best involvements in head. In pattern, this is non ever the instance. Second enforcing duties on kids detracts from their right to childhood, a period in life which is supposed to be characterised by freedom from concern. Such a position ignores the fact that many kids ‘s lives are full of legitimate concerns which are merchandises of the same societal and economic forces that affect grownups. A 3rd strand to the statement is that kids can non hold rights until they are capable of taking duty. This position is based on an idealized position of childhood, yet few kids live without duties. Alanen ( 1994 ) points out that kids ‘s labor and responsibilities within the place are underestimated, whilst the world of school work and its associated duties are rendered unseeable by the label ‘education ‘ . A 2nd, though related, statement against kids ‘s engagement is based on a strong belief that kids are incapable of sensible and rational decision-making, an incompetency confounded by their deficiency of experience and a likeliness that they will do errors. Furthermore, if kids are left to the freedom of their ain inabilities the consequences are likely to be harmful ( Scarre, 1989 ) . Franklin and Franklin ( 1996 ) pull attending to a scope of libertarian unfavorable judgments of these two point of views. As a starting point, kids are invariably doing rational determinations impacting many parts of their day-to-day lives ( some trivial, some less so ) without which their lives would hold small significance, order or intent. In add-on, grownups are frequently non good decision-makers and history bears this out. Indeed, this observation provides an inducement to let kids to do determinations so that they may larn from their errors and so develop good decision-making accomplishme nts. More radically, it has been argued that the chance of doing errors should non suspend engagement, as such an premise ‘confuses the right to make something with making the right thing ‘ ( Franklin and Franklin 1996, p. 101 ) . Critics besides draw attending to the bing allotment of rights harmonizing to age, which is flawed by flightiness and incompatibility. For illustration, within the UK a immature individual is deemed reprehensively responsible at the age of 10, sexually competent at the age of 16, but non politically responsible until the age of 18, when all of a sudden, without preparation or dry run, immature people enjoy the right to suffrage. Last, by denying rights of engagement to everyone under the age of 18 assumes a homogeneousness of emotional and rational demands, accomplishments and competencies. Furthermore, we contend that both places are imbued with an adultist premise that kids are non societal histrions in their ain right, but are adults-in-wait ing or human becomings. Minimizing kids in this manner non merely fails to admit that kids are the citizens of today ( non tomorrow ) , but besides undervalues their true potency within society and obfuscates many issues which challenge and threaten kids in their ‘here and now ‘ ( Matthews and Limb, in imperativeness ) . Engagement And Representation Of Children Within The UK In this subdivision we review immature people ‘s engagement and representation within the UK, separating between engagement at the national and local degree. At the national degree, a figure of political observers draw attending to a turning neutrality by immature people in all affairs political ( Bynner and Ashford, 1994 ; Furlong and Cartmel, 1997 and Furnham and Stacey, 1991 ) . A deficiency of political consciousness, political apathy and low degrees of political engagement are claimed as platitude. A recent societal attitudes study ( Wilkinson and Mulgan, 1995 ) showed that 45 % of under 25s did non vote in the 1992 election compared to 31 % in 1987 and merely 6 % of 15-34 twelvemonth olds describe themselves as ‘very interested in political relations ‘ . It would look that an full coevals is choosing out of political relations ( Barnardo ‘s, 1996 ) . Yet there is ample grounds to propose that if immature people are given more duties and more opportunity to take part in the running of society, so they will be more willing to prosecute in the procedures of democracy ( Hodgkin and Newell, 1996 ) . For illustration, in individual issue administrations where immature people are encouraged to take portion, rank statistics confirm a turning engagement rate. Amnesty International ‘s youth subdivision increased from 1300 in 1988 to 15,000 in 1995 ; Greenpeace ‘s young person rank rose from 80,000 in 1987 to 420,000 in 1995 ; and Friends of the Earth describe a growing of 125,000 new immature members over the same period ( British Youth Council, 1996 ) . Hodgkin and Newell ( 1996 ) strongly assert: â€Å"Our society is in some danger of infantilising kids, of presuming an incapacity long past the day of the month when they are more capable. It is a affair of common sense, and the natural good pattern of many parents populating with kids and many professionals working with kids, to listen to kids and to promote them to take duty for determinations wherever possible. The results are normally better and, even if things go incorrect, larning from errors is an indispensable portion of development† ( p. 38 ) . Indeed, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the international organic structure which was set-up to supervise the execution of the Convention, expressed concern in its meeting in January 1995 about the deficiency of advancement made by the UK Government in following with its rules and criterions. In peculiar, attending was drawn to the inadequacy of steps associating to the operationalisation of Article 12. It recommended that: â€Å"greater precedence be given to†¦ Article 12, refering the kid ‘s right to do their positions known and to hold those positions given due weight, in the legislative and administrative steps and in policies undertaken to implement the rights of the kid. ..†and went on to propose that: â€Å"the State party see the possibility of set uping farther mechanisms to ease the engagement of kids in determinations impacting them, including within the household and the community..† ( United Nations, 1995, p. 15 ) . The instance for immature people ‘s closer representation and engagement in political procedures, particularly at a national degree has been taken up by a figure of runing administrations. First moves pre-date the UNCRC, when, in 1975, the National Council for Civil Liberties ( now Liberty ) proposed a Children ‘s Rights Commissioner to move as a national advocator for kids, but the proposal did non progress beyond the parliamentary commission phase ( Rodgers, 1979 ) . Recently, the purpose of set uping a national Commissioner has gained renewed drift. Critical to this impulse was the publication of Taking Children Seriously: A proposal for a Children ‘s Rights Commissioner ( Rosenbaum and Newell, 1991 ) . In this elaborate survey the writers make a forceful instance for reform. They suggest that it is kids ‘s exposure to mistreatment, the deficiency of co-ordination across authorities sections in proviso for kids, kids ‘s complete deficiency of politica l rights, and the demand to guarantee long-run authorities conformity with the UNCRC which make the instance for setting-up the office of Commissioner so necessary ( Franklin and Franklin, 1996 ) . Among the Commissioner ‘s functions would be the remit to affect immature people every bit closely as possible in decision-making at assorted degrees. This would affect the administration of local and national forums for immature people ; the constitution of consultative groups to see policy and pattern ; and the widescale electioneering of immature people for their positions and sentiments. As a effect of this publication the run for a statutory, independent office of Children ‘s Rights Commissioner was launched in the same twelvemonth. The proposal is supported strongly by all major kid public assistance and kid protection bureaus, four Royal Colleges of Health, local authorization associations and many professional kids ‘s administrations ( Children ‘s Rights Office, 1997 ) . The constitution of the Children ‘s Rights Office in 1995 and its appellation of a full-time officer to run for a Children ‘s Commissioner gave added weight to the cause. In an effort to travel the run frontward the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation set up an enquiry which consulted widely in the UK and overseas about participatory constructions. Their study ( Hodgkin and Newell, 1996 ) non merely highlighted the modest extent of inter-ministerial and inter-departmental co-ordination of kids ‘s personal businesss and the ad hoc nature of the allotment of some duti es ( an result of there being no lead Department for kids ) , but besides drew attending to a scope of effectual authorities constructions for kids already evident elsewhere 1. The right to state: organizational constructions for kids ‘s engagement and representationa Extra encouragement to the run for better representation for immature people has been provided by New Labour. Their 1992 Manifesto proposed seting in topographic point a Minister for Children ( Lestor, 1995 ) , although this proposition was absent in the 1997 Manifesto. Whilst there are marks that the present authorities is sympathetic to the creative activity of such a station, at present, the official place is that they are in a procedure of audience ( Hewitt, 1998 ) . This deficiency of advancement has prompted other runing administrations to take up the cause. The 2020 Vision Programme is being organised by the Industrial Society as a consequence of a concern that immature people ‘s voices are seldom heard in political, economic and societal arguments. Amongst their purposes is to set in topographic point a Minister for Youth to coordinate policy and action ( Industrial Society, 1997 ) . At the local degree, nevertheless, there are promoting marks that attitudes are altering with respect to the engagement of immature people in decision-making. There are a figure of associated grounds for such a development. First, the impulse given to immature people ‘s rights in general by the UNCRC has been added to by the rules set by Local Agenda 21. Amongst its many declarations for a sustainable hereafter is the position that duologue should be established between the youth community and authorities at all degrees which enables immature people ‘s positions and visions to be incorporated as a affair of class into future environmental policy ( Freeman, 1996 ) . Second, local authorities reorganization has provided a stimulation for young person issues to be addressed in a strategic mode, partially through a demand to show community audience and partially to undertake what is perceived to be ‘the young person job ‘ ( Griffin, 1993 and Wynn and White, 1997 ) . Third, there is the ‘millennium factor ‘ ; as we move towards the bend of the century at that place seems to be an emerging sense that the hereafter is for our kids ( Hackett, 1997 and Storrie, 1997 ) and local decision-making is critical to immature people ‘s wellbeing. As portion of this motion towards giving immature people a say has been the development of young person councils/forums. The term council/forum is used here to depict the scope of ways in which folds of immature people come together, normally, but non entirely, in commission, to voice their positions about their demands and aspirations ( in their societal and physical universes ) . A recent study ( Matthews and Limb, 1998 ) has revealed that there are over 200 young person councils within the UK, although these have developed in different ways. A figure of national administrations have played of import functions in their development, but a effect of their varying attacks is an variability of proviso within the four place states. In England, the National Youth Agency ( NYA ) and the British Youth Council ( BYC ) provide advice and information on petition about young person councils. The Wales Youth Agency ( WYA ) has a similar remit. These are bureaus, which although advocates of immature people ‘s engagement, have limited capacity to back up development. Because of this, the development of young person councils in England and Wales has mostly been a haphazard one. Their signifier and character depending partially on such factors as the human ecology, political makeup and traditions of a vicinity, and partially on bing institutional and organizational cons tructions and magnetic persons. In Scotland developments are more consistent. Here a partnership between the Scottish Community Education Council ( SCEC ) , Youth Link Scotland and the Principal Community Education Officers Group, which followed four old ages of research and audience, gave rise to the ‘Connect Youth ‘ programme, launched in 1995. Targeted at 14-25 twelvemonth olds, this programme seeks to advance effectual engagement of immature people in the decision-making processes which affect their lives and to prosecute immature people in finding their positions on services and the development of chances for enhanced community engagement ( SCEC, 1996 ) . By far the longest history of young person councils in the UK, nevertheless, is within Northern Ireland. In 1979 the Department of Education established the Northern Ireland Youth Forum ( NIYF ) , with a specific brief to promote the development of a web of Local Youth Councils ( LYC ) . The intent of the LYCs was to acquire immature people involved in undertaking local issues and to guarantee that their voices were heard by local District Councils. The NIYF, on the other manus, took on a broader function and attempted to supply a national platform for immature people ‘s issues. Presently being discussed are proposals to acquire youth representatives on each District Council and the formation of a Northern Ireland Youth Parliament. Decision The multiple discourse about immature people ‘s engagement and representation generates equivocal docket. For those who feel that immature people are incapable of take parting or who question the rightness of their engagement, the deficiency of chances and inducements for representation within the UK is non deemed to be job. On the other manus, for those who see engagement to be the basis of democracy and inclusive citizenship, the UNCRC has become a rallying point, opening up new ways of believing about immature people ‘s rights. The diverseness of position, nevertheless, between those who see engagement as a ‘craft apprenticeship ‘ and a acquisition scheme ( Storrie, 1997, p. 65 ) and those who consider it to be a truly empowering experience and as a opportunity to redefine the constructions which include immature people, confounds the manner frontward. Yet, there is a turning acknowledgment that within the UK immature people are non given the regard or list ened to with the earnestness that they deserve ( Lansdown, 1995 ) . The lie of consecutive authoritiess in non setting-up either an independent Commissioner for Children or a Minister for Children and the deficiency of a consistent national model for young person councils, confirms this position. This is non the instance in many parts of mainland Europe. Here, there is ample grounds of effectual ombudswork, national models for the co-ordination of immature people ‘s personal businesss and good established participatory constructions which operate at a grass-roots degree. At a broader international graduated table, excessively, there is grounds that the Articles of the UNCRC are making out to integrate turning Numberss of immature people global. We suggest that the UK has much to larn from these experiences and until this happens, immature people will stay mostly unseeable in public-policy devising at all degrees. Finally, in this paper we have attempted to demo that surveies a bout kids ‘s engagement and representation in society are built-in to the emerging geographics of kids. Not merely do they supply a keener grasp of the historical and cultural relativity of childhood, but they besides add insight into procedures which marginalise and exclude. Mentions Aitken, S. , 1994. Puting Children in Their Place. 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Polity Press, Cambridge Hackett, C. , 1997. Young people and political engagement. In: Roche, J. , Tucker, S. ( Eds. ) , Youth and Society. Sage/Open University, London, pp. 81-88 Hart, R. , 1992. Children ‘s Engagement: From Tokenism to Participation. International Child Development Centre/ UNICEF, Florence Hart, R. , 1997. Children ‘s Engagement: The Theory and Practice of Involving Young Citizens in Community Development and Environmental Care. Earthscan/ UNICEF, London Hewitt, P. , 1998. Response to a Question at the Launch of the ESRC Research Programme, Children 5-16: Turning into the twenty-first Century. Church House, Westminster, January Hodgkin, R. , Newell, P. , 1996. Effective Government Structures for Children. Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, London Holt, J. , 1975. Escape from Childhood. Harmondsworth, Penguin Industrial Society, 1997. Talking up, Talking out: the 2020 Vision Programme, Summary Report. The Industrial Society, London James, A. , Prout, A. , 1992. Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood. Falmer Press, London James, A. , Jenks, C. , Prout, A. , 1998. Speculating Childhood. Polity Press, Cambridge James, S. , 1990. Is there a topographic point for kids in geographics. Area 22, pp. 278-283. Position Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus ( 33 ) Jodry, C. , 1997. Youth engagement and the function of ANACEJ. Paper presented at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, Budapest, October Jones, G. , Wallace, C. , 1992. Young person, Family and Citizenship. Open University Press, Buckingham Lansdown, G. , 1995. Taking Part: Children ‘s Engagement in Decision Making. IPPR, London Lestor, J. , 1995. A curate for kids. In: Franklin, B. ( Ed. ) , A Handbook of Children ‘s Rights. Routledge, London, pp. 100-106 Ludescher, M. , 1997. The Swiss young person parliament motion. Paper presented at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, Budapest, October Saint matthews, H. , 1984. Environmental knowledge of immature kids: images of journey to school and place country. Minutess of the Institute of British Geographers, New Series 9, pp. 89-106. Saint matthews, H. , 1987. Gender, place scope and environmental knowledge. Minutess of the Institute of British Geographers, New Series 12, pp. 43-56. Saint matthews, H. , 1992. Making Sense of Topographic point: kids ‘s apprehension of large-scale environments. Harvester Wheatsheaf, Hemel Hempstead Saint matthews, H. , 1995. Populating on the border: kids as foreigners. Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie 86 5, pp. 456-466. Saint matthews, H. and Limb, M. , 1998. The right to state: the development of young person councils/forums in the UK. Area 30, pp. 66-78. Saint matthews, H. , Limb, M. , in imperativeness. Specifying an docket for the geographics of kids. Advancement in Human Geography Saint matthews, H. , Limb, M. and Percy-Smith, B. , 1998. Changing universes, altering topographic points: the microgeographies of adolescents. Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie 89 2, pp. 193-202. Ministry of Children and Family Affairs, 1996. The Ombudsman for Children and Childhood in Norway. Norse Official Report, Oslo Oakley, A. , 1994. Womans and kids foremost and last: analogues and differences between kids ‘s and adult females ‘s surveies. In: Mayall, B. ( Ed. ) , Children ‘s Childhoods: Observed and Experienced. The Falmer Press, London, pp. 13-32 Painter, J. and Philo, C. , 1995. Spaces of citizenship: an debut. Political Geography 14, pp. 107-120. Philo, C. , 1992. Neglected rural geographicss. Journal of Rural Studies 8 2, pp. 193-207. Pollock, L. , 1983. Forgotten Children. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Qvortrup, J. , Bardy, M. , Sgritta, G. , Wintersberger, H. ( Eds. ) , 1994. Childhood Matters: Social Theory, Practice and Politics. Avebury Press, Aldershot Rodgers, R. , 1979. A new ombudsman – guardian of kids ‘s rights? . Where? 152, pp. 267-271. Rosenbaum, M. , Newell, P. , 1991. Taking Children Seriously: A Proposal for a Children ‘s Rights Commissioner. Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, London Roy, A. , 1997. Appraisal of the Implementation of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Municipal and Regional Life. Council of Europe, Strasbourg Scarre, G. , 1989. Children. Parents and Politics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Scottish Community Education Council, 1996. Connect Young person: a national enterprise to advance greater engagement of immature people. Progress Report, September Sibley, D. , 1991. Children ‘s geographicss: some jobs of representation. Area 23, pp. 269-270. Sibley, D. , 1995. Families and domestic modus operandis: building the boundaries of childhood. In: Pile, S. , Thrift, N. ( Eds. ) , Maping the Subject: Geographies of Cultural Transformation. Routledge, London, pp. 123-137 Skelton, T. , Valentine, G. ( Eds. ) , 1997. Cool Topographic points: Geographies of Youth Cultures. Routledge, London Sommerville, J. , 1982. The Rise and Fall of Childhood. Sage, London Spanish Youth Council, 1997. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.childhub.ch/webpub/crhome/crin_eu/cje.htm Sir leslie stephens, S. , 1995. Children and the political relations of civilization in ‘late capitalist economy ‘ . In: Sir leslie stephens, S. ( Ed. ) , Children and the Politicss of Culture. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, pp. 38-55 Storrie, T. , 1997. Citizens or what? In: Roche, J. , Tucker, S. ( Eds. ) , Youth and Society. Sage/Open University, London, pp. 59-67 United Nations, 1995. Reasoning Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, CRC/C/15/Add.34 Urban Childhood Conference, 1997. University of Trondheim, Norway, June Valentine, G. , 1996. Angels and Satans: moral landscapes of childhood. Environment and Planning D 14, pp. 581-599. Position Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus ( 100 ) Valentine, G. , 1996. Children should be seen and non heard: the production and evildoing of grownups ‘ public infinite. Urban Geography 17 3, pp. 205-220. Position Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus ( 115 ) Valentine, G. , 1997. ‘My boy ‘s a spot giddy ‘ . ‘My married woman ‘s a spot soft ‘ : gender, kids and civilizations of rearing. Gender, Place and Culture 4 1, pp. 37-62. Full Text via CrossRef | View Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus ( 62 ) Valentine, G. , 1997. ‘Oh yes I can ‘ . ‘Oh no you ca n’t ‘ . Children and parent ‘s apprehensions of childs ‘ competency to negociate public infinite safely. Antipode 29 1, pp. 65-89. Position Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus ( 104 ) Varzegi, Z. , 1997. The Federation of Youth and Children ‘s Councils, Hungary. Paper presented at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, Budapest, October Wilkinson, H. , Mulgan, G. , 1995. Freedom ‘s Children. Demos, London Winchester, H. , 1991. The geographics of kids. Area 23, 357-360 Wynn, J. , White, R. , 1997. Rethinking Youth. Sage, London How to cite The study of children and childhood, Essay examples

Correlation And Validation Of Results And Investigations In Medical

Question: Whatismeantbycorrelationandvalidationofresultsandinvestigations in medical laboratory? Answer: Validation describes the process of determining an assays fitness that has been developed, optimized a well as standardized properly for a particular intended purpose. All lab assays must be validated for species whereby they shall be utilized. It entails estimates of analytical as well as diagnostic performance features of the given test. 1 The validation in medical is the process of confirming whether a given test fulfils the following four criteria: The test results is validated whether it reflects the reality in the body of the patient. The test result also is validated whether it has a significant relationship with the underlying disease. 2 The test result is also validated whether it provides additional information which is not available already. It is also validated whether the test is cost-effective ad whether the cost if the test is justified by its usefulness. Correlation means the significant relationship between the test results with the disease in question. 3 Discusstheprocedurefornewtestsandbatchesofreagentsrequiredfor diagnosis Planning process Involves allocating duty to a person who undertakes the process of validation and would be responsible for the final result and making decision. The requirement of the method to be used must be defined prior to testing like limits, range of work, desirable quantity and accuracy. The document for description ought to be clear and detailed such that any trained lab technician use it. Implementation This involves the application of the values of the limits set in the requirement stage like accuracy, quantification and precision. The parameters are liable to change depending on the approach used by the technician. The activities and the recorded outcomes are implemented according to date, operative and the final results. Control Involves verifying if the all the requirements defined in the planning process have been complied with by the operator. After the implementation of all the undertakings, the requirements are checked and scrutinized to validate if they meet the standards. For example using control measures from time to time and check limits of the line of regression. Then include such regressions if any in the process and hence make final outcome from the test. 2 The procedure is then declared if it was rightly followed to the end. Finally, an official declaration is made concerning the suitability of the method used for the purpose for which it was intended. Errors, policy and procedures to avoid them Errors of preanalysis The error comes from the physician at the analytic stage. It occurs in the identification of the patient, assortment, movement and analysis preparation. These errors occur either within or without the laboratory for example misidentifying the patient. 4 There is a policy that ensures that a patient is identified either by use of name or date of birth or using some codes on the wristband. Also ensuring integrity of the specimen and the patient. Ensuring communication among the patient attendants in the assessment of patients. Analytical errors They happen during testing due to machine failures, mixing of samples and interference. Use of automation to follow up, discover and record errors during testing. The equipment to be used should be tested to ascertain if they functional. Quality of management through safety of patient in the laboratory ensuring quality key indicators in the laboratory. Also frequent staff training can help in overcoming the errors. Post analytical errors These errors occur after the actual testing due to poor recording, reporting, poor entry of data and poor interpretation and validation of data. Evaluating the competency of the staff as well as carrying out in-service programs for the staff. Reference Annals of Laboratory Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255486/ Aziz N, Zhao Q, Bry L, Driscoll DK, Funke B, Gibson JS, Grody WW, Hegde MR, Hoeltge GA, Leonard DG, Merker JD. College of American Pathologists' laboratory standards for next-generation sequencing clinical tests. Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. 2014 Aug 25; 139(4):481-93. Hammerling JA. A review of medical errors in laboratory diagnostics and where we are today. Laboratory Medicine. 2015 Sep 18; 43(2):41-4. Rehm HL, Bale SJ, Bayrak-Toydemir P, Berg JS, Brown KK, Deignan JL, Friez MJ, Funke BH, Hegde MR, Lyon E, Working Group of the American College of Medical Genetics. ACMG clinical laboratory standards for next-generation sequencing. Genetics in medicine: official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics. 2013 Sep; 15(9):733.

Married to the wrong sex Essay Example

Married to the wrong sex Essay Name Course Instructor Date We will write a custom essay sample on Married to the wrong sex specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Married to the wrong sex specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Married to the wrong sex specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Married to the wrong sex Marriage is a significant social institution. Many people marry for different reasons, and the engagement of two individuals into a union of marriage takes place regularly. Marriage between two individuals also depends on a variety of factors. These factors bring the two people together into one common union. For many, marriage takes place when the two individuals realize they have known each other well and for a significant amount of time. However, couples who claim to discover the true character and personality of their spouse is not a rare case. Homosexuality has been an essential debate in marriage. The discrimination and controversy surrounding the issue has led many people to lead secret lives. Many men and women hide their sexuality and enter into heterosexual relationships. These relationships are designed to help the person live according to the conservative standards of a marriage. However, they maintain the homosexual relations with their partners. This issue has become p revalent in many households and has been a breaking point for the marriages. Homosexuality has been an issue of controversy since time immemorial. Society has always defined sex and sexual orientation in the most traditional and conservative manner. Religion has always viewed the act as sin and discredited homosexual marriages in religious places. Many people therefore grow with the established perceptions on homosexuality. Radicals and liberalists have attempted to change the status quo (Connors, 56). These radicals are also disregarded and their ideology overanalyzed. However, perceptions of gay and lesbian couples are slowly changing. Legalists and human rights have forged a war to safeguard the rights of homosexuals. This group of people is slowly being integrated and accepted in society. Marriage as defined by society should be heterosexual. Heterosexual marriages are considered the â€Å"normal† thing for couples. Some homosexuals dent their sexual preference to enter the conservative marriage structure. Therefore, they opt for having a wife or husband and raising a family with children. This option has proven difficult for many individuals. These people are locked into a dilemma whether they are actually happy with their choice or they should retreat to their former lifestyles. Such dilemmas ultimately affect their relations and commitment to their spouse. Research undertaken by the Family Pride Coalition reveals up to 20 percent of the gay men in America are engaged in heterosexual marriages. These statistics also includes women. Research on women however is not conclusive and their number could be more. This is because women numbers are difficult to attain and decipher because there is no clear understanding on women’s sexuality. Such statistics not only reveal the reality in America but also other countries across the globe. Many people might overlook the notion that gay people actually enter into homosexual marriages but these people are living secret gay lifestyles. However, their spouses are unaware of their sexual orientation (Cothran, 132). These marriages can therefore be defined to be a hiding place for many homosexuals. There are people who deny themselves their sexual desires and preserve the unity of the family. These people are therefore lost in a myriad of desires and disillusionment. Those enter into heterosexual marriages may never experience their true happiness. They might lead miserable lives feeling like they are lying to themselves. On the other hand, others claim that it is the right thing to do and follow the norms of society. There are homosexuals that have contained themselves in heterosexual marriages, desert their lifestyles for the sake of standards in society, and maintain the family unit. There are sections of homosexuals who marry the opposite sex but still engage in homosexual relations. Couples married to these people can therefore be defined to be â€Å"married to the wrong sex.† Their spouses are not always aware that the people they love or know so much might not be who they claim to be. Most of the people involved in such unions claim they are under pressure to do so. Religious leaders have voiced their opinion against gay and lesbian unions. They claim it is sinful. Religious leaders began addressing the issue of homosexuality in the early 1970s and the debate intensified in the years that followed to date. Mainline clergy have played important roles in establishing the terms and conditions for the debate (Olson, et. al.) Therefore, homosexuals evaluate their options and decide not to be on the wrong end of religion. With the choice to marry, normally they are welcomed in church and treated like the rest of the congregation. They are given the opportunity to lead â€Å"normal religious† lives without fear of condemnation. The consequences of revealing homosexuality among religious people has seen many people face discrimination or chased away from religious gatherings. Some clergy and religious leaders who have shown support to homosexuality have also been denied their positions in religious engagements (Olson, et. al.). Homosexuals also face extreme pressure from society. People have mixed perceptions towards homosexuality. Society also incorporates the notion of religion that homosexuality is evil. Therefore, many people view homosexuals as an â€Å"abnormal† group of people. Therefore, homosexuals submit to the pressure by society and enter into heterosexuals marriages. The high level of discrimination of gays and lesbians is a driving force towards â€Å"normal† marriages. Homosexual couples in states like Canada and America have cited increased discrimination by other normal couples. These couples are discriminated in their neighborhoods and other social engagements involving couples. Discrimination at the social level also extends to their families and friends. Some homosexual couples have been denied association from family and friends. The alienation from close people is a major fear for many homosexuals leading them to opt for heterosexual marriages. Parental knowledge of the child’s sexual orientation is important. However, parents whose children are gay or lesbian face many challenges in accepting their children as homosexuals (D’Augelli, et. al.). Some parents understand their children’s sexual orientation and accept them. However, there are parents who will carry out numerous procedures, tests and counseling sessions to correct their child’s orientation. Corrective measures are difficult on the child who ends up conforming to the standards of the parent. Sexual orientation disclosure among many youths is stressful and many are unsure of the implications their revelation will have on their families. Young people who disclose to their families their status face victimization and ill treatment. Young people who do not reveal to their families their orientation face less victimization and could secretly engage in homosexual relationships (D’Augelli, et.al.). Therefore, these people grow up leading secret homosexual lives and marry according to the desires of their family. However, they still have homosexual partners and lifelong relationships with them. The article by Jodi Shaw, â€Å"Married to the wrong sex† is a revelation for many married people or those considering marriage. The article shares the story of a gay man, Brady who is married and has a child. Brady shares his story on why he is in a marriage that is not of his orientation. Brady represents the increasing number of homosexuals that are in heterosexual relationships. Brady just like most gay men does not want to be treated the way conservatives treat homosexuals. He therefore escapes the stigma by marrying and having a child. He even says that he does not want to be treated like â€Å"one of them,† (Shaw). Homosexuality was decriminalized in the 1969 in Canada. Homosexuals have been on a steady upsurge to be treated as equal individuals by the state. Their demand on equal rights is to be allowed to get married under the formal state system and laws like heterosexuals. The controversy reached its peak in 2005. The House of Commons authorized gay marriages. Ultimately, same sex marriage was made legal in Canada. The law was to be enacted in all Canadian territories and provinces. Brady had been married two years before the legalization. He states that the law provides many closet gays and lesbians to have their legal right and freedom. Therefore, Brady has the opportunity to marry in his own right according to the law. However, according to Brady, this legal right is still impossible in the social arena. He is a Christian and goes to church regularly. His family and that of his wife has strong Christian beliefs. Despite religious perceptions towards homosexuals that they do not have a strong religious standing, Brady also has strong beliefs. These Christian beliefs also integrate the view of Christianity towards homosexuality. Christianity has always been against homosexuality and Brady feels that he will face the challenges of being a homosexual under such circumstances. Many antagonists of homosexuality believe that it is a threat to the traditional definition of marriage. This traditional marriage is a family comprising of a husband, wife and children. The homosexual family system therefore is â€Å"unnatural† according to conservatives. Brady’s hidden orientation also began when he was younger when he dated girls to conform to the system of society in terms of relationships. Just like many gay men, he felt under pressure to marry his wife Laura (Shaw). He believes that their marriage is a fraud. Marriage is purposed for procreation and many believe homosexuality is a hazard to social structures and future generations. However, other issues threaten marriage. Divorce, infertility and adultery are also dangerous to marriage. The number of marriage divorces has been on an upward trend. These statistics according to analysts is also set to increase over time. Infertility leads to the lack of children who are important in the family. Adultery on the other hand can lead to divorce, which is a limitation to marriage. In addition, homosexuals can have families through adoption, surrogates and other fertility methods. The perception of traditional marriage is questioned by the gay and lesbian community. In conclusion, equal rights are guaranteed for all people within a state in the constitution. Lesbians and gays should also have equal rights. Discrimination against these groups of people at the work place, in religious settings and other areas is denial of human rights. Such tendencies by society have driven homosexuals to accept the notion of heterosexual marriage at the expense of their happiness. It is therefore important for society to reach out to them and accept their sexual orientation. The fight for equal rights has progressed as discrimination against them has reduced and only a section of conservatives is against homosexuality. However, every person holds their right to happiness hiding in heterosexual marriages has many implications on those involved. The spouse might discover the truth and might question their role in the companionship. Feelings of betrayal and emotional disconnect for the spouse may cause psychological distress. The ultimate outcome will be divorce and resentment. It is therefore important for people to consider their options when engaging in heterosexual marriages and having secret homosexual relations. Work cited Connors, Paul G. Homosexuality. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Print. Cothran, Helen. Homosexuality. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Print. D’Augelli, Anthony, Arnold Grossman and Michael Starks. â€Å"Parents’ awareness of lesbian, gay and bisexual youths’ sexual orientation.† Journal of Marriage and Family. 67.2. (2005). Web. 22 November 2012. Olson, Laura and Wendy Cadge. â€Å"Talking about homosexuality: The views of mainline protestant clergy.† Journal of the scientific study of religion.41.1. (2002). Web. 22 November 2012. Shaw, Jodi. â€Å"Married to the wrong sex.† The Tyee. Feb 2006. Web. 22 October 2012.

Free Essays on Swift And Voltaire

Jonathan Swift’s â€Å"A Modest Proposal† and â€Å"Candide,† by Voltaire are both satires that mock man and society. The messages in these satires are both aimed at the same type of audience, the upper class society. In â€Å"A Modest Proposal,† Swift writes about a possible solution for Ireland’s poverty and over population. His work was aimed towards the English, complaining of their maltreatment. He attacks the English for economical problems of Ireland by proposing an elaborate plan to use the gross amount of children as food. He, as narrator makes this proposal in such a tone a reader with very little education may take him seriously, which was not the intent for the piece. His sarcasm is meant to ridicule the English for their lack of concern and weak solutions. Swift makes references to both the English upper class and the lower class of society. Readers may find him to be condescending. He refers to the poor being made liable to distress because they will have something of value, their children, to be sold for food. This is an attack on the system, the upper class, even though he mocks the moralities of the Irish. He, when proposing these solutions, is illustrating how easy it is for the English to refer to the people as numbers instead of humans. Jonathan Swift makes his proposal in the mind set of any politician. He is ridiculing their system of solution and at the same time is trying to humanize the situation with his sarcasm. This essay was targeted towards individuals that would feel guilt or anger, the upper class English. â€Å"Candide† by Voltaire, is targeted to the upper class as well. In this episodic, philosophical tale, Candide travels the world and encounters many people. Voltaire makes historical references as well as geographical, that mostly (at that time) the upper class educated would understand. Voltaire also makes personal attacks on publishers and others, which only peo... Free Essays on Swift And Voltaire Free Essays on Swift And Voltaire Jonathan Swift’s â€Å"A Modest Proposal† and â€Å"Candide,† by Voltaire are both satires that mock man and society. The messages in these satires are both aimed at the same type of audience, the upper class society. In â€Å"A Modest Proposal,† Swift writes about a possible solution for Ireland’s poverty and over population. His work was aimed towards the English, complaining of their maltreatment. He attacks the English for economical problems of Ireland by proposing an elaborate plan to use the gross amount of children as food. He, as narrator makes this proposal in such a tone a reader with very little education may take him seriously, which was not the intent for the piece. His sarcasm is meant to ridicule the English for their lack of concern and weak solutions. Swift makes references to both the English upper class and the lower class of society. Readers may find him to be condescending. He refers to the poor being made liable to distress because they will have something of value, their children, to be sold for food. This is an attack on the system, the upper class, even though he mocks the moralities of the Irish. He, when proposing these solutions, is illustrating how easy it is for the English to refer to the people as numbers instead of humans. Jonathan Swift makes his proposal in the mind set of any politician. He is ridiculing their system of solution and at the same time is trying to humanize the situation with his sarcasm. This essay was targeted towards individuals that would feel guilt or anger, the upper class English. â€Å"Candide† by Voltaire, is targeted to the upper class as well. In this episodic, philosophical tale, Candide travels the world and encounters many people. Voltaire makes historical references as well as geographical, that mostly (at that time) the upper class educated would understand. Voltaire also makes personal attacks on publishers and others, which only peo...

A Sorrowful Woman by Gail Godwin

In a world that is often referred to as the world of men, the role of women is not considered important and therefore can be suppressed. This is why feminist views and criticisms arise especially in literature. By definition, criticism of feminist involves examining ways literature enhances women's economic, political, social, and psychological oppression. (Tyson) In the sad woman of Gail Godwins, the role of the heroine is focused mainly on the distance from her organizational lifestyle. Gil Godwin's sad woman's story depicts his wife and mother gradually withdrawing from her family after being overwhelmed by her husband and children and completely removing them from their lives. Their existence reminds her every day that she lost her freedom and self identity, and her life will never be the same again (Godwin 78). She wants her freedom and her own identity. Like Mr. Clap, this will be more fulfilling, she wants to live a lonely life away from her husband, her children, and other pe ople in the community. She thinks that marriage is the root of pain, and deprives her identity, self and freedom. She also wanted to leave the society that defends her marriage, so I decided to live a solitary life. However, she believes that freedom and self will not bring the satisfaction that he desires. In 1976, best - selling American novelist Gale Godwin announced a series of feminists called dream kids and anti - parent short stories. One of the stories, sad woman uses simple words and objective perspectives to give a sense of a fairy tale that women are struggling to meet her expectations as wives and mothers . This will tell the story to the overall theme of the series and explore the unsatisfying family lifestyle that weakens and weakens the psychological and emotional well-being of trapped women.

STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT - Essay Example This phase is important for the structural stability and to ensure the safe design implementation and this inspection will also affect the life of the structure because mistakes made at this stage can be corrected on spot but after the facility is complete then the retrofitting would be very difficult and expensive. Then the second phase is the post construction inspection which is done after some time that is 6 months, 1 year and 5 years normally the frequency of the inspection decides its extent, mostly the inspection made after 5 years is far more extensive and detailed than that of which is done after 6 months. This inspection is mostly done by visual monitoring of the facility by professional which inspect the vital areas that are vulnerable to failures and crack propagation. Both the inspection types are extensively vast and hence require a lot of discussion where as at the moment I will only focus on the Post Construction inspection. The key requirements of the inspection woul d be consisting of many aspects the first among them is property identification information which include the location and type of infrastructure facility. Then a detailed study and preliminary visual inspection of various structural systems employed in the building/structure and applicable non-structural components is done. Further progress in the assessment and its requirement includes critical analysis existing condition of the various structural systems, including foundations, bearing walls, framing, columns and beams, floor systems, roof systems, and their connection and construction details. During the assessment and inspection procedures one fact is also to be considered that the Engineers and/or construction specialists conducting the structural assessment should be knowledgeable of the construction methods, materials, load capacities, and design details of the infrastructure facility or structure type being analyzed, as modern structural design approaches will likely not be directly applicable due to the fact that these structures were made quite a long time before and employed primitive construction standards and design methodologies. William Hover (2008).In addition to requirements discuss above there are other as well and which are equally important, significant among these is analysis of the deficiencies, damage, and failures to determine/identify their evident, probable, or possible causes and after these are been highlighted then it is the responsibility that recommendations for corrective measures, design solutions for stabilization and/or repair and maintenance must be made. Then at the end a cost estimate must be made of the repair works and the cost engineering under different scenario must be made which include the recommendation of new construction or choices of retrofitting and localized repairs. Maintenance Management System Then comes the Maintenance Management System(MMS) for a large infrastructure organization, although the system is very extensive and encompasses many fields but the key focus in this discussion would be on infrastructure organizations and their requirements. MMS is a computerized database system which is made to maximize and increase the efficiency of deferred maintenance and capital improvement activities through the organization and its services using standardized procedures to document and prioritize field facility and equipment needs and to

Macro Economic Policy in Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Macro Economic Policy in Australia - Essay Example As a result of this, it attained the benefit of full employment and lower inflation level. The macro economic policy in Australia is focused on its monetary and fiscal policy and it aims to attain a sustainable developmental growth by mitigating certain problems in the areas of unemployment, inflation and other trade difficulties. "A macroeconomic policy framework conducive to growth can be characterised by five features: a low and predictable inflation rate; an appropriate real interest rate; a stable and sustainable fiscal policy; a competitive and predictable real exchange rate; and a balance of payments that is regarded as viable. Countries with these macroeconomic characteristics tend to grow faster than those without them."(Andersen and Gruen 2007). The term fiscal policy is related with two major concepts like allocation of resources and proper distribution of income. Proper implementation of fiscal policy is essential for maintaining a constant price level, elimination of job redundancy, and thereby the fulfillment of effective economic growth. So, the fiscal policy can be seen as playing a very important role in the accomplishment of economic objective. The approach towards both fiscal and monetary policy is quite different. ... nder circumstances in which annual budgets are strictly balanced, the irregular character of the within-year flow of expenditures and of revenues inevitably means that for some shorter periods within the annual time period, there will be 'deficits', albeit offset by 'surpluses' during other shorter periods, within the annual cycle. To the extent that the annual budget time-frame is ultimately arbitrary, this means that those who are committed to strict annual budget balance, in fact, as much acquiesce in the acceptability of temporary budget deficits, as do those who would argue instead for allowing some annual budget deficits, to be offset at other times by annual budget surpluses." (Approaches to Fiscal Policy. 2007). As far as the present economic situation prevailing in Australia is taken in to consideration, it is very clear that for the overall development of the economy, there should be a better resource allocation and income distribution is crucial. It is very important to make an understanding about the system of fiscal policy and its effectiveness. By taking this concept in the practical point of view, the fiscal policy may be short term, medium term and long term as far as the different situation is taken in to fact. "Fiscal policy is now directed firmly towards maintaining sound public finances over the medium term, based on strict rules. Where possible fiscal policy supports monetary policy over the economic cycle. This approach, together with the new monetary policy framework, provides the platform of stability necessary for achieving the Government's central economic goal of high and sustainable levels of growth and employment." (Fiscal Policy in the UK. 2007). For the effective imple mentation of an economy, the fiscal policy gives emphasis on certain

Thomas Hardys Essay Example for Free

Thomas Hardys Essay In chapter 6, we learn that Bathsheba has inherited her uncles farm, which was very unusual, Tisnt a master, tis a mistress, shepherd. Lately came here from a distance. Took on her uncles farm, who suddenly died. Men would normally benefit rather than a women, and landowners and workers did not view her as the best prospect for the farm to begin with, one of the reasons given in chapter 45 was, she is too young and beautiful. Even Gabriel felt she was unable to manage without him, How would the farm go on with nobody to mind it but a woman. In chapter 10, she forms a resolution to run the farm without a bailiff, the workers were very amazed, She would hopefully be better than a man in the role, she promised, in order that they will have confidence in her abilities despite her being a female. In chapter 12, Bathsheba attends the corn market. Although she is dainlty dressed she is determined to brave the stares and drive hard bargains. Nearly every face turned towards her, except for which she noticed was Boldwood who didnt seem to recognize her. Now she saw him as a challenge. Going into chapter 19, Boldwoods proposal and the promises he offers would have been seen as very advantageous to her, from the view point of the society, but she turns him down, saying she wants to marry for love. However, sending the Valentine card to him has restricted her, she has had to pay the consequences and could not have turned down the proposal fully as she did with Gabriel, She had a strong feeling that having been the one who began the game, she ought in honesty to accept the consequences. There had been a second proposal from Boldwood in chapter 23, and still Bathsheba was unable to deny the proposal, Hardy even suggests she felt a, fearful joy about the situation she was in. From then on she is trapped by her behaviour, even when she marries Troy, and when he goes missing Boldwood negotiates a further marriage promise. In chapter 26, Troy is flattering Bathsheba so much that, she becomes feverish. At first she tries to behave towards Troy with a sense of independence in her, but to the end of chapter 27 she is agreeing to meet him without a chaperone, Well, I wont bring Liddy and Ill come. But only for a short time, a very short time. Bathsheba is reacting very differently to the passion offered by Troy. Bathsheba changes she becomes powerless to withstand or deny him. She loses her sense of control and becomes the opposite of herself. In chapter 34, Boldwood pleads with Troy to save Bathshebas reputation by marrying her, which indicates how much regard the Victorian society put on a womans reputation as a virgin, Oh, How can she be saved now, unless I marry her? says as he teases Boldwood. Later, we learn that Bathsheba has married Troy. In this marriage she has lost her role as a mistress of the farm. After the marriage Troy has already started ordering Bathsheba by telling her and the rest of the women to go home so the men can carry on drinking, well send the women folk home! Tis time they were in bed. Then we cockbirds will have a jolly carouse to ourselves! . This direction undermines Bathsheba in front of her workers, but it also puts the farm in jeopardy because the workers are too drunk to save the hay from the storm. In chapter 37 we find that Gabriel is working with Bathsheba and he saves the day. Bathsheba tells Gabriel of her trip to Bath, she shows her understanding that maybe she has out the farm in jeopardy by marrying Troy but she felt her reputation was at stake because she had not adhered to the general rule of society but had driven to see Troy unaccompanied late at night: I saw that a scandal might seize hold of me for meeting him alone in that way. Now, Bathsheba is getting unhappier by the day. She turns into an emotional woman and she is no longer in control of herself. Having married Troy, Troy is becoming reckless with money and Bathsheba can do nothing to stop him becoming like this. This happens because in marriage in the 19th century the husband becomes in control of his wife and his wifes possession. In chapter 51 Bathsheba is not wanting to attract anyones attention with her beauty. In chapter 56, Hardy suggests that Bathsheba has had this downfall because she had so much pride and vanity in herself. Chapter 56 also starts with Bathsheba expressing the reliance she has had on Gabriel, and so she is upset when she hears of Gabriels resignation letter, It is that I may soon have to give up the management of your farm, Mrs. Troy. The fact is, I am thinking of leaving England not ee, you know next spring. Realising that she is now reliant on Gabriel she would not refuse his marriage proposal if he were to ask again. Hardy shows that just like Fanny, Bathsheba is also reliant on the security a man can offer her and she comes to realize that this security only comes with marriage. Bathsheba has taken on the role of the typical Victorian female, dependant on marriage for security, although the relationship is based on substantial affection. In Far from the Madding Crowd Hardy illustrates the position of 19th century women as being disadvantaged. Fanny and Bathsheba both provide contrasting examples of Victorian women who were victims of the treatment of their men. In their lives they are seen in the role of second-class citizens in need of a trustworthy man for survival, unless they can survive themselves. Womens social behaviour was expected to be restricted whereas men could have very little restrictions on how they behaved. They were even admired for some of their roguish tendencies. Hardys language as he describes Fannys plight expresses his sympathy for her, but Bathshebas suffering is not dealt with in the same sympathetic response. Her character, which was independent, has changed at the end of the novel. She appeared a more reserved character accepting the role of Gabriels wife. I think that Bathsheba had wrong treatment from men as a result the way she acted, having so much pride in herself and being vain. It was good for her to have that independence in her but maybe she felt too much of her independence, which got her in a muddle. The classic example is when in the beginning of the novel Gabriel proposed to her and she did not accept, because she did not want to be thought of as mens property, yet in marrying Troy she destined herself to this very fate.

whats in a name Essay -- essays research papers

My last name is everything to me. It sets me apart from most people in the world, and shows that I am part of a strong family. Also, my last name illustrates facts about my ancestors, where my family originated, and even what they have accomplished. If I proposed to the perfect girl and she said â€Å"yes,† but only if she could keep her last name; we would have to have a long chat about this decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I feel very strongly about the idea that my wife should have my last name, but I understand why some women prefer to keep their maiden names. First, some women choose to keep their last name because of their profession. These occupations can include politicians, writers, lawyers, doctors, etc. Women in any of these lines of work want to have the last name they star...

Night World : Soulmate Chapter 9

You'll change your mind,† Thierry said. An instant later everything was chaos. Thierry had one hand in her hair, twisting her head to the side, exposing her neck. His other arm was keeping both her arms trapped against her body. Hannah was twisting, struggling-and it wasn't doing any good. He was unbelievably strong. She felt the warmth of breath on her neck . .. and then the sharpness of teeth. â€Å"Don't fight.† Thierry's muffled voice came to her. â€Å"You'll only make it hurt worse.† Hannah fought. And it did hurt. The pain of having blood drawn out against her will was like nothing she'd ever felt. It was as if her soul was being pulled out of her body, a pain that radiated down her neck and through her left shoulder and arm. It turned her vision gray and made her feel lightheaded. â€Å"I-hate-you,† she got out. She tried to reach for him with her mind, to see if she could hurt him that way . . . but it was like running up against an obsidian wall. She could feel nothing of Thierry in the contact, just smooth black hardness. Forget about that, the cool wind voice said. And don't faint; you've got to stay conscious. Think about your room. You need wood; you need a weapon. Where†¦ The desk. Even as she thought it, Thierry's grip on her was shifting. He was forcing her to turn so she faced away from him, still holding her in an iron grip with one arm. She had no idea what he was doing with the other arm until he spoke again. â€Å"I have to give you back something for what I took.† And then the other arm was in front of Hannah, wrist pressing to her mouth. She still didn't really understand-she was dazed with pain and loss of blood-until she felt warm liquid trickling into her mouth and tasted a strange exotic taste. Oh, God-no. It's his blood. You're drinking vampire blood. She tried not to swallow, but the liquid kept flowing in, choking her. It didn't taste at all like blood. It was rich and wild and burned slightly-and she could almost feel it changing her. You've got to stop this, the cool wind voice told her. New. With a violent wrench that almost dislocated her shoulder, Hannah got one arm free. Then she started to fight hard, not because she wanted to get away, but because she wanted to keep Thierry occupied in holding her. While they were struggling, she surreptitiously reached out with her free hand. I can't feel it. She threw her body back and forth, trying to get Thierry to move closer to the desk. Just a little farther†¦ there. There! Her fingers were on her desk. She stomped on Thierry's foot to keep him distracted. She heard a snarl of pain and Thierry shook her, but her fingers kept groping across the desk until they found something smooth and long, with a pointed graphite end. A pencil. Hannah curled her fingers, gathering the pencil into her fist. She was gasping with effort, which meant more of the strange blood was flowing into her mouth. Now think. Visualize his hand. Picture the pencil going right in, all the way through. And now strike. Hannah brought the pencil up with all her strength, driving it into the back of Thierry's hand. She heard a yelp of pain and outrage-and at the same instant she felt a stab of pain herself. She'd driven the pencil all the way through his hand and jabbed her own cheek. She didn't spend time worrying about it. The iron grip on her had loosened. She slammed a foot into Thierry's shin and spun away as he jerked back. The desk! You need another weapon! Even as the voice was telling her, Hannah was teaching for her desk, gathering a random handful of pens and pencils. Thank God for her habit of losing pencils, which was the reason she had to keep so many. As soon as she had them, she twisted to dart across the room, getting her back to a wall. She faced Thierry, panting. â€Å"This next one goes right into your heart,† she told him, pulling one pencil out of the handful and holding it in her fist. Her voice was soft and ragged, but absolutely deadly in its conviction. â€Å"You hurt me!† Thierry had pulled the pencil out and was staring at the wound. His face was contorted, his eyes blazing with animal pain and fury. He looked like a stranger. â€Å"Right,† Hannah said, panting. â€Å"And if you come close to me again, I'll kill you. That's a promise. Now get the hell out of my house and out of my life!† Thierry stared back and forth from her to his hand. Then he snarled-really snarled, his upper lip lifting, his teeth bared. Hannah had never seen a human face look so bestial. â€Å"You'll be sorry,† he said, like a child in a temper tantrum. â€Å"And if you tell anybody about this, I'll kill them. I will. It's Night World law.† Then he did the fade-out thing. Hannah blinked and he wasn't there. He must have backed up down the hall, but she didn't hear a door open or close. It was several minutes before she could loosen her grip on her pencil or step away from the wall. When she could, it was to stumble toward the phone. She pressed the speed dial for Chess's number. Busy. Hannah dropped the phone. She was swaying on her feet, feeling sick and giddy, but she headed for the dining room. There, keeping one of the windows shut, was a wooden dowel, the remnant of some long-past safety craze of her mother's. Hannah broke it over her knee and carried one splinter-ended piece with her to the garage. The dusty old Ford was parked there, the one her father had driven before he died. Hannah found the keys and started for Chess's house. She could think of only one thing: she didn't want to be alone. Gray spots danced in front of her eyes as she drove. She kept imagining things rushing at her from the prairie. Stay awake. Just stay awake, she told herself, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. There! There's the house up ahead. You can see the light. All you have to do is get there. She stepped on the accelerator. And then everything went gray. Thierry looked around the resort lobby, then glanced at his watch. He'd been doing that every five minutes for about the last twelve hours, and his nerves were starting to fray. He didn't like leaving Hannah alone. Of course, the ring would protect her when she was away from the house, and the amulet he'd buried in her backyard would protect the house itself. It was a strong amulet, made for him by Grandma Harman, the oldest and most powerful witch in the world, the Crone of the Inner Circle. It set wards around the house, so that no Night Person could enter without a direct invitation from somebody who lived inside. He still didn't like leaving Hannah alone. Only a little while longer, he told himself. It had ‘taken him most of last night and all of today to call in enough of his own people to set up a plan for watching over Hannah. She'd told him to go away, and he had. Her word was law to him. But that didn't mean he couldn't have her guarded. She need never realize that there were Night People around her, watching and waiting in the shadows-and ready to fight to the death if any danger appeared. Lupe had been right. He couldn't deal with this alone. And now he was going to have to rely on other people to keep Hannah safe. Thierry looked at his watch again. It was nine o'clock at night, and he was almost tempted to give up on Circe. But only a witch of her power could set up the kind of heavy-duty wards that would protect Hannah wherever she went in Amador County. He kept waiting. As he did, he stared at a gun rack on the wall and tried to keep his brain turned off. It didn't work. Ever since he'd awoken Hannah from her hypnotic trance, he'd been trying very hard not to think about the old days. But now, he found himself being irresistibly drawn back-not only thinking about them, but reliving them. Traveling back in his mind to the stupid young man he had been†¦. He hadn't been the first vampire. He didn't have that distinction. He had only been the second. He'd grown up in the tribe of Maya and Hellewise. The Maya and Hellewise, the twin daughters of Hecate Witch Queen. The Maya and Hellewise who would go down as the two greatest figures in Night World history; Hellewise Hearth-Woman as the ancestress of the Harman family, the most famous of the living witches, and Maya as the ancestress of both the lamia and the made vampires. But of course he knew nothing about that at the time. All he knew was that they were both pretty girls. Beautiful. Hellewise had long yellow hair and deep brown eyes. Maya had long black hair and eyes that glittered in different colors like the changing lights in a glacier. He liked both sisters very much. Maybe that was his downfall. He'd been a very ordinary fellow, with a good throwing arm, a delicate touch in carving ivory, and a vague longing to see the world. He'd taken it for granted that his tribe was special, that they could influence the weather and summon animals from the forest. They were the witch people, they'd been granted special powers, and that was all. It wasn't anything to worry about. And, like everyone else, he knew that Maya was doing experiments in the forest, using her powers to try and become immortal. But that didn't worry him particularly either†¦. I was very young and very, very stupid, Thierry thought. That had been the real downfall of the tribe. Maya's desire to become immortal. Because she'd been willing to pay any price for it, even to the point of becoming a monster and leaving a curse on all her descendants. Maybe if Thierry and the other witch people had realized that, they could have stopped her before it happened. Because Maya had finally found the right spell to achieve immortality. The problem was that to do it, she had to steal the babies of the tribe. All four of them. She took them out to the forest, did the spell, and drank their blood. Thierry and the rest of the tribe found the four little bled-out bodies later. Hellewise had cried all night. Thierry, who couldn't understand how the pretty girl he liked could have done something so awful, cried, too. Maya herself had disappeared completely. But a few nights later she came to Thierry. He was keeping watch outside the cave when she appeared silently beside him. She had changed. She wasn't the pretty girl he knew anymore. She was stunningly, dazzlingly beautiful. But she was different. She moved with the grace of a nighttime predator, and her eyes reflected the firelight. She was very pale, but that only made her more lovely. Her mouth, which had always been soft and inviting, seemed red as blood. And when she smiled at him, he saw her long pointed teeth. â€Å"Hello, Theory,† she said-that was his name back then. â€Å"I want to make you immortal.† Thierry was scared out of his mind. He had no idea what she'd become-some weird creature with unnatural teeth. But he knew he had no desire at all to be like her. â€Å"I really think it's unfair, the way you go back and forth between me and Hellewise,† she said casually, sitting down on the bare earth. â€Å"So I've decided to resolve the question. You're going to be mine, now and forever.† She reached out and took his hand. Her fingers were very slender and very cold-and unbelievably strong. Thierry couldn't pull away. He stared at his hand with his mouth open like the idiot he was. This was the time he should have started yelling, thrashing, doing anything to attract attention and get away. But Maya seemed to hold him with her eyes like a snake holding a bird. She was unnatural and evil†¦ but she was so beautiful. It was the first and the last time that Thierry would be fascinated by the beauty of pure evil-but it was enough. He was doomed from that moment. He'd doomed himself. An instant of hesitation. He would pay for it for unimaginable years in the future. â€Å"It's not so bad,† Maya was saying, still fixing him with her terrible and lovely eyes. â€Å"There are a few things I had to figure out-a few things I didn't expect. I thought drinking the blood of the babies would be the end of it, but no.† Thierry felt sick. â€Å"I've got these teeth for a reason, apparently. It seems I have to drink the blood of a mortal creature every day, or I die. It's inconvenient, but I can live with it.† Thierry whispered something beginning with, â€Å"Oh, Hecate, Dark Mother-â€Å" â€Å"Now, stop that!† Maya made a sharp gesture. â€Å"No praying, please, and especially not to that old harridan. I'm not a witch anymore. I'm something completely new-I suppose I should think of a name for myself. Night-hunter†¦ blood-drinker †¦ I don't know, the possibilities are endless. I'm going to start a new race, Theorn. We'll be better than the witches, stronger, faster-and we'll live forever. We'll never die, so we'll rule everyone. And you're going to be my first convert.† â€Å"No,† Thierry said. He still thought he had a choice. â€Å"Yes. I'm going to have a baby-not with you, I'm afraid; I don't think you'll be able to-and the baby will have my blood. And I'm going to give my blood to other people the way I'll give it to you now. Someday there won't be anyone in the world who won't have my blood. It's a nice thought, isn't it?† She rested her chin on a fist and her eyes glittered. â€Å"Hellewise will stop you,† Thierry said flatly. â€Å"My sister? No, I don't think so. Especially not since I'll have you to help me. She likes you, you know. It will be hard for her to kill somebody she likes so much.† â€Å"She won't have to. I'll kill you,† Thierry snarled. Maya laughed out loud. â€Å"You? You? Don't you know yourself yet? You're not a killer-you don't have the guts for it. That will change, of course, after I give you my blood. But you won't want to kill me then. You'll join me-and be happy. You'll see.† She dusted off her hands as if a difficult negotiation had been accomplished and terms had been reached. â€Å"Now. Let's do it.† He was strong. He had that good throwing arm-he was dead accurate with a spear or a killing stick. But she was so much stronger that she could handle him like a baby. The first thing she did was clamp a hand across his mouth-because by this time it had occurred even to stupid Thierry that he was in very bad trouble, and that he needed help. There was no sound of a struggle as she dragged him off into the bushes. â€Å"I'm afraid this is going to hurt,† she said. She was lying on top of him, her eyes glittering into his. She was excited. â€Å"At least, all the animals I've caught seem to have found it very unpleasant. But it's for your own good.† Then she ripped his throat out. That was what it felt like. And that was when he realized what those long canine teeth were for. Like any lynx or cave lion or wolf, she needed teeth to tear. Through the black waves of shock and pain, he heard her drinking. It lasted a long time. But finally, mercifully, he realized that he was dying. He took comfort in the thought that the horror would soon be over. He couldn't have been more wrong. The horror was just beginning. When Maya lifted her head, her mouth was scarlet with his blood. Dripping. She wasn't beautiful any longer, she was simply fiendish. â€Å"Now,† she said. â€Å"I'm going to give you something that will make it all better.† She pulled back and placed a fire-hardened splinter of wood at her own throat. She smiled at him. Maya had always been physically brave. And then, with a gesture almost of ecstasy, she plunged the splinter in, sending blood spurting and spilling. Then she fell on top of him again. He didn't mean to swallow the blood that filled his mouth. But everything was so gray and unreal-and he still had enough survival reflex left to not want to drown in it. The warm, strange-tasting liquid went down his throat. It burned like fermented-berry wine. After she made him drink, he realized to his relief that he was still dying. He didn't know that he wasn't going to stay dead. He felt her carrying him farther into the forest-he was completely limp now and didn't put up any resistance-and then everything went black. When he woke up, he'd been buried. He clawed himself up out of the shallow grave and found himself looking into the astonished face of his brother Conlan. The tribe had buried him in the traditional way-in the soft dirt at the back of the cave. In the minute before his brother could yell in surprise, Thierry was at his throat. It was animal instinct. A thirst inside of him like nothing he had ever known. A pain that was like being underwater-being strangled-gasping for air. It made him desperate, made him insane. He didn't think at all. He simply tried, mindlessly, to tear at his brother's throat. What stopped him was someone calling his name. Calling it over and over, in great pain. When he looked around, he saw Hellewise, her brown eyes huge and spilling with tears, her mouth trembling. The expression on her face would haunt him forever. He ran out of the cave and kept running. Behind him, just faintly, he could hear Hellewise's voice, â€Å"Theorn, I'll stop her. I swear to you, I'll stop her.† He realized later that it was all Hellewise could offer him. She knew that his curse was permanent. What he was now, he would be forever. There wasn't a name for it then, but he was the first made vampire. Maya, who would have a son just as she promised, was the first of the lamia, the family vampires who could grow up and have children. And her son, Red Fern, would be the ancestor of the Redfern family, the most powerful lamia family in the Night World. Thierry didn't know any of that as he ran. He only knew he had to get away from people, or he would hurt them. Maya caught up with him while he was frantically trying to quench his thirst by drinking from a stream. â€Å"You're going to make yourself sick,† she said, inspecting him critically. â€Å"You can't drink that. It's blood you need.† Thierry jumped up, shaking with fury and hatred and weakness all mixed together. â€Å"What about yours?† he snarled. Maya laughed. â€Å"How sweet. But it won't do. You need the blood of living creatures.† She wasn't at all afraid of him, and he remembered how strong she had been. He was no match for her. He turned and began to stumble off. Maya called after him, â€Å"You can't do it, you know. You can't get away from me. I've chosen you, Theorn. You're mine, now and forever. And in the end you'll realize that and join me.† Thierry kept going. He could hear her laughing as he went. He lived on the steppes for several weeks, wandering across the high windswept grasslands. He was more an animal than anything resembling a person. The thirst inside him made him desperate-until he stumbled over a rabbit. The next instant he found that he was holding it, biting into its throat. His teeth were like Maya's now-long, sensitive, and perfect for tearing or puncturing. And she was right, only the blood of a living creature could help the burning, suffocating feeling inside him. He didn't catch food very often. Every time he drank it reminded him of what he was. He was starving when he finally came to the Three Rivers. He didn't see the little girl out picking spring greens until he was on top of her. He burst out of a pile of brush, panting with thirst like a wounded deer-and there she was, looking up at him. And then everything went dark for a while. When he came to himself, he stopped drinking. He needed the food, he would die in terrible agony without it-but he dropped the girl and ran. Hana's people found him a little while later. And they did exactly what he'd expected any tribe to do-they saw that he was an abomination and brandished spears at him. He expected them to kill him at any minute. He didn't realize yet-and neither did they-that a creature like him took some killing. And then he saw Hana.

Foreign Direct Investment in Egypt Essay

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is investment directly into production in a country by a company located in another country, either by buying a company in the target country or by expanding operations of an existing business in that country. Foreign direct investment is done for many reasons including to take advantage of cheaper wages in the country, special investment privileges such as tax exemptions offered by the country as an incentive to gain tariff-free access to the markets of the country or the region. In the global economy today, we see many developing countries competing for foreign direct investment. FDI is said to be an important factor for spurring the development of a nation. Foreign direct investment (FDI) an important vehicle for economic growth in emerging markets countries. Since 2006/2007, Egypt has become the leading attractor of overall foreign direct investment (FDI) on the African continent. Up till 2008, Egypt has attracted 56 foreign investment companies in the textile sector, employing 14,169 workers with total investment value of $ 172. million, and total production value of $ 370. 6 million. Furthermore, Egyptian-Foreign joint venture companies totaled 150; employing 30,635 workers; with an investment of $ 515 million, and a total production value of 509. 4 million in 2008. Egypt has experienced profound political changes over the past two years. On February 11, 2011, President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule came to an end under intense popular pressure as hundreds of thousands of Egyptians converged on Tahrir Square. Transition to democratic rule has been marked by advances and challenges. Egypt has seen several prime ministers and multiple cabinet changes since the revolution, and many investors have reported that the constant shuffle and interim tenure of government officials have contributed to a difficult business environment. Nonetheless, in January 2012 Egypt seated its first parliament elected in free and fair elections, and many of the members have identified increasing foreign investment as a top priority for the government. Even though political uncertainty and economic downturn in Egypt , this African country still present a lot of opportunity to make profit for foreign direct investor especially in textile and apparel industry . Foreign Direct Investment In Egypt Investing in Egyptian Apparel and Textiles Industry 2-Apparel and Textile Industry Egypt is home to the only fully vertically integrated textiles industry in the Middle East, with the entire production process —from the cultivation of cotton to the production of yarns, fabrics and ready-made garments —carried out domestically. Egypt is the largest producer in Africa and worldwide of long (LS) and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, accounting for 50 percent of world production in 2008, it has built a brand reputation for its quality of cotton. The sector plays an extremely central role in the Egyptian economy. It is the second largest producing sector after agro-industry and the first in terms of jobs accounting form30% of local employment in 2008. It accounts for 3% of the GDP, 30% of industrial output and around 13% of Non-Petroleum exports in 2010 / 2011, according to the Central Bank of Egypt. There are more than 6,700 textile-related companies registered with the Industrial Development Authority. The power player within the sector is readymade garments (RMG), worth 75% of the textile and garment industry. The RMG subsector produced more than 313million pieces in 2009, with global brands such as Marks & Spencer, GAP, Wal-Mart, Levi Strauss, Target and Calvin Klein sourcing from and investing in Egypt. Of the 25% of the industry focused on textile production, home textiles constitute 12% of the industry, and cotton yarn 8%, while the remaining 5% is attributed to other cotton fabrics and textiles. The majority of spinning (50%), weaving (60%) and hemming (60%) capacity is owned by the public sector while 90% of garmenting capacity is private. For the spinning and weaving industry, medium-to large-scale companies dominate the industry with a strong public sector presence in spinning and weaving. The government’s strategy is to boost exports to the European garment market by moving up the quality ladder in garments, vertically integrating the garment production value chain (e. g. use local extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, improve design and patternmaking offering) and defending leadership in low-end garmenting by establishing strong brands at both country and supplier levels. Also on the agenda is restructuring the domestic textile industry by privatizing mills and leveraging on low cost and provided labor in addition to large domestic supply of high-quality cotton. Currently, the main markets for the sector were EU countries with about 34% of total exports in 2010, Arab c ountries and USA with 16% and15% respectively, according to General Organization of Export and Import Council (GOEIC) 3- Country Summary As one of the most influential nations in the Middle East, Egypt has encountered mixed success in transitioning from an economy driven by natural resources to one with a healthy amalgam of industry and services over the past 50 years. Although it has successfully diversified its economy, Egypt remains one of the poorest of its regional neighbors on the basis of per-capita income, and a succession of unstable governments have left the nation with inconsistent political institutions, weakening social infrastructure, and a legacy of corruption. Long-term national competitiveness will require a clear economic strategy and continuity of effort. Egyptian cotton is recognized globally for its unmatched quality, fueling a textile cluster that has historically been an important component of the national economy. Bolstered by superb endowments and several advantageous related industries, the textile cluster faces new challenges as falling structural barriers to trade boost the intensity of global competition Egypt is located strategically between the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, at the crossroads of Africa and southwest Asia. Bordering Sudan, Libya, and Israel, Egypt is home to the Nile, the longest river in the world. The nation’s rapid population growth from 23M citizens in 1960 to 83M today —has increased Egypt’s regional importance but also deeply changed Egypt’s character. Egyptian urban areas have become some of the most crowded in the world, with Cairo itself recently laying claim to the title of world’s most densely-populated city. Agriculture is similarly constrained; only 3% of the country’s total land mass was under cultivation in 2008 (AFDB, 2009). By 2010, Egypt was the fourth-largest economy in the Middle East. Recent economic performance has been positive, with 4. 75% annual GDP growth from 2001 to 2010. Per capita GDP remains relatively low compared to regional peers. Egypt’s economy is diversified as compared to its largest regional neighbors, many of which depend heavily on commodity petroleum exports (Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE). As of 2010, the largest sector in the economy was the manufacturing sector (16. 9%), followed by mining (14. 4%), and agriculture (14%). Exports are concentrated in the hospitality and tourism, transport and logistics, and petroleum products clusters. Egypt’s shifting export product mix over the past 20 years is symptomatic of a broader economic change —from a singularly natural resource-focused economy to one that is less factor driven. Egypt’s national competitiveness is aided by favorable endowments and some positive microeconomic elements, ranking 63rd out of 138 countries in business sophistication and 26th in market size. But Egypt has been hamstrung by adverse macroeconomic conditions, ranking only 129th in macroeconomic environment, 133rd in labor-market efficiency. Egypt’s strongest competitive advantages lie in its natural endowments. The country’s position at the crossroads of three continents has made it a historic trading hub, amplified by the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869. Roughly 10% of the world’s maritime volume has passed through Egyptian waterways, and the canal spawned a robust shipping and logistics cluster that facilitates export of goods like textiles. The Nile Delta, an area of northern Egypt where the Nile River spreads into distributaries and drains into the Mediterranean Sea, has served as Egypt’s breadbox for over five millennia (Baines, 2011). Twenty years of redistributive economic policies have left Egypt with inefficient, low-quality social institutions —the nation boasted a 29% illiteracy rate despite 96% enrollment in primary education. In an economy characterized by a high degree of centralized planning, Egypt spent only3. 7% of its government budget on education and 6% on healthcare. Corruption and unreactive centralized economic planning constitute major challenge to Egyptian macroeconomic competitiveness. a- Background To Business in Egypt Egypt has recently been through the most profound of changes with a popular revolution, widely referred to as ‘ the Arab Spring’, sweeping away the decades long, semi-totalitarian rule of Hosny Mubarek and replacing it with†¦? Time will tell how successful the putative new, democratic institutions will be but despite all of this Egypt remains one of the fastest growing economies in the world and a country which many economists predict will become increasingly successful and influential in the region. Egypt is, in a strange way, both a secular and a religious state and it is worth bearing these two important strands in mind on any business trip to the country. It could be said that the Egyptian economy is ‘mixed’ in two vital, but differing ways. Firstly, many businesses were nationalized after independence, during the prolonged period of ‘Arab socialism’ which typified the Egyptian approach in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The government still plays a vital role in setting both business and macro-economic agendas but the past couple of decades have seen the proliferation of larger-scale private companies which may be locally (usually family) owned or joint-venture operations with overseas conglomerates. Secondly, companies fall into the category of either Islamic or non-Islamic in orientation. Those companies which are Islamic in orientation will govern their approach to business through the strict interpretation of classical Shari’a law which impacts on such varied issues as attitudes to borrowings, shareholder profile and HR policies. Before entering into business negotiations in Egypt it is important to do some homework on any potential contacts. Is the company state-owned or private; is it Islamic or secular in approach? b- Egyptian Business Structures Many companies in Egypt operate according to Islamic, rather than secular law and this impacts on a number of key areas of business structure and performance. One key issue is that, due to Islamic strictures on avoiding usury, the difference between companies and banks are less defined than in western economies. Companies tend to be financed through a combination of equity capital and short-term loans where the lenders do not charge interest but take a share of profits or losses (PLS loans. ) Thus all risks are shared equally amongst the shareholders and lenders. In addition, many companies have a religious Supervisory Board comprised of Islamic jurists whose role is to ensure that the company’s operations comply with the strictures of Shari’a law. Thus employees must be Muslims and work stops for the regulatory prayer sessions every day. Firms are expected to make reasonable, but not excessive, profit and managers have a social as well as corporate responsibility – they are expected to balance the interests of the company with the interests of society at large. None of the above applies to the workings of those firms that are non-Islamic in orientation (remember that 10% of the Egyptian population are Coptic Christians) or joint-ventures with overseas organizations. c- Egyptian Management Style Most Egyptian companies tend towards extremely hierarchical structures and this is reflected in the management style most frequently manifested within these companies. The approach is often described as ‘managing authority consultatively’ which implies the need for discussion without any loss of perceived status or power. Thus Egyptian managers (who are on the whole men) will consult widely with colleagues but be expected to make the final, firm authoritative decision. This decision will rarely, if ever, be delegated to a subordinate – even if the subordinate is a member of the family. After a decision has been reached, subordinates are expected to follow it to the letter and dispute or criticism are not expected or appreciated. Thus consultation has a ‘socializing’ aspect within an organization, but questions have to be asked as to the true extent of its impact on any final decisions. Management is expected to be cautious and not take too many risks – thus decision-making can seem extremely slow and cumbersome by US standards. It is also important to remember that religious considerations could form an important element in the final decision – something Western businessmen often forget within the negotiating process. It is important to factor this into any negotiating stance. d- Egyptian Business Meetings As in most of the Arab world, personal relationships are key to a successful meeting and good quality relationships can help to cut through the tendency towards an overly bureaucratic approach. Who you are and who you know really matter and for that reason it is often important to appoint a local go-between who has ready-made contacts who can operate on your behalf ‘ (and local often means local to the city or town. ) Initial meetings can often seem very formal to western businessmen and involve coffee, cake and lots of small talk – even when time is very short. Do not make the mistake of seeing these formalities as a waste of valuable time, as they form an integral part of the early relationship-building process. If time is not restricted, these formalities can start to eat away at the day and it is sometimes difficult to schedule more than one meeting per day. If concrete issues are discussed, it is advisable to ensure that specific actions are agreed upon and that individuals are tasked to perform them. If this is not done, things can very often drift and several months can elapse without any discernible progress being made. Time is very elastic and agreed start and finish times should not be relied upon. Patience is very necessary. It is not a good idea to arrange meetings on a Friday (or even Thursday) as these are the days of rest. It is advisable to travel to Egypt on business with a good supply of gifts, which can be given to key contacts. Gifts should be small and it is quite a good idea if they convey something of where you come from. However, when giving gifts be conscious of Muslim sensitivities and avoid the following: alcohol, pork, pigskin, perfumes with alcohol e- Egyptian Teams Working Teams revolve around a strong leader who usually allocates tasks rather than specific roles or functions. Individuals within the team expect direct access to and feedback from the leader. Thus teams tend to be more a grouping of individuals working independently towards a common objective. Many private companies are family-run and owned and family members would fill most management positions. Thus, the most obvious team grouping in a typical private company would be family-oriented but even this would be fairly hierarchical in nature. f- Egyptian Communication Styles  As in most of the Arabic world, people stand quite close to one another when communicating and many other cultures may feel that their personal space has been invaded. When this close proximity is coupled with strong same-sex eye contact and large amounts of tactility, many overseas business people can feel extremely uncomfortable. When attempting to build good relationships it is important that these differences in approach to body language do not become a barrier. Arabic conversation can be very hyperbolic with much use of flowery language and flattery. This is a protocol of the language and is expected. Do not misinterpret this approach as insincerity or a tactic. Try to express yourself in a similar fashion – especially when establishing relationships. It may sometimes appear that Egyptians are shouting at each other and in the throes of a very heated, acrimonious argument. Remember that emotion is used to convey conviction and that an overly reserved approach could be misconstrued as detachment or even lack of interest. Egyptians are proud of their country and Egyptian achievements (both ancient and modern. ) Egypt’s standing in the world, its history and local sport are all positive topics of conversation. However it is best to avoid discussing political issues or enquiring about female relatives of business acquaintances. When dealing with government officials, it is important to learn the titles of any contacts as titles are of considerable importance, denoting hierarchy and status. Do not address government officials in a familiar way unless specifically requested to do so. g- Women in Business in Egypt Women play a much less significant role in business life than in the West but are more active than in the Gulf States such as Saudi Arabia. Most senior business people are men, but it may be possible to meet a senior female employee. There would tend to be more women in prominent positions in joint-ventures, family businesses and companies owned by Coptic Christians. When dealing with women in business in Egypt keep a respectful, professional distance and do not try to ask personal questions. h- Egyptian Dress Code Appropriate dress in Egypt is both conservative and modest. Standard dress for men would be trousers, jacket, and shirt and tie in formal business meetings. Women should dress modestly, wearing long sleeves. Skirts hould be of a reasonable length (not too short). Do not wear native attire, as this might be considered offensive. Top 20 Tips For Doing Business In Egypt Tip 1. It is important to research any company before approaching it in order to determine whether it is state-owned or private and secular or Islamic in orientation. Tip 2. When doing business with an Islamic oriented organization, do not overlook the potential impact of religious issues on any decision- making process. Tip 3. Business is driven by relationships and therefore a great deal of resource and time should be allocated to the development of key contacts. Tip 4.  Who you are and who you know are important issues in Egypt; therefore it can be difficult to break into business without access to the right initial contacts. Tip 5. In order to help develop the all-important initial contacts it is often necessary to appoint a go-between who can arrange meetings and act as a bridge into the culture. Tip 6. It may be necessary to appoint a number of different go-betweens who know the locality (i. e. one for Cairo and one for Alexandria). Tip 7. Egyptian companies tend to be hierarchical and power usually rests in the hands of a small number of key senior managers who make all the major decisions. Tip 8. Managers tend to give direct instructions and subordinates are not expected to show initiative. If something is not specifically requested, it may not get done. Tip 9. Meetings can involve sitting in rooms with unknown people who are simultaneously meeting your contact. In effect, several meetings may take place at the same time. Tip 10. Initial meetings can be very time-consuming and appear to deliver very little in terms of tangible returns. Tip 11. Time is very flexible and meetings may start very late (if at all) and last for many hours. It is difficult to schedule a series of meetings on the same day. Tip 12. Meetings may start with coffee and a great deal of non-business related small talk. Do not try to rush this process Tip 13. It is important to offer lavish compliments to your host – and be prepared to receive them in return. Tip 14. Do not try to do anything on Thursday or Friday and avoid key issues during the month of Ramadan. Tip 15. People may stand much closer to you than you are comfortable with. Try not to back away as this can seem stand-offish. Tip 16. Levels of eye contact are very strong and strong eye ontact denotes sincerity and trustworthiness. Tip 17. Avoid touching anybody with your left hand or pointing feet at people as both of these are seen as extremely rude behaviour. Tip 18. Do not comment on the political situation in the Middle East or make any adverse comments about the influence of Islam. Tip 19. Women are less prominent in business than in the West but play a more prominent role than in some other Middle Eastern countries (i. e. Saudi). Tip 20. Dress conservatively, but very smartly. You will be judged partly on your appearance.