Thinking Book Review Essay Example for Free

Thinking Book Review Essay Book Review:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chapter speaks about personal barriers and the system of enculturation. Enculturation meaning the way we were raised up by our families, the culture, work and religion affecting us through the way we see things. Importantly, are the factors of acceptance in society and following those norms through your lifestyle.   The things you eat, drink, religious beliefs, violence and discrimination are all generated by enculturation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When people step aside from the conditions of enculturation, they become more aware of the teachings and the ideas of others. It creates a theme of having an open mind and of better understanding. If the individual would step aside from some of the things brought down by family and the environment it would disregard many of the misconceptions being spread and taught. If those who are unable to resist the process of enculturation tend to be fanatics instead of thinking things objectively on different social and ethical concerns. Critical Review:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall, the chapter allows one to reflect upon ourselves to see how culture, environment, and family affect us in many different ways. From the ideology to the way we treat people, we see others who think different than us as ignorant or blind but in actuality it is us who categorize and judge others based on our beliefs. Our own egos get in the way of learning and understanding other people or from experiences we would not have if it was not because of our own ideas. In the long run, we have to rationalize and understand that different ideas and personalities are what make us unique and learn to disagree or agree without regarding your personal emotions. We ourselves placed these personal barriers that as time pasts leads us to regret and stress.

Traditional Classical Theory Verses Positivist Theory

Traditional Classical Theory Verses Positivist Theory The reason for choosing Classical versus Positivist Theory is that these two theories were the basis of argument before the Twentieth Century, and, if studied, one could understand the discrepancies of crime theories and debates when dealing with the law, psychiatrists and deterrence(Padhy, 2006).Crime theories emerge from the study of criminology(Padhy, 2006). Criminology is a sociological branch of study utilising crime statistics, psychology and law and the scientific study of human bodies to research criminal behaviour(Padhy, 2006). To understand the implications of criminal behaviour, we need to understand crime, defined when a human being breaks the law realising this varies between countries due to different cultures and values(Padhy, 2006). The law is defined by what the legislature says, thus crime is determined by what these law agencies decide(Fletcher, 1985). Historically, Beccaria and Benthan in the Eighteenth Century emerged with the Classical Tradition of Crime, focuss ing on punishment and the crime committed(Padhy, 2006). In the Nineteenth Century with scientific enlightenment, Lombroso brought a new theory to discussion focussing on the criminal(Padhy, 2006). Positivism was based on determinism contrasting with Classical Tradition based on rationality. This forgoes individual choice and holds biological and psychological predisposition responsible, giving a new consideration for judges because of a new understanding on criminal behaviour(Padhy, 2006). In discussing the nature of human beings, Classical Theorists say that individuals possess the ability to make choices(Beccaria, 1778). Human beings are able to participate in any activity not contrary to legislation, giving free choice(Beccaria, 1778). It is when humans take this right of choice and cause damage to lives and autonomy of citizens that crime is committed(Beccaria, 1778). Both theories view crime as a breach of security causing an interruption to a peaceful society(Beccaria, 1778). Classical Theorists focus on the dependant variables of crime looking at the crime itself, compared to Positivism which focuses primarily on the independent variables of the individual and what caused this act(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). The Classical School of Crime was developed for the purpose of defining criminals as rationale human beings acting to gain benefits, where legislation was aimed to increase peace and maximise welfare(Carnis, 2004). Discussing the nature of human beings within Positivism says that human behaviour is governed by laws of nature, thus crime is predetermined(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990a). It emerged during the enlightenment period in response to specific theory testing by correlations and relationships between measured variables(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Positivist Theory encompasses the idea that human behaviour is the product of causal forces over which individuals or collectivities have little control(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990 p.418). Rejecting Classical Theories, Biological Positivism focuses on empirical evidence from the study of twins, families and genetics to emphasise the biological determinants of criminology(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Eysenck forms both Biological and Psychological Positivism, where upbringing is a form of conditioning to crime to gain a conscience of what is bad or good(Eysneck, 2006). There are two kinds of character types, introvert or extrovert. Introverts are mo re set in characteristics and difficult to condition or de-condition, whereas extroverts are easily conditioned(Eysneck, 1977). Eysenck suggests that a failure of conditioning to develop a good conscience is the cause of criminal behaviour (Eysneck, 1977). Eysenck suggests that punishment followed soon after crime can re-condition these individuals away from criminal behaviours similar to Classical Theory(Eysneck, 1977). In explaining the cause of criminal behaviour, Classical Theory explains that humans pursue happiness and pleasure and want to avoid pain(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). With free will and choice comes the influence of that individuals environment where it may limit or promote criminal behaviour(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). For an individual to commit a crime they must use force and fraud to achieve self-happiness or advantage(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). In Classical Theories motivation comes from the human and is the cause of crime. Motivation is the key in defining why the perpetrator carried out the crime, and focuses on how the target made this crime accessible(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). After the development of Positivism, thoughts of rational decisions and preconceptions of Classical Theory had to be re-evaluated(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Scientists had a new outlook based on experimental methods to question previous rational schemes that dominated criminal theories before the Nineteenth Century(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). In the view of Positivism the cause of criminal behaviour lies in measured variables(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Juxtaposed to Classical Theory, for an individual to commit a crime in the eyes of Positivist Theory they must have an inherited trait(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). With Positivism, there is no acceptance of rational behaviour but crime is explained by biological and social phenomenon. This theory emphasises there is a social reason for each specific criminal act, found through research and correlations(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Characteristics or tendencies that an individual inherits can increase their susceptibility for crimi nal behaviour, thus Positivist criminologists sustain criminals are caused to behave this way(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Lombroso also described that the cause of criminal behaviours were imbedded in physical characteristics and genetic makeup(Hamlin, n.d) In explaining crime, Traditional Classical Theories claim crime is caused by human beings acting on incentives(Ehrlich, 1996). Humans follow wilful participation of criminal and unlawful acts, explained by their own choices following self-interests(Ehrlich, 1996). Consistent with Classical Theory, Rational Choice Theory which is an extension based centrally in Classical Theory explains that human actions are based on rational choice, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of the criminal act(Akers, 1990). Criminal activity is committed even with the informed notion of the consequences if one gets caught(Akers, 1990). Disadvantages may outweigh advantages with legal punishment thus the individual will decide not to commit the crime(Akers, 1990). This is where deterrence plays a major role in Classical Theory. The threat of legal and capital punishment aims to offset the advantages and reduce the motivation for crime(Akers, 1990). Deterrence for Classical Theories is aimed at pos itive punishment meaning reduced crime rates due to harsh consequences(Akers, 1990). Cesare Lombroso, the founder of Biological Positivism, used scientific methods to explain crime, forming the theory known as Lombrosian Atavism(Rafter, 2005). His theory is imbedded in atavism, explaining that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks to a primitive human advancement(Rafter, 2005). This earlier stage was focussed on savage behaviours because these had a greater advantage than personal and community skills(Rafter, 2005). He claimed that these socially unacceptable behaviours were inherited, thus individuals were doomed by their physical makeup to break the law'(Rafter, 2005, p.33). Using scientific principles to study the human body and mind, Lombroso said individuals are born as criminals(Rafter, 2005). Their genetic makeup is the explanation for crime; they have a predisposition and have been caused to act this way(Rafter, 2005). The irregularities Lombroso studied, lead him to find relationships between the criminal man and criminal tendencies(Rafter, 2005). Eysenck, s till within Positivism, suggested crime was caused by a lack of conditioning, where behaviour is misguided and guilt is not felt towards criminal behaviours(Eysenck, 1977). Comparing deterrence between the two theories, Classical Theory follows that punishment is measured by the injury that criminal inflicted on society(Beccaria, 1778). Beccaria condemned torture as punishment because it has been falsified in gaining truth, especially about accomplices(Beccaria, 1778). Beccaria believed that punishment should be explained to the criminal and the quicker the punishment after the inflicted crime, the more just and appropriate it will be because of a greater association between crime and punishment(Beccaria, 1778). The point of deterrence in Classical Criminology is to prevent offenders committing further crimes, thus they must realise the extent of their heinous activity, previously hidden behind the advantages of committing the crime(Beccaria, 1778). Within Classical Theory for persecutors or potential offenders deterrence is best given through restraint, physical or situational punishment(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Historically, punishments were in fi nancial dues to the Prince thus if convicted guilty you were in debt to the Crown(Beccaria, 1778). As Positivism is focussed on the pre-requisite explanation of crime, deterrence or correction in Positivist Theory must aim to identify those people with criminal tendencies, record what caused their behaviour and look at ways to adjust or prevent this behaviour(Lyons, 1977). Eysenck, suggested that if offenders were caught at a young age, they could be re-conditioned, and possibly taught about good behaviours and given a conscience against criminal acts(Eysneck, 1977). In Positivism, persecution is difficult because if the judge accepts genetic inheritance, where is the line drawn as to how much you are accountable for your criminal behaviours. Husted, Myers and Lui(2008) questioned the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans in a court case as to how much these can be accredited to understand the level to which the defendant can blame their genetic makeup. Classical and Positivist Theory cause practical implications when dealing with court orders. Judges in court must use their intuition with evidence to determine guilt(Padhy, 2006). Judges have often been said to move towards a more Classical approach insisting that humans choose to commit the crime because we are free willed and make our own decisions(Padhy, 2006). Courts must issue a sentence in the hope of preventing further criminal behaviour(Padhy, 2006). Classical Criminology emphasised to judges and juries that offenders must be deterred thus preventing further acts of criminality(AIC, 2009). Based on this deterrence, the sentence must be given equally with no regard to race, socioeconomic status and age(AIC, 2009). There is no excuse for genetic determinism if embracing Classical Criminology in the courts so procedures and sentences must be based on what the individual committed(AIC, 2009). This contrasts with Positivism where an individual can blame their genetic makeup. Posi tivism is embraced when dealing with psychologists or psychiatrists where they focus on the deterministic features(Padhy, 2006). They highlight the external environment and internal predispositions under involuntary control, thus blaming criminal behaviour on the lack of choices or free will that individual had(Padhy, 2006). In the late Twentieth Century, classical tradition re-emerged because it was used to explain deviant behaviour in adolescence(Padhy, 2006). There was a rise in juvenile crime and instead of focussing on Positivism the courts had reverted back to Classical and Rational Choice Theory where juvenile offenders were accountable for their crime(Padhy, 2006). After a crime the state had to promptly implement punishment in the hope of stopping this increase in juvenile deviance(Padhy, 2006). Both Classical and Positivist theories have their flaws. Deterrence theories are at the heart of Classical Theories. Sherman, Smith, Schmidt and Rogan(1992) conducted an experiment measuring the effect of punishment on subsequent offenders. They found that punishment and arrest did not reduce subsequent crime in domestic violence, and that in fact arrest increased undesirable behaviour especially in those who were single, unemployed and had low conformity levels(Sherman, Smith, Schmidt Rogan, 1992). This goes against the theory of deterrence in reducing further criminal activities. Positivism denied the main idea of Classical Theorists where the principles of crime causation werent based on free will and choice but focussed that there was a specific cause to that certain crime(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Positivism is based on empirical evidence thus the new emerging ideas including critical theory, poststructuralism and post modernism are offered as extensions or critiques of Positivism suggesting a way to understand societies of the modern world(Agger, 1991). Within Positivism, it must be understood that criminal acts are consistent with their level of predisposition to crime(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). However Hirschi Gottfredson(1990) report no evidence of this relationship but positive criminologists just conclude the type of crime committed from the empirical evidence that best explains it(Hirschi Gottfredson, 1990). Lombrosian Atavism was critiqued where teachers and textbooks showed vague appreciation of what he contributed to crime theories(Rafter, 2005). Lombrosos work was often ridiculed, being the first to study the characteristics of a born criminal(Rafter, 2005). Lombroso was critiqued for his lack of statistics, and there was speculation he didnt always use control groups(Vedder, Koenig and Clark, 1953; cited by Rafter, 2005). Lombroso was however credited as being the father of introducing scientific method and research into criminology(Rafter, 2005). Briefly commenting on practical and social implications of what has been discussed, Classical Theories allow for no blame on genetics, thus punishment is given in relation to damage caused(Beccaria, 1778). Correction rehabilitation is enforced to stop reoffending(AIC, 1999). Socially, these individuals may be excluded from society with home confinement, correctional centres and psychiatrist treatment and rejected from society because of their criminal stigma(LeBel, 2008). Practically, in Classical Tradition the State has a right to impose punishment to the perpetrator if they caused social harm(Padhy, 2006). Practical implications within Positivism, involves criminologists catching and persecuting criminals, recording their genetic characteristics ascertaining why they are different from non criminals and therefore developing the atavistic criminal(Lyons, 1977). Rehabilitation must focus on how to correct these imbedded criminal behaviours, whilst identifying future individuals with criminal tendencies and placing preventive measures into action. When a law of the state is broken, whether we approve or disapprove of it, is classified as a criminal act(Hart, 1958). Concluding, we have witnessed that Classical Theories hold no presuppositions that cause criminal behaviour, their decision is controlled and not influenced by pre events. Motivation for crime comes from the perpetrator and will show in the nature of criminal acts. Beccaria was the founder of Classical Tradition in the Eighteenth Century, but when the scientific revolution emerged, Positivism was a result of utilising scientific methods. Lombroso used biological explanations for crime, describing the characteristics or stigma of an atavistic criminal. Eysenck focused on both biological determinants for characteristic types and behaviour determinants as an explanation for crime where a lack of developed morals and conscience cause a criminal to not feel guilty. Both theories emphasise deterrence and correction to prevent further criminal behaviours.

Transnational Governance And Overseas Filipino Workers Politics Essay

Transnational Governance And Overseas Filipino Workers Politics Essay In an era of increased globalization, different countries turn to different national strategies in order to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. For many developing countries, the labor force that they possess is a significant resource that may be utilized in order to pursue economic and social growth and development within their countries. The Philippines is one of the major countries that rely heavily on its workforce for economic stability and social advancement. Indeed, the Philippine experience of Diaspora is a sad and happy story to tell. The fact is that Filipinos working outside of the country brings the bacon home-the dollars that supports the economic activities in the country. However, the Philippine government is faced with this dilemma: how do they make sure that these Filipinos outside of the country maintain their links to the country. The fact that they send money back to the Philippines is not enough. They have to make sure that these Filipinos remain connected to their homeland lest they might lose them someday. A stronger sense of identity, solidarity and nationalism will ensure that these Filipinos will participate in the affairs of the country which will then ensure continued support from them in terms of financial matters. In order to induce such participation, the government should cross borders and exert re-territorialization and extra-territorial jurisdiction efforts-the government now faces the issue of transnational governance. These integration mechanisms to induce participation from Filipinos abroad is an effort that should be carried out by the Philippine government to make sure that Filipinos abroad remain connected to their home countr y. Research Questions What difference did the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 (RA9189) made in terms of the political participation of OFWs in national and local elections in the Philippines? How does RA 9189 function as a tool of transnational governance for the Philippine government? Why is it important for the Philippine government to re-territorialize OFWs all over the world and encourage them to participate in the political processes of the country? What are the measures that the Philippine government has to take in order to secure transnational governance on OFWs all over the world? Independent Variable: RA 9189 or The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 as a tool of transnational governance for the Philippine government Dependent Variables: The transnational connection between OFWs and the Philippine government as seen through the exercise of the voting rights of OFWs and its subsequent effects on the domestic politics of the Philippines; The sense of identity, solidarity, and nationalism of OFWs as the basis for their corresponding political representation and participation; The efforts of the Philippine government to seek re-territorialization and establish extra-territorial jurisdiction (through RA 9198) as a political integration mechanism As such, the aim of this study is to be able to look at RA 9189 as a tool employed by the Philippine government as a political integration mechanism to address the much larger and broader issue of transnational governance which is brought about by the increasing interaction between the economic, social, and political forces at play in the global arena and their respective counterparts from a state-level perspective. II. Significance/Importance of the Study A Brief History of Filipino Migration The migration of Filipinos to foreign lands has a long history in modern times. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 eased Filipino migration into Europe. By the turn of the 20th century, the growth of nationalist ideas fermented in Europe by Filipino exiles such as Dr. Jose P. Rizal gave birth to the Philippine nation. In the early 1900s, Filipino workers laboured hard in the sugar and pineapple plantations of Hawaii while skilled Filipino labour in the health and tourism sectors helped in the reconstruction of Europe after the devastation of the Second World War. The post war era also saw many Filipinos joining the US navy for the privilege to petition for residence in the United States and live a better life. The 1970s saw the massive importation of Filipino construction workers to the Middle East where petrodollars were readily available. By the 1980s and the 1990s, there were Filipino doctors and physical therapists in the United States, Filipino nurses in the United Kingdom, Filipino secretaries in the UN headquarters in Geneva, Vienna and New York, Filipino engineers and teachers in Africa and Asia, Filipino au pairs in Scandinavia, domestic workers in Italy and Hong Kong, and seamen in Greece. Filipino migration has spread to other continents and by the 2nd millennium continues unabated. Filipinos are the second largest migrant population in the world (Hoegsholm, 2007). Current Trends and Situation The Philippines is one of the major countries that rely on its labor force for the support of its economy. Of the 80 million people in the country, approximately 10 percent is outside of the country working permanently or temporarily and because of this massive diaspora, Filipino migration continues to be a major concern for the Philippine government. However, one aspect of this issue that remains unexplored or altogether ignored is the fact that these Filipino migrants can be significant political forces that may influence the political situation in the country. The political system in the Philippines is one that needs reforms and transformations. As a democratic country, the electoral process of the country provides for an opportunity for the people to choose representatives that will empower them. However, time and time again, corruption and bureaucracy over rules democracy-the voice of the people through electoral votes is not entirely reflective of the political change so long desired by the Filipinos. Perhaps it is a lack of the participation from the middle class of the country; perhaps it is a result of the indifference of the average citizen of the country; and perhaps many people do not see why they should be clamouring for change in the government when clearly the government has nothing to do with their economic survival anymore. Such is the case of the many Filipinos living and working outside of the country, and such political outlook may be shared by their families in the Philippines as well. Seeing as the Filipinos outside of the country may be a significant political force that can initiate changes in the political system of the country, there is a need to understand how to tap these political forces that might serve the interest of the Filipino nation in general. Table 1. Estimate of Overseas Filipinos, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (2009) Commission on Filipinos Overseas STOCK ESTIMATE OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS As of December 2009 PERMANENT TEMPORARY IRREGULAR WORLD TOTAL 4,056,940 3,864,068 658,370 Table 2. No. of Overseas Registered Voters, Commission on Elections, COF (2009) Overseas Absentee Voting 2009 Statistics on Number of Registered Voters Summary per continent and seafarers 2007 DELETED (Failed to vote twice) Asia Pacific 191,761 47,219 North South Africa 27,247 4,886 Europe 48,462 12,233 Middle East Africas 218,250 68,482 Total Landbased 485,720 132,820 Seafarers 18,404 OVERALL TOTAL 504,124 132,820 Comparing tables 1 and 2, we can see that of the more than 8 million Filipinos abroad, only a little over 500,000 people are registered voters. These numbers are strikingly significant if we are to consider Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as political forces that may serve as an avenue of the much needed political change in the Philippines. Literature Review On Transnational Governance and Nationalism: The Issue of Transnationalism In a very relevant study concerning the issue of the nationalism of Filipino migrants and the transnational governance efforts of the Philippine government, Rodriguez (2002) argued that citizenship, and the obligations attached to it, is used as a state strategy for income generation for the Philippine government. Further, citizenship has become a means by which the Philippine state disciplines migrants as cheap workers for the global economic orderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦transformations in notions of Filipino nationalism and citizenship have given rise to new kinds of transnational citizenship struggles allowing Filipino migrant workers to demand economic, political and cultural rights of the Philippine state wherever they may be. Rodriguez also explored the idea that Filipino migrants nowadays offer alternative nationalisms that challenge the constraints imposed by the governance efforts of the Philippine government. This study is important mainly because it pointed out that transnationalism may be looked at from two perspectives: that of the government and that of the Filipino migrant workers and their advocates. When looking from the point of view of the government, Filipino migrants are transnational citizens that can serve the best interest of their homeland. For instance, in recognizing that overseas Filipino workers are the new or modern-day heroes of the country, the Philippine government explicitly commits itself to ensuring that the welfare rights of these migrant workers are protected beyond the territorial boundaries of their country. As the heroes of Philippine society, migrants are extended limited rights and privileges. Yet ultimately, as citizens, Filipino migrants are expected and indeed forced to comply with particular obligations to their home state that ultimately serve the interests of global capital (Rodriguez, 2002). On the other hand, Rodriguez also explored the idea of alternative nationalism pursued by migrant advocates such as the group Migrante International. According to this idea, the Philippine state owe it to the Filipinos abroad to secure their rights in their host countries and ultimately lead them back to the Philippines. However, when this study was conducted, only the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 or RA 8042 was in effect. The Overseas Absentee Voting Act or RA 9189 was passed into law in 2003; a year after Rodriguezs study was published. Since then, a lot of changes in the political strategies of the government in terms of addressing the issues of transnationalism amo ng Filipino migrant workers all over the globe have taken place. RA 9189 Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003: Causes, Roots, and Implications Concerning the issue as to why RA 9189 was not enacted as a law earlier, Moon (2009) argued that the passage of RA 9189 was a product of the dynamic interaction between external (the presidential support in mid-term legislative elections, the emergence of a sectoral party Akbayan in the House of Representatives since 1998, the Asian economic crisis, and the advent of the Internet in the late 1990s) and internal factors (International Coalition for Overseas Filipinos Voting Rights [ICOFVR] and the increasing grievances of overseas Filipinos towards the Philippine government). According to this study the [e]nactment of RA 9189 was neither a sole decision of the political elite such as the president and legislators, nor a consequence purely of overseas Filipinos avid lobby campaigns for their voting rights (Moon, 2009). Instead, the author believes that the factors in the political system of the country and the growing activism of Filipino migrant workers led to the successful passage o f the Absentee Voting Act of 2003. RA 9189 is clearly an effort by the Philippine state to re-territorialize Filipinos all over the world mainly for economic reasons but it also reflects the initiative of the state to respond to the needs of the millions of Filipinos overseas intertwined in the increasing globalization of labor. As Bach Solomon (2008) have pointed out in their study, the urge to re-territorialize is partly about maintaining state legitimacy through the identification and participation of its citizens, partly about exercising sovereign power over extra-territorial flows, and partly an attempt to secure sources of state revenue as wealth becomes located outside the country. Furthermore, these authors have argued that [g]lobalization leads not always to decentralization but also to significant state efforts in building centrally controlled administrative structures; the transnational migrant worker shapes new articulations of belonging and political membership, and as such migrant populations function a s agents of social change; and the formalization of trans-nationalism among migrants points to new, institutionalized mechanisms through which nation-states with large migrant populations manage, channel and forge political action and subjectivity (Bach Solomon, 2008). Such arguments are very important in because it illustrates the issue of transnational governance that is faced by almost all every state in the context of globalization. Indeed, there is an immediate need for states to figure out how transnational governance works if at all for the benefit of the millions of migrant workers around the globe. Furthermore, their study has pointed out another important issue: that globalization and the need for extra-territorial governance are dynamic factors that influence one another which constantly evolve through the increasing interdependence of states arising from the situation in the contemporary global order. Therefore, there is an immediate need for political actors and academics alike to put forth more effort in understanding the political integration mechanisms that is likely to come out of transnational governance concerns. Transnationalism, Transnational Governance, Extra-territorial Jurisdiction: Concepts and Issues With regards to transnationalism, transnational governance, extra-territorial jurisdiction, and re-territorialization-the most important challenge for nation states that seek to address these transnational issues is to acknowledge the fact that they have no effectively employ governance strategies within an anarchic system. In a study by Risse (2004), he pointed out that governance in the global system is about creating social and political order in the absence of modern statehood. He further adds that democratic governance beyond the nation-state faces serious hurdlesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the main problem of transnational governance concerns the lack of congruence between those who are being governed and those to whom the governing bodies are accountable (Risse, 2004). The most important reflection from this study is that states have to craft ways to exercise transnational governance in an international realm where transnational accountability and legitimacy remains to be a problem at larg e. The Philippine Experience The Philippines, being one of the very few states that have really dealt with the issue of migration in a head-on manner, has a lot of experiences to draw up decisions from. Hence, in an era where transnational governance seems to be an option to maintain a steady hold on its nationals in the increasing wave of transnationalism and globalization. In fact, one of the many advantages of the Philippine government is that one of the distinctive traits of Filipinos is that they are deeply attached to their familial roots-there will always be a sense of wanting to belong to something that could connect them from where they came from. This innate characteristic may not be reflected yet in the political sense, but it is certainly is seen in terms of the economic and social support of Filipino migrants to their homeland. As Bach Solomon (2008) pointed out, in the Philippines, a sense of solidarity latent among countrymen and women abroad was skilfully mobilized in order to capitalize on thre e things: the desire of Filipinos to make money abroad to support family back home; the desire of Filipinos abroad to consider themselves part of their nation; an appeal to pride in order to raise the skill-level and market niches of the migrant workers. Hence, the Philippine government could use this to their advantage when coming up with political integration mechanisms to employ transnational governance over the millions of Filipinos overseas. Although a lot of Filipinos feel resentment to the very government that pushed them out of their homeland and nationalism and identity may not be as strong as compared to other sending countries and may be even scattered at large, there will always be that invisible connection to their mother country which arises from the fact that as human beings we would always desire to belong and identify ourselves unto something. Capitalizing on this, the Philippine government should be able to employ effective transnational governance mechanisms. Of course, there will always be domestic issues that will hinder the state in maximizing the potential of the government to exercise transnational governance, some would even reject the idea that such kind of mechanism should be employed, instead, Filipinos all over the world should be encouraged to return back to the Philippines. However, the contemporary situation requires for political actions otherwise: the world is becoming increasingly interdepen dent, globalization is true, and transnational political action is needed-fast. The Research Gap in Existing Literature The literature about transnational governance, its advantages and disadvantages, is not lacking. There are also debates as to whether such mechanism is even needed or not. Furthermore, the discussion of the merits and demerits of capitalizing on Filipino nationalism, culture, and solidarity in applying transnational governance efforts by the Philippine government is also abundant. There is also an expansive literature about the role of governments in facilitating the whole migration process. However, there is a research gap in terms of recognizing the political impact that overseas Filipinos could make on the country if the government would be able to employ effective and efficient political integration mechanisms. This study will aim to fill the missing link between the importance of mobilizing the political capacity of migrant Filipinos and its implications on the political dynamics of the Philippines. Furthermore, this study will seek to explain why and how the Philippine governme nt should be bolder in pursuing transnational governance mechanisms and develop an understanding as to how the dynamics between migrant workers and the government could be fully utilized. III. Research Framework, Concepts, Theories, and Propositions Research Framework This framework shows the concepts and issues that are needed to be addressed in terms of using transnational governance as the connecting link that will bridge the gap between OFWs and the Philippine government. Specifically, this framework is meant to explore the case of RA 9198 as a tool of transnational governance that can strengthen the participation of OFWs in the political outcomes of the country through electoral votes and representation. The political interaction between the OFWs and the government may be bridged through the employment of transnational governance on the part of the government and the corresponding participation by the OFWs. The broken lines represent the possibility of bridging this political gap through the employment of transnational governance mechanisms although the maximum potential of such connection is yet to be explored. Meanwhile, the solid lines represent the concepts which are to be explored using the perspective of either the OFWs or the Philippin e government. Hence, the concepts of identity, solidarity, nationalism, and political representation and participation should be tackled from the point of view of OFWs; whereas the concepts of extra-territorial jurisdiction, re-territorialization, and political integration mechanisms concern the Philippine government. Meanwhile, the dotted lines connect the factors that are likely to influence one another. For instance, the concepts of identity, solidarity, and nationalism among OFWs may be used by the Philippine government as the founding blocks of re-territorialization efforts on their part and in return these efforts by the government may induce more solidarity and a further sense of nationalism on the part of OFWs. Furthermore, political representation and participation from the OFWs may be used by the government as a platform for integration mechanism between the politics in the host country and the homeland, and in return such integration efforts from the government may encour age OFWs to participate in the political processes of their homeland. Taken together, these concepts create a model of transnational governance for the Philippine government in terms of dealing with Filipino migrants at least in the sense that OFWs are seen as a significant political force that may contribute to the growth and development of the polity in the Philippines in the long run. Concepts, Theories, and Propositions Time and again, OFWs all over the globe have proven their invaluable economic contributions to the Philippines by bringing in millions of dollars in the country that supports the economy at large. These economic contributions have been translated into social contributions by ensuring that households receiving remittances are investing more in education and health. Overall, receiving households have been experiencing an increase in the quality of life because of the stability brought about by the monthly remittances from family members working abroad. As a result of this new economic and social empowerment the so-called middle class of the Philippine society are increasing in number. However, the political contribution of this newly emerging middle class if mobilized to its maximum potential is something that political scientists and social researchers should further explore. The concept that OFWs are untapped political forces that could introduce drastic political changes in the Philippines would only be possible if the Philippine government itself would be able to realize the political value held by the millions of Filipinos working and residing overseas. If the government would be able to employ effective and efficient measures of transnational governance that will reach the Filipino workforce outside of the country then they will be able to exercise their maximum potential as transnational citizens of the country. Hypothesis The argument of this study is three-fold: one is that Filipino migrant workers all over the world have become distant not only from the Philippine government itself but from the very political processes of the state as well; the second is that the government is not utilizing the maximum potential of OFWs as agents of political change; finally, this study asserts that if the government would be able to tap the capacity of OFWs as political forces then it will invoke the political participation of the middle class in the Philippines which will eventually lead to a radical change in the polity of the country. Going the Distance: The Lack of Political Participation from OFWs It is known that millions of Filipinos abroad rarely participate in the political processes of their homeland in its most general sense, particularly in the electoral processes of the country. The lack of participation from OFWs may be attributed to a number of reasons. First, there is the problem of logistics. Many of the Filipino workers would have to travel long distances in order for them to register as absentee votes to be able to participate in the national elections of the country. In addition, they would have to allocate time and resources on their own. This would include getting off from work in a day or two which means they would have to forego of their salary during those times. Some Filipino workers reside and work far away from Philippine embassies or voting posts and as such participating in the electoral process would require so much of their time and financial resources. Given these things, they would undoubtedly consider if it is well worth it to exercise their votin g rights. Some of them just regard the situation as given and that they could not do anything about it at all. If given the choice between working and participating in the electoral process, a lot of them would just choose the former, because it is much more convenient for them to stay out of the entire process. Another reason is that, a lot of the Filipino workers are very distant with the Philippine government because they remain distrustful of the very government that could not support them in their own country. Furthermore, they do not see the reason as to why they should be caring for the needs of the government when in fact they do not rely much on the government for support. In other words, they do not depend on the government for financial support because they earn their living from outside of the country. As such, OFWs feel very little attachment to the government and they remain sceptical of the government in terms of the growth and development that it can provide for the Filipino nation in general. This attitude of indifference is a result of the thinking that there is no hope left for a change within the political system of the country. Hence, the why-bother-attitude remains prevalent in the way that the millions of overseas Filipino workers think. Moreover, the lack of motivation among OFWs in terms of participating in the political processes of the country remains to be an acceptable norm and so it creates a feeling of mutuality among those who live and work abroad. Such indifference, is not just evident in the voters turnout during electoral processes, but could also be seen in the civic and political participation of these OFWs when they are abroad. A relatively small number of OFWs are active in pursuing their rights and welfares both in their home country but in their host country as well. This general feeling of indifference remains to be a big disadvantage and a hindrance to the relative growth and development of the civic and political participation of OFWs all over t he world-one which is an unhealthy shortcoming that is very much reflected in the domestic politics of the Philippines. Governing from Across Borders: The Necessity of Transnational Governance Mechanisms On the one hand, there is a large and significant number of OFWs all over the world that remains very indifferent to the political affairs of the country. On the other hand, there is the Philippine government who does not seem to exert as much effort as it should have been doing in order to induce political participation from its nationals who are residing and working in many different parts of the world. Obviously, the government is aware of these untapped political forces but the question remains as to why there is not enough effort from its part in order to encourage such political participation. In answer to this question, a number of reasons come to mind. First is that in order to induce a full-scale participation from its overseas nationals, the government has to invest a significant amount of money to facilitate electoral processes from outside its national borders. For instance, the government and its corresponding offices, agencies, or posts would have to ensure that the Fil ipinos migrant workers would have to sacrifice less of their time and resources in order to participate in the electoral processes of the country. For instance, more voting posts would have to be established and then the government should also provide more incentives to those who are willing to take a day off from work in order to participate in the voting processes. This requires additional financial and manpower resources and since Philippine embassies abroad only have a few employees, ensuring an efficient and effective program to encourage more people to vote would not be an easy task to carry out. Furthermore, considering that a lot of these embassies operate under a limited budget, it would require a lot of bureaucratic and legislative work in order to arrive at certain programs that will promote and encourage participation from OFWs. Another reason that comes to mind is that there may be certain individuals in governmental posts or interest groups that may be preventing the government from pursuing an all-out policy to support the participation of OFWs in the political processes of the nation. There may be some politicians who are afraid of the capabilities of OFWs as a coherent political force and as such they may be preventing measures in order to fully realize such capabilities. These are all political concerns and strategies at the local and national level which hinders the empowerment of the many OFWs who are residing and working outside of the territorial boundaries of the Philippines. Nevertheless, the government itself may be largely at fault in terms of the not-so satisfying political participation that it gets from its citizens from scattered all over the world. Without a strong political will to carry out the tasks of promoting and encouraging more political participation from OFWs little results are l ikely to be achieved both in the short and long run. In this regard, the government is missing on a lot of the political tools that is available at its disposal in order to carry out such strategies. For instance, it does not utilize RA 9189 as a powerful tool of transnational governance mechanism. If the government would be able to capitalize on the inherent nationalist sentiments and connections of the overseas Filipinos to their homeland and combine it an efficient utilization of the RA 9189 as a tool of transnational governance then acceptable political results may follow. OFWs as Untapped Agents of Political Change Ultimately, however, the right steer of leadership and a healthy dose of political will may lead to a successful realization of the potential capacity of OFWs as political forces that may be crucial in determining the future course of the political systems in the country. For instance, if OFWs all over the world would be able to participate in the political processes of the country then they could largely influence their families and relatives to do as well back in the Philippines. This may well be the start of the awakening of the middle class in Philippine society which has long been pointed out as the missing link that could eventually lead to the much needed change in the political change in the country. Furthermore, if the political participation of OFWs all over the world can trigger middle class participation back in the Philippines, significant changes could happen not just in the governmental system of the country but in the general context of the society in general as well. Indeed, the full-scale participation of the middle class in Philippine political context is a much anticipated change because this means that those who remain very indifferent to the political processes of the country would have their voices heard and would then eventually lead to radical political changes not just within the territorial boundaries of the country but well without its borders as well. If the Philippine government and its designated agencies in and out of the country can maximize and fully utilize the implementation of RA 9189, then Filipinos all over the globe could actively participate in the political processes of the country and hence radic

Themes Of Unity In The Grapes Essays -- essays research papers

John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath, is a moving account of the social plight of Dustbowl farmers and is widely considered an American classic. The novel takes place during the depression of the 1930s in Oklahoma and all points west to California. Steinbeck uses the Joad family as a specific example of the general plight of the poor farmers. The Joads are forced off of their farm in Oklahoma by the banks and drought, and they, like many other families of the time, head out for the promised land of California. They endure much hardship along the way, and they finally make it to California only to find that work is scarce and human labor and life are cheap. Tom Joad, the eldest son in the family, starts the book freshly out of jail and slowly evolves from selfish goals to a sense of an ideal worldly purpose in uniting people against injustice. Jim Casy, an errant preacher who is accepted into the Joad family early into the story, changes his beliefs to include all people in a s ort of oversoul, as he helps to organize the workers to battle the extreme injustice done onto them by the farm owners and discriminating locals. Whereas the Joads start out as one family, by the end of the story their family becomes one with other families who are weathering the same plight of starvation and senseless violence. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck emphasizes the power of groups over the individual's power to survive poverty and violence through character evolution, plot and the use of figurative and philosophical language.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tom Joad begins the novel with self-seeking aims, but with the ex-preacher Jim Casy as a mentor, he evolves into an idealistic group leader. Tom first meets Jim on his way home from jail. There begins a lasting friendship with the verbose preacher, who is going through a belief makeover and steadily moving toward the Emersonian oversoul including all people in a general spirit of human love and kinship. Tom is steadily angered more and more with his family's plight, but even into the beginning of the family's journey, he still has individualistic thoughts that consume his ideas. When Jim is trying to get Tom to think of the big picture, to get a worldly view of the effects of the hundreds of thousands of people moving west, Tom says, 'I'm still laying my dogs down one at a time,'; and 'I climb fences when I got fe... ...e way for the concern of the people'; (Bowden 196). And most critics agree that 'the sense of communal unit grows steadily through [Steinbeck's] narrative'; (Lisca 97). In the chapters that explain the general situation of life in California, Steinbeck figuratively and philosophically explains the evolution of unity and equality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Grapes of Wrath clearly demonstrates the theme that when overcoming hardship the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. At the end of the story Ma Joad has come to understand that her family is just part of another larger family of the migrant poor. Tom Joad comes full circle from individualistic aims to embracing the group and organization of the masses. The main events in the Joads' life at the government camp and the strike at the peach orchards also emphasize unity. At times in his narrative Steinbeck even blatantly explains his philosophies of group power and shared burden. As one critic puts it 'The family of man is even more than a necessity for the Joads: it is an ideal of the novel'; (Bowden 199). Steinbeck truly succeeds in giving the reader the message that when united people stand, but divided they fall.

Jay Gatsby is a Sympathetic Character in Fitzgeralds Great Gatsby Essa

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby provides the reader with a unique outlook on the life of the newly rich. Gatsby is an enigma and a subject of great curiosity, furthermore, he is content with a lot in life until he strives too hard. His obsession with wealth, his lonely life and his delusion allow the reader to sympathize with him. Initially, Gatsby stirs up sympathetic feelings because of his obsession with wealth. Ever since meeting Dan Cody, his fascination for wealth has increased dramatically. He even uses illegal unmoral methods to obtain hefty amounts of wealth to spend on buying a house with â€Å" Marie Antoinette music-rooms, Restoration Salons, dressing rooms and poolrooms, and bath rooms with sunken baths.† (88) His wardrobe is just as sensational with â€Å" shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine fennel.† (89) Gatsby buys such posh items to impress Daisy but to him, Daisy herself is a symbol of wealth. Jay remarks, â€Å"[Daisy’s] voice is full of money.† (115). For him, Daisy is the one who is â€Å" High in a white palace the king’s daughter, the golden gir...

Causes and Solutions of Obesity Essay

If you can prolong your life, and make yourself feel better about who you are then why not overcome this overweight issue. In today’s world we are facing an epidemic that seems to be affecting even are young at an early age. We all know that obesity can have adverse effects on health, well-being, and relationship, and can be solved by eating organic food, exercising, and discipline. We are here to find out the different causes of obesity, and find out what we can do to overcome this fast growing epidemic. â€Å"Although people in the Unites States might not be eating more, they are gaining weight. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, fat consumption by people in the United States has declined during past decades, but calorie expenditure has gone down as well. Adults are not burning the calories they are consuming, and as a result, obesity rates increased by 214 percent between 1950 and 2000. Two out of every three people in the U.S. were obese or overweight in 2010†. (Bird, 2011, March 26, p.1). They are several solutions that can be implemented to these causes, and some are individual, community, and government solutions. I feel it is everyone’s own responsibility to make they maintain their own health. Obesity could occur in all humans, obesity does not care what race you are or even the time you have lived in. â€Å"Ancient Egyptians are said to consider obesity as a disease, having been drawn in a wall of depicted illnesses†. â€Å"The Aztecs believed that obesity was supernatural, an affliction of the gods†. (Miles, 2006, p.1). Obesity begins in a membrane enclosed organelle known as mitochondria. Mitochondria can be defined as the part of the cell that is responsible for energy production. According to research mitochondria is believed to be the source where obesity begins. â€Å"My clinical work and research with patients with immune disorders, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivity and obesity have led me to the conclusion that the primary site of catabolic maladaptation, and the obesity that it causes, is in the mitochondria.† (Where Does Obesity Begin,p.1). There are many speculations that obesity has been around for a long period time, but does anyone r eally know when obesity really started. There are many causes of obesity, and genes play a small role in how it can affect a person in the future. â€Å"Science shows that genetics plays a role in obesity. Genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome†. (Etiology, n.d.p.1). Even though genes play a role other factors come into play like the behavior of the individual. It can also depend on incidence of obesity in the family . â€Å"It is now well established that overweight and the different forms of obesity are conditions tending to concentrate within a family. Obesity risk is two to eight times higher for a person with a family history as opposed to a person with no family history of obesity, and an even higher risk is observed in cases of severe obesity†. Furthermore the way are genes have been sequenced can be linked to obesity. â€Å"Sequence variations within a pool of 56 different genes have been reported as being related to obesity phenotypes, h owever, only ten of those genes showed positive results in at least five different studies†. (Etiology, n.d. p.1). Even though genes play a part in cases of obesity they can still be overcome with different solutions. For example, I come from a family that is generally overweight, but I have chosen to change my lifestyle. I learned to exercise more frequently and not consume more than I need to at times. â€Å"Since there is only a small population of obese people who have been affected by the genetics of their family tree, it suggests that genes are not necessarily a fate that cannot be outdone. Obesity and the prevention of obesity can be aided with lifestyle changes and behaviors that include a healthy diet, increased physical activity, as well as medication†. (What Role Does Genetics, para.1). We are all born with genes, and it is normal to inherit these genes from your parents which can influence obesity. We as people enjoy tasty food which makes us devour unhealthy foods. This is where the fast food industry takes an immense toll on our country. There are certain items placed in these foods that can make people feel the need to eat these foods on a regular basis. â€Å"Almost all items on fast food menus are deep fried or packed with sugar, and many even contain chemicals or preservatives that further their addictive capabilities†. Just the other day I was affected by these hormones as I craved a ultimate cheeseburger from Jack in the Box. There are also factors which consist of what are fed to the sources of these treats. The animals are given certain hormones that are returned to us since we are consuming them in the process. â€Å"Many chains add hormones to the feed that they give to their livestock, which in turn ends up on a burger or in a wrap. These hormones are mainly used to increase the size or productivity of the animals being used, and some are both addicting and harmful to humans†. (Brad, 2009, p.1). Furthermore, convenience of these places makes it stress-free for societies to continue to purchase foods at these establishments. For instance, for people who are always in a rush are not able to make lunches for them, so they turn to the most convenient way to fill their hunger. â€Å"If you’re trying to manage a busy career, start a side business, have community responsibilities, and have a spouse and children at home (a situation that sounds awfully familiar to me), convenience can be an enormously important factor†. There is another issue of money if you are low on funds are looking for something to your taste you are able to purchase items off the dollar menu. Fast food industries can be found in almost every corner so it can be defined as a major role in our struggle. Even if they are numerous causes for obesity there are still many solutions that can be implemented to reduce or even cease this issue. There are plenty of forms of exercise that can be performed to lose weight, and exercise plans can be made to keep the pounds off once lost. â€Å"Obesity exercise solutions can help obese people lose weight and body fat safely. An exercise plan that is designed for obese people who have a limited range of motion can be an effective obesity treatment when combined with a nutritious diet plan†. (Obesity Exercise, 2009, p.1) Even if you do not have time to spare there is always other things like parking further away at the parking lot. There other benefits that comes hand in hand with physical training, and these are the health benefits. â€Å"Reducing your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes† (Arthur, 2009, p.1). According to surveys conducted the leading cause of death in the United States come from cardiovascular disease. Physical health has been implemented for ages now, and it can be performed in certain jobs that require manual labor. In conclusion it might be the best way to reduce the chance of becoming obese or cure obesity. â€Å"Experts agree that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent obesity.† (Arthur, 2009, p.1). If you require motivation to help you hit the gym or apply a certain exercise routine to your life do it with a buddy. You can also join groups like the zumba classes, or you can make a goal for yourself to make it like a game. A diet of healthy eating can be ministered to help overcome obesity. Have you ever wanted a fresher taste to compliment your taste buds? Well organic foods are the way to go. Organic foods can be defined to encourage a healthier way of life, and even start to show positives outcomes to your body. â€Å"Organic food promotes healthy patterns of cell division and differentiation, and lays the groundwork for normal endocrine system regulation of blood sugars, lipids, energy intake, and immune system functions†. (Organic Pathways, para.1). I know some people are very limited when it comes to spending money on expensive food, but organic foods can even be grown to save money. Furthermore you are able to buy organic foods at wholesale prices at your convenience. Also adding small portions to your healthy diet plan can help reduce weight in the long run. â€Å"When you eat a large portion of food, glucose levels rise quickly. When your bloodstream is flooded with glucose, your pancreas releases insulin to move that glucose into your cells for use. But the faster glucose levels rise, the more likely it is that your pancreas will produce too much insulin, leading to low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. Your brain is tricked into thinking you need more glucose and you start to feel hungry†. (Maura, 2011, p.1). Adding this to your daily regimen can help control over eating, and it can also stabilize your hunger. Talk to a nutritionist to see what would be best for your current situation. In conclusion, they are numerous causes and solutions that are associated with obesity, and it is up to you to decide which choices would best to make. If we do not do anything about it now obesity will continue to rise and overtake us in a very young age. According to statistics if we maintain this rise in obesity by 2030 eighty five percent of the United States will be obese. Implementing these solutions we can succeed in creating a better way of life for all people. We do not need to be like the society in the movie Wall E where all the people are obese! References Arthur S. (2009) Obesity and Exercise Retrieved from http://weight-loss.emedtv.com/obesity/obesity-and-exercise.html Beverly B. (2011) How much has obesity rates raised since the 1950? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/384722-how-much-have-obesity-rates-risen-since-1950/ Brad V. (2009) Is fast food addictive? Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/1477052-fast-food-addictive-addiciton-unhealthy-chemicals-mcdonalds-kfc-wendys-corporations Etiology (n.d.) Retrieved from http://obesity.ulaval.ca/obesity/generalities/genetic.php Where Does Obesity Begin (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.majidali.com/where.htm Maura S. (2011) Three benefits of eating smaller portions Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/507006-three-benefits-of-eating-smaller-portions/ Milos P. (2006) The history of obesity Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Obesity&id=357342 Obesity and Pregnancy surprising facts (2009) Retrieved from http://www.3fatchicks.com/obesity-exercise-solutions-for-a-limited-range-of-motion/ Organic Pathways (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.organicpathways.co.nz/community/story/654.html Trent (2011) Fast food, convenience and money Retrieved from http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2011/12/13/fast-food-convenience-and-money/ What role does genetics play in obesity (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.free-fad-diets.com/what-role-does-genetics-play-in-obesity.html

What exactly is an ageing population?

An ageing population id one in which the proportion of older people is increasing. This group of elderly people are those who have passed the age of retirement and depend on pensions as their main source of income. The old age dependency ration is calculated by (Elderly Population 65+ / Working Population 15-64) x 100. Ageing populations are a factor of reductions in both birth and death rates due to technological and economic progress. An ageing population means the proportion of older people is increasing, which causes an increase in the dependency ratio. Social Impacts: 1. Increased pressure on public services – Greater demand for services such as hospitals and hospices, and therefore more are needed to care for the elderly, so more carers and nurses will need training. Some families will choose to care for their own relatives, putting pressure on the, socially and financially. 2. Unequal distribution of the elderly – e.g. Eastbourne has a high proportion of older people and may have inadequate facilities for young people as a consequence, such as bars and youth clubs. 3. Reduced population growth or population decline – The working population may have fewer children as they already have older dependants, leading to a reduction in birth rate. 4. Longer working life- The state pension is low because there are so many retired people, so therefore some may have to work beyond normal retirement age to build up personal pensions or savings, or to add to their income from their state pension. Economic Impacts: 1. Reduced work force- Smaller proportion of the population is working, which may slow economic growth 2. Increased taxes – A greater proportion are claiming pensions and support paid for by taxes, therefore this could mean higher taxes for the working population. 3. Spending – The elderly often have savings and pensions to spend within the economy. Strategies to Manage Ageing Populations: 1. Encouraging larger families – Should result in a larger future working population to provide taxes for better pensions and services 2. Raising retirement age – The working population is made large, so more people contribute to the state pension fund and to personal pensions. People will also claim the state pension for less time. 3. Encouraging the immigration of working-age people – This increases the working-age population; this helps to support the ageing population by paying taxes. 4. Increasing health care provision – Helps to easy the problem of poor health in the elderly. UK Case Study The UK has an ageing population where people over 65 make up a large part of the population. Reasons: 1. Increasing life expectancy – Currently 81.3 for women and 76.9 for men. 2. Baby Booms – Lots of babies were born during 1940’s and 1960’s and as this generation is beginning to retire and there are an increasing number of elderly people. 3. Falling birth rate – There are few younger people, so the proportion of older people is greater. Problems: 1. Pressure on the pension system – Today 60% of the working population are paying taxes to support a 16% retirement age population, but by 2030 there will be 56% of the working age population to support a 27% retirement age population. 2. More elderly people living in poverty – The state pension is not very large, and many to do not have other savings but the working population isn’t large enough to provide a larger pension. 3. Pressure on the health service – Older people need more medical care than younger people. East Devon: It is an attractive settlement for the elderly due to climate, low crime rates, scenery, other elderly people, with a population of 125,000 and a dependency ratio of 53.8%. The elderly are however putting pressures on more pension payments required, housing needs and health care. East Devon is a dispersed settlement and therefore limited public transport causes isolation amongst the elderly who are unable to travel privately for whatever reason. The elderly do however make large contributions economically (the grey pound where in 2005 Â £215billion was spent for particular needs paid by the elderly, such as for travel and leisure), and socially in terms of as volunteers and as carers for relatives who would be unable to afford child care otherwise. To manage this ageing population the East Devon council has put management strategies in place: 1. Housing – Maintained secure accommodation, warden care, adapted housing (e.g. plugs and taps as hip level to avoid having to bend over), and sheltered housing for the opportunity for socialising. 2. Health Services – Cost effective to keep the less sick at home for many deteriorative type illnesses (which puts additional pressures on care staff who do low paid work), and there has been some need for sheltered accommodation/therapy created. 3. Services and Amenities – New leisure facilities to keep the elderly healthy in terms of physical and mental wellbeing, and new social environments/clubs. Charities are also vital to supporting this. 4. Transport Services – New buses in rural environments that personally pick up individuals from their homes to take them into town to go shopping.