The Great Depression Essay -- American History

The Great Depression was one of the lowest times in American history. Although this depression brought great poverty to some areas, most were not even phased by it. For some it brought extreme poverty for others who had little money invested in banks or into the stock market, nothing really changed. It even seemed that those who were impacted the least, their changes would not occur until after the Depression was over. In fact some never even knew that there was a depression going on until it filtered down through the tabloids. This economic tragedy was forever changed by the Election of 1932 which eventually brought on the New Deal of legislative programs which would forever change America. The 1920s where a time when America was flourishing with businesses in the North and farming in the South and where the stock exchange could make one rich if the right investment was made. The South presented a different type of wealth-not money, but hard labor and excessive amounts of food. Over time with the stock market rising at record highs, and field crops in excess of amounts of over cropped produce, a barrier was about to be struck hard. Eventually it did in 1929 with to much stock and not enough buyers to purchase it. This led to a great deal of panic in the North. Peoples’ responses were to quickly pull out of the investments they had made, and running to their banks to withdraw their funds. Even people who had money in the bank before it shut down had no chance in getting their money there was no insurance to protect their money loss. It had not yet been devised by the government. This resulted in money being taken out of circulation, which caused high inflat ion to occur. The North’s economy had hit a jolting halt--t... ...onal system gave those who believed they could only provide through manual labor other opportunities to prosper. These changes brought more people into the South which would forever change not just the state of Tennessee, but the way the South is today. The New Deal would have a lasting affect on the economy, and would eventually bring America out of the Great Depression. President Roosevelt would be named as one of the greatest presidents of all time. Tennessee would forever change the way the South would be looked upon, due to it being the foundation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). As for the stock market, it would not recover until the 1950s. The banks would eventually become regulated by the government, and be forced by Roosevelt to acquire insurance on people’s money for up to $100,000. These actions paved the way for what is now a better America.

Intro to Contemporary Society

To ask any person what family means in contemporary society is to take a glimpse into the multitude of terms describing family forms, that is; â€Å"household, couple family, nuclear family, extended family, single-parent family, blended families and stepfamilies† (Germov & Poole, 2007). Therefore regardless of how a family is structured an integral component that each one of these families has is the role they play in the socialisation process.That is, every person’s life from the time they are born till the time they pass will be encompassed with acquiring what is their cultural â€Å"norms, values, beliefs, attitudes and language† (Gecas, 2001, p. 2855). In doing so the individuals self and personality will be formed and moulded. For the purpose of this essay I will concentrate on the significance of family in the socialisation process and three facets for which family is central, they are: behaviour, development and gender roles.Predominately, the three aspec ts will focus on the primary socialisation that focuses on the progression of one’s development. It will examine the nuclear family diversity within family socialisation and describe how different family types socialise. Finally it will briefly discuss the change in family roles within contemporary society. Socialisation is a continual process of cultural diffusion that recognises social identities, roles and personal behaviours that an individual will learn so to become a member of society (Scott, 2006).Every individual begins the process of socialisation within the early years of personhood within the context of their family. Our parents, siblings, grandparents and extended immediate family are our primary agents, who develop our knowledge and skills through a variety of actions (Scott, 2006). Therefore the family in the socialisation process is the most influential and essential for a child’s development. A newly born baby is not a very social being; it is the paren ts’ role to train the baby and to help make it properly social (Plummer, 2010).As parents respond to their baby’s physical needs, they are starting to implement what the baby should expect from their surroundings and the way they should communicate their needs. A child’s earliest interaction with society is through the relationships it develops with its family members. These relationships during a baby’s development play a key role in their future social adjustments (Strickland, 2001). In relation, families who provide dependable and responsive care, aid the child to develop personal evelopment that can be considered typical to what society views as normal. In doing so the child will be able to develop relationships with others that are beneficial and nourishing (Plummer, 2010). An example of children who do not receive this type of care would be to refer to the studies that have been complied regarding feral children. It has been suggested by Plummer (20 10) that children who have been â€Å"left to live in isolation and then discovered, later show that they simply cannot function as social beings† (p. 20).Similarly a family who during the child’s developmental years pass on what they think and understand to be principle behaviours, attitudes, skills and values can be suggested to be exercising the social learning theory researched by Jean Piaget (1896-1980). According to social learning theory, behaviours and attitudes develop in response to reinforcement and encouragement from those around us†¦ the identity people acquire is based more on the behaviours and attitudes of people around them than the interior landscape of the individual (Anderson & Taylor, 2006, p. 4). For example, household rules govern behaviour, generosity and caring are socially respected merits that are taught within the home and culture, and interpersonal behaviour function as models for interactions with outside people (Strickland, 2001). He nce, during the primary socialisation it is not only the matter to understand what are the patterns of behaviour, the rules or the norms, â€Å"it is a matter of learning to the extent to which they become part of the way people think† (Gecas, 2001, p. 2856).In addition, support and control from families are the most powerful models of influence in the socialisation process. Children who are continually supported by their family through the progression of significant life stages are found to present encouraging â€Å"cognitive development, moral behaviour, positive self esteem, academic achievement and social competence† (Rollins & Thomas, 1979, p. 41). Conversely, where there is a lack of family support children may display negative outcomes. Rollins and Thomas (1979) suggest â€Å"low self esteem, delinquency, deviance, drug use, and various other problem behaviours† (p. 2). Also, parental control is just as important as support in the socialisation process. J ust like support, the level of control families exercise forms of punishment, discipline, supervision, strictness and monitoring can lead to positive or negative developmental and behavioural outcomes for the child. A significant behaviour that is discovered in the family context is what it means to be a boy or girl. This process takes place when the families we exist in â€Å"condition our behaviours by treating boys and girls in accordance with social expectations† (Holmes, 200, p. 3). Children â€Å"quickly learn how men and women are expected to behave, even if those close to them do not always behave according to those expectations† (Holmes, 2007, p. 43). The socialisation experience of girls across cultures is geared towards motherhood and males will be workers (Hoffman, 1977). The main point here is these similarities across cultures and over time have led many to believe that gender roles â€Å"must be biologically based and unchangeable† (Hoffman, 1977, p. 644) to reflect the expectations of society.It tends to be the case in contemporary society that an array of different family types exist. No more are children being born into married mother and father couples, they are also being reared to unwed heterosexual couples, divorced couples, unattached heterosexual men and women, and to adults who have used IVF techniques, to which they may or may not be related too. This is only a selection of a small number of family types that now occupy society and as a result the way in which these families come to socialise will differ.To identify why these differences exist would be to observe not only the family type but factors that are confounded within the family type (Grusec & Hastings, 2007). In other words, according to Grusec and Hastings (2007) the functioning of an individual is influenced by the relationship within the family. Therefore, if there were an absence of the mother or father in the home, such as single-parent habitat, it w ould bestow a different family socialisation context.Also, children and parents who live in different family structures may have the right to use distinctive economic, community and social resources, and as a result this may offer greater experiences of cultural surroundings in a variety of ways. For example, parents with â€Å"low incomes and less access to resources show poorer socialisation practices and less authoritative parenting styles, compared to more financially well off parents† (Grusec & Hastings, 2007, p. 329).Children who live in homes that require constant residential moving, for example parents who are divorced will experience problems in adjusting compared to children whose families provide stable environments (Grusec & Hastings, 2007). Consequently, for the majority of human beings who will experience society through the observations of our initial family practices, we will all grow up thinking that ‘our’ family is normal. It is not until we beg in to realise that ‘our’ family is a part of the many varieties of family types mentioned above, that the diversity of family is introduced.Even until today the nuclear family continues to create a dominant principle in much of the Western world, and Rapoport and Rapoport (1982) have described family diversity by contributing to the idealised conception that the nuclear family is disappearing. As Poole (2005, as citied in Bittman & Pixley, 1997) has pointed out examining household types at one juncture obscures transitions such as children leaving home, thus creating single-person or couple households; having children; separating and divorcing; ageing and moving to live with married children or to supported accommodation; and then dying.Throughout this period, nuclear family households are created and broken up and then recreated – sometimes several times (p. 67). Factors that are also contributing to the demise of the nuclear family are â€Å"increased longevit y, declining fertility, rising divorce rates and increase in the proportion of people who will never marry† (Poole, 2005, p. 67-68). Hence, it is no longer infrequent or rare to come across children who will appear from an assorted mixture of parents and families. Likewise it is not uncommon in contemporary society that the role of the women has changed.It is no longer the actuality that women will spend much of their lives pregnant, nursing or caring for children. This change has resulted primarily from three converging factors, â€Å"smaller family size, longer life expectancy and higher employment rates for women throughout their life cycle† (Hoffman, 1977, p. 644). The socialisation process across cultures for girls is geared toward motherhood; therefore if motherhood is no longer the major role of women in society, then the socialisation process can be expected to change (Hoffman, 1977).However, in spite of all these changes the responsibility for women to have chi ldren is still her role. Furthermore the role of the female in the family has evolved with the contemporary woman who is choosing to have an increased control over their fertility and as result they are marrying later in life, having children later, and having fewer children. In addition, the increased acceptance and expectation in society that women work is also bearing waves on the reduction of babies being conceived, so too is the proportion of women pursuing higher education qualifications.Overall, whether or not the birth rate remains low is difficult to predict, but there is clearly an increase in the number of couples who expect to have only two children (Hoffman, 1977), so where does this leave the generation continuance in the socialisation process? In conclusion every human being when they enter the world of life will be thrust into the process of socialisation for which their families bear the greatest responsibility. They will become a distinct mark in the culture they p reside too and the self will evolve through the wondrous capabilities of learning, identifying, and developing who they are as an individual.There are many aspects for which the family is fundamental during the socialisation process and we can appreciate that in respect to the assortment of different family types there will be altered approaches to how families socialise, much diversity and ongoing change. As the individual evolves during the many stages of their life, they too will become the family member who takes the role in the socialisation process and it will now be their responsibility to ensure that the culture they belong to continues on. References Gecas, V. (2001).Socialisation: Encyclopedia of Sociology (Vol. 4, 2nd ed. , pp. 2855-2864). Retrieved from http://www. gale. cengage. com Germov, J. , & Poole, M. (2007). Public sociology: An introduction to Australian society. Sydney, Australia: Allen & Unwin. Grusec, J. E. , & Hastings, P. D (2007). Handbook of socialisation : Theory and Research. New York, NY: Guilford Publications. Hoffman, L. W. (1977). Changes in family roles, socialisation, and sex differences. American Psychologist Journal, (August), 644-657. Holmes, M. (2007). What is gender?.London, England: Sage Publications. Plummer, K. (2010). Sociology: The basics. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Poole, M. (2005). Family: Changing families, changing times. NSW, Australia: Allen & Unwin. Rapoport, R. , & Rapoport, R. N. (1982). Families in Britain. London: Routledge Rollins, B. C. , & Thomas, D. L. (1979). Parental support, power, and control techniques in the socialisation of children. New York, NY: Free Press Strickland, B. (2001). Socialisation: The Gale Encylopedia of Psychology (2nd ed, pp. 607-609). Retrieved from http:www. gale. cengage. com

The Medical Elective Medical Training Health And Social Care Essay

The medical elective is an of import portion of medical preparation and calling. It can besides be an exciting chance to see wellness attention systems of different states and research countries of medical specialty that I have peculiar involvements in. My initial programs are to hold the elected arrangement abroad, ideally in two separate locations. Language is an of import factor in taking the states as I would wish to be able to pass on with the patients and physicians. Out of all the English speech production states, I think it would be an interesting experience to see a less developed state or a less developed part within a developed state. The other half of the elected I would take a developed state and comparison and contrast the two wellness systems. I want the fond regards to be chiefly clinical based as I can use the accomplishments in general medical specialty and other forte I have learnt during the two old ages of clinical preparation. I would non wholly decline the chance to blend in some clinical based research, but I am cognizant that research undertakings may take some clip to organize and may besides necessitate excess resources input, such as permission from patients and aid from other staff, from the finish infirmary and establishments. In footings of safety during travel, although I have travelled to assorted states, but I have ne'er travelled or organised travel on my ain. Safety in footings of personal properties, nutrient and drink and personal safety should be put into consideration. If possible, holding the arrangement with a friend would be ideal. As all the 4th twelvemonth King ‘s medical pupils are traveling on electives this summer, happening a spouse traveling to the same topographic points should be rather possible. Having merely came back from vacation in America, the idea of traveling back for the elective to hold a on the job experience over in the States appeared rather attractive. The US has a really different wellness attention system comparison to the UK. To see their physicians, the patients over in America would necessitate to hold private wellness insurance which can be a really dearly-won payment. It would be interesting to see how the in private funded wellness system impacting patient experience compared to the NHS in the UK. America is a large state and this makes taking the location a spot more hard. To acquire an thought about where usually make medical pupils travel for electives in America, I searched on the Elective Abstract System on Virtual Campus. USA seems to be a really popular state for King ‘s pupils to travel for electives as there is a immense list of infirmary and establishment for all fortes. The popular finishs are the major metropoliss like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and etc. Majority of the infirmaries do non accept international pupils for elected straight, a few smaller clinics do, but the cost is really high and they seem to be really specialized. Feedbacks from pupils are besides assorted, most are happy with their experience, but non everyone had a hands-on experience. Access to patients can be a job sometimes in some forte clinics, and most times are spent on detecting. Using to medical schools can besides be hard as a batch of American medical pupil are besides l ooking for elected arrangements and the disposal fee entirely can be $ 100 for the application entirely. After those research and farther idea, I was somewhat put off by the thought of traveling to the States. Alternatively of traveling entirely, it would be a better manner to go with a friend. Culadeeban ( Deeban ) Ratneswaran, another King ‘s 4th medical pupil was looking for a spouse for electives and I have worked with him during my abdominal rotary motion in 3rd twelvemonth. Deeban was in the procedure of organizing a research undertaking about respiratory medical specialty in Singapore which involved some informations aggregation. He needed a spouse to work with on the undertaking and we decided to make the elected arrangements together. We came across a paper written by Dr Deborah Ng and her co-workers, titled: â€Å" consciousness of smoking hazards and attitudes towards in writing wellness warning labels on coffin nail battalions: a cross-cultural survey of two populations in Singapore and Scotland † . We were believing about emulating this survey ourselves, looking into the cross-cultural differences between Singapore and London, alternatively of Scotland. We will utilize a questionnaire attack to roll up the information as oppose to interviews because we want to roll up as much informations as possible while still working on the clinical side of the arrangement during the elected period. We besides emailed Dr Ng on farther advice about her survey and she kindly contacted the caput of respiratory section she was working under in Singapore, Professor Sin Fai Lam. Professor Sin agreed to give us 4 hebdomads arrangement in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in the respiratory section and at the same clip let us entree to patients for the research undertaking. In order to transport out this undertaking we besides require moralss blessing and this demand to be applied by a qualified physician. We were told that Professor Sin ‘s squad is instead busy and unable to perpetrate their clip for the ethical blessing. We are still committed for the clinical arrangement in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and at this phase we are seeking alternate ways to acquire the ethical blessing, perchance from another section or another infirmary. For the 2nd half of the elected, we did non desire to go excessively far out of the parts. This is partially to salvage cost and besides clip spent on travel. So we applied for a few posters in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Hospital Kuala Lumpur kindly accepted our applications for a 4 hebdomad long posting in the general medical specialty section. This would cover a big assortment of medical specialty, and it would be good to hold a broad scope of experience after a really specialized surgical arrangement. I can besides utilize this clip to acquire more experience in fortes that we merely had limited exposure so far, for illustration, ENT, dermatology and ophthalmology. Word Count: 1004Career SectionSelf-assessmentDuring my pre-clinical surveies in Cambridge, I had really limited exposure to existent clinical pattern so I kept an unfastened head about which forte I would wish to prosecute for future calling. I exhaustively enjoyed larning anatomy in first twelvemonth of medical specialty, and peculiarly the clip spent in dissection lab. What appealed to me is that I would read about certain parts of the organic structure and the following twenty-four hours I can hold the hands-on chance to recap the cognition to visualize it in existent life. The clinical survey offered better chances in calling geographic expedition. Throughout the assorted rotary motions, I found surgery fascinating and I ‘m ever enthusiastic to go to theatre Sessionss. Although, as a medical pupil, most of the clip spent in theater is to detect the operations but I was more than lament to scour in to help when asked. I besides enjoyed the type of squad work in surgery where each person has a clearly defined and alone function in the operating theater.Career research geographic expedition and treatmentsThe Medical Specialty Training web site ( 1 ) is a good starting point for callings research as it provides information on all fortes within medical specialty. After medical school, every physician has to travel through two foundation old ages and use for forte preparations, these can be medical, surgical, psychopathology and list of run through fortes. For the surgical fortes, there are two Core Surgical Training old ages to be completed foremost. Then there is another application procedure for the 3rd twelvemonth ( CT3 ) , which is for a sub-specialty, for illustration, cardiothoracic surgery. The competition information shows that surgery is a extremely popular pick, though the competition for other fortes can be every bit ferocious. I have besides attended the Specialty Fair hosted by Royal College of Medicine. It was aimed for both medical pupils and foundation twelvemonth physicians and it had a whole scope of fortes on show. Having talked to a figure of the physicians from assorted fortes, orthopedic surgery peculiarly stood out for me. It is a surgical forte concerned with castanetss, articulations and their motion. It covers both hurt and other diseases, for illustration, congenital and degenerative. I think it can be an highly rewarding calling where I can set patients back after terrible injury or reconstruct independency by alleviating creaky articulation hurting, both can genuinely transform the patient ‘s life. Figure 1. Orthopedic surgery. From www.sussexotc.nhs.uk Having non done the rotary motion for orthopedic surgery and injury, I wanted some early gustatory sensation for the forte and the 2011 National Undergraduate Trauma Conference provided the perfect juncture. The conference gave great penetration into the calling options available in injury and orthopedic surgery. The workshops lead by experient physicians in the field besides allowed the pupil to pattern some of the skilled involved, for illustration, laparoscopy.Using your elected to research your optionsI think the elected period will be an first-class clip to research my country of involvement and callings option. For the first half of my elected in Singapore, I will be passing four hebdomads in the orthopedic section in a really modern infirmary. There are five advisers in the section, all of which are trained in the UK so they will hold a reasonably good apprehension of the degree of preparation I ‘m presently at and what would profit me the most during this poster. By thi s phase I would hold done my orthopedic surgery fond regard, and extra exposure in this field will reinforcement and hopefully farther develop the cognition and accomplishment I already have. I should besides do the most out of this chance to acquire every bit much practical experience as possible in larning the basic surgical techniques and direction of the common instances encountered in orthopedicss. For the 2nd half the elected in Kuala Lumpur, although I ‘m officially posted under general medical specialty, in world the infirmary is really flexible for the elected pupils. The adviser who is oversing me during the poster has no job with elected pupils doing usage of the clip in Hospital Kuala Lumpur to acquire a broad scope of experience.Personal contemplation on calling thoughts/decisions to day of the monthThe big calling pick medical specialty offers makes the determination really hard, particularly most fortes requires drawn-out preparation. In order to do a steadfast determination on which way to take, careful research needs to be done to do certain that I am clear in my ends, altering calling way in medical specialty and re-start preparation can be really boring. I think at this phase of developing it is really hard to hold a clear image of what I want to make. While larning about the different subjects in medical specialty can be rather different when work on them. Although it does give some penetration about what it is like to work in that field. To this day of the month, I am really inclined towards surgery for my future calling. Bing able to straight see the job, keeping the breakage or experiencing the obstruction so repairing the job utilizing your custodies is really hearty. It requires drawn-out preparation and new accomplishments are invariably acquired even after making. I ever find it exciting to scrubbing-up, operating, or largely as a medical pupil, helping in theater. There is a huge array of subspecialties on offer, from urogenital medicine to plastic surgery. Some factors will be common to all fortes, but each will hold their ain set of challenges and demands. Orthopedic surgery is the most appealing subspecialties in surgery, it can be really physical but there are many specialist tools available to cut down the demand for inordinate force. The on-call agenda is comparatively demanding as accidents can go on any clip of the twenty-four hours. In contrast with ENT surgery where more of the surgeries are elected with really small exigency work so the working hours can be rather flexible. Through the class, I am going more informed about the different calling options and have got a better thought of what kind of calling I want, though non confident plenty to do a concluding determination. At the same clip I should non go narrow minded and ignore the other countries of medical specialty, because I may yet detect other new involvements. Word Count: 1018Global Health SectionGlobal wellness is a subject in medical specialty derived from public wellness and international wellness. It has been defined as â€Å" an country for survey, research and pattern that places a precedence on bettering wellness and accomplishing equity in wellness for all people worldwide ( 2 ) † . It is a field joins the medical and societal scientific discipline subjects, including human ecology, economic sciences, epidemiology and many others. It uses wellness informations such as life anticipation and infant mortality rate to mensurate the wellness jobs present in an country. It besides emphasises on wellness issues such as HIV/AIDS and malaria that can hold a planetary economical and political impact.What is equity in wellness?Health equity among states and within a state or community is a major issue in planetary wellness. The publicity of societal and economic equity and decrease of wellness disparities has been a cardinal subject in domestic public wellness, international wellness, and planetary wellness ( 2 ) . Equity of wellness can be confused with equality of wellness. Health equity focuses on the distribution of resources and other procedures that drive a peculiar sort of inequality between more and less advantaged groups, in other words, wellness inequality that is unjust or unfair ( 3 ) . Not all wellness disparities are unjust ( 4 ) , for illustration, we would anticipate immature grownups are healthier than the aged and work forces have prostate jobs whereas adult females do n't. However, if the difference arises from immunization degree or nutritionary position, so it would do concern from an equity position ( 3 ) . More late, Braveman and Gruskin defined wellness equity as â€Å" absence of systematic disparities in wellness between different societal groups. Unfairnesss in wellness consistently put groups of people who are already socially disadvantaged ( for illustration, by virtuousness of being hapless, female, and/or members of a disfranchised racial ethnic or spiritual group ) at farther disadvantage with regard to their wellness ; wellness is indispensable to wellbeing and to get the better ofing other effects of societal disadvantage. † ( 3 )Financing of wellness attentionFinancing of wellness attention is a major factor in equity of wellness attent ion, it is the activity of raising or roll uping gross to pay for the operation of a wellness attention system ( 5 ) . The conventional classs for fiscal beginnings are revenue enhancement, societal wellness insurance, private wellness insurance and out-of-pocket payments. Depending on the wellness attention system there are many fluctuations in the funding beginnings, for illustration, societal wellness attention insurance can be implemented on a national degree or a community degree and it can either be compulsory or voluntary ( 6 ) . Equity in wellness attention funding is assessed by the grade of inequality in paying for wellness attention between families of unequal Ability To Pay ( ATP ) ( 7 ) . Policy shapers in assorted states seem to be building wellness attention financing harmonizing to ATP. The Ministry of Health ( MOH ) in Malaysia subscribes to this scheme by suggesting that the state ‘s part to the new national wellness financing strategy to be related to ATP ( 8 ) .Malayan wellness attention systemThe cardinal rule of the Malaysian wellness attention system is that the handiness to wellness attention is non to be related to ATP, peculiarly in the event of illness ( 9 ) . The Malayan wellness attention system has seen great betterment over the past old ages. During the period of 1990 to 2005, life anticipation at birth increased significantly: males from 69.0 to 71.8 old ages and females from 73.5 to 76.2 old ages ; infant mortality rate fallen from 13.5 to 5.1 per 1000 ( 8 ) . Malaysia was ranked at 49 from 191 WHO member states ( 10 ) , which assessed the overall wellness public presentation against the three aims of good wellness, reactivity and just fiscal part. Malaysia ‘s public presentation at just fiscal part is comparatively low ( 122-123 out of 191 WHO member states ) compared to the other two aims ( 10 ) . In Malaysia, the populace and private wellness services co-exist. The authorities provides public wellness services through public infirmaries and wellness clinics. Private wellness attention complement the medical services provided by the authorities and its outgrowth is driven by demand. The wellness system overall is preponderantly revenue enhancement financed. The national outgo showed that authorities subsidises 58.2 % of the support in public sector whilst the balance of 41.8 % is financed by the private sector in 2003 ( 11 ) . The support are from five chief beginnings: direct revenue enhancements, indirect revenue enhancements, Employee Provident Fund ( EPF ) and Social Security Organisation ( SOCSO ) parts, private insurance premiums and out-of-pocket payments ( 6 ) . Those financess are transferred straight or indirectly to either public or private installations. Figure 2. Households ‘ Financial Contributions to Health Care System in Malaysia. From ( 6 ) . Many parametric quantities and techniques are available in the appraisal of equity of funding in a peculiar wellness attention system. Progressivity measures the divergence from proportionality in the relationship between wellness payment and ATP ( 12 ) . A progressive system means that the persons or families with greater ATP are paying more proportionately in funding wellness attention. The Kakwani ‘s progressiveness index ( 13 ) is a widely used tool in public finance to measure equity. The value ranges from -2 in the most regressive system to +1 in the most progressive system, 0 agencies that the system is relative and wellness payments account for the same proportion of income, irrespective of the person ‘s income ( 14 ) . A research carried out by Yu et Al ( 6 ) employed information from Household Expenditure Survey ( HES ) Malaysia 1998/99 indicated that the five finance beginnings in Malaysia have produced a imperfect system which is regarded as just. Malaysia â⠂¬Ëœs Kakwani ‘s progressiveness index mark compares really favorably to other revenue enhancement financed wellness attention systems in both development and developed states ( 6 ) . This determination contradicts the WHO World Health Report 2000, in which an older informations beginning from 1980s was used compared to the 1998/99 figures used in the new study. The two different findings besides indicate betterment in the equity of fiscal part in the wellness attention system during this clip. Although the finance of wellness attention can be regarded as just in Malaysia, there are other unfairnesss. Many among the hapless fail to seek wellness service due to go and chance costs. The private travel costs incurred to seek intervention have been high and besides increased at a higher rate compared to household income ( 15 ) . The hapless besides live farther from medical installations and have to pass more to go compared to the rich ( 15 ) . From the instance of Malaysia we can see that achieve equity in wellness attention can be really hard. The state has a really just manner to finance the wellness attention system but jobs remains in the distribution of service. Besides the turning proportion of private finance beginnings will do an escape of skill medical forces from the populace sector which will make farther entree unfairnesss. Word count: 1104Final Aims and AimsExperience wellness attention systems in different states. The two states that I ‘m sing will hold rather different systems to each other and the UK. It would be interesting to see what can be learnt from each and what can we make to better our ain wellness system. Practice the clinical accomplishments acquired in the past two old ages and hopefully get some new accomplishments that can be used in the hereafter. This can be a good clip to retouch on all the clinical accomplishments which will be needed during fond regards in the 5th twelvemonth and foundation occupations. Use this chance to research calling options. More exposure in orthopedic surgery will hopefully beef up my aspiration towards surgical callings. Use the clip in Kuala Lumpur to acquire more exposure to fortes that I have n't had much exposure, for illustration, ENT and dermatology. To carry on the research undertaking, this is still pending on ethical blessing. This is an chance to pattern how to transport out clinical researches, which is a utile accomplishment to hold regardless of the forte I will be come ining. If the research is approved and everything else goes good, it can be a good opportunity to hold some work published early in the calling. Word count: 207History of Elective PlansSingaporeSince my elective is split into two halves, I shall speak about each individually. My first finish is Singapore. Officially known as the Republic of Singapore, it is a metropolis province and besides an island state. Situated off the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, separated from Malaya by the Strait of Johor. It is the universe ‘s 4th taking finance Centre and the 3rd busiest port. Figure 3. Singapore skyline at dark from www.panorami.com With a population of merely over 5 million and being one of the smallest states in the universe, its population denseness is the 3rd highest in the universe. Merely 2.9 million of its population are born locally, 43 % ( 16 ) . Singapore is a multicultural state, the 2010 nose count ( 17 ) indicates that bulk of population being cultural Chinese ( 74.1 % ) , with 13.4 % Malays, 9.2 % Indians. There are four official linguistic communications in Singapore: English, Mandarin, Tamil and Malay. English is the on the job linguistic communication and all physicians are trained in English. The largest faith is Buddhism ( 44.2 % ) , Christianity and Islam are the other chief faiths with 18.3 % and 14.7 % severally ( 17 ) . Figure 4. The Merlion, a symbol of Singapore. This fabulous animal is a capturing loanblend of a king of beasts and a fish. From www.travelerfolio.com Singapore has a cosmopolitan health care system where the authorities ensures affordability. Most care outgo ( 68.1 % ) ( 18 ) is provided by the private sector, and the remainder is from the authorities. Harmonizing to the World Health Organisation ( 18 ) , Singapore has the lowest infant mortality rate ( 3 in 1000 ) and it besides has one of the highest life anticipations at birth ( 80 old ages ) . Singapore has â€Å" one of the most successful health care systems in the universe, in footings of both efficiency in funding and the consequences achieved in community wellness results † ( 19 ) . The system uses a combination of mandatory nest eggs from salary tax write-offs, founded by the workers and employers, a means-tested authorities subsidies for those in fiscal adversity and a national insurance strategy to cover major and drawn-out unwellnesss ( 19 ) . Although really successful, this peculiar health care system is â€Å" hard to retroflex in other states † , chi efly because the comparatively little population of 5 million on a concentrated piece of land, so the planning of the health care substructure is much easier comparing to larger states ( 19 ) . There are 13 private infirmaries, 10 authorities founded infirmaries and a figure of other specializer clinics. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital ( KTPH ) is the newest public infirmary in Singapore, built to function the health care needs of more than 650,000 peopleA who live and work in the North of the city.A The infirmary was officially opened in November 2010, the entire cost of development was $ 674m ( 20 ) , $ 125m of which was donated by the late Khoo Teck Puat ‘s household, who was wealthiest adult male in Singapore. KTPH is a territory general infirmary consists of 19 wards with 550 beds, with a six-storey Specialist Outpatient Clinic block, and an eight-storey edifice lodging the private wards and a 10-storey subsidized tower ( 20 ) . KTPH is besides actively involved in medical instruction and supply clinical instruction to medical pupils from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore ( 20 ) . Figure 5. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. From www.flickr.comKuala Lumpur, MalaysiaMalaysia is situated in South East Asia, separated into two parts by the South China Sea into Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, besides known as West and East Malaysia severally. The Peninsular Malaysia was known as Malaya, gained independency from Britain in 1975, so united with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore to organize Malaysia in 1963. However in 1965, Singapore withdrew from the federation and formed an independent state. The entire population of Malaysia is merely over 28 million ( 21 ) , Malays and other Bumiputera groups make up 65 % of the population, Chinese 26 % , Indians 7.1 % and other cultural groups 1 % ( 22 ) . The distribution of population across the state is instead uneven with approximately 80 % life in Peninsular Malaysia ( 21 ) . There are 137 living linguistic communications spoken in Malaysia ( 23 ) . Bahasa Malaysia, a standardised from of Malay is the official linguistic communication. English was the official administrative linguistic communication before Malaysia ‘s independency and remained to be widely used, particularly in service industries and other work topographic points. So communicating should non be an issue during the elected. Islam is the largest and the official faith with 60.4 % of the population, Buddhism and Christianity are the other chief faiths with 19.2 % and 9.1 % followerss severally. Figure 6. Map of Malaysia. From www.cia.gov Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest metropolis in the state with a population of 8 million in the metropolitan country ( 24 ) . The name literally means â€Å" boggy estuary † in Malay It has developed from a hovel town lodging mineworkers from the nearby Sn mine in mid nineteenth century to be dominated by the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia and flower with the returns of international trade and commercialism. Kuala Lumpur is a really diverse metropolis in footings of human ecology, faith and civilization with historic temples and mosques sitting aboard futuristic towers. This diverseness attracts tourers from all over the universe, and I am certain I will hold plentifulness to make and see in my free clip. Figure 7. Kuala Lumpur at dawn with Petronas Towers ruling the skyline. From kualalumpurhotels.travel Hospital Kuala Lumpur is the largest infirmary in Malaysia and one of the largest in Asia. It is situated on 150 estates of land with 83 wards and 2302 beds. It employs a immense staff of 7000 workers, including 200 advisers and specializers with 500 registrars and house officers ( 25 ) . The infirmary is situated at the Centre of the metropolis, and was built in 1870 and consisted of merely 3 wards. Since so, it has been invariably upgraded and in 1997 it has completed upgrading its Institute of Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine ( 25 ) . HKL besides plays an of import function in developing wellness professionals. As it is the chief instruction infirmary for medical pupils from the National University of Malaysia the staff will be more than capable to supply a worthwhile acquisition experience and hence it is a really popular pick among elected pupils. Many fifth pupils spent their electives in HKL exhaustively enjoyed their posters. As it is a immense infirmary there are so many different sections I can see and most physicians are more than happy for you to fall in their squad for a twenty-four hours regardless the section you are posted under. Figure 8. The Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Kuala Lumpur. Officially opened in 1989, it is dedicated to Tian Hou ( The Heavenly Mother ) . From www.flickr.com Word count: 1092Personal Safety, Health and WellbeingFor personal safety issues about the states I am about to see for the electives, I foremost checked the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site for some general advice. For Singapore, â€Å" there is an underlying menace from terrorist act. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in topographic points frequented by exiles and foreign travelers † ( 26 ) .This means there is a low degree of known terrorist activity. So from terrorist act concern point of position, Singapore is possibly safer than the UK. FCO besides states that violent offense is rare, but travelers should be cognizant of street offense such as bag-snatching. This sort of activity occurs more often in tourist country such as airdromes, I think I should exert same sort of cautiousness as I would in all big metropoliss. The FCO peculiarly highlighted that â€Å" the offenses of indignation of modestness ( molestation ) can ensue in a all right, gaol or bodily penalty ( the Calamus rotang cane ) . Travelers are advised to avoid any action that could be interpreted as molestation. Scams affecting false claims of molest are thought to be † ( 26 ) . This should non be a major concern as most people would exert common sense non to do any offense, though this does alarm traveler to the state that certain misbehaviors that would be dealt laxly in the UK can take to really serious penalty in Singapore. The menace of terrorist act is somewhat more serious in Malaysia, FCO listed it as a state with â€Å" general menace of terrorist act † and â€Å" some degree of known terrorist activity † ( 26 ) .The FCO besides warned against travel to the east Sabah part of the state as there â€Å" are indicants that both condemnable and terrorist groups are be aftering violent Acts of the Apostless against foreign tourers † ( 26 ) in that country. The last incidence affecting foreign subjects was in 2003 and there are no other reported incidences since. East Sabah is in east Malaysia, far from the capital metropolis Kuala Lumpur, and I have no programs to go to that portion of the state. In footings of insurance during elected period and other travels that may follow, I have ever purchased travel insurance to cover my flights to and from place during the holiday period. I have been with Insure & A ; Go for a figure of old ages, it ‘s a really dependable company and their one-year multi-trip policy is really comprehensive. The insurance bundle costs ?70 per twelvemonth, which includes cancellation, personal properties, luggage, paperss and whole scope of other screens. One of import screen I should foreground is the medical screen. As if for any ground I fall ill during the elected or the period spent going after the elected, I would be cover for the local wellness service if it ‘s needed. The wellness attention systems in Singapore is mostly in private founded so the cost it would be rather expensive, and the National University of Singapore requires all incoming elected pupils to hold medical insurance during the elected period. I have besides checked wi th the insurance company that the â€Å" medical elective † is covered as portion of the travel insurance as it can be a gray country between vacation travel and working travel. They have confirmed that the elective is covered by this policy. Professional insurance or malpractice insurance is besides required by the arrangement in Singapore. I have joined the Medical Protection Society since first twelvemonth of medical school but I have ne'er required their service. If I keep on following the counsel as I have been in the UK during the clinical surveies, professional insurance should non be of concern. I understand the medical pattern in different wellness systems and different civilization can change, patients ‘ outlook and apprehension of the function of medical pupil can besides be rather different. While working with patients, whether on ward or clinic, I should explicate my function and do certain the patients understand who I am and what I ‘m making. At any point, if I am diffident about the ethical deductions of a certain pattern, for illustration, inquiring for consent from patient for scrutiny, I should confer with a senior member of the squad and inquire for advice for the recognized criterion of pa ttern in that peculiar infirmary. Dengue febrility is known to happen in both Singapore and Malaysia ( 27 ) . There is no available inoculation or medical specialty to forestall this disease. The best step is to avoid mosquito bites by utilizing anti-mosquito sprays and picks. There is besides a hazard of malaria in Malaysia ( 27 ) , once more anti-mosquito steps should be used. In add-on, chemoprophylaxis should be used in concurrence. Chloroquine opposition is present in peninsular Malaysia, I shall take proguanil along with chloroquine. These drugs are available from most pharmaceuticss. Another major wellness concern for pupils traveling abroad for elected arrangement is the hazard of HIV exposure. The prevalence of HIV in Singapore and Malaysia are both really low. The latest figure shows that the prevalence of HIV in Malaysia is approximately 0.5 % and 0.15 % in Singapore, comparing to 0.35 % in the UK ( 28 ) . For the orthopedic surgery fond regard in Singapore, I will likely be in contact with blood while detecting or helping in theaters. Since the prevalence of HIV in Singapore is lower than this state, the hazard of exposure is really little. The fond regard in Kuala Lumpur would be based in the general medical specialty section, so the opportunities of contact with blood is minimum along with the low prevalence of HIV, the hazard of HIV exposure is once more really low. Hence, I ‘m non sing taking a post-exposure prophylaxis kit with me during the elected fond regard. One unwellness which I ‘m likely to endure from is traveler ‘s diarrhea. From experience, during about every abroad trip, I would hold traveler ‘s diarrhea at some phase. This is likely because I frequently like to seek the local nutrient and drinks and non afraid of eating unfamiliar things. To understate the hazard of holding diarrhea, of any kind, I should avoid feeding and imbibing in less reputable constitutions. As a safeguard I would besides take some loperamide tablets and anti-emetics in instance of diarrhea or more serious nutrient toxic condition. Word count: 998

Widowhood Case Study

A quick review of the case study suggests the following central issues: The impact that a chronic illness has on a marital relationship, and the burdens of taking care of the spouse, the initial stages of grief and bereavement after their passing, the transition from having a long term partner, to widowhood, and the likely outcomes that the subject will experience during her transition from married, to widowhood, to single-hood. Impact of Chronic Illness on Marital Relationships Chronic illness in anyone family can have many impacts, not only on the person who is ill, but on the family and care givers as well. More importantly, it can affect children and spouses’ emotionally and physically. In Clara’s case, there is a very high possibility that her relationship with her husband experienced a considerable change in relationship and sexual satisfaction. There have been studies done in the past that state, â€Å"Although spouses of chronic pain patients showed no more physical symptoms than spouses of diabetics, they reported significantly more pain symptoms that were related to elevated levels of depressed mood. † (Herta Florb, 2002) The depression felt because of her husbands chronic illness, is likely the reason why she pulled away from her family, and friends. She likely did not want them to see her in that state, and wanted them to think that she was strong, and could handle it. However, other parts of the studies have indicated that â€Å"not only is chronic pain associated with problems in the marital relationship but heightened distress and physical symptoms in spouses as well. † (Herta Florb, 2002) The effects are not so much the reality of a chronic pain problem, but instead a manner for paitents and spouses to cope with the situation. Burdens of care giving and the initial stages of grief and bereavement This leads us to the topic of the burden of caregiving. There is a large impact on ones emotional and physical well being. Women’s greater focus on the emotional side of the caring relationship and on reaching standards of what they consider good care, †¦this is â€Å"not to be confused with how much a spouse cares about her partner† (Connidis, 2010, p. 88). In the case of Clara, there is an assumption that she cared deeply for her husband, but was focused on his needs, and taking care of him, and this may have put great strain, on their marriage, because she may have felt a sense of disdain in the final days of her husbands life. Possibly blamed him for her being out of touch with her family, and friends, and not having circle of people around her to help take care of her during the initial stages of grief and bereavement once her husband passes. There are generally 5 main stages of grief that someone feels when dealing with a loss, however when going through a loss as large as that of a spouse, it is more likely that one will go through each stage in a more defined way. Shortly after the death, there is the Numbness & denial – this is the feeling of shock and disbelief. Even though in Clara’s case she knew that this day would come, she still likely will have gone through this stage. The next stage is yearning & anger – this happens when the main shock has worn off, and one would long for the lost loved one, and one may even feel a sense of anger and thinking that there could have been something more that coul dhave been done. Next comes emotional despair & sadness- this is mostly a long period of tru bereavement. The point when the reality that that person, in this case Clara’s husband is truly gone. This brings one to the reorganization stage – this is when the widow will earn how to deal with practical businss of living, without your loved one at your side. This is also when the sun may start to shine a little more each day in ones life, and also a time when outside sources of support will likely be reeived with open arms. Lastly is the stage of letting go & moving on. This is often when the sadness starts to fade into the background, and new interests take on importance. Experience of widowhood In the case of Clara, widowhood was not likely sudden, as it often is for elderly people. She acted as a caregiver for her husband who had a chronic illness, and likely was warned by doctors, family, and friends, to prepare her for his passing. Since Clara was restricted, from family and friends, by caring for her husband, she was likely the sole caregiver, her husband’s passing although saddening, may also have been seen by her as relief. â€Å"Caring for a departed spouse allows some widowed persons to anticipate their loss and to feel some relief in their death† (Connidis, 2010, p. 106). This relief may be seen as the beginning of her transition to single life. Transition into widowhood Becoming widowed can be a difficult and sometimes devastating life transition. â€Å"Because women remain much more likely than men to be widowed, widowhood is often considered a women’s issue,† (Connidis, 2010, p. 108). Based on psychological studeies that have been done, the initial stage of bereavment, can last anywhere from two to four years. This is generally seen as a period of mourning, and can be â€Å"characterized initlaly by profound psychological disorganization† (Connidis, 2010, p. 08) Often times, and possibly in Clara’s case, this is also an opportunity to rebuild relationships that may have been hindered during the state of spousal care, by leaning on family and friends during the emotional pain, grief, and loss, as well as slowly taking part in groups of people who had experienced similar transitions in their lives. A great defenition given by a widow is this: â€Å"Joan Didion (2005) describes the year after her husband’s death as one of magical thinking during which she felt invisible and understood only by others who were in the same situation. † (Connidis, 2010, P. 09) Outcomes Clara like other widows and widowers will experience a great influx of emotions and changes after the passing of her husband. Based on conversations that I personally have had with counselors who focus on loss, they encourage people to broaden their social circles again, once they have come out of the fog of the loss of their loved one. In many cases, family and â€Å"friends emerge as important network members in widowhood†¦widows are more likely than the married to consider a friend both a confidant and a companion, and friends occupy a larger portion of these networks among widowed persons. (Connidis, 2010, p. 114) As for Clara, perhaps her and her husband had children that had pulled away because of the long term illness of their dad and they may now be spending more time with their mother. If children are in the picture, Clara now has time to spend with her grandchildren perhaps. She may go out and join social groups, such as knitting circles, church groups, exercise groups for seniors, or even take on a volunteering position. These are all acts to assist her in getting out of the house. Assuming that Clara is now living in a large house all alone, perhaps she will move into a facility for seniors, where she can have her own apartment type living quarters, but also where there are activities that she can partake in with other widows, and widowers. Often when a parent becomes widowed, they will take up residence with the children; this will often be seen as â€Å"the parent helping the child out†, not the other way around. In Clara’s case, because she lives far away from her family, there is a high possibility that she will sell the home that her and her husband had resided in, and re locate so that she can be closer to her family. This will allow her to reconnect with her children, and grandchildren. This may however be a very hard move for her to endure, as she will be leaving behind friends that she may have had where her and her husband had lived. However, moving to a new place, with new people, and new activities will act as a fresh start for Clara. This could be a while new life for her to live, even at the age of 80. Many people still have lots of gumption in them, at that age, and are still looking for companionship, and to be loved. As can be found on a website for seniors, â€Å"The sex need to some people is romance, companionship, and closeness–often the need for actual sex is quite minimal. In other people the need is quite strong. When we lose our spouse, we lose our sexual partner and our feelings can be anything from the desire to shun sex for the rest of our lives to powerful needs, and anything in-between. Sexual feelings after being widowed are quite common and the feelings should not make us feel guilty† (Diehm, 2000) In closing, nothing can prepare anyone for the shock and grief of widowhood, even when we know it is impending. One of the myths of mourning is that is has an ending point, and that if we wait long enough, it will stop hurting. Unfortunately it doesn’t. As we have discussed in this paper, it is important to work through the various phases of grief and it will eventually get better, and we no longer allow it to paralyze us. The important thing is to live our lives to the fullest, and enjoy each day knowing that the person we have lost is with us in our hearts, enjoying each day that we live in their memory.

Strategic Business Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic Business Leadership - Essay Example This paper chronicles the formulation and development of my views on the subject of the strategic business leadership. Stages in learning Strategic Business Leadership Throughout my academic and professional career, I have experienced numerous touch points and theories which have helped me shape my perspectives and broaden my horizons on the subject of strategic business leadership. On a fundamental level, during the learning of this course, I have visualized myself as a leader who is lucid and depicts a practical view of an inspirational future which motivates others to join in too. Since, I have struggled hard to formulate my thinking and perspectives on the basis of leading capabilities, my vision of becoming a strategic leader has influenced me in shaping up my focus. After studying the subject on leadership, I have begun to see the concept of leadership as a process which is dynamically distributed amongst the actors. Besides this, some fundamental principles have been formed in my minds which have transformed my beliefs about leadership from a mere activity and role to an entire process of goal achievement by inspiring others. More often, I have discovered that additional learning of this subject has facilitated me with the supplementing of the theorizing process which is consistent with the methodology of grounded theory. During the learning, there have been the climax points which have shaped my perspectives on becoming a future leader. I recall studying the charismatic traits of a transformational leader and getting the work done through others, and this has already aroused great determination and enthusiasm in me. The theories of leadership have actually facilitated me with various ways in which one can act and influence the people to make them work. My understanding of the Subject Since, I am largely used to additional readings in order to reference my current learning, I read various authors on the subject of leadership and strategies related to it. Amongst those, my favorite is Sun Tzu in the Art of War. According to him, â€Å"The way [of leadership] means inducing the people to have the same aim as the leadership, so that they will share death and share life, without fear of danger† (Sun Tzu, 2005, p.43). I interpreted from this statement, that for Sun Tzu, the idea behind leadership was such relationships, strategies, and the dynamism which assists in aligning a vision which is shared by the people and might also demand those aligned to act in such a way which may go beyond their personal self interest. The definition provided in the book also realizes the mutual vibrancy that the followers and leader share in understanding the mutual vision and goal. Both have equal participation and thus, equal share in the risks and benefits in its pursuit. Thus, in my view, strategic business leadership is the management of people with a view which corresponds with providing a direction to the followers which is exactly aligned to the organizational goals and objectives. Simply put, leadership, according to my learning, is largely about exercising authority in such a way which supports other fellows to follow the mutual goals and obtain desired results. I think that leadership is generally about three factors which include problems and solution,

UK laser printer market analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

UK laser printer market analysis - Essay Example This paper analyses the UK’s laser printing industry trends in recent times. HP is the major player in the UK laser printing industry with a market share of 39% in 2011, followed by Canon 19%, Epson 12% and Samsung 5% (Doidge, 2011). Even though Samsung’s market share is the lowest, statistics show that the growth rate of Samsung in UK laser industry is more than that of other companies. HP, Canon and Epson have suffered major setbacks in recent times while Samsung was able to maintain steady progress. The printing industry trends in UK are fluctuating rapidly in recent times. Fleur Doidge (2011) pointed out that â€Å"UK printer sales slid 15 per cent in unit terms during the second quarter of 2011, compared with the same period a year ago – with lasers the only segment to post growth†. Inkjet sales in the UK have been decreased substantially in 2011. Inkjet printer industry has lost 17 per cent market share by volume in 2011 (Doidge 2011) even though this loss was lesser compared to the loss suffered by other printing industry. In other words, laser printing industry was the only printing industry that was able to grow in 2011. However, the trend has been changed in 2012. In 2012, the inkjet printing industry in the UK has grown by 12.1% whereas the laser printer sales have only slightly increased, but overall inkjet sales have gone up a full 15%. (The European Printer Market Is Growing, 2012). The arrival of touchscreen mobile devices helped the printing industry in the UK to grow substantially in 2012. It should be noted that touchscreen mobile devices are mostly used by teenagers who are interested in using cheap printing machineries. Since laser printers are expensive than inkjet printers, teenagers usually prefer inkjet printers rather than laser printers. That is why the inkjet printing industry has grown more than laser printing industry in 2012 in the UK. Sam

Examin the relationship between sexuality and suffering in any of the Essay

Examin the relationship between sexuality and suffering in any of the texts - Essay Example What is most important to Genet, however, is not a simple recounting of his life story, but rather the elaboration of his aesthetic preoccupations. It is in this narrative that Genet identifies most clearly his means of literary production, and discusses the relationship of body to text. It is within the context of the stated reality, and as influenced by Genet's own sexual proclivities, that the theme of sexuality and suffering asserts itself. Traditionally, autobiography is a narrative form that has as its primary theme the recounting of the life of the author. The key element in identifying a narrative as autobiographical is, to use the terminology of Philippe Lejeune, the pacte autobiographie By identifying the pacte the ideal reader realizes without a doubt that the character denoted by "I" is indeed a projection of the author on the page. Genet accomplishes this in Journal principally by providing verifiable statistics regarding his "statut civil," - his date of birth and the circumstances which surrounded it. Though a Genet character exists in Genet's other novels, this information appears only in Journal du voleur. What is most remarkable about this fact is that, rather than stabilizing the identity of the author, by its very nature it destabilizes. The fact that Genet was orphaned at a young age, and that he knows only the name of his mother, and not that of his father, puts the author character in an awkward posi tion in a society more patrilineal than most. The Journal is in many ways, an aesthetic treatise, an examination of the ideas and practices that have made Genet a creator. The two fundamental concepts that drive his creation are "beauty," and a vertiginous space that we could call the "vide," or, "nothingness." His writing exists in a tense space between the aesthetic attractions of the physical world, and the intellectual imperative of the contemplation of the emptiness of existence. Genet attributes his attraction to the physical world to its beauty. Pinning down a precise meaning of beauty is difficult. In the short entry on "beauty" in the Oxford Companion to Philosophy, Aquinas is quoted as defining beauty as "that which pleases in the very apprehension of it" (80). This definition, though vague, does point to two components of the assessment of beauty, the observer and the observed. There is no beauty without a subjectivity to apprehend it. The article goes on to note that the physical beauty of a human being is hard to define in the absence of the desire that is aroused by that person in the beholder. Though philosophers have long searched to provide an understanding of the universality of beauty, we must ask if any assessment of beauty can be truly objective. It would seem that, in order for aesthetic judgements such as beauty to be meaningful, they would have to be understood in the context of subjectivity. Aesthetic philosophy, beginning with Longinus, has chosen to focus on the "sublime," that which transcends mere physical beauty and creates a deeper, more mystical meaning. In his treatise On the Sublime, Longinus says, "sublimity in all its truth and beauty exists in such works as please all men at all times" (107). In this case one might ask if any work could possibly live up to such a general definition. Longinus further elaborates on the nature of the sublime in the following quotation: By some innate power the true sublime uplifts our souls; we are filled with a proud exaltation and a