Analysis Of Edna Pontelliers The Awakening - 1596 Words

Social expectations have haunted people across the timeline, however, have changed as life has progressed. Today, women specifically may be labeled by their body size or the way they speak, being cast out of society and even being subjected to physical and/or emotional abuse. On the contrary, in the nineteenth century women faced harsh discrimination by white men that objectified them and forced them to submit to their husbands and tend to their every need. Today, women would never face to live in such an animalistic way, however many found themselves fulfilling the role without protest and enjoying the simplicity of such a life back in the 1800s. Edna Pontellier, however, refused to be one of these obedient women, deciding to instead†¦show more content†¦The sea was her freedom, her escape from the Edna who submitted for the role of an endearing wife as she finds purchase on her true identity. At the end of the story, Edna once again finds herself next to the sea in search of strength and peace. She felt â€Å"like some new-born creature, opening its eyes in a familiar world that it had never known† (Chopin 189). The sea allows her to be free, to see the world in the way it was supposed to appear rather than the way society wants it to be seen. She wanted to love who she wanted to love, do as she wanted to do, paint when she wanted to paint, live a life of independence and peaceful freedom where the real her was expressed. Chopin in no way withholds her literary talent as she incorporates such a powerful symbol into her story, expressing Edna’s journey in finding herself and what she stood for in a powerful and successful manner. In the end, Chopin had Edna end her life in the place where it truly began, the sea, to express the penultimate act in discovering herself.. The powerful symbol of freedom and escape represented Edna finding peace and rest in eternal freedom. In addition to the incorporation of symbolism, Kate Chopin writes the story of Edna Pontellier with descriptive, sensory imagery that significantly follows her path of discovery. Throughout the entirety of the text, Edna finds herself beginning to long for Mademoiselle Reisz’sShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Edna Pontelliers The Awakening991 Words   |  4 Pagesnever truly discover the person they are supposed to be. In the story â€Å"The Awakening† Edna Pontellier has chosen the domestic lifestyle and, in doing so has lost sight of who she is. â€Å"The Awakening† is about her journey in attempt to discover the person she is supposed to be. Edna’s search for her true identity is respectable; however she does not go about doing this in the right way. In her quest to find her true self, Edna begins to emulate other people’s lives rather than discovering her own. ThisRead MoreEssay about Yaeger’s Critique of Chopin’s The Awakening1003 Words   |  5 PagesYaeger’s Critique of Chopin’s The Awakening In â€Å"‘A Language Which Nobody Understood’: Emancipatory Strategies in The Awakening,† Patricia Yaeger questions the feminist assumption that Edna Pontellier’s adulterous behavior represent a radical challenge to patriarchal values. Using a deconstructionist method, Yaeger argues that in the novel adultery functions not as a disrupting agent of, but, rather, as a counterweight to the institution of marriage, reinforcing the very idea it purports toRead MoreWolffs Analysis of Chopins The Awakening647 Words   |  3 PagesWolff’s Analysis of Chopin’s The Awakening In her essay Un-Utterable Longing: The Discourse of Feminine Sexuality in Kate Chopins The Awakening, Cynthia Griffin Wolff creates what Ross Murfin describes as a critical whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. (376) By employing a variety of critical approaches (including feminist, gender, cultural, new historicism, psychoanalytic and deconstruction) Wolff offers the reader a more complete (albeit complex) explanation of Edna PontelliersRead MoreThe Awakening: An Emergence of Womens RIghts in the Late Nineteenth Century1330 Words   |  6 PagesThe Awakening: An Emergence of Women’s Rights in the Late Nineteenth Century Kate Chopin’s The Awakening addresses the role of women within society during the late nineteenth century. The novel is set in South Louisiana, a place where tradition and culture also play a vital role in societal expectations. The novel’s protagonist, Edna Pontellier, initially fulfills her position in society as a wife and as a mother while suppressing her urges to live a life of passion and freedom. Edna’s relationshipRead MoreEssay on Analysis of Edna Pontellier761 Words   |  4 PagesCharacter Analysis of Edna Pontellier Edna Pontellier was a very respectable woman from the 1800s that was unsatisfied with her situation in life. Mrs. Pontellier was a mother of two sons and had a husband whom she adored at the beginning of their marriage, but overtime they have became distant and her sexual desires were no longer being fulfilled. She soon broke the role society had casted upon her and became rebellious by leaving her womanly duties behind. Kate Chopin reveals Edna PontelliersRead MoreEdna Pontellier Analysis1868 Words   |  8 Pages In analyzing the character development of Edna Pontellier as a character, she becomes a radical woman of this literary age. Through her development, Mrs. Pontellier exhibits characteristics that would not be deemed as acceptable behavior from a married woman of the late 1800’s as American society is beginning to see a shift into the Industrial Revolution. Throughout Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Edna Pontellier undergoes several episodes of bipolar behavior through her activities and her familyRead MoreThe Awakening By Kate Chopin1462 Words   |  6 Pages sexuality, and the role of women in society. In the novel â€Å"The Awakening,† published in 1899, Chopin uses protagonist Edna Pontellier to confront the social conventions that women faced in the Victorian Era, and the strict rules by the Creole society that limited women to the primary role of wife and mother. Chopin uses symbolism to express these ideas, and emotions as Edna awakens to a world of new possibilities. In this analysis, we will examine two primary symbols of the story, being birds andRead More A Deconstructionist Critique of Chopin’s The Awakening Essay536 Words   |  3 PagesA Deconstructionist Critique of Chopin’s The Awakening The multiplicity of meanings and (re)interpretations informing critical studies of The Awakening reveal a novel ripe for deconstructionist critique. Just as Chopin evokes an image of the sea as symbolic of Edna’s shifting consciousness (â€Å"never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude,†138), likewise the deconstructionist reading of a text emphasizes fluidity over structure: â€Å"A text consistsRead MoreWomen: Life Isn’t Fair Essays1817 Words   |  8 Pagesunfair tenets imposed by society do not allow women to be free in how they live. After experiencing an â€Å"awakening†, Edna Pontellier struggles to find her place in a society that does not allow for women to be anything other than compliant wives. She cannot see herself as another submissive woman in her Creole society; rather, she would like to choose her own path. Kate Chopin, in The Awakening, illustrates that women are unable to live the ir lives as they see fit through Edna’s struggle to cope withRead More Showalter’s Analysis of Chopin’s The Awakening Essay601 Words   |  3 PagesShowalter’s Analysis of Chopin’s The Awakening In â€Å"Tradition and the Female Talent: The Awakening as a Solitary Book,† Elaine Showalter makes a compelling argument that â€Å"Edna Pontellier’s ‘unfocused yearning’ for an autonomous life is akin to Kate Chopin’s yearning to write works that go beyond female plots and feminine endings† (204). Urging her reader to read The Awakening â€Å"in the context of literary tradition,† Showalter demonstrates the ways in which Chopin’s novel both builds upon and departs

Comparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Beowulf - 937 Words

Anglo-Saxons refers to settlers from the German regions that migrated to Britain during the fall of the Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God throughout the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, It s hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elements are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf(Vengeance the Pagan and Christian Inspiration). Throughout the epic Beowulf, while the Anglo-Saxons followed Christianity, they had a hard time letting go of the Pagan beliefs when things got hard. First, references to the bible are one way that Anglo-Saxons followed Christianity, while they had a hard time letting go of the Pagan beliefs. One of the first Christian aspects in the story is referring to how God created the eart h. Furthermore, The Almighty created the earth, creating all the beautiful landscapes that is marked off by the waters, and lighted by the moon and sun(The Monster Grendel from Beowulf Translated by Burton Raffel the Monster Grendel 1). Furthermore, in this quote the author portrays how the Almighty created the earth and how he gave life to everything in the world. This quote is reminding us of the religious aspect of the poem because it is a Christian viewpoint, only about Pagans. InShow MoreRelatedComparing The Epic Of Beowulf979 Words   |  4 Pageswarriors defending their community and their king. The society reflects these values and Beowulf symbolizes this era and its aspects very accurately. The epic of Beowulf is structured around oral writing, the concept of comitatus, Pagan-Christian tension, and warriors. At the time, there was no form of writing meaning all the stories were orally composed, which leads to certain mechanisms and strategies being used. Beowulf was originally composed in Old English and in rhythmic meter to make it easier toRead MoreComparing Grendel And The Epic Of Beowulf976 Words   |  4 PagesStephan King once said â€Å"No one really forces you to do anything, you always have a choice† (King). Grendel, in both the self-titled novel and the epic, Beowulf, had a choice. He chose to make the wrong decisions and act solely based upon his feelings. Even though others feel Grendel is a monster because of fate, and he is destined to become a monster either way, Grendel is really a monster due to free will and Grendel s loneliness, plus lack of communication causes him to be violent as well asRead MoreComparing Beowulf And The Anglo Saxon Epic Poem Beowulf972 Words   |  4 PagesAre there some evils in existence that are necessary? In the Anglo-Saxon epic poe m Beowulf, vengeance plays a central role in the actions of the characters. Beowulf is set in a Scandinavian society that places a heavy emphasis on righting wrongs and avenging others. A warrior who comes in aid of his fallen kinsmen is often regarded as a hero, and it is clear from the poem that combating those who have wronged you is a favorable action. Does this make vengeance a necessary element of heroism in theRead MoreComparing Beowulf, An Anglo Saxon Epic Hero1292 Words   |  6 Pageswish to be. In the story of Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon epic the hero is one that is easy to understand, Beowulf fights monsters he is loyal to his Lord and shows very strong and powerful leadership skills. Beowulf is the perfect Anglo-Saxon epic hero who displays courage, bravery, and strength during his battles against evil. Beowulf can be viewed as the standard courageous hero. In this story courage is viewed as a form of glory. In the story Paradise Lost, a Christian epic poem the hero figure has beenRead MoreComparing Beowulf And Grendel And Beowulf1702 Words   |  7 Pagestranslated, Beowulf has represented one of the finest examples of heroic poetry. As a tale reflecting the noble deeds of a hero, it uniquely expresses the cultural values of the Anglo-Saxons from whom it originated since heroes often do reflect the best of what their culture deems worthwhile. However, modern adaptations of this work express a different set of cultural values; values unique to modern society. When comparing the translated poem, Beowulf, to the 2005 motion picture, Beowulf and GrendelRead MoreSimilarities Of The Story In Beowulf922 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf was originally an epic poem written by an unknown author that set the tone for future epic literature and created the ideal hero for pieces later to come. But despite its significance, Beowulf has been adapted throughout time and the character and poems image has been changed constantly. One of the best examples showing change to the story is the movie depiction of Beowulf. While there are some similarities that connect the book and story together there are overall more differences that separateRead MoreFree Will And Religion : An Epic Hero1478 Words   |  6 Pagescase in the epic poem, Beowulf. The story’s protagonist must endure many trials throughout his journey as an epic hero, defeating his opponent each time. However, Beowulf believes it is not his own strength, but the will of God that he is able to become victorious. As his journey through life continues, from warrior to king, fatalism is present time and time again in all his actions. In Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, the theme of fate dictates the outcome of each battle Beowulf must overcomeRead MoreGrendel and Obj1412 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf Multiple Choice Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Comprehension The questions below refer to the selections â€Å"from Beowulf, Part One,† â€Å"from Grendel,† â€Å"Life in 999: A Grim Struggle,† and â€Å"from Beowulf, Part Two.† ____ 1. Beowulf slays Grendel in order to  Ã¢â‚¬â€ |a. |save Hrothgar and the Danes from the monster | |b. |prevent Grendel from invading theRead MoreComparing the Characters of Beowulf and Achilles1291 Words   |  5 PagesComparing and Contrasting Beowulf and Achilles Both Beowulf and Achilles are poetic characters, who hail from different eras of history and different cultural backgrounds. While each is unique in his own way, the two heroes also share similar characteristics. This paper will compare and contrast the medieval Germanic hero Beowulf with the classical Greek hero Achilles (of Homers Iliad), and show how the two are similar and how the two are different. The first way in which both characters areRead MoreA Critical Appraisal of: Beowulf and Gilgamesh Essay examples1640 Words   |  7 PagesA Critical Appraisal of: Beowulf and Gilgamesh There are many differences and critical comparisons that can be drawn between the epics of Beowulf and Gilgamesh. Both are historical poems which shape their respected culture and both have major social, cultural, and political impacts on the development of western civilization literature and writing. Before any analysis is made, it is vital that some kind of a foundation be established so that a further, in-depth exploration of the complex nature

Evaluation of Business Ethics in Far East Organisation

Question: Describe about the Evaluation of Business Ethics in Far East Organisation. Answer: Introduction: Business ethics defines the policies and laws followed by the organisation to dissolve problems of discriminations, illegal act of employees, and money laundering cases in the business environment. The present study has dealt with the ethical codes observed by Far East Organisation to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the workplace. Discussion of the reason behind selecting Far East Organisation: The present study has dealt with the business ethics followed by Far East Organisation, the leading real estate company in Singapore. The property developer has first launched its office in the year of 1960 in Singapore (Weiss, 2014). The company has developed buildings in commercial, IT, hospital or residential sectors of the country. Far East Organisation offers real estate houses in affordable prices that help to draw the attention of wide range of service users in the market. The organisation provides around 1.4 million lands to expand the retail market in the country (Hoffman et al., 2014). The company has provided lands to flourish the hotel industry in foreign countries. Here, the ethical issues followed in Far East Organisation has been discussed that assists to understand the protocols maintained in the firm. It helps to understand the policies the company follows to attain fair deal with the clients. Explanation of business ethics followed by Far East Organisation: Far East Organisation has considered unity, honesty and integrity as essential parts of their business. The company has valued the unity of their workers that helps to improve the service provided to service users. The leading property developer in Singapore prefers to work as a team that helps to incorporate active participation of the staffs involved in the company. It helps to dissolve the internal conflicts and to attain the desired objectives of the business firm. Far East Organisation has also focused on protecting dignity and self-esteem of staffs to retain their trust and loyalty. The company has also endeavoured to secure the health and safety of workers in the workplace. It helps to maintain the faith of employees that restrains them from committing unethical activities (Hartman et al., 2014). Far East Organisation also provides healthy working environment to the employees of the firm. Fair pay to the workers, scheduled working hours assist to motivate staffs to perform wel l (Leipziger, 2015). Therefore, the company spends large amount of money on maintaining the labours and to manage the resources. The business firm has also worked on controlling the discrimination in workplace. Companys non discriminatory attitude towards the staffs helps to attain better service from them. Far East Organisation also provides bonus, incentives to their employees in praise them for their service. The company also focuses on making contracts with the clients. It helps the firm to possess fair deal with the buyers. Far East Organisation also mentions the laws that the buyers have to maintain to buy the property. Transparency in the contract assists to maintain fair relation with clients (Sethi, 2016). Therefore, the property developing company in Singapore maintains ethical codes in making their contracts with clients. The company should inform the clients about real market value of the property. The act of misleading the clients affects the reputation of the company ( Blome Paulraj, 2013). Therefore, Far East Organisation focuses on providing relevant information to customers. The company also possesses fair transaction of money with the buyers. Far East Organisation also avoids discrimination of clients on the basis of their financial and monetary status. The organisation believes in fair trade and takes help of lawyer to maintain ethical issues in the contract. The agents of the company also offer bonuses, special offers to the service users and clearly explain the norms and condition of the offers. The company also mentions the taxes that the buyers have to provide for the property. Business ethics also includes transparency in the deal between clients and sellers during the time of purchasing the real estate (Floyd et al., 2013). In the present scenario of Far East Organisation of Singapore, it is noticed that the company sends e-mail on the confirmation of the deal with the clients. The company also promises of providing after sales services to the clients. Code of Ethics considers it legal to possess property deals between agents engaged in brokerage services. Hence, Far East Organisation sells property to other real e state companies in both national and international market. The company has worked on following the National Code of Ethics that assists to improve the business operation. It is noticed that the firm has worked on maintain the protocols to have fair business in the country. Far East Organisation also focuses on attaining online or banking monetary transaction to avoid litigation with the clients. The business firm also considers the confidentiality of their clients. The company maintains the secrecy of the contract with buyers to avoid fraud cases. It helps to dissolve the involvement of third parties that affects the ethical matters followed by the company. The hidden contract with different buyers also assists to avoid money laundering cases faced by the company. The present real estate company also follows these ethical issues in the foreign trade. For example, the company provides property to different companies in the country of Malaysia. Therefore, the business firm focuses on maintain the code of ethics followed in both Singapore and M alaysia that help to derive better deal with the clients. The company also focuses on maintain the norms and conditions for money transaction in foreign countries. Critical discussion and evaluation: In opinion of Broad (2014), business ethics assist the company to avail the loyalty of consumers. It aids the organisation to maintain profession relation with the customers in national and international market. Utilitarianism theory of ethics has focused on analysing the action to address the harm or profit connected with it. The theory helps to evaluate the necessity of action and its possible outcome. In present study of Far East Organisation, the company should focus on monitoring the rules and regulations followed by the company. It will assist the firm to understand the necessity of the ethical action to provide fair service to the end-users. Sethi (2016) has argued that utilitarian theory fails to avail quick decision that affects the business performance of the company. Therefore, Far East Organisation should focus on attaining quick decisions to develop their business n different locations of the world. Conclusion: In the present study, it can be deduced that the business ethics followed by Far East Organisation has helped the company to conduct fair trade with clients in Singapore and different locations of the world. The firm focuses on attaining fair monetary transaction with the customers and to provide authentic documents to them of the property sold to them. References: Blome, C., Paulraj, A. (2013). Ethical climate and purchasing social responsibility: A benevolence focus.Journal of Business Ethics,116(3), 567-585. Broad, C. D. (2014).Five types of ethical theory(Vol. 2). Routledge. Floyd, L. A., Xu, F., Atkins, R., Caldwell, C. (2013). Ethical outcomes and business ethics: Toward improving business ethics education.Journal of business ethics,117(4), 753-776. Hartman, L. P., DesJardins, J. R., MacDonald, C. (2014).Business ethics: Decision making for personal integrity and social responsibility. McGraw-Hill. Hoffman, W. M., Frederick, R. E., Schwartz, M. S. (Eds.). (2014).Business ethics: Readings and cases in corporate morality. John Wiley Sons. Leipziger, D. (2015).The corporate responsibility code book. Greenleaf Publishing. Sethi, S. (2016).Globalization and self-regulation: The crucial role that corporate codes of conduct play in global business. Springer. Weiss, J. W. (2014).Business ethics: A stakeholder and issues management approach. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Sutradhar in Ghasiram Kotwal Essay Example

Sutradhar in Ghasiram Kotwal Essay he Sutradhar in the play Ghasiram Kotwal has been used as much more than a conventional observer and reporter of facts. Vijay Tendulkar has used the Sutradhar as a theatrical device. Sometimes,the omniscient Sutradhar simply communicates facts to the audience. At other times, he blends into the play as he takes on various transient characters. He makes significant comments at all crucial occurances in the play and also plays an important role as he subtly suggests the incidents that are to follow, with his meaningful remarks ,songs and enchantments. Vijay Tendulkar has given the Sutradhar the liberty to become a part of the story and detach himself wherever he wishes. In the beginning of Act One,the Sutradhar exhibits quick-wit when he notices a Brahman sneaking off the stage slyly. He suddenly stops him and engages him into a tricky conversation which leads to the Brahman admitting that hes going to Bavannakhani to watch girls dancing and singing. When the Brahman says that he is going to the graveyard, Sutradhar says he wants to come along as he needs wood for his stove. When the Brahman tries to evade the Sutradhar by saying there are genies in the graveyard,he cleverly retorts by saying he needs four genies to fill a bottle. This conversation adds comic relief to the tragedy. Another conversation with a Brahman further establishes the Sutradhar as a meddlesome , inquisitive, cunning yet good humoured character. Even though he is aware of the whereabouts of the Brahmans,he deliberately keeps attacking them with questions so they spill out the truth themselves. We will write a custom essay sample on Sutradhar in Ghasiram Kotwal specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sutradhar in Ghasiram Kotwal specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sutradhar in Ghasiram Kotwal specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Sutradhars questions also establish that the Brahmans are supposed to follow a certain code of conduct , which they regularly violate. Also, these questions answers underline the fact that that Brahmans use as excuses, their religious obligations-such as going to the temple,or the cemetery or attending Kirtan to mask their own nefarious activities . Certain dialogues of Sutradhar,for instance Night comes, Night comes. The gun of eleven booms are inauspicious and sinister. These are essential in preparing the atmosphere for the unpleasant nocturnal practices that may begin with later in the ight. The Sutradhar appears as a prison-mate of Ghashiram when he is falsely accused of thievery, beaten up ruthlessly and thrown into prison. He comes across as a worldly fellow. He says The thief is a simple thief. The police are official thieves . With his soliloquy, he exposes the unscrupulous,unfair authorities. Later,the Sutradhar puts on a Haridasa shawl,indicating that he has taken o n the role of a Kirtankar,a special kind of religious story teller. He sings an Abhanga(a short, religious Maharashtrian verse). He skillfully changes this to a Lavani(a love song). This sudden change is repeated by the Sutradhar to signify chaos. Ultimately, the Lavani remains, to highlight the storm of lust building up in Nanas mind on seeing Gauri for the first time. In the beginning of Act Two the Sutradhar seems to be making people aware of the atrocities afflicted by Ghashiram, the Kotwal . He repeatedly says Gauri dances,Nana dances,Ghashirams got his chances. No whoring without a permit.. No cremation without a permit These expose the hypocrisy of the newly discovered facet of Ghashiram. The Sutradhar then changes over to portray a village man whose wife is about to give birth to their child. The hapless man is in search of a midwife in the middle of the night. This is when Ghashiram catches him-he hits him, slaps him,kicks him for being out of his house at a late hour without a permit. Ghashiram doesnt even listen to the poor mans reasons for the same. Sutradhar then makes a tall , valuable statement : If you lay a hand on Ghashiram, Nana will smash you. If you dont then Ghashiram will get you anyway This shows the travesty of power, it shows how the lust for power leads to total abuse of it. Its a paradox for the common people of Poona as they have no other authority to reach out to. After that, when a Brahman is made to go through an ordeal , the Sutradhar seems to be witnessing it and explaining to the audience the events as , when and how they take place. Later in Act Two , he stops a Brahman from going off stage in a hurry. This time it is the truth about Nanas seventh mariage that the Sutradhar feigns to enquire about . The urgency of the scene makes is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining conversation. The sutradhar then assumes the role of a singer and sings to the rhythm of a hand drum . This Wedding Song for Nana is saddled with irony and mockery at the old Nana for marrying a young girl , who he has bought: The Peshwas Chief Minister. Still young enough to marry ! His moustaches turned gray. But not all his tteth are gone- However, immediately after this, the Sutradhar suddenly assumes his next important role-That of a Pandit who chants wedding shlokas for Nana and his bride-to-be and binds the two into matrimony as everyone watches on. After Ghashiram has realised that his daughter is no more alive , the Sutradhar says : Gauri went. Nana stays This symbolises the death of the innocent and naive while the powerful always manage to self-perpetuate. Sutradhar also adopts the role of a key informer who joins the missing links together so as to keep the interset of the audience intact throughout Act Two. Later , in Act Two itself he takes on the role of an assistant to Nana-informs him about the anguished Brahmans approaching his mansion and demanding Ghashirams death for the cruelty towards the imprisoned Brahmans. Finally , in one of his most essential dialogues , the Sutradhar says: And in the end came The End. This sentence reverberates with the various layers of meanings- with the fairly literal end of the Story of Ghashiram Kotwal, came the end of Ghashiram himself . That aside, came the end of anarchy in Poona. We see that the Sutradhar is central to the play. He has been used as an effective,innovative dramatic technique by Vijay Tendulkar to create Total Theater. One of the most challenging tasks at the hands of the Su tradhar is to bind the entire story together- with its scattered scenes, themes and a wide range of characters . The Sutradhar of Ghashiram Kotwal has beautifully threaded the entire sequence of events , much to the enjoyment of the audience and at the same time , has done justice to the narrative as well. The Sutradhar also remains important in keeping the Tamasha style of the play intact- he leads the various songs and dance sequences. He actively changes his comments and style of talking to suggest impending doom or expected humour. Hence, the Role of Sutradhar in the play Ghashiram Kotwal is pivotal, his presence is one that deserves recognition and the amalgamation of all his characters is prodigious.

buy custom Disillusionment in Pursuit of the American Dream essay

buy custom Disillusionment in Pursuit of the American Dream essay Americans have a way of living such kind of lives which struggle for happiness. Many of them believe that happiness is realized through acquiring wealth. However, such an idea is doomed to fail. People all over fight their whole lives to make success to get to their intended goal. Such a goal is different from one person to another. These perceptions all have been defined by the American Dream. Fitzgerald makes use of the idea being in pursuit of happiness in the book Great Gatsby (Bruccoli 2-17). The author of this great book grew up in a period of time where people were seeking prosperity and happiness. Therefore, much of the influence he got in writing this book particularly was the time he lived. The theme of failure has been highlighted by Fitzgerald to develop Jay Gatsby character together with the struggle he makes to win back his True love. Thus, this essay explores the disappointment that engulfs Jay Gatsby, in pursuit of the American Dream as expounded in the book, The Grea t Gatsby. The American Dreams differ from one person to the other. For one, it could be the creation of enough wealth to support the family and live a luxurious life. However, happiness is the peak envisioned by many especially through amassing insurmountable sums of money. The American Dream generally has become the pursuit of prosperity in material things rather than just happiness (Curnutt 23-45). In this classic American book The Great Gatsby, the story revolves around an individual, Jay Gatsby, a poor boy with aspirations of becoming a rich man to win over Daisy, a girl he has fallen irrevocably in love with in his adolescence. The author writes that the truth was ideally that Jay of West Egg could spring from his platonic realization of himself. He is merely regarded as Gods son who the author in a somewhat comic way says that he was simply a son of God as stated. Jay grew as James Gatz, on a Dakota farm which saw him change his name later to Jay Gatsby (Cullen 34-45). The bright prospects that belied the future prompted Jay to change his name. The conviction that he would turn away from his dark past and face a promising future always motivated his daily undertakings and chores execution. He however meets Daisy as a young officer in the military in Louisville prior to leaving for World War I. Jay begins to face obstacles in his ambitions. Hefirst cheats on Daisy concerning his past. He presents himself as a well off person that is in a position to move on with Daisy. Daisy makes promises of waiting for Gatsby after he lives for the WWI. Unfortunately, Daisy marries Tom Buchanan after two years. Gatsby at the same time was taking his studies in Oxford to attain education after coming from the war. Gatsby makes a dedication of his entire life to get Daisy back (Prigozy 11-21). This was indeed a humiliating affair. All the effort that was supposed to be put in chasing after his dream has now been changed towards something different. More and problems emerge as he indulges in illegal actions to get millions of money which he sees as important in wining Daisy back to his life. His life turns into illusions and dreams of getting Daisy. His initial plans are diverted and his life is turned in a lousy life of throwing extravagant parties with high hopes that Daisy will avail herself in at least one of the parties. His entire life is completely changed and now lives with the intuition that Daisy will one day chose to come back to him (Curnutt 23-45). His journey to happiness and realizing his American Dream never comes his way. Even after knowing very well that there are no chances that Daisy will return, Gatsby is very committed in protecting her. His life is fully pre-occupied with Daisy such that he cannot find out meaning in any other thing. Gatsbys obstacles to realizing his American dream continues to mount as he fills Daisy with a lot of idealistic faultless image that she cannot truly accomplish in reality and pursues her with an enthusiastic eagerness that in essence blinds him to Daisys boundaries. The more we try to recall the earliest impressions of Gatsbys life, the more surprising the result comes. He has gone through so much in pursuit of happiness yet his success is muddled up in a mild of experiences and life obstacles. As a result of the many life obstacles, his dream of having Daisy has fallen into pieces. He has been left out as a miserable piece of cowhide. Gatsby remained a captive of his identity based on the choices he made; one being Daisy who has turned away from him and the pursuit of monetary wealth ostensibly to woo Daisy back. The turn of events in the life of Gatsby is a true representation of the corruption that prosperity can cause and the unworthy nature of the goaal same as the way Fitzgerald looks at the American Dream completely being fruitless in the 1920s. As the prevailing vivacity, independence and hopefulness of America dwindles to the immorality behind the pursuit of money and riches. Gatsbys character could seem be as a result of the American Dream quintessence. Gatsby is very convinced that if he can create a lot of wealth, he can easily win Daisy and consequently achieve his personal American Dream. However, the truth is that is not apparently going to take place. Fitzgerald (189) says that Gatsbys dream should have appeared so close that he could barely fail to get hold of it. All the same, he did not realize that it was indeed behind him, some place in the vast obscurity far much beyond the city where the dark fields of the nation rolled on in the night. The last words of the book state that Gatsby had the belief that the green light or rather the orgiastic feature year after year recedes in front of us. The American Dream eluded Gatsby and regardless of whatever happens, tomorrow is expected to unfold in a very fast way. Gats by past is very significant to his future dreams as shown by the green light (Prigozy 11-21). However, these moves are disturbed and muddled up by obstacles which he fails to control and manage well. To conclude, the struggle made by human beings to attain their aspirations and dreams through surpassing and in the reconstruction of history is what the Great Gatsby novel is based on. Though the American Dream has held high hopes for people like Gatsby, it has all ended up sour, with less of the expectations met. However, that is not the real issue. The point could have been the manner in which we respond to the consequences and results of pursuing our dreams. This probably determines the eventual success of the individual. While we have hope that things can get better, we should also be prepared if the worst happens. The lack of proper strategies for fall back if things turn out sour characterizes Gatsbys life points the inevitability of failure due to individual mistakes. The failure of such people like Gatsby to fully attain the American goal points to disillusionment, only that is self inflicted and the realization of the American dream is hinged on the individual focus. Life t akes a natural course and does not make provisions for fantasies and if forced, they just vanish like air. Buy custom Disillusionment in Pursuit of the American Dream essay

Cybernetics and Social Construction

Cybernetics and Social Construction Abstract Cybernetics is the study of various systems in biology, sociology, psychology, and physics. In sociology and psychology, cybernetics is used to describe how social and psychological systems work. The theory is based on the structural functionalist theory which operates on the principle of interdependence of various parts of a system for the stability of the whole system.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cybernetics and Social Construction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Social construction has to do with the way people perceive various aspects of life. Both cybernetics and social construction theories are applicable in family therapy. However, they differ in terms of how they address the issue of diversity. Cybernetics theory One of the key concepts in cybernetics is feedback, which refers to an output and which triggers positive or negative feedback in a system. A positive feedback is considered as that which brings a change in a system while a negative feedback is considered as that which maintains the status quo in the system (Metcalf, 2011). One of the basic assumptions of the cybernetics approach is that a family is like the human body which is composed of several organs, with each organ having a specific role to play in the body (Dallos, 2010).  The other assumption of the approach is that all families have a structure, either vertical or horizontal. The relationships within the family structure are important for the well being of the family and therefore, there is need to ensure that all family members play their roles effectively so as to make the family stable (Wetchler Hecker, 2014). The approach considers a family as an open system. Even though the members of a family are united by shared beliefs, patterns of thinking, and kinship, it does not mean that the family is cushioned from the influence of external factors or actors (Winek, 2010). The other concept relat ed to the cybernetics approach is homeostasis. This is a mechanism which tries to maintain the relationships between the family members. In other words, homeostasis maintains the status quo in the family structure. Through homeostasis, each family member has some specific expectations from the other family members (Stretch, 2005). Change is the other concept which is related to the cybernetics approach. The proponents of the approach argue that sometimes the status quo may be a source of family problems. Many people may not realize this fact because they believe that maintaining their relationships with each other is a crucial ingredient for the well being of the family.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One of the basic principles of the cybernetics approach is respecting the culture and values of the family. The therapist is obliged to ensure that the values o f the family are respected at all times. When the therapist sees the need of changing the values of the family, there is need for an intensive education of the family on the importance of changing some of the family values. The other principle is that a family is viewed as a client. Even though a family may have several members, there is need for the therapist to ensure that the intervention does not lead to disunity but enhance unity within the family. The therapist must therefore apply a participatory approach in order to ensure that the family members are part and parcel of the decisions reached in the therapy. Another principle is that families exist in a social system and therefore, there is need to ensure that the intervention by the therapist does not isolate the family from the rest of the society. The argument is that a healthy family is one that exists in a healthy social environment where there are good relationships between the family members and the society. Seeing that the cybernetics approach allows for choosing a family-centered therapy approach for the solution of a particular issue, the specified strategy allows for improving the relationships between the family members and providing them with an opportunity to understand the reasons for the malfunctioning of their family. The cybernetics theory helps people realize whether the communication patterns that they have chosen can be deemed as acceptable, and what changes they need to undergo in order to be improved. In other words, cybernetics allows for an introspective for the patient or patients, therefore, creating the premises for an in-depth analysis of the specifics of the current relationships between the family members. More importantly, the distribution of the family roles among the members can be analyzed with the help of the given approach, therefore, helping address the related issues and redistribute these roles among the members (Guise, 2009). Social construction theory Social cons truction refers to the perceptions people have about certain aspects of life such as gender, race, sex, disease, mental illness, and domestic violence. In most cases, social construction is not based on facts but on stereotypes, prejudice, and historical injustices. For instance, the social construction of gender is characterized by gender stereotypes which are the attitudes people have towards males and females. The attitudes may be implicit or explicit. Implicit attitudes are internalized by people in their thought processes. For example, a teacher of a school may select male students to represent the school in a mathematics contest and select female students to represent it in the art subjects or languages.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cybernetics and Social Construction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This kind of selection may happen as a result of the belief by the teacher that all males are good in hard subjects like mathematics while all females are good in easy subjects like the arts and languages. In the professional sector, a male doctor may be referred to as ‘the doctor’ while a female one may be referred to as ‘the woman doctor’ to imply that it is unusual for a female to become a doctor. However, there is nothing funny with a female being a doctor because female doctors are capable of treating patients just like male doctors.  Much like the cybernetics theory, the theory of the social construct facilitates a better understanding of the role distribution among the family members. However, unlike the cybernetics approach, the theory of social construct sets the premises for restructuring the family hierarchy, therefore, providing the couple with the tools that they may use in order to improve their relationships (Guise, 2009). Family Therapist’s Role in Cybernetics and Social Construction Theories Both cybernetics and social construct ion theories are applicable in family therapy. However, the therapist’s role differs in the two theories. With cybernetics theory, the role of the family therapist is to establish linkages between family members. However, not all problems need a restoration of the equilibrium in the family. The reason is that some problems need a positive feedback which introduces a change in the family as a system. For example, family members may be advised by the family therapist to become more independent instead of being interdependent. The reason is that sometimes, the dependence on each other may lead to dependence syndrome which compromises the ability of individual family members to grow and be self-reliant. With the cybernetics theory therefore, each family member is considered as a therapy for the others and as a result, the absence of one family member may compromise the healing process (Carr, 2012).  With the social construction theory, the role of the family therapist is to dec onstruct the thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes of the family members. It is done with the aim of differentiating myths from facts to enable the family members to live in a world of reality. It is based on the reasoning that some problems in families are not based on facts but on social construction of various issues which affect families. The family therapist therefore aims at helping the family members change their thoughts which cause problems in the family.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example, some families may believe that HIV/AIDS is caused by witchcraft. As a result, they seek intervention from witch doctors instead of medical doctors. Even though intervention from witch doctors may work on the short term, it may not be effective on the long term. When such a family seeks the help of a family therapist, the family therapist educates them that HIV/AIDS is a medical condition which requires a medical intervention (Nichols, 2013). Herein the significance of cybernetics in defining the role of a family therapist lies. Unlike any other discipline, cybernetics allows for transforming the role of a family therapist from the one of an observer to that one of an analyst. Seeing that the very concept facilitates a deeper understanding of the challenges that the family is going through, the relationships that the family members share, and the communication patterns that are accepted within the family in question, the specified discipline helps a family therapist infi ltrate the information concerning the relationships within a specific family in order to locate the patterns of the family members interaction and, therefore, identify the problem and contemplate the key steps for addressing the issue in question. The social construct theory, thus, allows for an even more precise definition of the role of a family therapist in a particular intervention. In accordance with the theory postulates, the therapy process is rooted in the idea of a family as a social construction, each member of it taking a very specific niche. The role of a therapist, therefore, mainly concerns the redefinition of the family members’ roles. It would be wrong to claim that the therapisr defines the place that each family member should take in a new hierarchy; instead, the therapist promotes the idea, thus, allowing the patient to make their own choice and, therefore, restructure the relationships within the family so that the latter should be complete (Guise, 2009). Historical Impacts of Cybernetics and Social Construction Theories The history of cybernetics is traced to the days of Plato and Aristotle who attempted to explain governments in terms of interrelationship of various units of the society. Afterwards, various scholars adopted the concept of cybernetics in different fields such as engineering, mathematics, psychology, and sociology. The theory of cybernetics has played a crucial role in the formulation of contemporary theories such as systems theory and systems thinking. It has also been used in the advancement of information and communication technology systems to reflect the changing needs of the society (Turner, 2011). The strength of the approach is that it has the ability to restructure the family in order to eliminate problems which are anchored on the status quo. The approach is based on the principle that all social systems are not static but are dynamic. There is therefore the need to ensure that social institutions such as t he family are studied with the aim of ensuring that the necessary changes are made for them to function well. The limitation of the approach is that it puts more emphasis on structural changes of the family to the extent that it ignores changes at the individual level. For any therapy to be successful there is need to focus not only on the environment but also on the individual. The approach is also unsuitable in addressing family problems in which one of the members is hospitalized or is unable to attend therapy sessions. The reason is that all the members have to attend the sessions for the therapy to be successful. The social construction theory may be traced to the emergence of concepts such as feminism, affirmative action, gender equity and equality, social class, and wealth. These concepts were associated with the existence of a gap between various units of the society especially in social institutions. Different scholars conducted research to establish the causes of the gap a nd found that there were deep rooted perceptions on various issues such as gender. The theory led to the emergence of various campaigns which aimed at ensuring that there was fairness, justice, and equity in the society. Examples of the campaigns include girl child education, women empowerment, and protection of the rights of minority groups (Roberts, 2009). How Diversity is Addressed in Cybernetics and Social Construction Theories Cybernetics and social construction theories differ in terms of how they address the issue of diversity. With cybernetics theory, diversity in social institutions is viewed as positive. The theory also considers diversity as a strength which may be tapped and transformed into an opportunity for social institutions to enhance their unity. Since the theory is based on the principle of interdependence of various units of social systems, and given that all social systems are not homogenous, the theory contents that it is not possible to have peaceful coexiste nce in the society without embracing diversity. On the other hand, the social construction theory views diversity as negative because it considers social institutions as homogenous entities which are only stable when there is uniformity. For instance, people in a given society may share the same belief about an aspect of life irrespective of whether the belief is true or not. Those who do not share that belief in that society may be considered as outcasts or as enemies of the other members of that society. For example, members of a particular society may believe that corruption is the only way of enriching oneself. Those who attempt to fight corruption may be considered as enemies of development in that society. Conclusion The analysis of the family hierarchy and the definition of the issues that are related to the family structure adopted by the patient and their relatives is, perhaps, one of the most complicated tasks for a family therapist. However, by adopting the approach of cy bernetics and using the theory of social construct, a therapist may alter their role so that the analysis could be more fruitful and that more efficient changes could be made to the relationships between the patient and their family. Providing a therapist with the power that allows them to dissect and analyze the family relationships of the patient, as well as suggest their ways of altering these relationships, are the obvious advantages of the specified approaches. References Carr, A. (2012). Family therapy: concepts, process, and practice. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley Sons. Dallos, R. (2010). An introduction to family therapy. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill International. Guise, R. W. (2009). Study guide for the marriage and family therapy national licensing examination. Boston, MA: The Family Solutions Corporation. Metcalf, L. (2011). Marriage and family therapy: a practice-oriented approach. New York: Springer Pub. Co. Nichols, M. (2013). Family Therapy: concepts. Boston: Pear son Education. Roberts, A. R. (2009). Social workers desk reference. New York: Oxford University Press. Stretch, B. (2005). Health social care: As level for excel. Oxford: Heinemann. Turner, F.J. (2011). Social work treatment: interlocking theoretical approaches. New York: Oxford University Press. Wetchler, J.L., Hecker, L.L. (2014). An introduction to marriage and family therapy. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage. Winek, J.W. (2010).Systemic family therapy: from theory to practice. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage.

Magellan missionRadar sensing and image interpretation Essay

Magellan missionRadar sensing and image interpretation - Essay Example The Mission was named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese-born explorer in the sixteenth century, who led an expedition that first circumnavigated the Earth. The earlier radar missions to Venus provided planetary scientist a global map of the surface of the planet and were very valuable in understanding the geological structure of the planet. However it further revealed a need for "global radar data coverage" of the planet's surface in "orders-of magnitude higher resolution" (Ford 1). This need facilitated and provided motivation to determine the design and objectives of the Magellan mission. The main purposes of the Magellan Mission were to create a global radar map of the surface of Venus at higher resolution using the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and to determine the topographic relief of the planet. The end product of these four objectives shall be the classification of geographic and tectonic features of the surface like mountains, ridges, valleys, hills, and planes. Impact processes, lava flows, and other chemical processes will be explained and the internal density distribution of the planet will be modeled. The spacecraft design was economical and simple in relation to other spacecraft missions. In fact, the key components of the spacecraft were acquired from the spare hardware from other space programs including Voyager, Galileo, Viking, and Mariner. The spacecraft was 6.4 m long and with a mass of 3,449 kilograms. Included in the spacecraft were a single radar sensor, a large 3.7-m diameter parabolic High-Gain Antenna dish used for communication with Earth and a science instrument for radar imaging, solar panels about 9.2 m across to collect solar energy for charging the spacecraft's nickel-cadmium batteries and to power the spacecraft, three orthogonal reaction wheels used for pointing control, monopropellant hydrazine thruster system used to make adjustments of large scale orbital corrections. Subsystems included a medium-gain antenna, star scanner, on-board computer, coherent X- and S- band radio subsystem used for communication and gravity field experiments, and two tape recorders. Fig. 1. Labeled drawing of Magellan Spacecraft Key features of the Magellan spacecraft. Shown here are the different hardware and electronic subsystems of the spacecraft. (NASA) The Magellan spacecraft in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Atlantis before its scheduled launch (Magellan Probe). Fig. 2. Magellan Spacecraft The Magellan Radar Sensor The radar sensor is a single science instrument in the spacecraft capable of acquiring data in three different modes or functions: SAR imaging mode,

Summary Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary Strategic Management - Essay Example Good product design and ease of use created an emotional connection with users, while technological innovation that encrypted songs and prevented these from being shared for free in violation of copyright laws created a mutually beneficial link with suppliers, the record companies that are losing revenues to piracy. Although Apple was not the first MP3 player in the market, it dominated the business because its products looked better and were easy to use. The decision to work with record companies was a strategic move that also resulted in cost leadership as it cut off distributors and retailers and their high mark-ups from the value chain (see Exhibit 3 of the case study). After the success of Apple, other companies are competing by copying what Apple did: good design, diversity of products such as including them in mobile phones, and lower prices for the music players and song downloads. However, Apple has two advantages difficult to imitate and are therefore sources of competitive advantage. The first is its brand name, which is always associated with products that are well-designed, easy to use, and that easily develops an emotional attachment to a growing base of loyal customers. The second is its track record at innovation, which gives the company a first-mover advantage that allows it to charge high prices for new products, recover the investment fast from profits, and as competitors move into the market, to launch a price war that continues earning profits that could be invested in developing the next product. Given these resources, should Apple develop a product combining a mobile phone and an iPod? (Yes, it did.) The strategic management issue facing Wal-Mart is how it can grow in the face of slow domestic (U.S.) growth, fierce domestic (Costco) and international (Tesco, etc.) competition, lack of experience in international markets, and growing

Essay on Australian Culture Essay Example for Free

Essay on Australian Culture Essay The composers of In Sydney’s Suburbs, An Endless Summer and Love Letter: McIver’s Baths have helped me to further understand Australian culture by using a variety of language devices and techniques to uncover the Australian culture. Chris West, the author of In Sydney’s Suburbs, An Endless Summer reveals that Australians respect the harsh landscape and presents beach culture as a prominent aspect n the lives of Australia. Helen Pitt, the author of Love Letter: McIver’s Baths, uncovers Aboriginal beliefs in Australian principles and shows that multiculturalism is freely accepted in Australian society. West conveys the Australian landscape to be harsh and rugged, yet respected and valued by Australians. West personifies the land and describes how it â€Å"points like a crooked finger†. The use of the verb â€Å"points† gives the land an intimidating quality. West continues to describe the land as â€Å"a patch of God’s country. † The juxtaposition of the two phrases suggests that the Australian is feared but respected and cared for by Australians. This comparison has broadened my understanding of the Australian culture. This idea is similar to Pitt’s description of the beach â€Å"which is as curvy as the female form. † The simile creates a unique attractiveness, which is intriguing but is appreciated in Australian culture. Both West and Pitt expose an underlying appreciation of natural beauty in Australia, confirming my understanding of Australian culture. Pitt has employed the use of figurative devices that helped extend my understanding of Australian culture. â€Å"You nursed me†¦your swell embraced me in a way she no longer could. † The use of apostrophe gives the baths motherly qualities. The verbs â€Å"nursed† and â€Å"embraced† mimic the actions of a mother caring for her child. The quote also alludes to the old Aboriginal beliefs that the land is mother. This reveals that Aboriginal culture and beliefs are still present in today’s society and highly respected in Australian culture. In West’s article, there are also allusions to Aboriginal culture. He describes children playing on the beach â€Å"under the watchful eyes of black-clad elders†. Both composers display an aspect of Aboriginal culture and its importance in Australian society, thus deepening my understanding of Australian culture. In West’s article, beach culture is displayed as a prominent aspect in the lives of Australians. He describes businessmen and how they â€Å"peel off their swimsuits in the beachfront parking lots, towel down and don sober business attire then drive straight to work. † The use of the verb â€Å"peel† suggests that the beach and beach culture is part of them, that it’s in their skin and soul. Pitt reinforces the idea that being at one with sea and its surrounding environment is what is truly valued in Australian society. â€Å"I took refuge in your barnacled depths, reacquainting myself†¦with what it meant to be Australian. † Both composers explore the notion that having connection with the beach is genuinely valued in Australian culture, thus challenging my understanding of Australian culture. In Pitt’s article, multiculturalism is celebrated by showing the freedoms that we as Australians, no matter what cultural heritage we have, are able to enjoy. â€Å"Muslim women frolicking in burkinis†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The use of the verb â€Å"frolicking† suggests that the women feel comfortable enjoying the Australian environment without fear of prejudice from other cultures. The revelation of the carefree attitude towards cultural diversity in Australian culture has expanded my understanding of Australian culture. West also presents the acceptance of a diverse range of culture in his article. â€Å"Families of newly arrived Mediterranean immigrants fetch extravagant picnics†¦from the trunks of Japanese-built sedans† Both composers clarify that people of other cultures and religions are accepted and welcomed in Australian society. The confirmation has contributed to my understanding of Australian culture. By manipulating a range of language devices, both composers have challenged and reinforced my understanding of Australian culture, beliefs and values. West and Pitt both confirm that the harsh yet spectacular landscape of Australia is respected and cherished in Australian culture. They both uncover Aboriginal beliefs that are still present in today’s society. Multiculturalism and beach culture are both thoroughly exposed by West and Pitt. In Sydney’s Suburbs, An Endless Summer and Love Letter: McIver’s Baths have definitely helped me to further understand Australian culture.

Handling Stress Essay -- essays research papers

Handling Stress This essay is about handling the stress of University studies. We will be looking into many ideas and different people ¹s views on how to handle stress. I will also be giving my own opinions on how I think stress can be controlled or relieved. The first thing we must do is ask ourselves one very important question,  ³what is stress ²? WHAT IS STRESS? According to an Australian born physician, Hans Selye (1979), stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. The body responds in many ways. One is to the loss of blood and the other is to the lack of sleep. Both of these are nonspecific responses, however all demands made on the body evoke generalised, nonspecific responses. For example, they all unable you to concentrate as would normally be expected, they activate one ¹s sympathetic nervous system, and they also increase the amount of the hormone epinephrine that is being released into your body. When people say they ¹ve been under going alot of stress they are usually referring to a couple of unpleasant experiences. Now that we have an idea on what stress is the next question we should ask ourselves is  ³what is or can cause stress ². CAUSES OF STRESS There are many different things that cause stress. One may be if you have a big term paper due and you want to do your best to impress your seminar leader. Another may be peer or family related. All in all it is things, events, situations, and people that cause stress. It is how we perceive them that will determine whether or not stress will be a result from the encounter. Not only negative situations are the cause of stress. Joy and happiness can also cause stress even though they are positive. In a sense, it is we then who choose our own stressors. Selye noted that with the absence of stress there is death. Current researchers are also discovering that too little stress may be a major cause of depression or boredom. It is therefore up to us to choose the best Handling Stress # stressors and the optimal level of stress. Since we have now begun to understand the definition of stress as well as the causes we now ask ourselves  ³what can I do to control my stress ²? CONTROLLING STRESS There have been many studies done on the managements of stress. One group of researchers found out that many university students tended to gain weight their first year away from home. These  ³... ...e as some are for one ¹s emotional well being. There are even some that help with both. All in all stress seems to occur depending on one ¹s perception of events, people, and daily things for stress occurs on different occasions for different people. Handling Stress # REFERENCES Adams, J.D. (1980). Understanding and Managing Stress, San Diego: University Associates. Kalat, J.W. (1993). Introduction to Psychology: third edition. Pacific Grone: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Pfeifer, J.E., and Ogloff, J.R.P. (1990). Making the Grade:Strategies for Succeeding at University. Lincoln: JEP and JRPO Rathbone, J.L. (1969). Relaxation. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger. Rhines, K.L. (1985). Stress and Disease. Pleasantville: Human Relations Media Inc. Romano, J.L. (1984). Stress Management and Wellness: Reaching beyond the counselor ¹s office. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 62 (9), 533-537. Ross, J. (1993). The Original Student Calendar, Winlaw: Polestar Calendars Ltd. Williams, J.M., Decker, T.W., Libassi, A. (1983), The impact of stress management training on the academic performance of low-achieving college students. Journal of College Student Personnel, 24 (6), 491-494. Word Count: 2062

Office Ergonomics

Office Ergonomics Contents 1. Introduction 2. Office Computer Workstations 3. Computer Workstation Evaluation Checklist 4. Appendix A 1. Introduction Ergonomics is the process of designing the work environment to fit the worker, rather than fitting the worker to the work environment. The goal of this ergonomic program is to minimize accidents and illnesses due to chronic physical and psychological stresses, while maximizing productivity and efficiency.Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) or repetitive motion strain injuries are musculoskeletal disorders that result from repeated exposure to physical stressors. Stressors affect tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscles and bones. Physical stressors in the office environment are caused by sustained awkward postures, repetitive motions, using excessive force or compression. 2. Office Computer Workstations The workforce population varies greatly in physical size and stature. The idea of the average size person is obsolete.Adjusting office furnitu re and office equipment help employees make changes in the office to ensure proper posture is maintained throughout the day. There is no single â€Å"correct† posture or arrangement of components that will fit everyone. However, there are basic design goals to consider when setting up a computer workstation or performing computer-related tasks. Consider your workstation as you read through this guide and see if you can identify areas for improvement in posture, component placement, or work environment.This guide provides suggestions to minimize or eliminate identified problems, and allows you to create your own â€Å"custom-fit† computer workstation. Good Working Positions: To understand the best way to set up a computer workstation, it is helpful to understand the concept of neutral body positioning. This is a comfortable working posture in which your joints are naturally aligned. Working with the body in a neutral position reduces stress and strain on the muscles, te ndons, and skeletal system and reduces your risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).The following are important considerations when attempting to maintain neutral body postures while working at the computer workstation: †¢ Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor. †¢ Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. †¢ Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body. †¢ Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees. †¢ Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest. †¢ Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back. Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor. †¢ Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward. Regardless of how good your working posture is, working in the same posture or sitting still for prolonged periods is not healthy. You should change your working position frequently throughout the day in the following ways: †¢ Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso. †¢ Stand up and walk around for a few minutes periodically.

Workplace Discrimination and Autism Spectrum Disorders

299 Work 31 (2008) 299–308 IOS Press Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: The National EEOC Americans with Disabilities Act Research project Todd A. Van Wierena , Christine A. Reidb and Brian T. McMahon b,? a b Disability Support Services, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA Abstract.Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the employment discrimination experience of Americans with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is documented for Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The researchers examine demographic characteristics of the charging parties; the industry designation, location, and size of employers against whom complaints are ? led; the nature of discrimination (i. e. , type of complaint) alleged to occur; and the legal outcome or resolution of these complaints.Researchers compare and con trast these key dimensions of workplace discrimination involving individuals with ASDs and persons with other physical, sensory, and neurological impairments. Researchers also attempt to discern whether or not the resolutions of the ASD charges can be predicted using the variables available for analysis. The comparative ? ndings of this study indicate that individuals with ASDs were more likely to make charges of discrimination against Retail industry employers. Persons with ASDs were also more likely to make charges of discrimination when they were younger, male, and/or of Native American/Alaskan Native ethnicity.The predictive ? ndings of this study indicate that the odds of ASD charges resulting in meritorious resolution (i. e. , discrimination determined by the EEOC to have occurred) increase when the discrimination was encountered in Service industries and by larger employers. Implications for policy, advocacy and further research efforts are addressed. 1. Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorders The term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used to refer collectively to the group of disorders that comprise the ? ve speci? c, but related, conditions within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fourth Edition, Text Revision [3]. These disorders fall under the formal diagnostic umbrella known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs): (1) Autistic Disorder, (2) Asperger Syndrome, (3) Rett’s Disorder, (4) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and (5) PDD, ? Address for correspondence: Brian T. McMahon, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth Universit, POB 980330, Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel. : +1 804 827 0917; Fax: +1 804 828 1321; E-mail: [email  protected] edu. Not Otherwise Speci? ed (NOS). Collectively, they are commonly described as autism.The common, or core, characteristics shared by each of the ? ve PDDs generally include varying degrees of impairment in the triad of: (1) verbal and non-verbal com munication, (2) social interaction, and (3) restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior or interests [2,9,33,37,38]. Aside from this common triad, additional functional limitations that can often be associated with ASDs include: hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-injurious behavior, motor dysfunctions, arousal/activation issues, cognitive de? iencies (including impairments in abstract thought), and physical/medical features [13, 15,41,51]. Frequently, individuals with ASDs can also have â€Å". . . (1) problems understanding social cues and 1051-9815/08/$17. 00 ? 2008 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved 300 T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA facial expressions, (2) dif? culty expressing emotions in conventionally recognizable ways, (3) in? exibility and discomfort with change, and (4) dif? culty adapting to new tasks and routines† [35, p. 163]. It is im portant to realize that people with ASDs vary cross a wide continuum of intelligence, clinical characteristics and abilities [15,16,38,41]. On one extreme, some individuals with ASDs deal with severe impairments and require intensive life-long support. On the other end of the continuum reside individuals who are sometimes referred to as having â€Å"high-functioning autism,† with relatively slight limitations in daily activities. Predicting life outcomes for the population of individuals with ASDs as a whole (merely based on their carrying an ASD diagnosis) is dif? cult because of the very wide spectrum of cognitive, linguistic, social nd behavioral functioning from person to person [21]. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) simply uses the term autism to refer collectively to the ? ve PDDs included in Autism Spectrum Disorder. It de? nes autism as â€Å"neurological disorder[s] affecting the functioning of the brain; characterized by such symptoms as speech an d language disorders and profound differences in the manner of relating to people, objects, and events. † The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is presently unable to report exactly how many people in the U. S. re diagnosed with ASDs. At the moment, more is known about the number of children with ASDs than adults. However, the CDC estimates that the current prevalence rates for ASDs are between two and six per 1,000 individuals [9]. It is known that the diagnosis of ASDs has increased steadily in recent years [9]. Estimating the change in prevalence over the years is dif? cult to do, as the definitions of and techniques for diagnosing ASDs have broadened. However, the conclusion derived from available evidence is that the current prevalence of ASDs is roughly three to four times higher than it was approximately 30 years ago [14].For instance, in 1994, ASDs were the 10th most common disability among individual s age 6–21 years served by public special education programs. By 2003, ASDs had risen to be the 6th most common disability [9]. The reasons for the apparent increase in ASDs are not exactly clear. It may be that the actual occurrence of ASDs is on the rise. However, a more likely explanation for at least part of the increase is the manner in which professionals have been classifying ASDs in recent years [14]. For example, in 1991 ASDs were added as a special education exceptionality within the US public school system [9].ASDs are known to be more prevalent in males than females, but do not seem to be systematically or conclusively linked to ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, educational level or geographic region [16, 53]. ASDs do tend to occur statistically more often than expected for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria [9]. Also, ASDs are thoug ht to occur sometimes in conjunction with harmful substances ingested during pregnancy, such as thalidomide [9]. 2. Background . 1. Employment challenges It is well known that many individuals diagnosed with ASDs face considerable dif? culty in obtaining and maintaining employment [1,5,8,22,35]. A 1998 study estimated that only 18% of adults with ASDs in the U. S. were employed in some type of work [20]. Furthermore, people with ASDs who do obtain work tend to struggle with maintaining employment. Perhaps because of the social, communicative and behavioral de? cits associated with ASDs, issues can frequently arise in the workplace with coworkers, supervisors, customers, or in the performance of duties [26]. . 2. Need for the study Even though it is well understood that individuals with ASDs experience considerable dif? culties in general with obtaining and maintaining employment, very little evidence-based knowledge has been available for understanding the more speci? c issue of wor kplace discrimination and how it may contribute to the group’s overall employment challenges. To date, a contextualized understanding of the workplace discrimination towards workers and applicants with ASDs has been lacking. Such practical insights into workplace issues re important for the community of working adults with ASDs, their advocates, and providers of vocational rehabilitaiton services. The preponderance of today’s ASD research efforts focus on either childhood issues, or on potential medical cures or prevention of ASDs. There is a substantial need for more research to focus on practical adaptation issues for adults with ASDs [6, 36,44,52]. T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA 3. The National EEOC ADA research project Until quite recently, the majority of disability-related orkplace discrimination studies have tended to focus simply on the hiring preferences or attitudes of employers (or hypothetical employers ) toward individuals with disabilities [17,19,46]. Such studies generally could not examine actual occurrences of discrimination, which are behavioral manifestations of negative attitudes. By and large, they could only offer a perceived notion of workplace discrimination, and not an actual description. Furthermore, studies that attempted to examine Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I cases of private-sector disability-related work discrimination ere limited to assessing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) summary statistics at the allegation-level. Because data were limited, such studies did not provide deeper, more contextual, analyses of the EEOC cases [29]. Past studies did not have access to the cases’ ultimate resolutions, as well as other detailed information related to each case. Focusing on frequency of allegations alone may lead to skewed research conclusions. This is because only an approximate one? fth of all allegations made to the EEOC are ev er found to involve suf? cient evidence that disability-related discrimination conclusively occurred [28].Conversely, in approximately four-? fths of all allegations there is insuf? cient evidence for the EEOC to solidly conclude that discrimination took place. However, through an Interagency Personnel Agreement and a Con? dentiality Agreement involving the EEOC, Virginia Commonwealth University obtained the entire ADA segment of the EEOC’s Integrated Mission System (IMS) database. The IMS contains more than two million allegation records involving allegations of employment discrimination. The VCU subset includes all resolved allegations of discrimination made to the EEOC under Title I of the ADA, from July 7, 1992 (the ? rst date the ADA went into effect) to September 30, 2003. The National EEOC ADA Research Project was then developed to better understand the nature, scope and dynamics of employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the U. S. private-se ctor workplace. A number of studies have already been completed by members of the National EEOC ADA Research Project. Most of the ADA Title I studies completed to date have focused on speci? c disability groups, including: asthma [25], cancer [27], cerebral palsy [23], cumulative trauma disorders [4], deafness and hear- 301 ng impairment [7], diabetes [31], dis? gurement [45], HIV/AIDS [10,11], mental retardation [47], missing limbs [50], multiple sclerosis [42,43,49], speech impairment [34], spinal cord injury [30], traumatic brain injury [32], and visual impairment [48]. 4. The IMS data set Because of the unique level of access now made available to the EEOC’s IMS database, it is possible to examine the following contextual information for each case within the study database: (1) demographic characteristics of the Charging Party (i. e. , individual with the disability); (2) the industry and size of the Responding Party (i. e. employer); (3) the U. S. region from which the a llegation originated, (4) the speci? c type of alleged ADA Title I discriminatory allegation; and (5) the speci? c resolution of the case as determined by the EEOC, or by settlement or mediation between the Charging Party (CP) and Responding Party (RP). In this particular study, the research questions are answered by comparing and contrasting the employment discrimination experience of Americans with ASDs to that of Americans with other known physical, sensory, and neurological impairments. From these data, a â€Å"study dataset† was extracted to include only those ariables related to the research questions and to maximize consistency, parsimony, and con? dentiality (i. e. , to protect the identity of speci? c CPs and RPs). The extraction process was guided by the following considerations. The unit of study is an allegation; it is not an individual CP, nor an individual RP. A single CP may bring more than one allegation. Only unique allegations that do not involve recording e rrors or duplications are included in the study dataset. All identifying information regarding CPs and RPs was purged except variables important for this research.Study data were strictly limited to allegations brought under Title I of the ADA. Allegations brought under other federal employment statutes were not considered. Further, state allegations were also excluded to maintain a consistent de? nition of both disability and discrimination. To maintain consistency in de? nitions and procedures among the study variables, only allegations received, investigated, and closed by the EEOC were included. This required the exclusion of allegations referred by the EEOC to litigation for disposition in civil court, federal or state.Allegations of retaliation were excluded because complaints of this nature do not pertain directly to the existence or consequence of disability. 302 T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA Only allegations that were closed by the EEOC during the study period, de? ned as July 26, 1992 through September 30, 2003 were included in the study dataset. Finally, open allegations (i. e. , still under investigation) were excluded from the study. This exclusion exists to insure that all allegations in the study dataset are â€Å"closed,† and as such are known to be either with Merit (i. . , decided by the EEOC to have reasonable cause for discrimination) or Without Merit (i. e. , decided by the EEOC to have no reasonable cause for discrimination). The resulting study dataset includes 328,738 allegations of employment discrimination under ADA Title I that were received, investigated and closed by the EEOC during the study period. These were divided into groups on the basis of disability status including the following two: 1. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The primary group of interest for this particular study entails the allegations of discrimination made by individuals who reported having an AS D.The ASD allegations number just 98 (i. e. , 0. 03% of the total number of cases in the study dataset). However, this is the entire population of EEOC-resolved ASD allegations for the study time period. 2. General Disability (GENDIS). The comparison group for this study is a compilation of all allegations made by individuals who reported impairments within the other physical, sensory, or neurological EEOC disability categories (i. e. , allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, back impairment, cancer, cardiovascular impairment, cerebral palsy, chemical sensitivity, cumulative trauma disorder, cystic ? brosis, diabetes, dis? urement, dwar? sm, epilepsy, gastrointestinal impairment, hearing impairment, HIV, kidney impairment, learning disability, mental retardation, missing digits or limbs, multiple sclerosis, nonparalytic orthopedic impairments, â€Å"other† blood disorder, â€Å"other† neurological impairment, â€Å"other† respiratory impairment, paralysis , speech impairment, tuberculosis, and vision impairment). For this particular study, GENDIS excludes ASD cases. The GENDIS allegations for this study number 174,512 (i. e. , 53. 09% of the total number of cases in the study dataset), and are the entire population of such cases resolved by the EEOC uring the study time period. GENDIS was also used as the primary comparison group for a majority of the other National EEOC ADA Research Project studies completed to date that examined various other EEOC disability categories [4,7,10, 23,25,27,30–32,42]. It is important to consider that the individuals who have actually made allegations of discrimination to the EEOC are likely a smaller number than the sum of individuals who have experienced discrimination. It is likely that many instances of disability-related discrimination go unreported to the EEOC. Individuals may not always realize that they have experienced discrimination.Or, they may perhaps be aware of discrimination but do not understand their rights, know how to initiate a complaint, or they are fearful of retaliation. The small number of allegations made by individuals with ASDs (98) could lead one to conclude that workplace discrimination is not a signi? cant problem for these individuals. The under-representation of people with ASDs in the workforce has been previously reported, and it is well known that most discrimination involves currently employed persons. However, many individuals with ASDs may not understand their civil rights or how to exercise them.The underreporting of discrimination would then make this particular study all the more important for individuals with ASDs and their advocates. The small number of ASD allegations also raises a technical concern. For most statistical tests, small Ns increase the risk of type II errors [12,40], or failure to detect actual differences when they exist. Because of the large number of comparisons that were conducted and in order to minimize this ri sk, the ? level was established at a more stringent level; p < 0. 01. 5. Project design and methods 5. 1. Variables The IMS data was transferred to the research team rom the EEOC via zip disk. Data needed to answer the research questions were extracted, coded, re? ned, and formatted in Microsoft Access using the aforementioned criteria. The result was a study-speci? c dataset in which the underlying unit of measurement is the frequency of allegations, a ratio level of measurement. The other variables for this study are detailed in Table 1. 5. 2. Research objectives The ? rst research objective for this study was descriptive in nature and focused on the most prevalent characteristics associated with the ADA Title I discrimination allegations made by individuals with ASD.The second objective was comparative in nature and T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA 303 Table 1 Parameters of Variables CP AGE (ratio measurement) – Years CP GENDER (nominal measurement) – Male – Female CP RACE (nominal measurement) – White – African American – Hispanic/Mexican – Asian – Native American/Alaskan Native – Mixed Ethnicity – Other Ethnicity RP INDUSTRY (nominal measurement) – Agriculture – Construction – Finance, Insurance & Real Estate – Manufacturing – Mining – Public Administration – Retail – Services – Transportation & Utilities – Wholesale – Not Classi? edRP SIZE (interval measurement) – 15–100 employees – 101–200 employees – 201–500 employees – 501 + employees US REGION (nominal measurement) – Northeast – Midwest – South – West – U. S. Territory – Foreign (U. S. businesses operating abroad) ALLEGATIONS (nominal measurement) – Job Obtainment or Membership Issues: * Advertising, Apprent iceship, Exclusion/Segregated Union, Hiring, Prohibited Medical Inquiry, Quali? cations Standards, Referral, Testing, & Training – Job Conditions or Circumstances Issues: * Assignment, Bene? ts, Bene? ts (Insurance), Bene? ts (Pension), Demotion, Discipline, Harassment, Intimidation, Job Classi? ation, Maternity, Promotion, Reasonable Accommodation, Segregated Facilities, Seniority, Tenure, Terms/Conditions, Union Representation, & Wages – Job Maintenance or Preservation: * Constructive Discharge, Discharge, Early Retirement Incentive, Involuntary Retirement, Layoff, Recall, Reinstatement, Severance Pay, & Suspension – Other/Miscellaneous Issues: * Other, Posting Notices, References Unfavorable, & Waiver of ADEA Suit Rights RESOLUTIONS (nominal measurement) – Merit: * Settled with CP Bene? ts, Withdrawn with CP Bene? ts, Successful Conciliation, & Conciliation Failure – Non-Merit: No Cause Finding, Administrative Closure (RP Bankruptcy), Administra tive Closure (CP Missing), Administrative Closure (CP NonResponsive), Administrative Closure (CP Uncooperative), Administrative Closure (Related Litigation), Administrative Closure (Failed Relief), Administrative Closure (Lacks Jurisdiction), & Administrative Closure (CP Withdraws) explored whether or not the characteristics associated with the ASD allegations differ signi? cantly from those of the characteristics associated with GENDIS. The third research objective of this study, predictive in nature, was to explore whether or not the ? al EEOC case resolutions for the ASD allegations could be predicted based upon a function of some of the contextual variables of interest associated with the ASD group. 5. 3. Analysis Data was analyzed to answer the stated research objectives in three primary ways, using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). First, descriptive statistics were used to detail the ASD and GENDIS allegations and various attributes thereof. Second, comparis ons of the various characteristics of the ASD al- 304 T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA egations vs. the GENDIS allegations were conducted utilizing Fisher’s exact tests, odds ratios, and t-Tests for independent groups. Third, in an effort to discern whether or not the ? nal resolutions for the ASD allegations could be predicted based upon a function of some of the contextual variables of interest associated with the ASD group, multiple logistic regression analysis was used. 6. Findings 6. 1. Descriptive analysis Based upon the descriptive analysis portion of this study (i. e. , Objective One), it could be said that the pro? le for a typical ASD case entails: (a) a CP who s 36 years old, male and White; (b) a RP in the Retail industry that is either on the large end of the size spectrum (i. e. , 501+ employees) or the smaller end of the spectrum (i. e. , 15–100 employees); (c) origination of the allegation in the Sout hern region of the U. S. ; (d) an allegation that involves an issue of job conditions/circumstances or job maintenance/preservation; and (d) a case resolution that is ruled by the EEOC as non-meritorious. See Table 2 for a more detailed account of the descriptive analysis portion of this study. 6. 2. Comparative analysis Relative to GENDIS, the median age for the ASD roup is younger (36 years vs. 44 years), and is statistically signi? cant (t-Test for independent groups, t = ? 8. 385, df = 86. 134, p =< 0. 000). Allegations in the ASD group are over two times more likely to be made by males than were allegations in the GENDIS group (Fisher’s exact test, p =< 0. 000, O. R. = 2. 30). ASD allegations are over seven and half times more likely than GENDIS to involve CPs who are Native American/Alaskan Native (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0. 001, O. R. = 7. 82). And, relative to GENDIS, allegations from the ASD group are two and a half times more likely to be made against RPs in the Retail industries Fisher’s exact test, p =< 0. 000, O. R. , 2. 52). Statistical analyses revealed no signi? cant differences between the ASD group vs. GENDIS in regards to the regions where allegations originate from, the types of ADA Title I allegations ? led with the EEOC, or ultimate case resolutions decided upon by the EEOC. 6. 3. Predictive analysis Forward, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was utilized to establish the best set of variables predictive of merit vs. non-merit ASD case resolutions. The selection of the predictor variables in the ? nal model progressed via steps while the different ndependent predictor variables were inserted into or excluded from the model, in an attempt to realize the largest increase in R 2 . This course of action revealed that RP size, CP race (Native American/Alaskan Native), and RP industry (Service) contributed the most to the explanatory power of the model (? 2 = 33. 176, p =< 0. 000, df = 3), explaining approxima tely 35. 4% to 48. 9% of the variance in the merit vs. non-merit resolution status of ASD cases (i. e. , Cox & Snell R 2 = 0. 354, Nagelkerke R 2 = 0. 489). However, the ? nal number of cases (N ) included in this model decreased from 98 to 76, because of missing data in a couple of he model’s independent variables. Therefore, desiring to include as many of the ASD group’s relatively small number of cases as possible in the ? nal model, another logistic regression analysis was completed. This new analysis made use of simultaneous entry of only the two statistically signi? cant predictor variables that had been found in the forward stepwise analysis (i. e. , RP size and CP industry [Service]). Thus, the new model (N = 86, ? 2 = 18. 553, p =< 0. 000, df = 2) consists of only RP size and RP industry (Service), which serve as the independent predictor variables and explain approximately 19. % to 27. 5% of the variance in the merit vs. non-merit resolution status of the ASD cases (i. e. , Cox & Snell R 2 = 0. 194, Nagelkerke R 2 = 0. 275). This same process for determining the best predictor variables for a multiple logistic regression model, while attempting to avoid as many missing data cases as possible, was recently utilized within the ? eld of Rehabilitation research [39]. The results of the ? nal model are detailed in Table 3. It could be said that the odds of an ASD allegation resulting in a meritorious case resolution increase when: (1) the allegation is made against a Service industryRP, and (2) as the size of the RP increases (i. e. , number of employees). It was found that ASD allegations that were made against RPs in the Service industry are approximately seven times more likely than all other industries (considered together) to experience merit resolutions (i. e. , Exp[? ]= 7. 013). In conjunction with this, it was also found that for each one-unit increase in a RP’s size (e. g. , moving from the 15–100 employee category, to the 101-200 employee category, to the 201– T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA 305 Table 2Descriptive Analysis of ASD and GENDIS allegations ASD (F) CP AGE: Age (mean years of age) (72) (26) GENDIS (F) 36 years CP GENDER: – Male – Female % % 44 years 73. 5% 26. 5% (95,282) (79,048) 54. 7% 45. 3% CP RACE: – White (60) 61. 9% (108,803) 63. 1% – African American (14) 14. 4% (35,325) 20. 5% – Hispanic/Mexican (11) 11. 3% (12,535) 7. 3% – Other? (12) 12. 4% (15,718) 9. 1% ? Comprised of EEOC categories: Asian, Native American/Alaskan Native, Mixed Ethnicity & Other Ethnicity RP INDUSTRY: – Agriculture – Construction – Fin. , Ins. , Real Est. – Manufacturing (16) 16. 8% – Mining Public Admin. (8) 8. 2% – Retail (22) 23. 2% – Services (18) 18. 9% – Trans. & Util. (10) 10. 5% – Wholesale – Not Classi? ed (18) 18. 9% Indust ries with less than 5 ASD charges are not reported (32,539) 19. 2% (16,051) (18,129) (49,525) (15,741) 9. 5% 10. 7% 29. 2% 9. 3% (21,472) 12. 7% RP SIZE: – 15–100 employees – 101–200 employees – 201–500 employees – 501 + employees U. S. REGION: – Northeast – Midwest – South – West – U. S. Territory – Foreign (33) (13) (9) (34) 37. 1% 14. 6% 10. 1% 38. 2% (56,161) (20,708) (18,507) (72,297) 33. 5% 12. 4% 11. 0% 43. 1% (7) (24) (47) (20) (0) (0) 7. % 24. 5% 48. 0% 20. 4% 0% 0% (18,667) (52,014) (70,404) (32,782) (641) (4) 10. 7% 29. 8% 40. 3% 18. 8% 0. 4% 0% ALLEGATIONS: – Job Obtainment or Membership – Job Conditions or Circumstances – Job Maintenance or Preservation – Other/Miscellaneous (6) (47) (41) (4) 6. 1% 48. 0% 41. 8% 4. 1% (12,047) (90,162) (68,569) (3,734) 6. 9% 51. 7% 39. 3% 2. 1% RESOLUTIONS: – Merit – Non-Merit (29) (69) 29. 6% 70. 4% (38,3 85) (136,127) 22% 78. 0% 500 employee category, to the 501+ employee category, etc. ) the odds of an ASD allegation being resolved with merit increase by over one and a half times (Exp[? = 1. 836). 7. Discussion 7. 1. Education efforts by the EEOC The EEOC distributes training materials to employees and individuals with disabilities concerning ADA Title I issues. Efforts should be focused on educating Retail and Service industry and larger employers in particular concerning the characteristics of and the unique work-related issues of individuals with ASDs. Furthermore, in attempting to educate individuals with disabilities concerning their rights and options to ? le discrimination allegations, the EEOC should consider including focus on individuals with ASDs in a special ense, given that many of these individuals may not be aware of how to recognize discrimination and/or how to take advantage of the EEOC’s resolution services 306 T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination an d autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA Table 3 Final model for logistic regression analysis of ASD Merit vs. Non-Merit resolutions Predictor ? SE df Wald – RP Industry 1. 948 0. 627 9. 665 (Service vs. all others) – Responding Party Size 0. 608 0. 218 7. 802 (i. e. , # of employees) Constant ?2. 942 0. 731 16. 195 Model Summary: N = 86 df = 2 ?2 = 18. 553 p =< 0. 000 R2 = 0. 94 (Cox & Snell), 0. 275 (Nagelkerke) ? Signi? cant p Exp(? ) 1 0. 002? 7. 013 95% C. I. for Exp(? ) 1. 397–35. 219 1 0. 005? 1. 836 1. 048–3. 216 1 0. 000 0. 053 at . 01 level (as possibly evidenced in the extremely low number of ASD allegations received by the EEOC to date). 7. 2. Training of ASD support personnel It would be important for personnel who support the vocational efforts of individuals with ASDs (e. g. , rehabilitation counselors, supported employment specialists, etc. ) to understand the unique trends of ASD allegations of ADA Title I discrimination. Compared o many o ther disability groups, ASD allegations are more likely to be made by younger individuals and by males. Employers that perhaps require a special degree of attention when considering ASD vocational issues would include Retail and Service industry employers and larger employers. Rehabilitation professionals also need to know that relatively few ADA Title I allegations are made to the EEOC by people with ASDs, compared to other disability groups, which may possibly mean that individuals with ASDs are especially at risk for not advocating for themselves against employment discrimination.Supportive personnel need to understand that a systems/ecological approach is especially needed in assisting individuals with ASDs to obtain and maintain integrated employment in the competitive, private-sector workplace. The supported employment and positive behavioral support models may be particularly valuable here in assisting individuals with ASDs and their work environments to successfully adapt to each other. After all, it is known that individuals with ASDs can achieve employment success and can be highly regarded by their employers if they receive the appropriate vocational supports [18,22,24].Such vocational supports should include sophisticated and independentlytailored assessment (of both the individual and potential work environments), placement, training, and ongoing support. Based upon the extremely low number of ASD allegations made to the EEOC, it might also appear that a major focus in working with individuals with ASDs would be to assist in increasing their self-advocacy skills. Employers engaged with individuals with ASDs (especially those in the Retail and Service industries and larger employers) also require sophisticated and independently-tailored assistance.Efforts directed towards employers should focus, in particular, on attempting to understand and articulate the workplace’s normative behavioral and communicative standards; educating the employer t o understand how individuals with ASDs may have a dif? cult time meeting these normative standards; helping employers to develop positive frames of reference concerning their employees with ASDs, and assisting employers to develop effective, appropriate, and non-discriminatory responses towards their employees with ASDs. 7. 3. Transition planning to adult working age Individuals with ASDs who ? le allegations of ADATitle I discrimination are more likely to be younger, compared to members of many other disability groups. As discussed previously, this may have something to do with ASDs being lifelong developmental disabilities. Thus, individuals with ASDs enter (and/or attempt to enter) into the adult workforce from day-one with their disability. This is different from some other disabilities that may not be acquired by an individual until later in life or after they have been engaged in the workplace for a length of time. Therefore, long-term transition planning for children and/or y oung adults with ASDs hould include the consideration of avenues by which such individuals can obtain introductory work experience (such as part-time jobs, internship/practicum-style experiences, etc. ) prior to the point that they will be expected to move permanently into the adult workforce. T. A. Van Wieren / Workplace discrimination and autism spectrum disorders: EEOC & ADA Because individuals with ASDs struggle with social perception/interaction and behavior in particular, they may bene? t especially from guided practice and experiences in learning how to appropriately and effectively perceive and respond within work environments. [10] [11] [12] . Conclusion [13] This study revealed unique issues for ASD allegations of ADA Title I discrimination. As a result of this new understanding, some implications and suggestions were offered, aimed at assisting both individuals with ASDs and their work environments to adapt to each other, so as to prevent issues of discrimination. Perhaps one of the most important and obvious issues noted in this study is the extremely low number of ASD allegations received to date by the EEOC. 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