Madrid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Madrid - Essay Example Despite the exponential growth of Madrid as a global city in the world, there exist severe social issues such as social inequality, socio-economic distinction, unemployment, educational differences and gender discrimination etc. The extent of social inequities and uneven development in Madrid is depicted by high suicide rate. Men attempt and commit suicide at a rate higher than women in the city. According to a survey conducted in 1996-97, there were 135 people who committed suicide in which 105 were men and 30 were women.4 In the year 2005, the number of men and women who committed suicide rose significantly to 1,585 and 642 respectively.5 The mortality rate between men and women are different. The differences in suicide rate among men and women can also be explained with the help of distinctions in educational level and socio economic conditions. Out of all the men committing suicide in Madrid, about 63% of men belonged to lower secondary education group. This rate is slightly high er in women, which is 73% at the same educational level. 6 It shows that women at lower education level confront with suicide risk more than men. Suicide rate in men decreases due to increase in the socio-economic well being. This is not the case with women. Surveys show a high level of inequities in Madrid in education etc as compared to the other countries. 7 Mental illness is also a factor leading to suicide which is highly suffered by people having lower socio-economic position in the society. Use of drugs in Madrid is also deeply concerned with the educational level. Drug addiction among women is higher than men. There are serious social inequalities in Madrid with respect to income, education, social status etc that lead to high suicide rates. The lower socio-economic level of people who are attempting suicide reveals the fact of social inequality in the city. As men are more involved with socio-economic activities, this inequality affects the mental attitude of men more than women and thus men have a greater tendency to commit suicide. The concerned authorities have now become more active in removing the inequalities and social gaps among people to decrease the rate of suicides.8 The Madrid city has high social inequalities and issues as compared to other big cities like Paris, New York, Tokyo and London etc. The differences in social and economic status play a vital role in fostering these inequalities among people leading to social issues. People of lower economic level have significant social issues and it is the greatest factor that forces them to take a step like suicide. It is imperative for the government to minimize the existing gaps between citizens in Madrid so as to make the city compete with other global cities more effectively. Women are seriously deprived of their rights not only in Madrid but in whole Spain. In response of this inequality, a movement started in 60's to defend the rights of women called equality feminism.9 There still exists gender discrimination in Madrid with respect to the social and econom

Impact of Social Heterogeneity and Population Size and Density on Essay

Impact of Social Heterogeneity and Population Size and Density on Social Relations - Essay Example Heterogeneity leads to gradual breaking down of rigid customs and social structures causing increased instability and insecurity. The city being the hub of economic, political and cultural life, human beings from different areas are attracted to it. These human beings come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. According to Wirth, "69.2 per cent of the total population of those countries that do distinguish between urban and rural areas is urban" (Pearson, cited in Wirth 1938, p.2). Moreover, the growth of the cities is far greater in areas where industrialisation is more advanced than those where it is not as progressive. This transition from a rural area to an urban city has impacted every phase of social life. A city is a product of evolution rather than spontaneous creation, and hence it is only natural that "the influences which it exerts on the modes of life should not be able to wipe out completely the previously dominant modes of human association" (Wirth 1938, p.3). Moreover, a great section of the inhabitants of a city, who have moved in from different and most probably rural areas, bring with them i nfluences of their own cultural backgrounds and previous modes of lives. Such influences leave their imprint on their personalities also. From a sociological perspective, urbanism refers to the characteristic mode of life of the aggregation of human beings living in the city. The dominance of the city is the result of its concentration of industrial and commercial, financial and administrative, transportation and communication, cultural and recreational, healthcare and hospital facilities along with its professional and educational, and religious and welfare institutions. Urbanisation, thus, is the mode of life distinctive to the city as well as the changes that it causes to modes of lives of the people who are under the influences of the predominant features of the city (Wirth 1938, p.5). The social aspects of a city depend on the essential characteristics of the city. For example, an industrial city is significantly different in social respects from a commercial, mining, fishing, resort, university or capital city. Similarly, the social characteristics of a single-industry city differs significantly from a multi-industry city as do that of a residential suburb from an industrial suburb and an old city from a new city, etc. A city, for sociological purposes, may be therefore defined "as a relatively large, dense, and permanent settlement of socially heterogeneous individuals" (Wirth 1938, p.8). Hence the social relationships between individuals in a city are influenced by the population size, density of settlement and the heterogeneity of its inhabitants. Large numbers are naturally consistent with a great range of variation among individuals in human interactions. Therefore the personal traits, the beliefs, the ideas, the cultural lives and occupations of individuals in an urban community are spread over a far wider range than those of individuals in a rural community. In such a setting, human bonds of kinship, neighbourliness and sentiments "arising out of living together for generations under a common folk tradition are likely to be absent, or at best, relatively weak" (Wirth 1938, p.11). In such a situation, formal control systems take the place of

Immigrant Policies in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Immigrant Policies in America - Essay Example Immigration in modern day America is just as strong as it was when America was formed. Initiations by the American government such as the green card lottery are a means of attracting fresh faces to this already diverse country. The immigration debate is one of the biggest in America. Some native-born Americans forget that their ancestors were once immigrants and tend to harbor hostility towards new immigrants while others are more accepting. It is obvious that Americans have mixed feelings about immigration but many do not realize that immigrants also share mixed feelings about starting a new life in America. Modern day America is often referred to as a melting pot in which many different nations and people blend together to form a unique culture. Although this picture of America seems ideal, it is far from realistic. Immigrants who leave their home countries in order to come to America are sometimes left feeling out of place and confused. Immigrants are not sure how to balance their old culture with the new American culture. For example, Muslim immigrants who wear the traditional hajib often feel as though they are discriminated against thus are forced to conceal their true identity this leads them to "refrain from participating in practices or adopting dress that would make them appear different from the average citizen" (Smith).On a more positive note, as immigrants begin to live in America for a longer period, they are able to establish their own cultural identities and balance their two worlds. America does not discourage cultural diversity but embraces it. For example, the American education system has Spanish incorporated into its curriculum and bilingualism in the workplace is becoming a much sought after skill. There are numerous multi-cultural festivals in America, which aim to promote understanding between cultures. Immigrants have their own places of worship such as Mosques, temples, and community clubs in which they can socialize with other members who are sharing similar experiences. As time passes immigrants, do not isolate themselves from American life but become more involved. They are no longer lost tourists but real Americans who want to be involved in every aspect of American life, "Many are moving from a phase of dissociation from mainstream American life to much more active participation in political and social arenas" (Smith). Recent studies have found that the number of post-secondary degree presented to minorities has dramatically increased from 1991 to 2000. Degrees awarded to Hispanics and Asian Americans doubled while degree awarded to Indian Americans increased by 77%. All groups showed a large increase in the attainment of Masters Degrees and a slight increase in doctorate degrees. This increase is a clear indication that children of immigrants are working hard to close the educational and economic gaps between them and native-born Americans (American Council on Education, 2002). Although conditions are slowly improving, factors such as the language barrier and employment opportunities prevent new immigrants from enjoying the same privileges and benefits as those born in America. Unskilled workers who immigrate to America in hopes of finding a better life are often left disappointed. America does not have a huge shortage

Composition Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Composition - Annotated Bibliography Example While it may not be as complete and detailed as other biographical accounts of Hoover, it does provide enough information about his disposition and temperament when it comes to individuals whom he considered as enemies of the state. Since the research deals with the government abuse of power while Hoover was in the FBI as described by Stout in The Doorbell Rang, this book would help in explaining the character of the said director. The FBI: A History presents a detailed discussion of the history of the country’s principal crime-fighting force. It also attempts at providing analysis on the key events that occurred during the history of the FBI. It particularly highlights the era when J. Edgar Hoover was at the helm of its organization. This book by Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones is relevant to the research since it helps in clarifying the historical context of Rex Stout’s The Doorbell Rang. Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations. Intelligence Activities and the Rights of Americans. United States Senate, 1976. Web. 27 January 2012. http://www.icdc.com/~paulwolf/cointelpro/churchfinalreportIIce.htm This is basically a report submitted by a senate committee headed by Sen. Frank Church in 1976. The said committee made and investigation of all the actions that the FBI did during the time when J. Edgar Hoover was its director. The document was actually one of the very first systematic and comprehensive attempts at exposing the FBI and the CIAs abuse of power, such as the spying conducted on American citizens. This also provides substantial proofs of Hoover’s violations of the privacy of individuals, which is the gist in The Doorbell Rang. Since the research is on the theme of how The Doorbell Rang serves as a critique of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI, it is only right that the book become a principal reference. The book written by Rex Stout is part of the Nero Wolfe detective story series. However, unlike the rest of the Nero

The Trial Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Trial - Research Paper Example Population distribution In the 20th century both the number and distribution of Bornean orangutan has reduced tremendously to over 50% because of human activities that include unsustainable illegal logging, clearance of forests to provide land for agricultural purposes, hunting and mining. Large percentage of orangutans are currently found in Kalimantan because of the area has extensive forests still in existence. (Munn,63-65) Impact of humans activities on ecosystem Loss and degradation of orangutan Habitat The loss of habitat is the main threat to the survival of orangutan. For example, in Kalimantan, a large area of the forest has been cleared to create land for mega rice projects that have tremendously destroyed orangutan habitat. The situation is further worsened by the fact that even habitat in protected areas are vanishing at a high rate because of unclear delineation of the boundaries making it difficult to patrol. (Munn,59-62) Collateral damage a) Spread of fire b)hunting an d c) human-animal conflict. Hunting In south East Asia orangutans are hunted for meat and surplus hunt sold on pet market especially in most interior areas of Borneo. These because they can not run faster like other animals and therefore they are easily targeted by hunters even form a distance. This has resulted in the decline of the number of orangutan. This has been the main cause of low density of orangutans in the low hill forests especially areas around pawan river in the western Kalimantan) and katingan and basito river (central Kalimantan). The scale of hunting is increased because of forest fires which drive them away out of the forests where they are easily captured either for meat or sale in the pet markets. Furthermore, hunting is aggravated by destruction of forests either for timber or to create land for agricultural purposes. The forest is a source for food for orangutan and their destruction forces orangutan to venture out of the forests into the surrounding agricultu ral land destroying food crops and also acting as pests. Local people respond intolerantly to these apes by either shooting or poisoning them and taking the young orangutan which are either sold or slaughtered for meat.(Knott, 429-57) Conflict with human Orangutans are also killed when they move into farming land to destroy food crops. This happens when climatic conditions are adverse and the food available in the forest is less and hardly accessible. In addition, when the habitat of orangutan is destroyed either by fire or clearance of the forest where they dwell, they are forced to move to open field to look for food in agricultural farms where they are killed as to they are also regarded as pests The orangutans’ loss can also be attributed to Climate change. A great drought that preceded El Nino in 1998 had a negative impact on the survival of orangutan has it led to the great fire that destroyed a large portion of the forest cover in Sothern Asia. In the process, thousand s of orangutan was killed and it’s approximated that, over30% of orangutan in Borneo were destroyed by great forest fires in the last decade. Economic and political stability also played great role in the reduction of orangutan in south East Asia. Financial crisis and violent demonstration that led to the resignation of Suharto culminated into mass anarchy and political instability that increased both logging and poaching. In addition,

Misuse of DNA in Homicide Cases Annotated Bibliography

Misuse of DNA in Homicide Cases - Annotated Bibliography Example The National Commission on the Future of DNA was established by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in 1998, courtesy of Janet Reno, who was then the attorney general. The aim was to establish the prospects of DNA evidence, and ways of improving its effectiveness, through the Department of Justice. This article has been very supportive in identifying how the DNA evidence is used for the wrongful intentions. The proposition of recommendations on how to improve DNA evidence has made this article very useful for my research, as most of other articles have not touched on this issue. This article reports on the progressing data of two hypervariable regions from 50 individuals with no close relationship, all from Germany population. The study reveals that most maternal relatives share mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) series, while there was no evidence of mtDNA transmission in respect to paternity. This article goes a long way in helping me to establish how the variability of mtDNA control region series allows utility in forensic characteristics inquiry, which is critical in revealing cases of misuse of DNA in Homicide cases. This article has been used to show how series of mtDNA is being used to typify forensic organic samples, especially in absence of adequate nuclear DNA in specimens for typing. The article has clearly demonstrated how specimens such as teeth, bones and shafts can be subjected to mtDNA examination. This article is very useful as it uses practical demonstration of the same specimens that are used to manipulate evidence during homicide cases. Furthermore, mtDNA series is used to provide tools for typifying biological evidence during DNA tests. The article has essentially added a lot of credence in my research. The authors have noted that a lot of studies have been undertaken in respect to child sexual abuse since 1960s. They have added that, although there has been males’ sexual abuse as well, this social problem has

Food Technology Essay Example for Free

Food Technology Essay Let’s remember 1The key stages of the technology process are designing, producing and evaluating. 2A design situation is a scenario, situation or context. It sets the scene for a designer. A design brief is a statement that presents a task or problem to be solved as it relates to the design situation. 3It is important to analyse the design brief to ensure that the designer understands what is required of them and so that they can develop a criteria for success. 4It is essential to know the criteria for success before undertaking a design process so that a designer can refer back to these criteria during the design process and ensure that they are on track and making correct decisions. It is essential to know the constraints before undertaking a design project so that a designer stays within the boundaries of the project, particularly in terms of cost and schedule. 5Some methods of research and investigation that designers use may include: inspiration boards, interviews, the Internet, surveys, experiments, observations, textbooks, encyclopaedias, magazines and TV programs. 6Primary sources of information are original documents. Some examples of primary sources are interview responses, survey responses, observations or original documents. Secondary sources of information are collected from existing documents and might include textbooks, magazines, TV programs and Internet searches. 7Designers sometimes produce simple sketches of their ideas to ensure that they remember all of the details that they generated during the research and exploration stages. Their diagrams might be accompanied by labels that list materials, colours, size and other details. 8Designers will usually come up with more than one option for the design solution to ensure that the most creative and innovative solution possible is found, rather than just the first and most obvious idea. 9The best design option is selected by evaluating each idea against the original brief, the criteria for success and any constraints. 10Evaluation is an important part of the technology process as it helps the designer to make decisions about the design and the development of the solution. Evaluation also helps the designer to judge the success of the final result. 11Food designers may evaluate their food product solutions by performing a sensory evaluation with a panel of taste-testers. 1. 2 Factors influencing design Case study: Red Lantern 1The two factors that Mark Jensen of Red Lantern considers important when judging the success of a restaurant are limiting the restaurant’s impact on the environment and using organic and ethically sound produce. 2Some of the produce chosen for the menu at Red Lantern includes organic vegetables and herbs, line-caught fish, organic and free-range poultry, free-range pork. 3According to Mark, some benefits of using organic and free-range products include that they are free from pesticides and taste better. 4Pesticides used in farming contaminate the soil and the water table and are therefore harmful to the environment. 5Net fishing is a problem for marine ecology because of the amount of bycatch. Bycatch is a term given to the tonnes of marine animals caught in nets and killed every year. The bycatch is then discarded into the ocean because they are perceived to have no economic value. 6Energy use is being reduced at Red Lantern by using sustainable technologies such as energy-efficient equipment and light globes. Water consumption is reduced by replacing common wok stations that rely on a constant flow of water with a new type of wok system which stops water from being lost down the drain. 7Waste is managed at Red Lantern by using specially marked glass, plastic, cardboard and paper recycling bins. Vegetable waste is placed in compost bins. Let’s remember. 1The factors that may influence the development and production of a solution to a brief include: function, aesthetics, human form, scale, ergonomics, ethics, environmental issues, legislation, cost, sociocultural sensitivity, resource availability, physical and material properties and safety. 2Ergonomics relates to the human form. An ergonomic solution must be comfortable and safe to use without causing strain or injury to the user. 3The word sustainable means renewable or maintainable. A sustainable resource can be maintained at a certain level without causing damage to the environment. 4Organic foods are grown without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides. 1. 3 Innovation and emerging technologies Case study: Molecular gastronomy 1Molecular gastronomy is a term used to describe the application of science and technology to cooking. 2Some methods used to change ingredients into new foods are: drying, liquefying, gassing and freezing. 3Chefs of molecular gastronomy are successful in creating new food combinations and textures by first understanding the chemistry of food and flavour. 4Answers will vary. Let’s remember 1Some advantages of having an Internet refrigerator are: keeping track of what is stored in it, recording how long food has been in the fridge, having a built in video camera to leave video memos, being able to watch television or listen to online music while cooking. 2Reasons for putting a computer in a refrigerator may include: the kitchen is the source of action in many homes and is therefore a logical place for a computer; the refrigerator is always plugged in and switched on so it makes sense to include a computer. 3Nanotechnology is a new or emerging technology that refers to substances at the atomic and molecular level (that is, very, very small things). 4Nanotechnology will make the following possible: aIncrease the nutritional claims of particular foods by fortifying foods with hidden nutrients and vitamins. bIncrease the shelf-life of food by creating an invisible, edible, nano-wrapper that will cover foods, preventing gas and moisture exchange. cReduce allergic reactions in individuals by blocking the ingredient that causes the allergy. dReduce diet related diseases by programming smart packaging to release extra nutrients to people with deficiencies. eReduce food spoilage by allowing the development of special ‘smart packaging’ that releases nano-anti-microbes when it detects food spoilage. 1. 4 Design this! Case study: Urban Graze Cooking School 1Tarrah Laidman and Joel Owen started Urban Graze cooking school in August 2006. 2Students experience a range of high-quality food experiences in a fun and relaxed environment during an Urban Graze cooking lesson. Students are taught with a hands-on approach and work towards making dishes for the end-of-class group meal, which is eaten together at the dining table. 3Ingredients are selected for a class by considering what is in season and what is available. Local produce is used where possible and Tarrah and Joel try to include new food trends in their ingredient selection. 4At Urban Graze, each class begins with a brief occupational health and safety talk and an orientation of the equipment and facilities. A description of the class is given with an overview of each recipe. Demonstrations are given to the whole class as well as individual attention. At the completion of the class, food is shared around the dining table. 5Tarrah and Joel try to always use locally sourced ingredients and equipment. They grow some of their own vegetables and herbs. Case study: Veronica Cuskelly – recipe designer 1Veronica Cuskelly had had many roles: home economist, food consultant, recipe developer and cookbook author. 2The team creating a recipe may include a client, recipe developer, nutritionist, food stylist and photographer. 3A team approach refers to working together and sharing ideas. It requires clear and positive communication. It is important so that the recipe developer has a good understanding of the various elements of the brief. 4The essential elements included in a brief to create a new recipe may include: target market, specific produce to be used, maximum or minimum number of ingredients, steps or utensils to be used, preparation time allowed, cooking times, cost per serve, style in which the recipe is to be written and dietary requirements. 5The reason for establishing clear and positive communication between the client and the recipe developer is to ensure that all essential information is given and any difficulties or problems that may arise can be resolved easily. 6At the beginning of a project, the type of pre-work that Veronica undertakes may include research and information gathering, tasting food samples, looking at other similar recipes, speaking with a nutritionist and looking at current dietary guidelines. 7Recipe progress is checked and evaluated in different ways: submitting concepts to the client for approval; developing the approved recipe; testing three times; taste-testing sessions; modification as necessary and writing up the final, approved recipe. 8The essential components of a recipe that need to be tested and recorded are as follows: ingredients, quantities, steps or methods used, temperatures, equipment, timings. Let’s remember 1The three key areas of study in the Technology course are: built environments, products, information and communications. 2Ideas for a design project come from real-life situations. 3The steps for solving a design project are: a. Design (design situation, design brief, analysis, research, ideas) b. Produce c. Evaluate 4The success of a design project is decided by evaluating it against the design brief and the criteria for success. 5Ways of gathering information to help solve a brief may include: conducting surveys, interviewing relevant people, reading books, magazines or articles on the Internet, conducting focus groups or taste-tests.