Principles of Employment Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Principles of Employment Relations - Essay Example c issue discussed by critics - â€Å"A broad survey of academic studies shows that while unions can sometimes achieve benefits for their members, they harm the overall economy.†(Sherk, 2009). In modern times there are number of concept associated with the existence of Union in various parts of the globe. If one analyzes the present scenario, union’s role in the modern world is of labor cartels. â€Å"A labor cartel restricts the number of workers in a company or industry to drive up the remaining workers wages, just as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) attempts to cut the supply of oil to raise its price.† (Sherk, 2009). To ensure smooth functioning of the companies, top management in various cases agreed upon to pay out high salary to their employees by affecting their overall profit or by increasing the price of their offerings. Economic study finds that a range of activities of the unions might do well to their members but as an issue of concern it constantly harm consumers in general. Not only that, the actions of Union sometimes hampered the job opportunity for the deserving candidate as well. Although there are number of negative point of views about the role played by the unions in the job market, economy and development of the country, there is some positive side as well. In this paper the main objective is to focus on the role played by the union in Australian economy and how the role of the union changes over the duration of time. The Australian Workers Union over the course of time has demonstrated both positive and negative sides of trade unionism. At times unions have bravely opposed to employers and various organizations’ decisions which were against the benefit or the poor workers. As a matter of fact, the Australian union over a long period of time was not interested to get involved into direct bargaining with their employers but was always committed to ensure national wage-fixing practices of Australian industrial

Genetic Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Genetic Engineering - Essay Example Procedures principles and the process often genetic engineering and cloning affecting ethics are examined.1. P 1 – Strands of Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA) can be cut using special enzymes2. P 2 – The strands can be cut and, therefore, remove some genetic combinations3. P 3 – DNA contains information about genes of the given organisms4. ACTION 1 (P1 P2 P3) – Since strands of DNA can be cut it is possible to duplicate genes, and this contributes much to the genetic engineering process useful for medical reasons. It has caused much arguments and debate since there is the development of the human and animal cloning practices. 5. P 4 – There are drugs and medicines in the world that contain similar elements that may be found in cow’s milk or goats’ milk when cloning is used.6. P 5 – Current processes revolve around the production of vaccines against some of the worst diseases like Malaria, antibodies of HIV and proteins to treat hemoph ilia among others by use of cloning processes.7. P 6 – Current research is also targeting the development of proteins ha will help digestion of fats and proteins for infants by use of cloning tests.8. ACTION 2 (P4 P5 P6) – Cloning can be used for beneficial purposes and tests, stopping the cloning process will hinder the tests.9. P 7 – safety of genetic engineering processes have been questioned, and even legislation has been set up.

Marketing Analysis of Avon

Marketing Analysis of Avon David H. McConnell founded the company in 1886 at the age of 28 years old. He sold books door-to-door and distributed perfume to lure women to buy his books. His perfume was more popular than his books, so he then founded the California Perfume Company (CPC) in New York, New York in a 500-square-foot (46 m2) manufacturing and shipping office at 126 Chambers Street. As the corporation grew, he employed his first representative, Mrs. P.F.E. Albee. In 1897, McConnell built a small (3000 square foot) laboratory in Suffern, New York. In 1906, the West Coast office in San Francisco was destroyed in the Great Earthquake. In 1914 the first non-US office was opened in the Canadian province of Quebec. January 28, 1916, David H. McConnell and Alexander D. Henderson (businessman) in Suffern, New York  [2]  incorporated the California Perfume company. Sales attained $2 million by 1928 following five million units sold in North America. The company name was changed to Avon Products Inc. Octobe r 1939 which was taken public by 1954, sales reached $55 million, and the Avon Calling advertising campaign introduced. Avon Suffern Research and Development facility came into existence in 1971. With one million sales representatives, sales reached $3 million, presently; sales exceed $10 billion worldwide. The 100 million dollar Research and Development facility which house 300 research scientists on the original site in Suffern, New York was opened in 2005. Avon also has offices in Luzerne, Pennsylvania and Davenport, Iowa. Andrea Jung is the companys Chairman and CEO, who was selected to the position in 1999. As at December 2009, the company had approximately 41,000 employees  [3]   2.2 Company Profile 2.2.1 Organizational Structure The Office of the Chairman is responsible for identifying growth initiatives, incorporating global strategies, and apportioning resources to Avon units around the world. In addition, as part of the reorganization, the firms three International Regional headquarters were to be phased out, alternated by nine streamlined business units covering sales, marketing and distribution around the world. Profit and loss accountability rested with them. Managers of these units would report directly to the Office of the Chairman. Also reporting to the chairman are five global staff departments: Finance/legal Affairs, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Planning and Business Development, and a new department Global Product Management. Each department assumes worldwide responsibility for its function 2.2.2 Major Lines of Business Avon Products line includes skin care items, makeup, men and women perfume fragrances, and bath toiletries, hair care, personal care, hand and body care and sun care. Recognizable brand names included Skin-So-Soft, a product in the bath products area, which benefited from wide publicity concerning alternative uses; Moisture Therapy; and Imari fragrance. Newer products include Avon Color, an entirely new line of more than 350 shades of lip, eye, face, and nail colors. The product line assures customers that Avon has just the right shade for them and that their total look could be coordinated. Avon newest product Anew Perfecting Complex for Face, won the most successful skin care product in Avon history. Internationally, the companys product line is marketed primarily at moderate price points. The marketing strategy emphasized department store quality at discount store prices. Avon is the worlds largest manufacturer and distributor of fashion jewelry, and markets an extensive line of gifts and collectibles. A separate division, Giorgio Beverly Hills, manufactures and sells prestige fragrances. These brand name products are sold through major retail department stores, in boutiques, by mail order catalog and by other means. 2.3 Operating Strategies Avon Products Inc. is uniquely among major corporations, a womans company. The company sells products to, for and through women. The company understands women needs and preferences better than most. This understanding guides the basic business and influences the choice of new business opportunities. Avon need to become and are becoming, more customer-oriented and more market- driven. Each one of the 18 words in the vision statement has considerable meaning. The three most important elements, however, are the focus on women, on being global, and on the additional opportunities for Avon in self-fulfillment. Avon Products Inc. Principles To provide individuals with additional earning means to support well-being and happiness. To ensure families satisfaction from quality products To render outstanding service to customers in its helpfulness and courtesy; To acknowledge and reward employees and Representatives contributions. To distribute the dividend of growth and success with others; To meet social corporate responsibility; and To keep and treasure the hospitable Avon spirit. Source: Avon Representative Success Book 2.3 Operating Strategies 2.3.1 Mission Statement and Management Objectives Avon Products Inc. intends being the company that best understands meets and satisfies women needs globally. The International Beauty leading company intends to surpass competitors in quality, innovation, value and raising image to become women favorites Beauty Company worldwide by creating a unique portfolio of Beauty and related brands. The Womens quest for Buying Avon products will become home store for women, offering the convenience of multiple brands and channels, and providing a personal high touch shopping experience that helps create lifelong customer relationships. The Premier Direct Seller will expand the companys presence in direct selling and lead the reinvention of the channel, offering an entrepreneurial opportunity that delivers superior earnings, recognition, service and support, making it easy and rewarding to be affiliated with Avon and elevating the image of the industry. Avon products leadership edge is through passion for high standards, respect for diversity and commitment to create exceptional opportunities for professional growth so that associates can fulfill their highest potential. The companys philanthropic efforts aim at eliminating breast cancer and empowering women to be economic independent. As a way of creating wealth for shareholders, Avon seeks new growth opportunities and improving profitability, a socially responsible, ethical company that is noticed and imitated as a model of success. 2.3.2 Business Models and Strategies Avon Products, Inc., is one of the worlds largest direct selling organization and merchandiser of beauty and beauty related products. From corporate office in New York City, Avon markets product lines to women in 112 countries through 1.6 million active independent contractors (sales representatives) that receive a percentage commission for their sales but do not enjoy employment benefits, they sell primarily on a door-to-door basis. The idea behind the direct selling model is to eliminate the middle man (department and cosmetic stores) and get its products directly to consumers which will be able to cut costs and increase profits. November 2005, Avon products inaugurated an exhaustive turnaround plan to restore sustainable growth. The four-point turnaround plan includes: Committing to brand competitiveness by focusing research and development resources on product innovation and by increasing our advertising; Winning with commercial edge by more effectively utilizing pricing and promotion, expanding our Sales Leadership program and improving the attractiveness of our Representative earnings opportunity as needed; Elevating organizational effectiveness by redesigning our structure to eliminate layers of management in order to take full advantage of our global scale and size; and Transforming the cost structure so that our costs are aligned to our revenue growth and remain so. Source: 10-K (Feb 25, 2010) One of the goals of the 2005 Turn-around Plan was to increase the number of Representatives paid in 2007 when the company had 13% increase in net sales as a result of the increase in the number of Representatives Primarily, Avons revenues come from three main categories: 2009 2008 2007 2006 Beauty Products 72% 72% 70% 69% Fashion Products 17% 18% 18% 18% Home Products 11% 10% 12% 13% Source: http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Avon_Products_(AVP) Beauty Products: Cosmetics, fragrances, and personal care. Fashion Products are Jewelry, watches, apparel and accessories. Home Products: Home products and decorative products. 2.4 SWOT Analysis 2.4.1 Strengths Presence in dynamic sector Strategic focus on emerging markets Diversification through acquisition Wide brand appeal Financial stability Strong brand image 2.4.2 Weaknesses Over reliance on Beauty Products (72%) Limited outlets for the customers Confusing promotions, out of date catalogs, unattractive packaging and customer complains of Avon image. Over reliance on Sales Representatives Products are not commonly found in store 2.4.3 Opportunities Geographic Growth: Enormous growth opportunities exist in countries with huge populations such as China, Indonesia and India. In Eastern Europe, management is excited about the potential in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. In the Pacific Rim area, countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are targeted as market opportunities. Emerging and Developing Markets: In those markets, the retail infrastructure was undeveloped, especially in the interiors of those countries. The Avon representatives provide consumers with opportunities to buy a wide range of quality products at acceptable prices 2.4.4 Threats Avons dependence on the productivity and profitability of the representative direct-selling model exposes it to cost and litigation risks. It is likely that AVP will incur future costs through litigation and resolution of the lawsuit, which may include terms that would increase costs and decrease profits for Avon. Currency Fluctuation Risks as a result of much presence in global markets: Only 20% of the companys sales Revenue come from the United States while other countries contribute 80%, making the company very sensitive to currency fluctuations and the strength of the dollar. A weakening of the dollar against foreign currencies would allow Avon products to become more competitively priced in global markets, thus positively affecting sales revenue from foreign markets; however, a weak dollar would also mean higher costs for products manufactured overseas. 2.5 Core Competencies Over the last three years, Avon Products have been implementing its turnaround plan through various strategic initiatives, including: restructuring plan, product line simplification program (PLS), strategic sourcing initiative (SSI) and investment in advertising and sales representatives. Among other things the company does well are: Diversification through acquisition Distribution strategy and brand image High technology and innovation Economic Empowerment Philanthropy 3. Industry Analysis 3.1 Industry Definition, structure and major competitors The US personal care products industry includes about 800 companies with combined annual revenue of $50 billion. Major companies include Estee Lauder, Johnson Johnson, and Procter Gamble. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest firms account for about 70 percent of industry revenue. There are 28,001 companies in this industry with the US personal income driving consumer demand for personal care products  [4]  . Company Sales Location The Protecter Gamble Company 78,938.00M Cincinnati, OH LOreal SA 25,041.73M Clichy, France Kimberly-Clark Corporation 19,115.00M Irving, TX Colgate-Palmolive Company 15,327.00M New York, NY Kao Corporation 12,777.13M Tokyo, Japan Source: http://www.hoovers.com/industry/personal-care-products/1192-1.html 3.2 Industry Growth and Profitability Market moves over the last two years have clearly been extraordinary. The forecast call for a continued, gradual recovery in demand from developed markets with emerging economies faring better. The personal and disposable personal incomes are the main drivers of this sector. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, July 2010, Personal income increased $30.0 billion, or 0.2 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $17.6 billion, or 0.2 percent, Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $44.1 billion, or 0.4 percent. Table 3.2 Personal and Disposable Personal Income 2010 June July Aug. Sept. Oct. (Percent change from preceding month) Personal income, current dollars 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 Disposable personal income: Current dollars 0.1 0.0 0.5 -0.1 0.4 Chained (2005) dollars 0.2 -0.2 0.3 -0.2 0.3 Personal consumption expenditures: Current dollars 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.4 Chained (2005) dollars 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, US Department of Commerce. July, 2010 3.3 Pest Analysis of External Factors Affecting the Industry 3.31 Political Factors These include the form of government, role of government whether as a participator or a facilitator or a regulator, political stability and risk, consumer protection, employment law, election, competitive regulations, industry-specific regulations, environmental regulations, understanding cultural differences, government structures, governmental leadership, political trends, taxes, terrorism and war. Avon Products is majorly affected by government tax and industry specifications. Different countries have different regulations with taxes. Political and legal systems of different countries have important implications for Avon Products. Sometimes, the political system changes quickly, throwing the company into crisis and at other hand, it evolve more slowly. Countries Over 30 Hongkong 25.25 China 17.37 United Kingdom 25.69 United States 26.26 Singapore 25.24 Thailand 16.42 Norway 28.19 Canada 27.80 Japan 24.65 Russia 14.66 Source: http://www.euromoney.com/Article/2675660/Country-risk-September-2010-Full-results.html 3.3.2 Economic Factors In various countries, economic growth trends differs, government spending levels, taxation, disposable income, exchange rates, tariffs, inflation, job growth/unemployment, consumer confidence index, import/export ratios, and production levels. Avon has experienced fluctuating growth; its said to largely depend on economic conditions and disposable household income levels. A higher disposable income will definitely increase spending pattern. 3.3.3 Social Factors These include race, family size, age, gender, lifestyle changes, population shifts, education, trends, fads, diversity, immigration/emigration, health, living standards, housing trends, fashion, attitudes to work, leisure activities, occupations, and earning capacity. Since Avon major source of Revenue is on Beauty products which is mainly used by women, the company stands the chance of increasing revenue all things being equal. A higher taste or lifestyle to substitute products like Mary Kay may affect the company revenue. 3.3.4 Technological Factors These are factors that enable innovative and creative ideas that make Avon to compete and meet customers needs. These include Inventions, new discoveries, research, energy uses/sources/fuels, communications, rates of obsolescence, health (pharmaceutical, equipment, etc.), manufacturing advances, information technology, internet, transportation, bio-tech, genetics, agric-tech, waste removal/recycling, and so on, all these and many more need to be improved upon continually. As technology advances, there is need to ensure compliance and engage in more research in an attempt to increase the quality of the products. The company should keep the analysis of past developments separate from that of the present situation and future trends 3.4 Porters five forces of Analysis Competition 3.4.1 Threat of new Entrants: Low Being a household name for some years, the threat of new entrants can be said to be low. Consumers who are serviced in this industry tend to stick with long and experienced 3.4.2 Threat of Substitutes: High There are several substitutes to Avon products by its competitors in the market. A slight change or below standard can push customers to buy other products. 3.4.3 Bargaining Powers of supplier: Low 3.4.4 Bargaining Power of Customer: Low Customers who are mainly women often dont mind price(s) as long as they have value for money spent. Rather than customers fixing price, Avon does. 3.4.5 Rivalry among Competing Firms: High This is really high. Mary Kay among several others is in high competition with Avon. 3.5 Summary Bargaining power of buyers Low Competitive Rivalry within an Industry High Threat of Substitute Products High Threat of new Entry- Low Low Bargaining power of suppliers Low 4. Economic Outlook 4.1 Global Outlook The last three quarters have been impressive with the companys operating performance and its key credit measurements are improving. Avon is envisaged to continue to have conservative stances with its liquidity and share repurchases. Avon innovative ideas has earned its performance very well relative to its consumer products peer group and remains one of the best geographically positioned companies to gain from emerging market growth over the next several years. Avon is in the midst of a restructuring that includes cutting jobs and trimming overhead. It has concentrated on recruiting independent sellers, as well as broadening its assortment of less-expensive items, including products under $5, to drive sales. It is also growing sales in emerging markets. The recession affected the manufacturers of beauty products fairly well, due to large part to their vast product range. While demand for cosmetics stumbled some are considered essentials and were mostly resistant to the downturn. The economic recovery will push the industry back to steady growth, as improving disposable incomes allow consumers to spend more on nonessentials like makeup. Meanwhile, manufacturers will expand both their product lines and geographic reach to take advantage of new market opportunities  [5]  . 4.2 Regional Outlook Avon is on a course of action to deliver strong quarterly growth, although the US market is likely to prove the exclusion to regional growth in view of the tough conditions there. The worlds leading direct sales cosmetic company increased revenue by 8 per cent for the first quarter in dollar terms, while the continuing weakness of the dollar will mean that revenues will rise by 5 per cent in local currencies. Based on region, Avon revenue is projected to leap and operating profit forecast to be up. Internationally, Latin Americas revenue is projected to increase at a double-digit rate and operating profit forecast to grow in line with or slightly ahead of revenue, reflecting a strong performance in both the Brazil and Argentina markets. Europes revenue and operating profit are expected to increase in the ranges of 10 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. Growth in this region is continuing to focus on the central and eastern European markets. Operating profit is expected to be more than 25% in the Asia Pacific region. 4.3 Local Outlook Avon overall growth is being driven by sales of beauty products, which are expected to increase more and more particularly the Anti-aging skincare Product. The company feels it is also a reflection of its successful new product launches and continuing commitment to invest significant resources to support its brand-building strategies. Also, the company expects increase number of active representative to positively impact on sales. 4.4 Summary There is strong growth and improving profitability as the global outlook becomes Stable from Negative. 5. Ten-year pro forma forecast 5.1 Underlying Assumptions Avon had $650 million Agreement with Silpada. The company designs is the worlds largest and fastest-growing sterling silver jewellery home party company which is expected to generate revenue from 2015  [6]  . Focus on emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Colombia, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela, aiming for high market share and brand recognition in these markets. The only positive regional revenue growth the company had been in the Latin America and China at 5.6% and 0.7%  [7]  . For example, China re-licensed Avon for direct-selling, which allowed Avons revenues from China to increase rapidly from 2006 to 2008. The total revenue from China rose from $212 million in 2006 to $353 million in 2009  [8]  . Similar situations may arise in Avons other emerging market segments. Increased cost of production and Companies are also focused on controlling their operating margins in order to maximize their profits. While advertising and commodity costs have been rising, efficient production has been useful in reducing margins. A takeover Rumour by LOreal expand in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America  [9]   First quarter for the year ended March 31st, 2010.  [10]  Avons net income was $43 million, a 64% decrease from Q1 FY 2009 net income of $117 million. The decrease was mainly caused by AVPs effective tax rate being a 66.1% due to the devaluation of Venezuelan currency. Excluding this negative impact, net income was actually $144 million. Total revenue increased 14% to $2.5 billion. The number of active representatives grew by 6% as the recessionary environment attracted many unemployed people to Avons independent selling business strategy. Additionally, the companys Beauty segment grew by 14%. Avon had mixed sales results internationally, as it had a 2% sales decline in North America, a 22% sales increase in Latin America, a 31% sales decrease in China, a 28% sales increase in Eastern Europe, and a 23% sales increase in Western Europe and Africa. The company spent $96 million on advertising a 23% increase from the same quarter last year. Second quarter for the year ended 30th June, 2010, Q2 FY 2010.  [11]  The companys Net Income was $167.6 million more than double the year-ago quarter value of $82.9 million. Net sales rose 8% to $2.68 billion. Sales in all of the companys product categories increased with 16% growth in perfume and 12% growth in color cosmetics. Avon increased advertising in the quarter to $97 million, up 19% from the prior year quarter. The company increased advertising mainly in Latin America. Geographically, Avons revenue increased 16% in Latin America from strength in Brazil and Mexico. Sales in North America remained flat. Important to note is Other Income for the quarter in review shows a deficit of usd 100m.  [12]   Third quarter for the year ended September 30th, 2010 Avons net income increased 7% to $167 million. The higher costs are due to advertising and weak sales from markets like china and Brazil. Net Revenue increased 4% to $2.66 billion, compared to $2.56 billion in the prior year quarter. The company benefited from higher sales in Latin America (8% growth) and Western Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (11% growth). However, sales in North America remained stagnant with a 2% decline in growth and sales in China fell by 30% as Avon tries to transition away from retail stores in the region in favor of a direct selling method that it uses in its other markets. Advertising costs increased 36% as the company promoted its fragrances as well as its two new product categories hair and acne  [13]  .

Less Than Zero :: Essays Papers

Less Than Zero What you need Its not as easy as you think to throw a Rave, this sounds kind of easy, but it take takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The first thing you need is money, and the reason you need money is because you need to make a lot of deposits. If the cash flow isn’t that big then you get what are called investors, they put in their money and hope to get it back. After the money thing isn’t a problem any more then you need to look for a venue, which is not that hard any more because there are new venues everywhere, they’re just popping up. So you need book the venue. Now that you have the location for the date of your party the work begins. Now you need DJ’s, which are not that hard to find. If you know someone then all you need is one booking manager’s number and the rest isn’t hard to find. Because the booking manager usually has other numbers to give to you. So you have a couple of DJ’s but that’s not enough you need at least one headliner DJ. A headliner is a big name DJ and they are usually a little more expensive than the others. Usually the big DJ’s need to be flown in. so a ticket has to be bought and a place to stay. So you need to get in touch with a travel agent. After you have all your DJ’s confirmed, you go off and meet with graphic designers who will design you a flyer. And you need to pay him for the work and for the flyers to get printed. After the flyers are printed then people need to go out and promote the Rave at other places. Anywhere that has the right kind of people. This is not over yet. You need sound, there are a lot of people that do sound, and they bring cabinets of speakers the turn tables everything that’s needs to be brought are there. Usually they will ask you for a deposit. But if you know them it’s not a problem. After the sound is booked, you need to book the lights. So you need to find a person to set up your lights. And when dealing with sound and lights you don’t wan to deal with the cheaper kinds you want the best because the sound and lighting make a big difference.

Women in an Inferior position in China

The view of women in china may have changed over the years but they all have lived in a male dominated world. The past has been like many cultures, in the legal and cultural suppression of women. The culture of china's past has placed women as a far inferior position to men. In this environment gaining power and rights was extremely difficult. Despite this there are stories of important and powerful women in china's history. This is different than many cultures of the world where the suppression of women's rights was total through their history. The culture has become more open to women's rights over the years, allowing for more power and more control for them as they years went on. Education has slowly been allowed along with greater human rights. Modern women are allowed to travel, be educated, marry and be the sole wife. They commonly participate in politics, as well as all other fields of work. Women of modern times in china have greater possibilities and fewer limitations, but things are not perfect, there is still a social bias lingering from past inequality. The women of china's past lived in an intensely male dominated world. Men dominated china both in law and in culture. Legally women were in servitude to men in the forms of marriage polygamy was common practice for men. For the most part women did not ever participate in the governing of the country. There were Dynasties that were less conservative, women were allowed more power at times. This is evidenced by the rule of Empress Wu. She rose to power from the status of concubine to rule china. This was more exceptional rather than the rule. When the Sung dynasty took over, men dominated again. Any ability of women to gain political power was taken away. It is in the culture that the real domination can be seen. Without this the legal repression would not have happened. Many practices reinforced the view that women were inferior. From basic philosophy, Yin and Yang, equated, darkness to women and light to men. The beliefs of Confucianism said that women weren't meant to do outdoor work, thus construing them as weak and inferior. The idea of having them not do outdoor work was reinforced by the practice of foot binding. Again started in the Sung dynasty, this practice along with the other preferences on the appearance of women objectified them and put barriers on what women could do or be. Women were seen as property, as seen by the practice of concubines and polygamy those of high status had many women and having many sons was an even higher symbol of status. Despite these legal and cultural blocks on women, the domination was not total. There were many female figures that were looked up to and honored, both legendary and real women. At times the culture changed enough to allow women to participate in politics, and more rights were given to them. Powerful women of the past were looked up to and revered. The Queen Mother of the West was mixed with legend and history, but she was worship at times by men. Other legends indicate that women could be respected. Although Disney has probably distorted it a bit, the legend of Mulan even by being passed down shows a respect for women. Not only legends were respected. There were several times in the past that women have risen to power Empress Zhen (AD 182) was fought over and had power through her beauty and high status. Other women had even more power, Empress Wu, actually had power, and ruled china for a time. The culture of china's past has surpressed women, through it's culture and laws, with brief periods of cultural change, in which women gained rights and respect were brief and followed by periods which they were again taken away. These limitations on women, were reinforced by the isolation that china had, continuing into the twentieth century this isolation prevented women from leaving if they could not stand their situation. Despite the few legendary women the opportunities for advancement or power for women were few and difficult. Things have changed in recent times. Women are gaining power and rights in modern times. There are international groups protecting their rights as well. The first good example of this is in the ways of marriage. Arranged marriages, and those for money are no longer the norm. They are allowed to maintain their own names with marriage. Without this they are did not have as much of a separate identity. Also in modern times, women have gained the rights of inheritance from their families, equal to that of their brothers. Other aspects of women in marriage have changed. They are not as expected to bear children, and the culture is changing to give them a voice in this decision. In the areas of employment, there are opportunities as well. Women now make up 38 percent of the total workforce. In most major parts of the work force women play a part. Women even play a part in politics, representing a major part of their official government. These women are not legendary, or exceptional. It is just accepted and considered normal. Women have made advances in the field of education as well. Illiteracy among women has fallen as well and education is accepted. Women are allowed in universities and even given funding to continue education. These opportunities, encouraged by many international organizations are also backed by Chinese law. The law states: 1.Equal rights for men and women. The Constitution stipulates that â€Å"Women enjoy equal rights with men in all spheres of life, political, economic, cultural and social, including family life†; 2.Protection of special rights and interests of women; and 3.Banning of any discrimination, maltreatment and persecution directed at women. In addition Other laws have been enacted concerning their rights. These explicitly state aspects of life that women are equal to men. For example equal, equal votes, and rights to political power, freedom, and protection. These laws being stated are the only thing that I can see evidencing that there are not equal opportunities for women. The fact that they have to be stated so explicitly probably indicates a problem. It is difficult to find out what the cultural views of women are from the outside, but it appears that they have all the major opportunities that men do and that their power is increasing. One thing that has really changed is in the area of the world. There is the opportunity to leave the country and go to another culture. Granted the rest of the world is still mostly male dominated in culture, but the opportunity to emigrate is still there. The only lingering restrictions are from tradition. Lingering views of women as being inferior are probably the only thing that could keep them back now. These things can be seen through the increasingly seldom seen practices of mail order brides and foot binding. In addition, I came across a large industry of pornography featuring Chinese women when searching for information. These things limit the respect that women have in society. The opportunities for women have grow through history. Starting from the possessive view of women, giving them no rights, and giving men utter control, has changed in recent history to the to allow women more power, rights and education. Women have had their limits striped away, partly with law and partly through changing culture. The physical limitations have gone as well. The opportunities for travel have grown as well, the world is more open, and the ability to find a place more accepting exists. With fewer limitations, opportunities for women are increasing.

Identifying Perspectives in Psychology Essay

Part: 1 Case Study #1: In neurobiological perspective of psychology, biologists like, Weber and van Helmholtz believe that the endocrine or nervous system is related to behavior. Mrs. B is feeling depressed because something is affecting her nervous system. Her body isn’t producing enough serotonin to control her moods and emotions. A humanistic perspective focuses on the positive outlooks of being human. It emphasizes on the importance of people’s feelings. Like how Carl Rogers came up with the â€Å"self-centered† therapy, which mainly focused on understanding one’s feelings. It seems Mrs. B was very close to her father and her son, with her father’s death this could have made her feel lonely since a main source of love and comfort is gone. Her father’s death could have made her feel insecure about life and given her a low self-esteem. Psychodynamic perspective emphasizes unconscious mind and early adolescent experiences. Mrs. B dropped everything when her father past away because she never resolved her phallic stage, Sigmund Freud’s third stage on psychosexual development. In other words, it seems she had an identity through him rather than her own accord. Furthermore, with her child gone, it could implied that she probably spent a lot of time on her own as a child which may have triggered the sudden actions she has taken in her life. Behavioral perspective is the idea that behavior comes from learning. Like how Ivan Pavlov trained dogs to salivate in a response to the sound of a tone. Mrs. B doesn’t have control of her emotions. Rather than trying to deal with them, she dwells upon her issues without trying to resolve them. It seems that her self-esteem lowered when her father and child gone. Since she has never experienced this before, she feels overwhelmed and lonely. Cognitive approach focuses on the importance of storing and receiving information and one’s way of thinking and reasoning. The only reason she is behaving like this is because of the unfortunate events of her father dying and her child leaving home. It is stressful to deal with these unfortunate events that lower her motivation to teach and be herself. Case Study 2: In the neurobiological approach, Barry is feeling guilty because the lack of serotonin. His concentration and his attention to time is affected too from the lack of this chemical in the body. With a humanistic perspective, it seems Barry has a void in his love life and work life. In Abrahams Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, â€Å"the basic needs must be met before higher ones are satisfied.† Furthermore, since Barry didn’t reach his basic needs which were to go on a date with his co-worker it reflects his on higher need to go to a professional lever. This goes back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; since he couldn’t fulfill the love part of his life he couldn’t fulfill the esteem part in his job. In a psychodynamic approach, Barry’s behavior comes from his childhood or unconscious conflicts. Barry missed his project date because he is unconsciously feeling overwhelmed from coming to his blind date late and not apologizing. He is putting himself down because he feels that he is a terrible person for making her think she got stood up. In a behavioral approach, Barry’s behavior comes from learning. John Watson’s experiments of classical aversive conditioning say learning from an unpleasant stimulus. He used to his daily routines, spending time with his mother and his computer. The fact the he has something new in his life, which was going on a date with his friend’s co-worker and coming late, affected him. With a cognitive perspective, Barry is behaving like this because his is trying to punish himself by affecting his job because he feels guilty for coming to his date late and not calling her, apologizing for coming late. Part 2: Both the evolutionary perspective and social-cultural might explain the use of corporal punishment. The evolutionary perspective focuses on how Darwin’s theory of natural selection shapes one’s behavior. In biology, there is â€Å"fitness†, meaning the strongest survive. In this perspective, corporal punishment on children makes a stronger child and allowing them to spread their â€Å"strong† gene. The social-cultural perspective emphasizes on how different cultures affects behavior. Different cultures use corporal punishment on children is used to show authority, it shows children must respect their elders. It is also used to show children from right or wrong, teaching children what they should or shouldn’t do.