United States Population Through History

The first decennial census in the United States in 1790 showed a population of just under four million people. In 2019, the U.S. population is at more than 330 million. Even though in 2008, there was an almost one percent increase in the birth rate compared to the years before it, it was seen as a post-recession baby boom.  In 2019, the United States had only a 0.6 percent increase in population. According to the Census, The combination of births, deaths, and net international migration increases the U.S. population by one person every 18 seconds.  While that figure may sound high, the U.S. population  is actually growing at a slower rate than many other nations. U.S. Fertility Rate The United States runs below replacement level (2.1 births per woman)  in fertility  rate, with an estimated 1.85 as of 2019. Some of the drop  in fertility rate was due to a decrease in teen births between 2010 and 2019 and a drop in unintended pregnancies.   The lower birthrate actually signifies that, in the United States, women have increasingly more and more opportunities, unlike in countries with a high fertility rate. Women who put off motherhood have fewer children but, generally, have them on better economic footing.   A low birthrate is also a sign of an established economy. The U.S. rate is actually high among the richest nations in the world, which are all instead grappling with an overall aging population. Aging Population A lower birthrate and an increasing life expectancy contribute to the fact that the overall U.S. population is aging. One problem  associated with an increasingly aging population includes fewer people in the workforce. Countries that have an older population and are not having a net immigration will see population declines. This has the potential to put a strain on social services and health care, as there are fewer people to pay taxes to support government programs for the elderly. There are also fewer caregivers for them. Immigration Population Rise Fortunately, the United States attracts a large number of immigrants who come here to work. Also, people who come here searching for a better life do so at an age when they typically have young children, thus keeping the countrys population growing. Immigrants fill in the gaps in the workforce created by the aging population and the drop in fertility rate. But its not a new trend. Since 1965 the population increase of the United States has been due to immigrants and their descendants, with that trend expected to continue for the next 50 years, Pew Research reported. Immigrants accounted for about 14 percent of the total U.S. population in 2015.  Ã‚   U.S. Census Figures Here you will find a list of the U.S. population every 10 years from the first official census in 1790 to the most recent in 2010, including a recent population estimate. The population is expected to hit 355 million by 2030, 373 million by 2040, and 388 million by 2050.  Ã‚   The numbers from before 1790 are only estimates and come from Colonial and Pre-Federal Statistics. This document makes a point of counting the white and black populations both separately and jointly. Also, up until 1860, census numbers did not include Native Americans. 1610: 3501620: 2,3021630: 4,6461640: 26,6341650: 50,3681660: 75,0581670: 111,9351680: 151,5071690: 210,3721700: 250,8881710: 331,7111720: 466,1851730: 629,4451740: 905,5631750: 1,170,7601760: 1,593,6251770: 2,148,0761780: 2,780, 3691790: 3,929,2141800: 5,308,4831810: 7,239,8811820: 9,638,4531830: 12,866,0201840: 17,069,4531850: 23,191,8761860: 31,443,3211870: 38,558,3711880: 50,189,2091890: 62,979,7661900: 76,212,1681910: 92,228,4961920: 106,021,5371930: 123,202,6241940: 132,164,5691950: 151,325,7981960: 179,323,1751970: 203,302,0311980: 226,542,1991990: 248,709,8732000: 281,421,9062010: 307,745,5382017: 323,148,586 Sources â€Å"U.S. and World Population Clock.†Ã‚  Population Clock, United States Census Bureau, 2019.â€Å"Colonial and Pre-Federal Statistics.†Ã‚  Documents, United States Census Bureau, p. 1168, 2004.â€Å"United States Population (LIVE).†Ã‚  Worldometers, 2019.â€Å"Modern Immigration Wave Brings 59 Million to U.S.†Ã‚  Pew Research Centers Hispanic Trends Project, Pew Research Center, 18 June 2018.

The Effects Of Media On Women s Self Esteem - 1327 Words

In this paper, I will argue that the media portrays one image of beauty and this has a damaging effect on women’s mental health, resulting in low self esteem and further deepening gender inequality within our society. I will argue this by discussing the effect media has on women’s self esteem, how the media promotes a patriarchal society and the stereotypes it presents to the public. Finally, I will discuss the sexual objectification of women presented in the media and later examine how individuals have taken this matter into their own hands, and are using social media to create positive change. The media promotes low self esteem among women because it presents one image of beauty, one that women can not live up to. This causes harm to women’s mental health as they are being compared to a standard of beauty that is simply unattainable. â€Å"Body image develops partly as a function of culture in response to cultural aesthetic ideals† (Kim and Lennon 3). Th e media uses photoshop, airbrushes imperfections, and depicts slim, middle to upper class, white women as an ideal standard of beauty for all women. â€Å"The current standard of attractiveness for women portrayed in the media is slimmer than it has been in the past to the point of being unattainable by most women ... Unattainable media images influence women’s satisfaction with their bodies ... because women compare their bodies with these images ... Such comparisons may cause depression, anger, body image disturbance..., and lowShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Media Exposure On Women s Self Esteem1822 Words   |  8 PagesAbstract The study examined the effects of media exposure on women’s self-esteem, social comparison and the sociocultural standards of today’s society. Fundamentally, it will study the influences, like media, in the development of body satisfaction in young adult women. The attitudinal or behavioral results of media use can be relied upon to impact choice of and consideration regarding media content. This viewpoint might likewise, all the more theoretically, be stretched out to address the upkeepRead MoreMedia s Effect On Women s Self Esteem Issues922 Words   |  4 Pagesproducts each year, yet how many of them really work? We as women we are an easy target to persuade, and we cannot tell when an advertisement is speaking the truth. A woman is constantly bombarded with advertisements about beauty. They will believe what they see in magazine covers, but the truth is that all those pictures of your favorite models and celebrities have been retouched. They will start comparing t hemselves with size 0 models. Women believe that to look good and to be pretty, they have toRead MoreThe Influence Of Media Reporting On Society s Perception Of Beauty1730 Words   |  7 Pagesnumber). It is evident that over the last decade the media has created an image that is unrealistic and unattainable for teenage girls. As such, based upon a macro perspective, the societal roles, status and expectations of young women have been impacted negatively. This paper will analyze how the combination of media reporting, socioeconomics and sociocultural factors contribute to the development of eating disorders as well as how society s perception of beauty has been distorted. This paper willRead MoreDoes Advertising Affect Self-Image1116 Words   |  5 Pagesa writer from the Media Awareness Network, marketers are held responsible for systematically creating anxiety, promoting envy, and fostering feelings of inadequacy and insecurity to sell us their products. While these marketers b elieve that advertising only mirrors societys values and alerts them to new products and bargains, they are either oblivious to their detrimental effects on society, specifically the teenage and female markets, or are ignorant to the truth. The Media Awareness NetworkRead MoreMass Media Effects on Women1721 Words   |  7 Pages Mass media Effects on women Advertisement put adverse impact on women’s these could be internal or external. Internally when women watch ideal or thin images of models in advertisement then they feel very unattractive compare to the models in commercials. They feel lower self-esteem and self-concept in them and it generates anxiety or depression in women. According to article† negative body image is associated with poor self-esteem, anxiety about social evaluation, public self-consciousnessRead MoreThe Study Of Body Image1572 Words   |  7 Pagesand assertiveness (Judith, 2001; Murray, 2000). In contrast to the male body, the female figures have been varied over time and across culture. In the modern era, the thin shaped figure is the ultimate desire of most women because it reflects the beauty and attractiveness of women according to our modern culture (Thompson et al, 1999; Thompson and Stice, 2001). Therefore, failing to meet the societal expectations of being muscular male or thin female ma y lead to a separation between virtual andRead MoreThe Effects Of Media On Women s Body Image1242 Words   |  5 Pages The influence of the media on all aspects of culture and society has been a issue around the world. One of the social cultural aspects particularly influenced by the media is body image. A surprisingly large number of individuals, the majority of which are young women, develop their body image in with the ideas advanced by the media, which judge women’s attractiveness based on how thin they are. Body-image plays a very important role in our individualistic society. Modern beauty image standardsRead MoreThe Effects Of Social Media On Young Girls And Women Alike1474 Words   |  6 PagesSocial media plays an immense role in the way that stereotypes about attractiveness is conveyed in regards to body image. As Gerbner and Gross wrote in 1976, the cultivation theory states that high frequency viewers of television are more susceptible to media messages and the belief that they are real and valid. The subjection to social media can cause an idealistic view amongst young girls and women alike. Among the mechanisms of human agency none is more central or pervasive than beliefs of personalRead MoreLiterature Review : Body Image1173 Words   |  5 PagesTheory on Social Media and Body Concerns† shows the pattern and connection between social media and body image. People that are already affected by vulnerable factors, such as low self-esteem, depression, perfectionism and the thought that appearance is essential to self-worth, seek the gratifications that come from using social media. For example, if someone is feeling unattractive, but a picture they posted online is getting liked and commented on positively, it raises their self-esteem for that momentRead MoreSocial Media Allows People To Share Pictures And Ideas1057 Words   |  5 PagesSocial media allows people to share pictures and ideas with others across the world. Women and girls can use social media to earn approval for their appearance and compare themselves to others. Women during this time p eriod that are so heavily impacted by the media can link their self-worth to their looks. I used scholarly articles all relating to how social media affects body image to decide what my view point was. After research, we can conclude that social media has a negative effect on a woman’s

Theories of Criminal Behavior Free Essays

When evaluating the dynamics of both the strain and control theories one must factor into their analysis the sub-categories of each theory and how they contribute to the overall spectrum of crime, punishment, and social control. The following evaluation consists of those evaluations that consist of the varying forms of both the strain and control theories of crime; including the strengths and weaknesses of each standpoint, the empirical validity of each, and the overall ramifications for crime prevention. Strain Theories Frustration. We will write a custom essay sample on Theories of Criminal Behavior or any similar topic only for you Order Now This is the foundation for the plethora of strain theories that encompass the criminological and theoretical world (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 110). The basic premise of the theory traces its roots back to Robert K. Merton. Frustration to meet societies expectations in terms of success, (Specifically, monetary wealth), is a primary contributor to criminal behavior. Furthermore, the unequal balance between the goals of acquiring this â€Å"wealth,† and the means by which one seeks to achieve this end is described by Merton as an â€Å"anomie. Simply put, it is not so much how one gain’s wealth; it is merely of primary importance that one does in fact achieve it, by whatever means possible (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 112). Merton believed that America’s fascination with acquiring wealth at any cost is a direct link to the strain theory. However, Merton also believed that each individual experienced strain differently. He reasoned that each person experiencing the strain, dealt wi th it within the concept of five variations. The five variations or adaptions to strain consist of conformity, ritualism, innovators, retreatism, and rebellion (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 112-113). Adaptations to strain- Five variations Conformity, in relation to the strain theory, refers to people who utilize traditional means by which to accomplish their goals of material acquisition (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 112). Ritualists, the second adaption to the strain theory, refers to those do not wish to gain monetary abundance or riches. However, like conformists, they do structure their lives in a manner that is conventional. They enjoy their occupations, and their normal everyday lives, but they do not aggressively seek to enter into a higher echelon of economic status (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 113). Innovators are thought to be the most likely to seek out and live a life of crime (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 113). Innovators wish to achieve money and riches, but want no part of the conventional or traditional methods of achieving this end. They do not desire to work hard to achieve their goals. Instead, they look for ways to circumvent the normal or traditional processes of education and hard work. This does not always include crime, as one might initially think. Many inventors and entrepreneurs fit the category of â€Å"innovator. † For example, the founders of Google, Yahoo, and other internet search engine web sites are innovators. Athletes who sign lucrative contracts are also considered innovators. These individuals are not part of the criminal population- they simply seek to find different ways to achieve the same goals of the traditional groups. Alternatively, there are innovators who engage in activities such as dealing drugs, robbing banks, stealing cars, etc. Tibbetts, 2012, p. 112). These individuals represent the other end of the innovator equation. Finally, retreatism and rebellion round out the final two classifications of the adaptations to the strain theory. Retreatists, like innovators, do not adopt the â€Å"normal† concepts of hard work and education; neither do they wish to achieve the end of monetary wealth. All forms of reteatists seek to dis appear from society completely- not buying into its goals or methods (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 113). Lastly, rebellion is usually thought of as the most intriguing of the five adaptations to strain. The difference that pertains to this category of individuals is how they view society’s goals and the means by which one accomplishes them. While they buy into the concept of goals and methods of society, they do not buy into the CURRENT social structure and its associative ideas of goals and means. Instead, they seek to create their own social structure by overthrowing the current structure and replacing it with one in that adapts to their ideas and values (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 113). Evidence and Criticisms of the Strain Theory Since the foundation of the strain theory was laid by Merton, many criticisms have surfaced, as well as supporting evidence. The strength of the theory lies primarily within the fact that the Merton’s work provided a structure whereby societal groups in general are evaluated-not individual groups (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 114). There is also the existence of scattered amounts of evidence based support that poverty links directly to crime (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 114). Support for the theory appears to derive from macrolevel rates (Group rates) of the relation between crime and poverty (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 12). Critics of the strain theory cite various reasons why the theory of strain is not valid, or at the very least, flawed. One such reason is the variation of occupations in which people engage, as well as the wide variety of expectations these people possess in terms of what a certain life course might take. While there are many theories, both for and against and everywhere in between Merton’s strain theory, one cannot argue against the strength of its basic premise of expectations vs. the means to achieve those expectations, and the varying degrees of pressure this places upon individuals. Social Control Theory Control theories operate under the premise that all individuals would subscribe to anti-social behavior save for restrictions that are put in place to guard against their own deviant tendencies (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 152). Basically, control theories stem from the idea that all mankind is evil in terms of base character- man must be contained via laws, guidelines, and restraints. Although not easily tested, the idea of natural criminal inclinations receives a strong supporting cast via recent empirical evidence. Research has found that most people are ‘bent’ towards criminal actions at an early age. An example of the natural tendency towards criminal behavior is indicated by a reported study by Tremblay and LeMarquand (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 153). This study found that most children’s antisocial behavior peaked at the age of 27 months-particularly boy’s behavior (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 153). Other likeminded studies have surfaced that also give rise to this evidence pertaining to antisocial tendencies Tibbetts, 2012, p. 153). Several other control theories present themselves within the realm of criminal behavior. For example, Reiss’s control theory states that criminal tendencies were a byproduct of a weak ego or superego controls among incarcerated youth (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 157). However, Reiss believed that strong family bonds served to act as a counterbalance to these weak ego and super ego controls (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 112). Additionally, traits that a person either possessed or did not possess weighed heavily within the framework of Reiss’s control theory. Examples of personal traits include, but are not limited to, impulse restraint, and the ability to delay gratification (Tibbetts, 2012, p. 12). Control perspectives are the most archaic, yet most respected indications and reasons for criminal actions by individuals. The basic position is that mankind is selfish and seeks its own gratification at any cost. The counteracting barriers to this behavior is put into place by social policies and controls that combat and react to criminal activity and the theory that mankind is ev il and selfish. References Tibbetts, S. G. (2012) Criminological theory: The essentials. SAGE publications, Inc. How to cite Theories of Criminal Behavior, Essay examples

Disparity and Discrimination free essay sample

Many different situations occur within the criminal justice system. The situations that will be discussed in this essay are Pseudospeciation, bigotry vs. racism, hegemony, social construction, and disparity vs. discrimination. There will be definition on these terms. After defining the all terms, I will apply these terms to the criminal justice system using examples to illustrate the understanding of the definitions. Pseudospeciation Pseudospeciation begins with the fact that cultural differences cause humans to separate into different social groups, with different language, dress, customs, ect.Erik Erikson was known as the first person to use this term in 1966 explaining the inhumanity of human groups and human subgroups. For example: People with different religions believed their religion was true and others group’s religions were untrue. The criminal justice system law enforcement officers would have to respect a person religion, the way they dress, their custom, and language. There were necessary accommodations which had to be made by law enforcement officers, by separating the different religion groups so a person would not get harm by another person of a different religion group. We will write a custom essay sample on Disparity and Discrimination or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Bigotry vs. Racism Bigotry is defined as the state of mind of a bigot. According to Merriam Webster bigotry is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinion and prejudices, especially one who regards or treats the member of a group with hatred and intolerance. For example: a person of another race might lock their doors when driving through a neighborhood populated by people of another race. Racism is defined as action, attitude, practices, or beliefs that reflect or support the racial worldview.Racism is a term which is used negatively and is usually associated with race based. The belief of racism is that people are divided into distinct hereditary groups that are innately different in their behavior and abilities. An example of a racism act could be when a young black man is stopped many times while he was driving his car, when he has done nothing wrong. They look inside his car and ask him for license and registration. â€Å"The police stop blacks and Latinos at rates that are much higher than whites.In New York City, where people of color make up about half of the population, 80% of the NYPD stops were of blacks and Latinos. When whites were stopped, only 8% were frisked. When blacks and Latinos are stopped 85% were frisked according to information provided by the NYPD. The same is true most other places as well. In a California study, the ACLU found blacks are three times more likely to be stopped than whites† (Quigley, 2012, Fourteen Examples of Racism in Criminal Justice System). Hegemony Felluga, (2011) â€Å"Hegemony is the processes by which dominant culture maintains its dominant position† (Hegemony). For example, a leader who was able to have control over a group of people might be referred to as hegemony. To keep the populations as a whole form rebelling against leadership hegemony has to have the support from at least one dominate class of people. Disparity vs. Discrimination Disparity in the criminal justice system refers to inequity of arrest and sentencing for certain groups of people. Most of the time it is refers to racial and ethnic disparity while discrimination can be defined as a prejudice.There is a difference in disparity however; the difference does not mean discrimination. For example, A person is arrested for burglary because of the person past crime history, and because this person was close to the scene of the crime. â€Å"To determine if discrimination exists in the criminal justice system or if the differences are a result of disparity one must fully understand the key differences between discrimination and† (Williams, 2009, Justice for All). In the criminal justice system, both discrimination and disparity exists.

6 Phone Interview Mistakes That Will Cost You the Job

6 Phone Interview Mistakes That Will Cost You the Job Phone interviews can be downright tricky. Whether you’ve had one before and it didn’t go well, or you’re just a worrywart by nature, here are 6 of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them. 1. You’re obviously distractedYour interviewer can tell if you’re typing or scrolling through Facebook while you chat. Your interviewer can also hear whatever noise is going on around you. Find a quiet place with a reliable phone connection and then focus on the interview. If you get a phone call out of the blue, it’s okay- preferable even- to tell the interviewer that you’re not in an ideal place to talk and to reschedule.2. You’re not aware of who’s interviewing youYou have to know who you’re talking to and why. If you’re just having a quick chat with HR to verify your resume bullet points and contact information, it’s not the time to launch into your spiel for how you’ll singlehandedly save the company. And if you’re expecting that kind of call, but get your would-be boss or hiring manager instead, you need to be prepared. Make sure you know what to expect, to allow enough time and preparation.3. You’re not preparedThis is no different from a real interview in this respect. You need to do your homework. That means preparing a stock list of responses to possible hard-hitting questions, and be ready to impress. The more you can learn about the who and why of your interview, the better you’ll be able to target your preparations. Do be ready to explain who you are, why you care about the company, and to list a few highlights and accomplishments from your resume that will show them you can make it rain.4. You’re ramblingGood communications skills are crucial in a phone interview. The way you present yourself verbally here is your only tool toward making a good impression. That means keeping your answers clear, concise, and on the topic. That means no ‘um’s or ‘like’s or losing your train of thought in the middle of a run-on sentence. Make notes to yourself, even bulleted lists, and refer to them as often as you need (without reading from them by rote). Your interviewer will never know!5. You’re coming across as lacklusterYou might think it would be hard to communicate your energy and enthusiasm on the phone, rather than in person. And that’s partly true. You’ll want to make an extra effort to be effusive. Make sure to smile- studies show it actually makes a palpable difference in the way your voice sounds over the phone. Same with making gestures. Remember, be upbeat! You want this job!6. You’re not showing how much you want itYou know how much you want this gig. And you’re the only one who can make your interviewer know it. A great way to do this, beyond your upbeat demeanor, is to have intelligent questions prepared that show your genuine interest in the company and how serious you are about getting this position. It’s not a faux pas to say explicitly how much you value the opportunity to interview and how interested you are in moving forward. Just make sure to follow-up with a sincere thank you note.If you make sure to guard against the above mistakes, you’ll already be well placed to get the job, even over the phone.

Foreign Policy Definition and Examples

Foreign Policy Definition and Examples A state’s foreign policy consists of the strategies it uses to protect its international and domestic interests and determines the way it interacts with other state and non-state actors. The primary purpose of foreign policy is to defend a nation’s national interests, which can be in nonviolent or violent ways. Key Takeaways: Foreign Policy Foreign policy encompasses the tactics and process by which a nation interacts with other nations in order to further its own interestsForeign policy may make use of diplomacy or other more direct means such as aggression rooted in military powerInternational bodies such as the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations, help smooth relations between countries via diplomatic meansMajor foreign policy theories are Realism, Liberalism, Economic Structuralism, Psychological Theory, and Constructivism Examples of Foreign Policy In 2013 China developed a foreign policy known as the Belt and Road Initiative, the nation’s strategy to develop stronger economic ties in Africa, Europe, and North America. In the United States, many presidents are known for their landmark foreign policy decisions such as the Monroe Doctrine which opposed the imperialist takeover of an independent state. A foreign policy can also be the decision to not participate in international organizations and conversations, such as the more isolationist policies of North Korea. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy When foreign policy relies on diplomacy, heads of state negotiate and collaborate with other world leaders to prevent conflict. Usually, diplomats are sent to represent a nation’s foreign policy interests at international events. While an emphasis on diplomacy is a cornerstone of many states foreign policy, there are others that rely on military pressure or other less diplomatic means. Diplomacy has played a crucial role in the de-escalation of international crises, and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 is a prime example of this. During the Cold War, intelligence informed President John F. Kennedy that the Soviet Union was sending weapons to Cuba, possibly preparing for a strike against the United States. President Kennedy was forced to choose between a foreign policy solution that was purely diplomatic, speaking to the Soviet Union President Nikita Khrushchev or one that was more militaristic. The former president decided to enact a blockade around Cuba and threaten further military action if Soviet ships carrying missiles attempted to break through. In order to prevent further escalation, Khrushchev agreed to remove all missiles from Cuba, and in return, Kennedy agreed not to invade Cuba and to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey (which was within striking distance of the Soviet Union). This moment in time is significant because the two governments negotiated a solution that ended the current conflict, the blockade, as well as de-escalated the larger tension, the missiles near each other’s borders. The History of Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Organizations Foreign policy has existed as long as people have organized themselves into varying factions. However, the study of foreign policy and the creation of international organizations to promote diplomacy is fairly recent. One of the first established international bodies for discussing foreign policy was the Concert of Europe in 1814 after the Napoleonic wars. This gave the major European powers (Austria, France, Great Britain, Prussia, and Russia) a forum to solve issues diplomatically instead of resorting to military threats or wars. In the 20th Century, World War I and II once again exposed the need for an international forum to de-escalate conflict and keep the peace. The League of Nations (which was formed by former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson but ultimately did not include the U.S.) was created in 1920 with the primary purpose of maintaining world peace. After the League of Nations dissolved, it was replaced by the United Nations in 1954 after World War II, an organization to promote international cooperation and now includes 193 countries as members. It is important to note that many of these organizations are concentrated around Europe and the Western Hemisphere as a whole. Because of European countries’ history of imperialism and colonization, they often wielded the greatest international political and economic powers and subsequently created these global systems. However, there are continental diplomatic bodies such as the African Union, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, and Union of South American Countries which facilitate multilateral cooperation in their respective regions as well. Foreign Policy Theories: Why States Act as They Do The study of foreign policy reveals several theories as to why states act the way they do. The prevailing theories are Realism, Liberalism, Economic Structuralism, Psychological Theory, and Constructivism. Realism Realism states that interests are always determined in terms of power and states will always act according to their best interest. Classical Realism follows 16th-century political theorist Niccolà ² Machiavelli’s famous quote from his foreign policy book The Prince: â€Å"It is much safer to be feared than loved.† It follows that the world is full of chaos because humans are egoistic and will do anything to have power. The structural reading of realism, however, focuses more on the state than the individual: All governments will react to pressures in the same way because they are more concerned about national security than power. Liberalism The theory of liberalism emphasizes liberty and equality in all aspects and believes that the rights of the individual are superior to the needs of the state. It also follows that the chaos of the world can be pacified with international cooperation and global citizenship. Economically, liberalism values free trade above all and believes the state should rarely intervene in economic issues, as this is where problems arise. The market has a long-term trajectory towards stability, and nothing should interfere with that. Economic Structuralism Economic structuralism, or Marxism, was pioneered by Karl Marx, who believed that capitalism was immoral because it is the immoral exploitation of the many by the few. However, theorist Vladimir Lenin brought the analysis to an international level by explaining that imperialist capitalist nations succeed by dumping their excess products in economically weaker nations, which drives down the prices and further weakens the economy in those areas. Essentially, issues arise in international relations because of this concentration of capital, and change can only occur through the action of the proletariat. Psychological Theories Psychological theories explain international politics on a more individual level and seek to understand how an individual’s psychology can affect their foreign policy decisions. This follows that diplomacy is deeply affected by the individual ability to judge, which is often colored by how solutions are presented, the time available for the decision, and level of risk. This explains why political decision making is often inconsistent or may not follow a specific ideology. Constructivism Constructivism believes that ideas influence identities and drive interests. The current structures only exist because years of social practice have made it so. If a situation needs to be resolved or a system must be changed, social and ideological movements have the power to bring about reforms. A core example of constructivism is human rights, which are observed by some nations, but not others. Over the past few centuries, as social ideas and norms around human rights, gender, age, and racial equality have evolved, laws have changed to reflect these new societal norms. Sources Elrod, Richard B. â€Å"The Concert of Europe: A Fresh Look at an International System.†Ã‚  World Politics, vol. 28, no. 2, 1976, pp. 159–174.  JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2009888.â€Å"The Cuban Missile Crisis, October 1962.†Ã‚  U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/cuban-missile-crisis.Viotti, Paul R., and Mark V. Kauppi.  International Relations Theory. 5th ed., Pearson, 2011.

Analysis Of The Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay

Analysis Of The Sir Gawain And The Green Knight - Essay Example The story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is based on the challenges that are made against his ethics in terms of being a knight and the changes that come with age that refine those ethical considerations. The heart of the tale begins as Arthur asks for a story to be told that would inspire him to eat his dinner. At this point, the Green Knight appears and wants to talk to Arthur. He comes to challenge the court because he wants to know whether or not the court and its knights can live up to their legend. The challenge is that one of the knights can take one swing of his giant ax and in exactly a year the Green Knight can return that swing. Sir Gawain uses the ax to cut off the Green Knight’s head when the Knight has offered his neck for the blow. For most people, this would be the end of the game, but the Green knight speaks and reminds the assembly of the deal they have struck before taking his head and riding out of the celebration. Use of the word covenant appears frequently throughout the book, creating a sense of obligation between characters in the story. When the Green Knight first faces Sir Gawain who is to be the person with whom he exchanges strokes of the ax he says â€Å"Make we our covenant ere we go further†, suggesting that the agreement is the lynchpin on which the entire ‘game’ is based (Weston 14). This creates a foundation of ethics on which the events that unfold can be examined. It is the ethical and moral character of Sir Gawain, as well as that of Arthurs court, which is being examined through honoring the idea of a covenant. There is a description of the changing of seasons that occurs within the poem. The changing of the seasons can be equated with the idea of the change that occurs over time as a person begins to mature. The seasonal changes are reflective of the cycle of life in which Sir Gawain believes he has come to an end.