Equality Rights: Feminism

Equality Rights feminismEquality Rights FeminismEquality a term associated with fairness, cohesion, and justlys has been an important goal for various theoretical move manpowerts that consume formed in Feminism. The debate surrounding equality has and continues to be of concern at totally different levels wo manpowers lib arose as a response to the inequalities mingled with work force and wowork force. The question of equality itself puts up a parameter of analysis and critique that allows for probe and speculation.To ponder equality, is to enlighten the senses to explore the possibilities of what is known, what invites to be done, and who or what is involved in seeking equality it take exceptions the word as well as the masses framed within it. Catharine MacKinnon states that Feminism is the dis c atomic number 18 fory that women do not live in this world, that the person occupying this realm is a man, so much more a man if he is white and wealthy (367). With this in mind, feminist movements emphasize the importance of e really womens position in kindly and political spaces. sundry(a) feminist movements keister be used to achieve equality. However, all(prenominal) scene provides a different character in obtaining such equality. Feminist theories of the full-grown, red ink, etymon, and postcolonial perspectives all cover certain aspects of inequality while particulariseing in the acknowledgment of an other(a). The integration of these perspectives depart allow for a truly beneficial equality for women. good-looking feminism is a carriage that argues for women to beat equal rights to men and to achieve individual autonomy. They propose a model of individual autonomy by fighting for the right of women to have educational opportunities and to obtain a c beer that is outside of nationality. This is part of their main focus of their strive for women to have the same rights that men hold by nature men universe the knowledgeableit y of privilege and power (Whelehan 29). Liberal feminists ar interested in the politics of law to maintain equality between women and men.From this perspective, equality for women is achievable but due to the nature and intensity of its movements, liberal feminism is considered as a starting point for equal rights and freedoms guaranteed to each individual. It takes a more soft lobbying begin to fight for the equal rights of women to those of men as they try to refrain from any direct challenge to institutions that cause them to be unequal. They would like to variety show laws but stay within the boundaries of institutions as they prove to be valuable to many women.Imelda Whelehan points out that the liberal perspective on state intervention in peoples lives also proved toughened, since state support was crucial to many womens lives, and any shrinkage of its work would probably mean that their live standards deteriorated (34). As a result, liberal feminists were caught between fighting for womens rights and expressing their victimization that is due to their differences in biological sex. Moreover, affectionate change is restricted because if the current liberal state was overthrown, the male-dominant liberalistic status quo would be disrupted and many services provided by the state (especially services provided to women to improve their living standards) ordain be in jeopardy.Combining liberal thought and feminism provides many contradictions because their beliefs do not apply equally to both male and female due to the constraints of reality. If males and females are habituated equal rights (as hoped by liberal feminists), there will be strains on both sexes in terms of gender roles within and outside of the economy as well as an emphasis on the females biological anatomy of giving birth.As a result, liberal feminisms concept of equality is an rarified that is contradictory due to reality, personal benefits, and environmental constraints (such as th e state, education, and family needs). It is important to realize that this does not necessarily prove liberal feminism as an in hard-hitting approach to equality. In fact, liberal feminism is the most widely known feminist movement in todays familiarity. The liberal feminist movement feces be seen as the basis and the starting point for the fight towards gender equality. However, this approach needs to be combined with other perspectives for a more effective outcome.Another effective approach to strive for gender equality is to analyze the problem through the Marxian framework. Marxist feminism emphasizes that capitalism and patriarchy are organizing devices that parry the contemplation of having a clubhouse that is equal between genders. They argue that partitioning is a major factor that creates the division between men and women. In other words, the hierarchy system of class produces inequalities by placing power in the hands of a few while oppressing others that do not have this privilege.Marxist feminism focuses their attention on womens position in labor and in the capitalist system womens participation in the home and in rent work. Heidi Hartmann states that the problem in the family, the labor market, economy, and society is not simply a division of labor between men and women, but a division that places men in a superior, and women in a subordinate, position (7). As a result, Marxist feminists take on a revolutionary approach to overthrow capitalism in order to dismantle male privilege really really really good clean cut statement.They recognize that women are subordinated as a class and that womens unpaid work in the home needs to be acknowledged because women at home not only provide essential services for capital by reproducing the labor force, but also create surplus value through that work (Hartmann 8). Moreover, Marxist feminism recognizes the social and historical linguistic context of all womens work in paid and unpaid labor. By ack nowledging womens participation in society, womens contribution will not be taken for granted hence elevating their gender status. Equality can therefore be achieved in a capitalistic sense.While the liberal approach focuses on gender equality in rights before the court of law, the Marxian perspective takes on a capitalistic approach strengthening womens status in the sparing system. These deuce approaches aim to fight for more power for oppressed women but, at the same time, they lack focus on a major source of this conquest the problematical male-dominant gender system. Radical feminism is recyclable in analyzing this issue as it focuses on patriarchy as the source of gender inequality.This binary gender system is seen to be a social construct that serves as the basis of gender inequality. Radical feminists argue that mens privilege oppresses women though social institutions and cultural productions. As a result, mens dominance over women is seen to take on a social hierarchy that produces unequal power relations. They melody that social boldnesss created male domination, which has forced upon society a type of thinking that is malestream. Moreover, violence towards women and the objectification of womens bodies have placed women in a position of exploitation and victimization.Radical feminism coined the slogan The personal is political to emphasize that individual experiences brings out political issues that need to be deal outed and acknowledged. They take on a revolutionary approach in that social and political changes are necessary in order to overthrow the structural framework of inequality between men and women. They argue that individual female identity and experience is the first step to collective revolution (Whelehan 36).Acknowledging female identity apart from the structural gender framework will allow the female gender to break free from malestream ideals. In other words, the elimination of this gender system will possibly bring the two genders into equality.Another feminist movement that aims to challenge existing social norms and constructs is postcolonial feminism. This movement focuses on rejecting all foundational thought that is known and used as loyalty. They argue that this truth is constructed and created by the powers of those that are the colonizers ( lower-middle-class, white males) who have power over the colonized. Moreover, this truth becomes part of the universal it is accepted to be true with little or no questioning.As a result, postcolonial feminist reject universalizing principles because it marginalizes those that are not part of the norm. Leela Gandhi argues that a comprehensive dismantling of colonial hierarchies and structures needs to be matched by a reformed and imaginative reconception of colonized society and culture (82). Postcolonial feminists stress that women are situated in a double colonization in which they are oppressed as women and colonized people as well as constructed as se xual objects.A reformation of the constructed male-dominant society should take place revamping all social norms that course set women as the subordinate. By destabilizing the colonization, ideals on gender that are taken for granted will be overthrown granting an opportunity for women to be acknowledged in society. With an increased level of appreciation of womens contribution, equality between the genders can be achieved.With the unique standpoint of each perspective, inequality issues regarding different structures of society can be understood better. Each of these perspectives is effective in their own way as they all aim to bring equality between the genders. By incorporating the quaternary perspectives, equality can be achieved to a certain extent. The issue of equality is based on peoples perspectives and the social contexts these people are positioned.No matter how hard these feminist movements try to strive for equality, gender differences will continue to exist biologica l differences can never be glide byd. If absolute equality is achieved, men and women will be seen as equal and existing protection for females biological differences will be removed. Protection such as laws regarding birth right allowing women to be released better word? from work for a recovery period is beneficial and should not be revoked due to equality.In a sense, earlier than relieving female victims from subjection, this absolute equality may cause even more distress for the female community. With this in mind, achieving absolute gender equality should not be the main goal of feminist movements. These perspectives should be used to help strive to seek for the acknowledgement of womens position in society. Equality does not necessarily have to be achieved in order for females to obtain a better life. Providing respect and recognition for the female gender will be more useful and beneficial.Based on peoples perspectives/attitudes and the social context people are positioned Equality may or may not be contingentPossible for certain sectors but women still needs more rights (ex. birth biological difference)May agree/accept certain aspects of a feminist perspective but dont have to accept all of itAll these feminist perspectives has helped strive to seek equality for women and have made significant contributions to the acknowledgement of womens position in societyLiberal and radical both aim at giving women more rightsEven if they strive for equality, gender differences will still exist no matter what (biological difference)Would should still have more rights and be protected for those differencesWorks CitedGandhi, Leela (1998). Postcolonialism and Feminism in Postcolonial Theory A comminuted Introduction (81-101). parvenu York Columbia University Press.Hartmann, Heidi (1981). The Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminism Towards a More Progressive Union. In Lydia Sargeant (Ed.) Women and diversity (1-41). Montreal Black Rose Books.MacKinnon, Catherin e (1985). Pornography, Civil Rights, and discontinue Speech. In Rosemary Tong (Ed.) (1999) Feminist Philosophies. New Jersey Prentice Hall.Whelehan, Imelda (1995). Liberal Feminism The Origins of the Second flutter in Modern Feminist Thought (25-43). New York New York University Press.Question ThreeDiscuss the potential and limitations of feminist theories with respect to the analysis of gender and sexuality. Compare several perspectives and then draw your own conclusions virtually this issue.The social stratification of our society has placed boundaries on all aspects of our lives. With deeper exploration of these constructed issues, multifaceted debates arise in feminism. Moreover, by looking at the social organization of the everyday, feminist theories are able to take a closer look into the complex views surrounding gender, sex, and sexuality. It is important to make a clear distinction between the concepts of gender, sex, and sexuality to understand the underlying message th at each of these words conveys each concept has a particular meaning and construction to its term.Gender is often referred to as the social construction of our identity of being man/masculine and woman/feminine (sometimes known as being gendered), whereas sex pertains to the biology of our species (male and/or female). Heidi Hartmann articulately emphasizes that we are born female and male, biological sexes, but we are created women and man, socially recognized genders (16). Sexuality, on the other hand, refers to our emotional and intimate relationships ( heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality).The work of liberal, Marxist, radical, postcolonial, lesbian, and third flutter feminism all have considerable overlap in their analysis of gender, sex, and sexuality, but each of these perspectives has its own central focus. As a result, the dissimilar concepts have always resulted in contrasting debates. It is beneficial to analyze the potentials and limitations of each of these feminist theories in order to fully understand the complexity of gender, sex, and sexuality. The integration of these various perspectives will provide a deeper understanding and awareness of the diverse issues that our social structure tries to mask.As a mainstream feminist movement, liberal feminism claims that differences in gender are not based in biology. They believe women and men are not very different due to their common humanity. As a result, they argue that women and men should not be set any differently under the law women should have the same opportunities and legal rights as men by striving to eliminate laws that differentiate people by gender (Whelehan 29). Liberal feminism has the potential of slowly changing peoples attitudes toward gender and sexuality by increase womens participation in what is known to be male occupations as well as encouraging support networks for women.They also provide great contribution by socializing and educating the young with gender-ne utral terminology. However, liberal feminism is limited in their focus there is too much emphasis on the macro and very little on the micro. The occult sphere of womens experiences in their home is not brought to the forefront. As a result, many troubling issues such as domestic violence and marital rape are not spoken about. This limitation undermines liberal feminisms goal to have men and women being treated equally. The silencing of the private and personal life has hindered the individual autonomy and freedom of speech of women womens domestic and sexual lives become unacknowledged (Whelehan 38).Moreover, Imelda Whelehan states that there is a limit to how far liberal feminists will pry into individuals private social/sexual choices (38). As a result, they do not directly challenge capitalism (the main contributor to the oppression of women), which undermines the idea of changing the institutions that maintain gender bias and censors sexuality.Whelehan also emphasizes that l iberal feminism is problematic in that its views are predominately white, middle class, heterosexuals this ignores women who do not inhabit what is a relatively privileged social position (41). Although liberal feminism has created conditions to fight for equality, it is only a stepping rock n roll for the other feminist theories that follow it is limited in the macro and public realm of politics.Another way to approach the problematic concepts of gender, sex, and sexuality is through the Marxian perspective. Marxist feminism suggests that the dual system of roles as paid and unpaid workers in a capitalist economy is the reason behind womens oppression. They argue that in the workplace, women are exploited by capitalism whereas in the home, they are exploited by patriarchy (Hartmann 5). Moreover, women have fewer economic resources due to their low paid wages as compared to men.Heidi Hartmann argues that sexist ideology has adopted a capitalist form in that patriarchal relations bolster capitalism the subjugation of women in the private and public sphere has allowed for the continuance of patriarchal and capitalistic needs. Womens work is devalued even though they are the major source to an effectual economy they are caregivers, housekeepers, and work for the paid marketplace. Marxist feminism greatly focuses their analysis on gender being a source of job requisition that exploits women as paid and unpaid workers in the workplace and in the family.They argue that women are subordinated as a class and that the problem in the family, the labor market, economy, and society is not simply a division of labor between men and women, but a division that places men in a superior, and women in a subordinate, position (Hartmann 7).However, Marxist feminism is limited in its macro analysis of society because the individual and private lives of people (especially the exploration of sexuality in regards to producing products of capital) need to be analyzed. It cover s feministic issues within the economic system but, due to its limited framework, it is inefficient in addressing problems surrounding individual issues that women are facing in todays male-dominant society.To analyze these problematic individual issues, the radical feminist framework has proven to be effective. Radical feminism is a conscious-raising group that addresses intense debates surrounding issues of womens everyday lives. They argue that the personal is political in that the original and basic class division is between the sexes, and that the motive force of history is the striving of men for power and domination over women, the dialectic of sex (Hartmann 13).Radical feminism are greatly concerned about violence towards women due to the depictions of women as sexual objects to be used, abused, and produced in the mass media. Catharine MacKinnon argues that maleness is a form of power and femaleness is a form of powerlessness (369). As a result, according to radical feminis m, patriarchy results in the sexual exploitation of women through social control and construction.However, radical feminisms limitation is that the creation of a women-only space includes particular women while excluding those that do not conform to certain gender assumptions such as transgenders it creates another form of power. This exclusion will lead to another type of inequality and oppression that will once again damage society as a whole.The liberal, Marxist, and radical feminist perspectives all focus on the major structures that act as the basis of societys gender concepts. Postcolonial feminism, on the other hand, challenges the gender blindness that is masked in traditional colonial history it focuses on problematic gender concepts quite an than the major structures behind them. In traditional thought, the Third World Women is represented as the colonized women of nonindustrial societies and developing countries who are brought into refining by imperial, patriarchal d omination of Western and European masculinity.Feminist postcolonial theorists argue that the basis of these womens gender and race places them under imperial circumstances of being women of double colonization Third-World Woman are seen as victim par excellence the forgotten casualty of both imperial ideology, and native and foreign patriarchies (Gandhi 83). This is problematic because the Third-World Women are placed in contrast with Western woman as opposites, othered, and marginalized a position of inferiority to ones gender of not being a dominant, white, middle-class woman. Leela Gandhi exemplifies that this implied cultural lack of the third-world woman fortifies the redemptive ideological/political plenitude of Western feminismseen yet as another object of Western knowledges, at the same time knowable and unknowing (86).As a result, postcolonial and feminist theories challenges discourses that are about women by highlighting the anti-colonial gender blindness and to ackno wledge Third-World Woman as a component of difference instead of an object to be silenced by the power and privilege of colonialism.However, postcolonial feminism is limited in that, like the above perspectives, a more macro-level of analysis is taken whereas the micro-level analysis of sexuality. Postcolonial feminism focuses their attention on the social organization of the third-world woman in relation to colonial practices and exploitation.Lesbian feminism, foreign other perspectives, acknowledges the oppression of compulsory heterosexuality. By challenging traditional norms and heterosexuality, they fight for both womens and homosexual rights. Lesbian feminism has the potential to combat homophobia by empowering women to explore sexuality and to understand of heterosexual relationships.They argue that the diverse range of woman-identified experience needs to take into account the history and individual experience of each womans life (Rich 648). Adrienne Rich argues that compu lsory heterosexuality is not examined but accepted as the sexual preference of our society (633). As a result, the perspective of lesbian feminism has implications of dismantling compulsory heterosexuality by recognizing the central truth of womens history in that the preference of heterosexuality has been naturally imposed on women and that women have always resisted male tyranny (Rich 652).It allows women to move away from the prescribed scripts produced by the distorted lie of compulsory female heterosexuality as normal and a preference a form of liberation for all women. However, lesbian feminism is limited in that they do not address the power issues may still exist in lesbian relationships just as they do in heterosexual relationships. It also neglects larger oppression issues that are bringing distress to the female gender.Contrasting other perspectives, third wave feminism guides their analysis towards a more micro perspective and emphasizes that individual identities are u nique and complex. They strive for women to have agency and acknowledge that female sexuality is a form of power to express oneself. They find the category of woman to be problematic because, as stated by Himani Bannerji, womens issues should not be located on a broad and generalized way of Woman a singular yet universal entity of patriarchal social construction (48).Third wave feminism embraces sexuality and the act of sex as fun rather than deviant or dangerous. They see themselves as empowering and as women of choice. Third wave feminism appreciates and views the internet as an important source for opening up lines of discourse and support networks for young scholars (Alfonso and Trigilio 7). They stress the importance of speaking and writing about individual personal experiences in order to resist universal assumptions. However, this is limiting in that they do not evaluate certain issues that arise.Third-wave feminism provides a more micro-approach to analyze everyday convers ations. This can be problematic because the specificity of these conversations becomes hard to apply to societal issues. In Rita Alfonsos dialogue to Jo Trigilio, Rita acknowledges that a political generation can account for subject positions across historical waves of feminism, as well as for the public of two relatively distinct waves of feminism (9-10).However, Trigilio stresses that the use of political generation needs to accompanied with concerns about which groups are empowered to give them a voice (10). Trigilio also fears that there is becoming less class-consciousness in third wave feminism and highlights the increasing problems of academic discourses (written in a form that is only accessible to a few and again oppresses).All perspectives have their own unique qualities that provide insight into the deeper issues that underlie our social and political structures in society. Each stance is beneficial to our understanding even though they are limited due to their specific nature. The combination of liberal, Marxist, radical, postcolonial, lesbian, and third wave feminism will allow us to recognize the historical shifts of these perspectives all these perspectives have risen at certain points in time due to societal issues concerning gender and sexuality.Society is a slow process that slowly finds acceptance in issues (especially in sexuality) that surface as a result of progressive movements that fight for change. The problematic issues surrounding gender, sex, and sexuality have always brought a lot of distress to women in society. On a larger scale, these problems exist in the economical, political, and patriarchal aspects of society. From a micro viewpoint, domestic oppression and heterosexual gender ideologies are also the concerns of the female gender.Sexuality is a major concern because not only is it seen to be deviant but reproof of having sex is seen to be sacred. Instead of finding pleasure in explore ones sexuality, traditional ideology has oppressed the talk and the act of engaging in this private and personal sphere of the individual. Historically, many issues were shunned because of dominant discourses but over time, it has been a gradual movement to give rise to these issues that were always present. By incorporating the multiple perspectives discussed, society can continue to evolve and move towards better social structures and norms that will help improve the living standard of the female gender.Works CitedAlfonso, Rita and Jo Trigilio (1997). Surfing the Thrid Wave A Dialogue Between Two Third Wave Feminists. Hypatia 12, 3 7-16.Bannerji, Himani (1999). Inroducing Racism Notes Towards an Anti-Racist Feminism in Thinking Through Essays on Feminism, Marxism, and Anti-Racism (41-53). Toronto Womens Press.Gandhi, Leela (1998). Postcolonialism and Feminism in Postcolonial Theory A Critical Introduction (81-101). New York Columbia University Press.Hartmann, Heidi (1981). The Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminis m Towards a More Progressive Union. In Lydia Sargeant (Ed.) Women and Revolution (1-41). Montreal Black Rose Books.Rich, Adrienne (1980). Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence. Signs 5, 4 631-660.MacKinnon, Catherine (1985). Pornography, Civil Rights, and Free Speech. In Rosemary Tong (Ed.) (1999) Feminist Philosophies. New Jersey Prentice Hall.Whelehan, Imelda (1995). Liberal Feminism The Origins of the Second Wave in Modern Feminist Thought (25-43). New York New York University Press.

A Case Study At The HSBC

A Case Study At The HSBCChapter 1Literature look into1.1 Overview of in corporeal favorable ResponsibilityThe notion that business has duties to society is fuddledly rise-established, despite the fact that in the past there has been a revolution in the way people view the relationship between business and society. Numerous researchers suggest that companies which indulge in incarnate genial responsibility obtain consumers verificatory product and brand military ratings, brand survival, brand recommendations, good attitude to firm, good theatrical role of the firm, purchase intention and even enjoy a premium toll.Spurred at least in part by such evidences, more than companies than ever before atomic number 18 backing CSR initiatives such as unified philanthropy, constitute-related marketing, minority harbour programs, and sociablely responsible employment and manufacturing performs with real financial muscle. Not surprisingly, this trend is also reflected in the perva sive belief among business leaders that CSR is an economic arrogant in like a shots national as well as global marketplace.However despite the increasing importance of CSR, there is little research available ab bulge out CSRs contact on consumers. According to Yoon (2003), it is not clear when and how CSR activities influence consumer evaluations. Recent researchers reach suggested that a CSR activity might backfire on the guild if the consumers necessitate become suspicious and infer that the companys true motive for the CSR activity is only to improve its image to sell more products without trying to act for the sake of consumers1.1.1 be Corporate Social ResponsibilityAccording to Kotler (1991), Corporate cordial responsibility is about doing business in a way that of importtains or improves some(prenominal) the customers and societys well being Fombrun and Gordberg (2000)s point of view is that, corporate social Responsibility is something that no sane chairman shoul d be without.On the other hand, Petkus and Woodruff (1992) believe CSR includes both avoiding disablement and doing good. Corporate social responsibility is viewed as a companys commitment to minimize or eliminate any harmful effects and maximizing its hanker run beneficial wallop on society.Corporate social responsibility activities include numerous factors namely meeting customer expectations, demonstrating commitment to environmental responsibility, modify environmental performance, staying ahead of the legislation, and increased employee motivation.Mohr, Webb, and Harris (2001, 47) define CSR as a companys commitment to minimizing or eliminating any harmful effects and maximizing its long-run beneficial impact on society.Though, Angelidis and Ibrahim (1993) define corporate social responsibility as corporate social actions whose purpose is to satisfy social needs, Lerner and Fryxell (1988) suggest that CSR describes the extent to which organisational outcomes atomic number 18 consistent with societal values and expectations.While some view CSR as an obligation, others, namely Enderle Tavis (1998) define corporate social responsibility as the policy and practice of a corporations social involvement over and beyond its legal obligations for the welfare of the society at large.1.1.2 Dimensions of Social ResponsibilityThe dimension of social responsibility was propounded by Carroll (1979). It was proposed that organisations have to have 4 pillars that must be fulfilled to be good corporate citizens. They arEconomic Dimension. Economic responsibility is to be fat for principals, by confronting a good quality product, at a fair price, is due to customers.Legal Dimension. Legal duties entail complying with the law and playing by the rules of the game. honest Dimension. Ethical duties overcome the limitations of legal duties. They entail being moral, doing what is right, just, and fair respecting peoples moral rights and avoiding harm or social injury as well as preventing harm caused by others (Smith and Quelch, 1993).Philanthropic Dimension. Interest in doing good for society, regardless of its impact on the bottom line is what is called philanthropic CSR that is giving back time and cash in the forms of voluntary service, voluntary association and voluntary.1.2 Evolution of the CSR concept.Even relatively contemporary, a theory of CSR can be divided into four eras based on several conceptual shifts (Lee, 2008). The first dominant theme emerged during 1950s and 1960s concentrating on ethics and social obligation of business. A pivotal study by Bowen (1953) contended that CSR is an obligation of businessmen to act in line with the objectives and values of society. CSR was posited as a complementary and corrective measure for some social failures in the laissez-faire(prenominal) economy. Friedman on the other hand was concerned with the insufficient skills of corporate look atrs to solve social problems and potential cost from un certain outcomes that would reduce the maximization of shareholder wealthiness a true responsibility of business. Such an intellectual stalemate contri simplyed to the shift from the emphasis on macro-social effects of CSR to an organizational-level compend of CSRs effect on financial performance.CSR in the second period was central around enlightened self-interest in the 1970s. A conceptual break by dint of by Wallich and McGowan (1970) represented reconciliation between the social and economic interests of corporations. The authors argued that CSR supported the long-term interest of shareholders by streng indeeding the wellbeing of the society, which provided a crucial support structure and customer base for business operations. near studies in this era focused on the content and implementation process of CSR to avoid conflict with business interests (Ackerman, 1973 Fitch, 1976 Murray, 1976). A major caveat in this conceptual reconciliation was the lack of a specific mechanism to identify a causal link between social responsibility and financial performance (Weick, 1976). In the 1980s, the tie between the economic and social goals of business became tighter in the corporate social performance model. The dominant theme represented the thirdgeneration of CSR.The multi-dimensional model of corporate social performance was proposed in a pivotal study by Carroll (1979). This model suggested the integration of economic and social objectives in a total CSR framework, featuring economic, legal, honest and discretional aspects. The model was modified by Wartick and Cochran (1985) to include principles, processes and policies. Wood (1991) further formulated a more pragmatic model incorporating related theories, such as organizational institutionalism and stakeholder steering theory. The limitation of the CSP model was the lack of objective and wayal measurement to be able to compare the social performance of different companies (Wood and Jones, 1995).An aim to fork up business return from CSR is most prominent in the latest schooling of CSR through strategic management. In this perspective, the stakeholder model has become central to the new CSR mental image (Jones, 1995). Based on the stakeholder theory (Freeman, 1984), Clarkson (1995) ameliorated the measurement problem in CSR through stakeholder identification, separation of stakeholder and social issues, followed by appropriate level of analysis. CSR becomes strategic when integrated into a companys core business competencies by serving as a filter through which strategic decisions are evaluated for their impact on the firms various stakeholders (Werther and Chandler, 2006). Strategic CSR and then matches internal core competencies with the orthogonal opportunities to complement corporate mission and vision related to social responsibility (Du et al., 2007 Werther and Chandler, 2006).1.3 CSR and StakeholdersAccording to Smith (2003), stakeholder theory is based on the principle t hat companies need to consider the effects of their actions on all constituencies (e.g. shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, the environment, and the community), even if lucrativeness is reduced. On the contrary, shareholder theory argues that the only responsibility of a company is to (legally) subscribe to profits for its shareholders.Mitchell (2001) argues that the shareholder approach more and more dominates American companies. Furthermore, it is often interpreted as having one basic goal-maximizing stock prices. This, in turn, leads to a short-term perspective because growing proportions of Stockholders buy and sell stocks based on short-term information. Mitchell goes on to argue that companies are obligated to make profits, but there is zero point in the legal system that requires maximization of stock prices or that restricts the time frame to the short term. Nonetheless, a manager who does not produce sufficient fee for shareholders guesss his/her job and pu ts the company at risk of a takeover (Martin 2002).Martin (2002) further argues that when responsibilities to the community are seen as being likely to come at the shareholders expense, managers usually side with shareholders. He suggests that most socially responsible corporate behaviors are done specifically to enhance shareholder value. These are generally activities undertaken to comply with laws, regulations, or norms. They entail simply meeting the baseline of societys expectations companies that do not meet basic expectations are likely to lose financially. On the other hand, there are many socially responsible actions taken by companies because managers believe they are the right things to do. Because these actions are outside the norms and may lead to financial losses, they are considered risky.1.4 Social responsibility, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance.1.4.1 Social Responsibility and Business EthicsToday, ethics has become more and more important with global busin ess expansion. This is so, because of a raise in ethical and social responsibility concerns. There exists, however, according to Czinkota and Ronkainen (1998), a wide divergence in the level of importance attached to these twain issues in different countries.Ethics as defined by Hoffman and Moore (1990) define ethics as what is good and right for people. An individuals perception about whether ethics and social responsibility contribute to organizational trenchantness is likely to be a critical antecedent of whether he/she even perceives an ethical problem in a given situation1. This is a practical view based on an argument that managers must first recognize that ethics and social responsibility to be imperative to organizational effectiveness before their behaviors will become more ethical and reflect greater social responsibility.Intuitively, ethics and social responsibility should have a positive impact on the success of an organization, because consumers make ethical judgments that are likely to influence their purchases. Consumers recognize organisations that are responsive to ethical and social factors. Consequently, business should care about ethics because adopting the right behaviour helps get into and preserve good reputation overtime because ultimately, it collapses to do so.1.4.2 Social Responsibility and Corporate GovernanceThe definition of Corporate Governance differs depending on ones view of the world. Shleifer and Vishny (1997) define Corporate Governance as the ways in which suppliers of pay to corporations assure themselves of acquire a return on their investment. Taking a broad perspective on the issues, Gillan and Starks (1998) define Corporate Governance as the system of laws, rules, and factors that control operations at a company. Irrespective of the particular definition used, researchers often view Corporate Governance mechanisms as falling into one of two groups those internal to firms and those external to firms. Of course, f irms are more than just boards, managers, shareholders, and debt holders.Over the years, Corporate Governance has evolved from the traditional profit-centered model to the social responsibility model. These two models illustrate the primal conflict that prevails today in Corporate Governance the Profit-Centered Model and the Social Responsibility Model are mutually exclusive. Each focuses on an opposite half of the corporations domain, even though the economic and social aspects of business are closely interrelated. In short, governance is viewed as a zero sum game. Because the economic role of the firm is fundamental to its survival, profit often drives out social considerations. Because knowledge increases when shared, collaborative partnerships between management and stakeholders can be economically productive. Like all partnerships, stakeholder collaboration is a two-way, working relationship that combines the capabilities of partners for their mutual benefit.According to Hal al (2000), the wealth-creating role of business arises directly out of integrating stakeholders into a productive whole a corporate community (Figure 1). The corporate community model views the firm as a socioeconomic system in which wealth is created through stakeholder collaboration. This is not done to be socially responsible, but because it is a competitive vantage. Drew et al. (2006) identified five integrated elements that underpin a firms ability to manage risks, engage in effective Corporate Governance, and implement new regulatory changes Culture, Leadership, Alignment, Systems, and Structure. Each of these elements relate to the others. For example, organizational culture is variantd by leadership practices. Systems support organizational structure and shape its culture. Alignment ensures each element is harmonized with the others so that, for example, explicit cultural norms are reinforced by leadership, and systems reinforce the culture. No one element stands alone. by and bywards engaging in an examination process, board members can map organizational challenges against these elements, identify areas in need of improvement, and plan change management programs. Superior risk management programs and stronger firm governance capabilities result. The elements of CG addressed in Figure 2 could be considered as the core (i.e. management) of Figure 1 (i.e. corporate community model). combine the models therefore represents the influence of Corporate Governance on CSR or corporate community.Figure 1The basic cause of todays continuing conflict between profitability and responsibility is that managers do not seem to understand that these two interests can be united. Stakeholder collaboration is now the key to creating economic wealth. In the new perspective, stakeholder collaboration does more than gain resources and political support it allows joint problem solving to increase the firms store of valuable knowledge. Future research needs to focus on t he stakeholder assessment process and its translation into CSR objectives and policies.Therefore, adopting a process-based management systems approach as the constituteation for a CSR management system will provide top management with a holistic view of the business that takes into consideration a single system approach to governance. This approach will provide management with internal control, distinctly identify responsibility and will embed CSR in their organisation. This approach overcomes overmuch of the criticism surrounding many current CSR systems approaches.Figure 2The leadership name is also set in motion to play an important role in socially responsible organizations. In this respect, transformational leader seems to be more effective, comparing with manager and transactional leader. thusly corporate governance as a critical element for driving excellence in CSR can be a source of competitive advantage for firms in its own right.1.5 Consumer Behavior or Socially Res ponsible Consumer BehaviorIt has been observed that several personality trait variables affect how a consumer contradicts to a companys corporate social responsibility activities. One trait that has been identified is called socially responsible or socially conscious consumer behavior. The socially conscious consumer is a consumer who takes into report card the semipublic consequences of his or her private consumption or who attempts to use his or her purchasing power, to bring about social change.According to Webster (1975, 188), the socially conscious consumer is a consumer who takes into account the public consequences of his or her private consumption or one who attempts to use his or her purchasing power to bring about social change. Mohr, Webb, and Harris (2001, 47) define this behavior as a person basing his or her acquisition, usage, and disposition of products on a desire to minimize or eliminate any harmful effects and maximize the long-run beneficial impact on society. Over the years, socially responsible consumer behavior has been seen as a lasting personality trait that engrosses the consumers self-concept. Persons, who are highschool on this trait, would not hesitate to modify their consumption behaviors in a variety of circumstances in order to struggle toward the ideal of improving society. much research has been conducted on this trait. Measurement scales have not only been developed but related demographics and attitudes have also been explored.Roberts (1995) used the method of cluster analysis to segregate a group of socially responsible consumers. He estimated them to constitute 32% of the American population. According to him, when one compares this group to most Americans, the latter is more broadminded and environmentally concerned and has higher levels of perceived consumer effectiveness (perceived ability of individual consumers to influence environmental problems).1.6 The Impact of CSR Activities on Consumer BehaviorConsumers need to be alert of the level of CSR of a company so that this factor can have an impact on their purchase. The reason why, building awareness constitutes one of the major purposes female genitalia cause related marketing which is a subset of CSR. Also, consumers are more likely to respond to a companys social responsibility record when they identify with the company2. realisation is enhanced when consumer perceptions of the companys character are similar to their perceptions of their own character.It is further argued that consumers judge a companys character based more on its CSR than on its business expertise. When consumers personally support the social issues that the company targets (called support for the CSR domain), they are likely to see greater congruence between themselves and the company. In two experiments, CSR was manipulated and its effects on the evaluation of the company were measured. They found that consumer support for the CSR domain significantly moderated the positive effect of CSR on evaluation.Ross, Stutts, and Patterson (199091), who used a non-probability sample, found that 53 percent of the sample, could recall a cause related advertisement for a product, and Webb and Mohr (1998) found that 79 percent of a sample could describe a specific cause-related marketing campaign after the concept was explained to them. Since CSR is a wide and multifaceted concept, knowledge about the social responsibility activities carried out by companies is relatively low. As a result, it is hard for consumers to acquire and store such information. Lack of awareness, therefore becomes the major inhibitor of customer awareness to CSR.Since 1993, according to reported surveys, firms supporting causes are enjoying a more positive image compared to other firms. Furthermore, the Cone Communications Press Release stated that two thirds or more of the sample said that they are likely to switch brands or retailers to those participating in cause related marketin g.Demand from socially responsible consumers may increase in line with increasing promotion of a firms socially responsible activities research by Sen and Bhattacharya (2001) suggests that consumers sensitive to the particular cause supported by a corporation (such as environmentalism) are more likely to react positively towards that corporation. On the other hand, in interviews with a convenience sample of 225 people, Ross, Stutts, and Patterson (1990-91) found that 49 percent stated that a firms support of a cause had been a primary reason for them to purchase a product, and 54 percent said that they are likely to.Also, most consumers do not understand the ethical dimensions of the products that they purchase (Auger et al, 2003, p. 299) but experimental studies have shown that once consumers acknowledge a firms socially responsible initiatives their evaluation of that firm (and its products) increases (Brown and Dacin, 1997). Furthermore, it has been established that certain demog raphics are increasingly likely to make consumption choices based on social grounds (McWilliams and Siegel, 2001, p 121). A national telephone study by Smith and Alcorn (1991) found that 46% of respondents were likely to switch brands to a company that donates to non-profit organizations and 30% sometimes buy products based on the freehearted causes that the manufacturer supports.Porter and Kramer (2002) believe that strategic philanthropy1 at its most sophisticated can be responsible for enhancing the reputation of a company by linking the admirable qualities of the supported cause to its corporate identity. Moreover, it is believed that concentrating charitable donations and funding on a popular cause through a deliberate selection process may have a greater impact than generalized CSR (Porter and Kramer, 2002).Research by McWilliams and Siegel (2001) has found that not all consumers place a high value on the socially responsible actions of a firm the price of competing goods can affect the demand for goods provided by socially responsible corporations. Studies conducted at Marymount University (1999) reported that 75 percent of consumers would avoid shopping at a store if it was known that their goods were produced under poor social conditions.Furthermore, it was found that the same consumers would be willing to pay $1 more for a $20 breaker point given that the item was produced under good conditions. These studies show that consumers are willing to pay more for goods produced in a socially responsible manner. Indeed, the University of Maryland (2000) found that approximately 75 percent of consumers would pay an additional $5 at least on a $20 item if it was known that the item was not manufactured in a sweatshop. However, It has been suggested that income has a significant impact on demand for products from firms with a good reputation for CSR low-income shoppers are seen to be more price sensitive than affluent shoppers. This means that affluent consum ers are more willing (and able) to pay a higher price for said products (McWilliams and Siegel, 2001).A survey conducted by Creyer and Ross (1997) measured the attitudes of the parents of elementary school children towards ethical and unethical business behaviour. It was found that respondents expected companies to conduct business in an ethical manner and importantly, respondents stated that they would pay higher prices for products from an ethical company.2.1 An Overview of Corporate Social Responsibility in the depository financial institutioning SectorThe Mauritian banking industry comprises of 18 banks, of which 5 are local banks, 8 are foreign owned subsidiaries, 1 is a joint venture and 4 are branches of foreign banks.3The banks are certified by the Bank of Mauritius to carry out banking business locally and internationally.Banks provide several traditional banking facilities and card-based payment work such as credit and debit cards, internet banking and phone banking faci lities. Other services such as fund management, custodial services, trusteeship, structured lending, structured trade finance international portfolio management, private client activities, investment banking, treasury and specialised finance are also offered by banks.The banking sector is now increasingly integrating CSR as a management strategy. External social activities are carried out to benefit the wider social community. The banking sector tops the list with a percentage of 1.2 per cent of profits before tax. For example, the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), the leading bank in Mauritius, has promised 1 per cent of its profits before tax (460,000) for social supports this year and Barclays Bank (Mauritius) has dedicated Rs 400,000 for the fight against AIDS.While the State Bank of Mauritius launched scholarships to help the brilliant but needy students of the Gandhian Basic School, the Barclays Bank has adopted the fight against diabetes as its flagship cause. Thus it can be seen that corporate social responsibility is very much present in the banking institutions of Mauritius. There is a belief that the growing of businesses and development of stakeholders must go together. Consequently, more and more companies are participating actively in corporate social responsibility.2.2 A Profile of HSBC Bank Mauritius LimitedHSBC Bank (Mauritius) Limited is part of an international banking and financial services organisation with a web of some 9,500 offices in 86 jurisdictions. (MBA Profile of Banks, 2010)The history of the HSBC Group in Mauritius can be mapped out from 1859, when the Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and chinaware (the predecessor of the Mercantile Bank Ltd) established a branch in Port-Louis. It started with community investment back then with the financing of one well-known project that was the construction of the Port Louis to Curepipe railway network, in 1864.In 1865, a decision was made to close the branch. The bank was represen ted by the Blyth Brothers and Co Ltd for the next half century. In 1892, the Chartered Mercantile Bank was renamed as The Mercantile Bank of India Limited and in 1916, it came back to Mauritius through the acquisition of not only the then Bank of Mauritius, which was previously a commercial bank but also its historic building in Place dArmes.Mercantile Bank conducted business from its main office at Place dArmes continuously. In 1959, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited purchased the Mercantile Bank and in 1983, the name of the Groups operations in Mauritius was changed from the Mercantile Bank Ltd to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.In 1999, the international brand name HSBC was launched. Finally in 2002, HSBC started on a campaign to distinguish its brand from those of its opponents by describing the eccentric characteristics that make out HSBC, abridged by the words The worlds local bank.2.2.1 MissionTo be the worlds leading financial servi ces company. We want to be the first choice for our customers and for our employees. If HSBC can be the best place to bank and the best place to work, we will have built a sustainable business that will deliver for the long term for customers, colleagues, shareholders and society at large.2.3 Corporate Social Responsibility at HSBC Bank Mauritius LimitedAt the HSBC, there is a culture to manage business in a responsible and sensitive manner. There is a belief to have a duty towards customers, investors and employees to promote an ethical, responsible and sustainable corporate philosophy.The social initiatives undertaken by the HSBC are channeled into different levels, that isInvesting in communitiesWorking togetherProtecting the environmentSustainable finance2.3.1 INVESTING IN COMMUNITIESThe HSBC aims to make a positive impact in all communities it operates. The community investment at the HSBC is mainly focused on two pillars which are education and environment.The educational supp ort focuses on disadvantaged children such as orphaned children of the SOS Childrens Villages, on environmental and business literacy and environmental education and understanding.The HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative was initiated in standoff with the Foundation for Environmental Education. The intention of the programme is to encourage action on climate change by improving schools environmental good organization.2.3.2 WORKING unitedlyEmployeesAt the HSBC, employees are believed to be their greatest asset. There is a perception to look harder so as to understand things more deeply. Staffs are driven by the belief that they can form a better future. Their priority is to exceed customer expectation. There is neither labeling nor discrimination and customers are rewarded for their commitment.Promoting DevelopmentThe HSBC aims at promoting development of its employees not only through e-learning courses easily available both at home and at work but also through exchanges and overse as assignments. act to employees well-beingHSBC employees have access to its gym to promote rock-loving living. Also available is an internal library with a collection of books on well being, yoga, healthy living and stress relief. The aim of the organization of the Health Week is to create awareness on the prevention of non-communicable diseases and to contribute by donating blood.CustomersCustomers are treated jolly and with respect. Despite being strict, the lending criteria take into consideration the customers ability to repay the loan. There is adherence to the MBA Code of Banking Practice. To maintain awareness about customer views, customer surveys are carried out.SuppliersSuppliers are required to abide by HSBCs policies and respect rights of employees. In case, after developing a plan to put a worry at rest, suppliers fail to improve, the HSBC stops working with them.2.3.3 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENTThe HSBC is very committed to the environment. In 2005, it became the worl ds first carbon neutral bank. It is trying to optimize operations through environmental management systems.Water Saving CampaignIn 2008, the HSBC teamed up with the Central Water Authority to launch a water saving campaign. It aimed to sensitizing the population about the scarcity of water and finding easy ways of saving water. Activities were organized internally, through the theme of Be Part of the Solution where ply got the opportunity to visit the Meteorological Station of Vacoas and externally, through billboards, daily radio advertisements and tips in local newspapers and distribution of 12000 educational leaflets.Sustainability of Office Infrastructure and Internet Banking all told in one device are being used to save energy. Consequently, there is a cutback in amount of equipment, consumption of electricity, toner cartridges and paper and maintenance cost. by the use of internet banking, the HSBC is trying to provide its customers with their banking needs while at the same time trying to reduce printing outcomes.2.3.4 SUSTAINABLE FINANCE by dint of sustainable finance, the HSBC is trying to incorporate the environmental criterion in its lending policies. Consequently, the organization will be able to assist its clients in building environmentally sustainable busin

Influence Of Gambling Activities In College Students Psychology Essay

Influence Of Gambling Activities In College Students Psychology EssayMy previous experience and mirthful pas condemnation in this subject motivated me to select Essence of manoeuvre and influence of maneuver activities in college schoolchilds as a topic for my literature come off. I had been enigmaatic essayr for two years (gaming peers promoted tendencies to gamble) at first I started it as a means of recreation, tho as a result it became major(ip) activity for me. I was spending great deal of fourth dimension and money on it, without taking c be of family budget or clubby life and it initiated legitimate financial crisis and nervousness for me. But today, I am non gaming at all I broke a deadlock, after loosing big middle of money, so I would like to scientifically realize the process of starting and terminating drama by me. On the more or less other hand, in Georgia sports betting (book begetrs) and casino games are primary maneuver activities, not only adults, but teenagers as well are frequent users of these venues and I consider manoeuvre as a abundant national line of work. Increasing number of playing period venues (for instance my native city Batumi looks like a big casino) and promotion of gaming directed at students makes problem even more(prenominal) severe and large-scale. There had been hot debates around this topic, should gambol be declared flagitious? Should it be removed from urban centers? Or just prioritized as a profitable industry which is one of the main sources of taxation revenue? I want to assess where we are, acknowledge tyrannical and prejudicial sides of childs play, make judg workforcets and as a voter support conventional wisdom.Why look intoers even bother to tackle this topic? Because current knowledges in the world and mainly in USA makes lots of things around turn challenging to investigate, analyze and conclude. On one hand in that location is profitable industry, which contributes a lot to taxation revenue, economic growth and development of services in urban centers, on the other hand negative consequences it yields to society, like emotional distress, personal bankruptcy, psychological trauma, so it is interest for researchers weather benefits cover those disadvantages or not. And why college students? Because studies of other peril deportments piss reinforced the opinion, that college students are at in high spirits risk for childs play ( LaBrie A. Richard Shaffer J. Howard LaPlante A. Debi Wechsler Henry (2001) Correlates of college student gambling in the United States). Researchers examine different stages of gambling, when it becomes denigrative, what are motivesAnd which individuals are more inclined to gamble to deathOn the whole, the increase in the prevalence of gambling has stimulated a considerable body of research. (Platz Laurie and Murray Millar (1998) Gambling in the context of other recreation activity A quantitative comparison of cursory a nd ghoulish student gamblers.)As a prospective economist first I critiqueed term by Koo Jun et al Rolling the dice? Casinos, Tax revenues and the affectionate cost of gaming, (Journal of urban affairs. Volume 29, number 4.) Do the benefits from increased taxes and job opportunities associated with gambling outweigh those personal and cordial costs resulted from increased number of devoted gamblers? So three main issue worked out in this research are 1)tax revenues and economic growth supported by these funds, 2) jobs at the casinos and improved everyday service, 3)possible social consequences. Wagering tax governs varies between 8.5 and 45.5% in US (Nevada, New JerseyIllinois) and as a percent of tax revenue it is between 3.4 and 27.8% (IllinoisNevada), in Detroit casinos are sixth largest employer (Source Indiana Gaming Commission, 2006) rigid evidence to agree that this industry is special for states economic stability. Research too focused on social costs do casinos ind uce high levels of social problems? Is there a link between casinos and socially destructive behaviors like unemployment, bankruptcy fillings and abomination rate? Direction of causality must be checked. hold tried to answer these questions by analyzing throws in Michigan, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio in Ohio casino-style gaming is forbidden while in others not, so researchers compared outcomes relative to social problems. Quasi experiment was carried out, unemployment rates of casino and non-casino countries in Michigan between 1991 and 2003 were compared and result was that although there was a slight moderate in the unemployment rate gap, the opening of casinos did not of importly change overall levels. Similar patterns are observed in terms of bankruptcy rates and crime levels, presence of casinos had no observable incremental effect, macro factors seem to play much signifi wadt role (Koo Jun et al, 2007).This research likewise used regression models, designed to control di fferences in initial conditions between casino and non-casino counties and separate the effects of casinos on the social cost variables crime rate, personal bankruptcy rate and unemployment, results showed that there might be some casino effects but they are un fundamental (Koo Jun et al, 2007). We can conclude this research that gambling does not have significant and catastrophic effects on socially destructive behavior, even recognizing direct connection between them is difficult, so there is no reason to declare it improper and sacrifice financial benefits of it.Now the essence of gambling must be studied. Gambling normal adolescent activity or pathologic addiction? precis by Selekman Janice 2008, explains essence of gaming. Gambling sometimes referred as Gaming, is defined as the practice of playing games of chance or betting in the hope of taking money or something of value, it involves risk and uncertainty (Verbeke and Kittrick-Nathan,2007) near adolescent gamblers are con sidered as recreational, who gamble for the purposes of entertainment, but of the 80% gamblers 10-15% are at risk of development of a gambling problem and 3-8% are considered to be problem or pathological gamblers (Derevensky and Gupta, 2007) in adult population only 1.5% are problematic gamblers (Labrie and Shaffer). The normal age for starting gambling is 11-13 years, when small amounts of money are readily accessible, when local environment accepts such behavior and rules of the game are understandable to a child and he/she plays to win money, gain status and respect among friends, escape stress, relieve boredom. While gambling they feel more control of the situation, more license and self reliability (Jacobs, 2004) But at some phase recreational gambling becomes problematic, impulse-control disorders take place and can be characterized by following criteria suggested by the Diagnostic and Statistical ManualPreoccupied with gambling.Needs to gamble with change magnitude amount s of money.Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, stop gambling.Is restless or irritable.Gambles as a course of escaping from problems or of relieving a dystrophic mood.Chases ones loses.Lies to c erstwhileal the extent of involvement in gambling in gamblingHas committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theftHas jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or career opportunity because of gambling.Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation.(American psychiatric Association, 2000)Pathological gamblers are at increased risk for use of inebriant and drugs, they have symptoms of anxiety and depression, sudden change in mood and school performance, they interchange expensive possessions and are unable to count for money (Griffiths and Wood, 2005).It is worthwhile now to scrutinize problem gambling and harbingerion of gambling behavior in more details. Abstract The prediction of gambling behavior and problem gambling from attitudes a nd perceived norms by Susan M, Moore is useful in this sense. In the study by Moore the aim was to trial run the Theory of Reasoned Action, central hypotheses were that attitudes and prejudiced norms would predict intentions and intention-behavior. Survey designed to whole step gambling attitudes, subjective norms, gambling intention, gambling behavior and problem gambling was completed by 215 participants (mean age 22). Results showed thatMost respondents approved of moderate gambling and hold that some gambling should be legal, but they were against too much gambling and endorsed to set limits on gambling opportunities. Realizing figure 2 we find out that family and friends have a great impact on gamblers, and gamblers are often encircled by gaming friends and family members, and disapproval of their behavior comes from family members not from friends (Moore M. Susan Ohtsuka Keis 1999)As frequency of gambling behavior in the sample shows very few of the sample regularly engag ed in any type of gambling, but at a low level there has been widespread engagement in gambling. Survey withal showed that not all gamblers, that game more frequently than they intend, are problematic, so correlation between gambling frequency and problem gambling was, moderately high but not corresponding(Moore M. Susan Ohtsuka Keis)And finally with table five, there is expressed gambling intention, frequency and problem as case-by-case variables and potential predictors are sex, age, attitudes to gambling, subjective norms, intention to gamble. Regression analyses showed intention to gamble was significantly predicted by attitudes and subjective norms more positive attitudes greater intention to gamble. Also manlys, people with sacrosanct intentions and positive subjective norms are more believably to engage in this activity.(Moore M. Susan Ohtsuka Keis, Social behavior and constitution, 1999)Gambling behavior and problem gambling is partly predicted and influenced by indep endent factors, but is it stable or characterized by progress? It was helpful for me to answer these questions by contemplating longitudinal studies reviewed by Debi A. Laplant et al in the abstract named Stability and progression of disordered gambling lessons from longitudinal studies. Stability tendency for individuals to stay at one diagnostic level opposed to moving to another improved or worsened level (Laplante A Debi et al 2008). this review found out that in contrary to conventional wisdom individuals can recover from disordered gambling (contrary to persistence assumption), like the other one that holds that individuals who have gambling problems are not more presumable to worsen than individuals without gambling problems (contrary to progression assumption), so this review demonstrates that disordered gambling is unstable and not persistent, that means that professional and conventional wisdom about problem gambling have no empirical support. This review by Laplante A Debi was based on 5 peer reviewed articles (Abbott et al, Defuentes-Merillas et al, Shaffeer and Hall, Slutske et al, and Winters et al) which used various time points, populations and measures of problem gamblingIn the above figure level 0-1 represents no gambling or gambling without problems, level 2 subclinical gambling problems, level 3 gambling problems. Then were developed cross tabs assortment of gambling courses improving decreased number of gambling problems worsening increased number of gambling problems stable consistent gambling problems across all time points (there were different time points and large time span) and variable fluctuation of gamblingproblems without consistent direction.As this figure shows level 3 or problem gamblers who bring down their level of severity exceeded the studies corresponding margin of error, in each study proportion of level 3 gamblers improving was greater than zero. Results are similar for Level 2 gamblers, who reduced level of severity and their number exceeded corresponding margin of error. Improving was greater than zero. (Table2, Debi A. Laplante et al) it confirms that gambling behavior is not persistent, as problem gamblers distinguish tendencies of improving in each study. We can conclude that these longitudinal studies with short-term and long-term periods indicate that while healthy gambling behavior appears to be stable, individuals with gambling problems experience movement from different levels of severity of gambling disorder to other more or less severe levels.Now as we have cover main issues, structure and characteristics of gambling we should pay more attention to segment of population which is frequently involved in gambling and pathological gambling yields black consequences for them. As a bottom line we can use article by Emily M. Verbeke and Karin Dittrick-Nathan-Student gambling. Gambling is an addictive behavior that is often hidden but erodes students feeling of life it has increa sed significantly among adolescents, who have grown up in a society where it is legal and widely accepted.(Emily M. Verbeke) As article points out problem or compulsive gambling is characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability, increasing bets to make up previous tone endinges and loss of control over gambling activity. Result of problem gambling can be low grades absenteeism, worthless concentration (Emily M. Verbeke) (Then we will discuss this in more details). Although regulations forbid anyone under 18 to play, illegal gambling takes place out of controlled areas. There are several(prenominal) reasons why adolescents gamble for recreation, to socialize, to win money, to experience thrill, to relieve depression or simply to escape from problems at home or university.Youths who have certain personality characteristics, such as extreme impulsivity, extroversion, sensation-seeking behaviors or low se lf-esteem may be at higher risk of developing a gambling problem and they have higher rates of depression and suicide attempts. Prevention and intervention activities must me carried out by teachers, mental health professionals, coaches, parents to communicate to students about negative effects of gambling and change a positive attitude towards gaming as a harmless behavior (Emily M. Verbeke).College students gambling behavior when does it become harmful? by Jeremiah Weinstock et al is another useful abstract which gives us beneficial knowledge about student gambling. 159 college students were interviewed, who in addition completed demographic questionnaire. Patterns of gambling behavior associated with pathological gambling gambling more than 1.2 times per month, gambling more than 2.1 hours per month, intending to wager more than 6.1% of monthly income and wagering more than 10.5% of monthly income. Pathological gambling was also associated with the combination of psychological distress, gambling frequency and a history of parental gambling problems (Jeremiah Weinstock). Pathological student gamblers report poorer academic performance and greater risk taking, like alcohol consumption, nicotine use, illicit drug use and unprotected sex, than recreational or non-gamblers (Weinstock et al). Also Weinstock et al found that 50% of students who gambled at least once a month experienced problems tie in to their gambling. In this study 160 students were participating, 18 years or older, the sample was diverse in both demographic characteristics and gambling behavior. Study showed that the most common gambling activities were cards (58.3%), slots (48.1%), sports betting (33.1%) and games of skill (26.3%). Questionnaire filled in by participants asked for GPA, monthly income, ethnicity, sex, marital status and age, also whether their parents gambled or not. Questionnaire also included other behavioral variables like Gambling frequency, duration, Gambling Plan Adhe rence index and episodes when amount risked exceeded amount intended to risk.On the basis of diagnostic interview participants were classified as pathological or non-pathological gamblers. As shown in table 1, pathological gamblers are significantly more likely to report a parent with a gambling problem history, a lower GPA, greater psychological distress than were non-pathological gamblers.This numbers identify several beardown(prenominal) behavioral indicators, highlighting a behavior associated with pathological gambling risking more than 10% of monthly income, gambling more than once a month and gambling more than 2 hours per month were related to pathological gambling status in college students. As study showed demographic variables play small role in pathological gambling status, behavioral and psychological variables are more influential and such behavioral indicators can be utilized to assess, prevent and intervene in problematic gambling behavior in college students.Pathol ogical gambling among students is further analyzed by Randy Stinchfield in the article bother and pathological gambling among college students. Article is divided into four sections, overview of problem and pathological gambling, risk and protective factors associated with student gambling, problem gambling screening and assessment instruments, prevention and intervention approaches. Problem gambling individuals life is disrupted by gambling, gambling takes precedence over other activities and individual experiences adverse consequences. Pathological gambling is a psychiatric diagnosis (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-American psychiatric association). Three cardinal signs of pathological gambling are preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money with which to gamble, loss of control of ones gambling and continuation of gambling despite negative consequences such as losing large sums of money. Experimenting with gambling, regular gambling, excessive gambli ng are types of student gambling. Many college student gambles, but only small percentage becomes problem gamblers (Winters, Bengston, Dorr 1998). Rates of gambling and problem gambling remained stable over time, but there was a shift from illegal games to legalized games (Winters 1995). How many college students are problem gamblers? 9.3% of men and 2.4% of women(Shaffer, Hall 1997 SOGS),other study 4.9%men 1%women(Winters, Bengston, Dorr 1998) another study 8.5%men, 1.9% women (Engwall, Hunter, Steinberg 2004). What about risk and protective factors associated with gambling? forth of all possible risks, most salient is substance use, abuse, dependence. The link between alcohol, illicit drug, and tobacco use and gambling and problem gambling are strong (Clark, 2003 Engwall 2004). Heavy alcohol use was highly predictive of problem gambling, particularly size of bets made while gambling, unanticipated withdrawal of extra money at the casino and loss of more money than could be aff orded (Giacopassi 1998). In terms of gender, males are more involved in gambling that women (Kveitel and Allen, 1998) males also have higher rate of problem gambling than females (Ladoucer 1994). Ethnicity, like gender is another salient risk factor, studies have shown that African-Americans and Asian-Americans tend to gamble more then European-Americans. Other most-valuable risk factors can also be listed students overall level of gambling activity, general gambling veracity, tendency to minimize losses, general academic performance, typical unoccupied or extracurricular activities and parental or guardian history of gambling(Randy Stinchfield 2006). Now briefly discuss about pathological gambling assessment instruments.Most commonly is used the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), the content of SOGS includes items that inquire about spending more time or money on gambling than intended, hiding evidence of ones gambling, arguing with family members about ones gambling borrowing mo ney. The twenty item SOGS is scored by summing the number of items endorsed, a cut score of 5 or more indicates PPG. Second item is the Gambling Behavior Interview (GBI) 76 item instrument designed to measure signs and symptoms of problem gambling. GBI is made up of octet content domains Gambling attitudes, Gambling frequency of different games, Time and money spent gambling, gambling frequency at different venues, SOGS, DSM diagnostic criteria, Research diagnostic items and demographics.(National Collegiate Association, 2004).At the end of this article are recommendations for practitioners at colleges and universitiesMonitor student gambling behavior, extent of gambling, illegal gambling and problem gambling.Develop student policies for gambling that emphasize rehabilitation not punishment.Conduct research into the cause, development, maintenance and cessation of problem gambling, with an emphasis on risk and protective factors.Develop and guess prevention programs and messages designed for students.Provide treatment services for students who have already developed a gambling problem. (Randy Stinfield, William Hanson, Douglas Olson, 2006).Correlates of college student gambling are worthwhile to analyze. Article named Correlates of college student gambling in the United States by Richard A. LAbrie et al gives some profitable information about it. Primary research questions which were answered Will a nationwide representative evaluate of gambling among college students confirm the concept that college students are at high risk for gambling problems? And will the problem behaviors and the risk factors conform to those of alcohol abuse and thereby support the persistence of a problem behavior syndrome (Richard A Labrie). Research used 2001 CAS self-administered questionnaire, which repeated standard questions used in 1993, 1997, 1999 surveys. The survey questionnaire asked, during the past school year, how often did you bet or spend money on each of the foll owing gambling activities bet on professional sports, bet on college sports, Betting on horse or dog racing, Casino gambling, Betting on the drawing or the numbers, Internet betting or gambling, Betting with a bookie, Playing cards, dice, or other games of chance.The 2001 CAS collected data from 120 colleges, 10765 students, to improve the representativeness of the sample data were weighted to the gender, age and race/ethnicity distribution at the schools. Approximately 52% of men and 33% of women reported that they gambled, the most popular type of gambling was playing the lottery (25%), 30% reported casino gambling, 13% gambling with playing cards and dice. Gambling venues for men lottery, playing cards, betting on sports, skill games and casino gambling, women preferred lottery, casinos, slot machines, bingo, and playing cards. Men are about 4 times more likely than women to have bet on sports and played games of skill for money, 3 times more likely to have bet on animals and t wice as likely to have gambled in the stock market and played dice games (Douglas Engwall 2000). Of the students who gambled, 45% participated in only 1 type of gambling activity, the majority of student gamblers restricted their gambling to 1or 2 types (Richard A Labrie 2001). Students also answered questions about time spent on various activities in the past 30 days, these questions provided with an opportunity to evaluate the demographic and other factors that distinguished students who gambled from those who did not. Results showed that three demographic variables significantly predicted college student gambling for the total sample. Being male was the strongest demographic predictor of being a gambler, followed by being older than 20 years, and finally by having parents who had not completed the 4 year college. For men but not women, being white was a significant predictor of being a gambler, for women but not men having never been married was also significant predictor (Richar d A Labrie 2001). Other covariates those students whose families did not disapprove of drinking were more likely to gamble. Students who gamble intensely consider parties to be very important and religion and art less important. Male gamblers consider athletics to be very important. Men who lived in fraternity houses were more likely to be gamblers having a grade average less than a B+ was more common among gamblers and also having 5 or more close friends was one of the predictors. Alcohol related behavior were the strongest risk correlates of gambling. Use of marijuana and illicit drugs also predicted gambling. Students of both sexes were more likely to be gamblers if they watched a great deal of television, spent time on a computer for non-academic reasons, studied less than 3 hours a day (Richard A Labrie 2001)The results of this nationally representative survey of gambling among college students do not indicate that students are at high risk for gambling problems, fewer college students in the 2001 CAS gambled in the last school year than adults in the last year. The CAS also found that 2.6% of students gambled frequently. Although findings reported in this article do not indicate a large national gambling problem among students, promotion of gambling could change a current situation.As we noted several times, intensive alcohol usage is most significant predictor of gambling behavior, so decision of choosing article The co-occurrence of alcohol use and gambling activities in first-year college students by Matthew P. Martens. Study written in this article was participated by 908 first-year college students, who were surveyed in 2005 research showed that alcohol use and alcohol-related risks were related to gambling frequency and peak gambling loss. National studies have indicated that approximately 40% of US students engaged in glum episodic drinking, with men consuming more alcohol than women. In this study Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT ) was used as a measure of alcohol use. AUDIT is a 10-item measure designed to assess alcohol consumption, dependence symptoms and alcohol related risks and problems. To assess gambling behaviors, participants completed a 7-item inventory, these items were taken from the South Oaks Gambling Screen, six items assessed gambling activities playing cards for money, betting on horses or sports betting, playing slot machines, playing casino games, playing the lottery and playing a game of skill. The mean AUDIT score among participants was 8.61, men reported higher total scores than women (Matthew P. Martens 2005), results also showed that most played gambling activity was lottery games(55%) followed by playing cards for money(44%) and games of skill(26%), men reported gambling more frequently and having a greater peak gambling loss than did women.Goal of this study was to examine the co-occurrence of alcohol use and gambling. Table 2 shows the correlation between AUDIT scores and gamblin g variables, correlation between AUDIT and gambling frequency was 0.29 indicating the co-occurrence. By assessing differences in gambling behaviors between high-risk drinkers, low risk drinkers and abstainers, analysis of results indicated that high-risk drinkers gambled significantly more often than did others and had higher peak gambling loss. The finding of this study was that alcohol-related variables (use, dependence and alcohol related risks) and gambling frequency and peak gambling loss co-occurred in a group of studentsConsuming large amounts of alcohol may make it more likely that a student chooses to gamble or it could negatively affect a students gambling-related decision. Similarly students may drink more heavily when they are engaged in gambling activity. (Matthew P. Martens et al, journal of American college health 2005).As we noticed lotteries are most common form of gambling and they are readily available to students, so next article is Predictors of lottery gambling among American college students by Beverly A. physiognomy and Daniel J. Brown. In this study gambling behavior of 288 American college students was examined and it was found that student lottery gambling was related to having parents and friends who were lottery gamblers. Students who were frequent lottery gamblers were more likely to participate in other forms of gambling. Discriminator analyses using parental gambling, peer gambling, games played, sex and locus of control could predict frequency of lottery playing for 72% of gamblers and non-gamblers. A small body of research that addressed the relationships between gambling and personality (Reviewed by Kusyszyn, 1984) indicated that college students who gambled on lotteries were similar to non-gamblers in characteristics such as intelligence, hypochondriac tendencies and extroversion, male college students who gambled were found to be more secure, masculine and happy but less socially responsible. People who believe in luck ma y be more likely to gamble. The personality trait of locus of control has been linked to believing in chance rather than individual control over ones percentage (Rotter, 1966 Rotter, 1972). The sample of this research consisted of 288 students, as attitudes toward gambling might vary with nationality the sample was restricted to persons from the USA. The respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire that asked about gambling practices and the gambling of parents and friends. Results showed that almost 80% of the sample had purchased lottery tickets at one time or another only 2% reported that they were frequent lottery players and 63% as free-and-easy players. The average age of subjects when they bought their first ticket was 17.7 years, 31% of students reported that they had played lottery illegally before the age of 18. Responses also showed that 61% of college students played the kindred frequency as they did before they came to college, so college environment is no t motivator of gambling. Study used discriminator analyses to determine how well a combination of variables would predict lottery playing behavior. The analyses indicated that the combination of other gambling, parental gambling, peer gambling, sex, and locus of control could predict gambling status.Most predictive variables were engaging in other gambling, parental gambling, and peer gambling. Gaming peers may promote tendencies to gamble nevertheless other influences (time, money, knowledge) may constrain those tendencies.Review gave me a great deal of information around gambling to make conclusions, researches indicated legal gambling is not directly connected to unemployment growth, crime rate or personal bankruptcy, it is not significant influencer, so if we consider those benefits expressed in huge taxation revenues, developed services, and employment in casinos, we can find legal gambling acceptable and sometimes obligatory too. Those funds received from taxation will stimul ate economic growth and result in greater GDP. On the other hand, it is persons legal right to gamble, if he is above 18 years and has desire, so it would be less than democratic to abolish gaming as a purpose of evading excessive or pathological gambling. I perfectly realize negative effects and bad sides of gambling, mainly influencing adolescents and problem gamblers, as excessive gambling frequently results in disruption of private life, psychological distress, big debts, failures at jobs, universities and in relationships with relatives so population must be intercommunicate about it timely, and then people will make informed choice to gamble or not. Restrictions in age must be controlled strictly juveniles under 18 years must not be allowed to gamble at all, not only in casinos but anywhere. It means that illegal gambling must be eliminated, also in schools and universities have to be conducted supervise of student gambling behavior, prevention programs must be developed and policies should emphasize not punishment of those who became problem gamblers but rehabilitation. By looking at predictors of gambling behavior profile of prospective problem gambler can be created, people who fit this profile noticed and eliminate threat until it becomes dangerous. In some dimensions gambling has negative effects on society as a whole(social distress) so there is one view and I agree with it that gambling ventures can be removed

The Book Of Judges :: essays research papers

The book of Judges is the sequel to Joshua. It is the seventh book of the Old Testament. It recounts stories and events from the death of the hebrew attractor and prophet Joshua to the birth of the hebrew Samuel. That is roughly, from the end of the Israelite conquest of Canan in the 13th Century B.C to the begining of the monarchy in the 11 th century B.C. It tells about the hebrews from Joshuas finale to the time of Samuel. It was written in about 550 BC, on tablets named the Ras Shamra tablets. The Ras Shamra tablets where later discovered in the early 20th Century, even though the stories and acountings of the judge where already known and written. The book of Judges belongs to a specific historical tradition which is called the Deuteronomic history. The author of the book of Judges, was in exile in Babylonia. While in exile he was deeply concerned with foreign domination. So he wrote many of his stories on the migration of the tribe of Dan to the North and the sins of the Ben jamites. The author emphasized that Israel was being influenced by foreign powers and the loss of freedom and prosperity. Recurring throughout the book is the stereotyped formula "The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the lord." Then after from each one period or subjection the author introduces another formula " But when the people of Israel cried the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people. Through-out the book, the book of resolve tells about prophets, swayers and influencial people such as Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tilian and Samson. There are also many more minor people. The name of the book is very deceptive, because there werent any judges at all, nor any judges notified of this book been written. The word Judges was actually a translation for the hebrew word "Shofet" which signifies a ruler or a great military ruler, which through out the book, influencial people such as Samson and or even Joshua are described as the Judges. The book of judges is supprisingly part of the book of prophets, because many prophets are mentioned and reported apon.

Managing Global Human Resources Essay examples -- Global Business Mana

The environment in which business competes is rapidly becoming globalized. More and more companies are entering international markets by exporting their products overseas, construction plants in other countries, and entering into alliances with foreign companies. Global competition is driving changes in organizations throughout the world. Companies are attempting to gain a competitive advantage, which can be provided by international expansion. Deciding whether to enter foreign markets and whether to develop plants or other facilities in other countries is no simple matter and more kind-hearted resource issues surface. (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, and Wright 534)Doing business globally requires that adaptations be made to reflect cultural and other factors that differ from country to country and from continent to continent. The nature and stability of political systems vary in character and stability, with contracts suddenly becoming unenforceable because of internal political factor s. humane resource regulations and laws vary among countries in character and detail. In many countries in Western Europe, laws on labor unions and date make it difficult to reduce the number of workers because required payments to ex-employees can be very high. Equal employment legislation exists to varying degrees. In some countries, laws address issues such as employment discrimination and sexual harassment. Cultural forces represent another important business organisation affecting international human resource management. Culture is composed of the societal forces affecting the values, beliefs, and actions of a distinct group of people. (Mathis & Jackson, 171) Cultural differences certainly exist in the midst of nations, but also between countries. Getting individuals from different ethic or tribal backgrounds to work together may be very difficult in some parts of the world. Culture is important to human resources for two reasons. It determines the other factors ? political -legal, economic, and education-human capital factors. Culture affects human capital, because if education is greatly valued by culture, past members of the community try to increase their human capital. (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, and Wright 537) Economic conditions vary also from country to country. Many lesser-developed nations are receptive to foreign investment in hallow to create jobs for their growing populations. In man... ...en employers deal with the union they are dealing indirectly with the government. There is a greater tendency in Europe for stipendiary employees to be unionized. The global expansion of IHRIM is in direct support of IHRIM?s mission statement?To be, internationally, the leading association enabling customers to achieve strategic quarry through the integration of information technology and human resource management.? (IHRIN, 05-29-2000)Works CitedCherrington, David J., Laura Zaugg Middleton. An Introduction To Global Business Issues. http//www.elibra ry.com HR Magazine. 06-01-1995Internet availablehttp//www.ihrin.org/affiliates/index.cfmMathis, Robert L., John H. Jackson. Human Resource Management. Essential Perspectives. 1st edition. South-Western College Publishing. Cincinnati, 1999.Noe, Raymond A., John R. Hollenbeck, Barry Gerhart, and Patrick M. Wright. Human Resource Management. Gaining A Competitive Advantage. 3rd edition. Irwin McGraw-Hull. Boston, 2000.Sherman, Arthur, George Bohlander, and Scott Snell. Managing Human Resources. 11th edition. South-Western College Publishing. Cincinnati, 1998.

gatdream F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby - Seeking the Unattain

keen Gatsby - Seeking the Unattainable Dream   What is the American Dream? America has evolved from an infant, struggling, nation to become a world power through its remarkable economic growth. impelled by the tenets of independence, self reliance, and freedom, Americans have had the opportunity to pursue economic success. To many, this is the American Dream to have freedom and the opportunity to pursue monetary freedom. To others, such as Gatsby, Walter, and Jake, the American dream is comfort. They be driven by their dreams, seeking what they believe will make them happy. Gatsby and Jake seek gratification through recognize while Walter seeks happiness through property. The belief that bliss, utopia, and tranquility argon within their grasps drives these characters. Yet the mere fact that their dreams atomic number 18 unattainable makes them flawed. Without dreams, Gatsby, Walter, and Jake lose their sense of exercise in life. and so the pursuit of the American dream is a paradox. Achieving it is impossible, but without it, life will lose its purpose. Gatsby, Walter, and Jake are examples of the American dream because the love and happiness they seek are impossible to obtain.   The birth of the desire for the happiness and love of the American dream in Gatsby occurred when he met a man named Dan Cody. After his offense with college, Gatsby sought a new life. He found the promise of his fame and fortune in Dan Codys yacht. To young Gatz, resting on his oars and looking up at the railed deck, that yacht equal all the dish and glamour in the world (Fitzgerald 106). As soon as he borrowed the row boat that transported him to the yacht, Gatsby was no longer James Gatz, he had became Gatsby, inst... ... education and money do not necessarily lead to happiness. But excited monetary pursuit, Fitzgerald shows, goes hand in hand with personal anxiety down the stairs the strain of competition, cordial life has become a medium of unease (Fitter 8). The students of Mission should follow Walters example and effect that their dream is oversimplified and flawed. They need to mature and realize that there are many pitfalls and problems that are created by money, and that they can find happiness through other things besides money such as family, religion, and love. Gatsby, Walter, and Jake are a representation of the American dream because the love and happiness they seek is impossible to obtain. Despite the impossibility, human beings need a dream in rank to have a purpose in life. Without dreams life will become aimless, drying up like a raisin in the sun.   gatdream F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby - Seeking the Unattain Great Gatsby - Seeking the Unattainable Dream   What is the American Dream? America has evolved from an infant, struggling, nation to become a world power through its unprecedented economic growth. Driven by the tenets of independence, self reliance, and freedom, Americans have had the opportunity to pursue economic success. To many, this is the American Dream to have freedom and the opportunity to pursue financial freedom. To others, such as Gatsby, Walter, and Jake, the American dream is happiness. They are driven by their dreams, seeking what they believe will make them happy. Gatsby and Jake seek happiness through love while Walter seeks happiness through money. The belief that bliss, utopia, and tranquility are within their grasps drives these characters. Yet the mere fact that their dreams are unattainable makes them flawed. Without dreams, Gatsby, Walter, and Jake lose their sense of purpose in life. Thus the pursuit of the American dream is a paradox. Achieving it is impossible, but without it, life will lose its purpose. Gatsby, Walter, and Jake are representations of the American dream because the love and happiness they seek are impossible to obtain.   The birth of the desire for the ha ppiness and love of the American dream in Gatsby occurred when he met a man named Dan Cody. After his disgust with college, Gatsby sought a new life. He found the promise of his fame and fortune in Dan Codys yacht. To young Gatz, resting on his oars and looking up at the railed deck, that yacht represented all the beauty and glamour in the world (Fitzgerald 106). As soon as he borrowed the row boat that transported him to the yacht, Gatsby was no longer James Gatz, he had became Gatsby, inst... ... education and money do not necessarily lead to happiness. But excited monetary pursuit, Fitzgerald shows, goes hand in hand with personal anxiety under the strain of competition, social life has become a medium of unease (Fitter 8). The students of Mission should follow Walters example and realize that their dream is oversimplified and flawed. They need to mature and realize that there are many pitfalls and problems that are created by money, and that they can find happiness through other things besides money such as family, religion, and love. Gatsby, Walter, and Jake are a representation of the American dream because the love and happiness they seek is impossible to obtain. Despite the impossibility, human beings need a dream in order to have a purpose in life. Without dreams life will become aimless, drying up like a raisin in the sun.