Globalization as understood and explained by corporations Essay

Globalization as understood and explained by corporations - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of globalization as a global or universal phenomenon of political, economic, cultural and technological exchanges that come up as a result of contemporary communication, legal infrastructure and political willingness to open links across borders to enable international finance and trade. In general terms, it is a term that stands for the close ties between people and states of the world culturally, economically and politically. On the other hand, antiglobolization is a term used to refer to the critics of globalization in ideological aspects. They argue that globalization is a concept invented to favor the elite. In their views factors such as global migration from one country to another have led to increased security lapses. They have also attributed globalization to environmental degradation which has resulted to the sprouting of slums in developing states. According to globalization school of thought critics, globalization has resulted to uneven distribution of the wealthy which in turn has led to selective economic booms globally which is the main cause of informal settlements. To counter One another’s assertions in regard to the merits and demerits of globalization, both the critics and the proponents have fronted several arguments in relation to the economic, political and social aspects of globalization. Aspects of the economy that are majorly associated with globalization include investment, trade, and migration.... They assert that by countries accepting to get into foreign and regional financial schemes, they automatically lose their financial sovereignty and in turn embraces foreign policies may be contrary to the unique needs of its citizens. The other view is that multinational corporations may acquire excessive power in a particular country which may in return compromise the needs of the citizens in general. Proponents perceive that, globalization has played a key role especially in political sphere an argument which has received major backing from globalization nationalists. For example, they have a uniting factor in the view that International institutions such as World Trade Organization have positively influenced political ties among member states. Dividing the two sides in the middle is the issue and the role of technology in globalization. Proponents have identified with the remarkable positive contributions predisposed by technology such as faster access to information and more jobs created such us the online jobs. On the flip side, critics have expressed deep reservations on the security lapses that technology has exposed most countries to as a result of technology .They have also expressed concerns on global moral decadence that has been wide spread as a result of globalization through technology. 2. What explains the very different effects that globalization and world economic recession have had on U.S. households as compared to the effects that globalization and world economic recession have had on individual European households? Currently, America is facing serious economic challenges and possibly the worst recession of all times. Though recession hit almost all parts of the world, the United States is yet to dust itself of from the

Cognitive Therapy Case Conceptualization Essay Example for Free

Cognitive Therapy Case Conceptualization Essay Elena is an adolescent female, coming to the therapy process demonstrating through actions and words a great deal of anxiety and overall apathy for her situation. Elena is a smart, socially engaged Mexican American attending public high school. She opens the session with presenting problems regarding conflict over what she might do after high school. Preliminary conceptualization from a cognitive perspective Overall, there is an obvious feeling of disempowered regarding her right and or ability to make life decisions. She comes from a close-knit family, though some of her siblings have moved away to seek out goals beyond those that they may feel their parents are putting upon them. She has recently begun to disengage academically and socially as she feels the urgency of choosing to adhere to family tradition or to go out on her own, like her peers. Though she says she has not yet made a decision, know that cognition mediates affect and behavior (Friedburg 101). From this perspective a therapist might conclude that her recent apathy toward academics and isolating herself from her peers show that she indeed is letting the thoughts of â€Å"I must listen to my parents† drive her life perspective. It is promising from a cognitive standpoint, that she shows some jealousy toward her boyfriend and others: Perhaps the anger when discussing her family dynamics and recent history is most telling that Elena could benefit from Beck’s Socratic dialogue. The pluralistic views that come from her own identity within her biculturalism are strongly embedded, and the therapist demonstrated this by demonstrating lots of open questions. Letting Elena focus on herself as an individual rather than a Mexican-American could lead to meaningful exploration and collaborative cognitive change to help Elena feel more empowered. When counseling adolescents from a cognitive perspective the counselor must remember that under any circumstances this may be the first time that these clients might see their actions and behaviors, and question the beliefs that may have become embedded during childhood. Elena obviously needs a relatively short-term look into these feelings due to her grades slipping and applying for colleges, if she so chooses. Asking a client â€Å"what is going through your mind right now† (Murdock 337) is one of the base approaches to beginning to help the client recognize their individual thought patterns. This is a question that is difficult for many adults, and though adolescents in general can be more open to change, Elena’s worldview as a bicultural young woman is overpowering any other automatic thoughts that she might have; it is culturally appropriate for a young Mexican American to disregard her own thoughts and needs for the good of the family—which Elena does in fact voice (Rochlen 2009). As an observer to this case scenario, the challenge, due to age and culture, seems very difficult. The video demonstrates this strong schema Elena has developed that exudes this overwhelming disempowerment. I believe this schema of overall disempowerment is deeply embedded and will be difficult to challenge through cognitive therapy. Additionally, Mexican culture tends to see the counselor as â€Å"expert† and the collaborative aspect of cognitive therapy may prove to be at the least uncomfortable for Elena, if not ineffective. Elena may continue to rely on others’ to make decisions for her, to give her an unconditional guarantee (Corey 107), if this base belief cannot be penetrated due to adherence to cultural tradition, fear of change, or if Elena is unable to begin to identify these automatic thoughts. Possible cognitive strategies. In general, Latino Americans traditionally have strong family bonds and honor generational wisdom (Sue 377) Through the current political venue of the United States and popular culture, Mexican-Americans may fall prey to stereotypes and inherently feel a disconnect or poor self-image: American beliefs certainly account for this inner struggle Elena is feeling. Because this is pervasive and overarching in American culture where to begin with Elena in imperative. There is a lot behind these feelings, and as an adolescent who is struggling the counselor should take these omnipresent cultural truths into consideration. It is promising to me that Elena is already speaking about her siblings: I see this as an open door for initiating questions that challenge Elena’s view of herself as a young Mexican American. I would certainly recognize Elena’s frustration and give lots of positive regard as she speaks about her presenting problem. Cognitively, I would go back to Elena’s conversation regarding the varying paths her siblings have chosen. I would respectfully move through this aspect of cognitive therapy so as to not threaten Elena’s loyalty to her family. Since Beck’s model is based on a leading rather than a more confrontational approach, I would use this to my advantage to allow her to explore her emotions about her siblings and their life choices. I see this as an aspect of Elena’s life experience that may allow Elena to begin to explore self-identity outside of the effects of biculturalism. Keeping the central focus of thought exploration on how she might challenge her beliefs about her life choices through reflecting on her siblings’ life choices may be a safe way to allow Elena to begin connecting the deeper thoughts behind her ability to make life choices. From a cognitive perspective and the lens of cultural identity, my goal for Elena would be for her to begin understanding that many are facing overwhelming decisions within their own cultural context. At some point everyone must decide to respect family wishes or go out on her own. Elena would be challenged to explore the beliefs she holds regarding herself as a Mexican American; she could begin to see how the complex construct is not a means to an end. Helping Elena expose automatic thoughts and change subsequent behaviors could serve to identify the struggle she will face as a bicultural woman in America today. Obviously, this grander focus this approach toward the â€Å"big picture† provides empowerment, but is daunting. Collaboratively, it would be ideal to praise Elena for exploring her identity on a grander scale. At this point, I would encourage Elena to do some homework: Her recent social isolation undermines her support system and exploration of self-identity. Many of her friends to do not sound as if they are struggling as bicultural adolescents: Meeting with a Latino cultural group on her local college campus would be an ideal way to allow her to feel empowered as well as supported. I am sure that many others have faced this kind of multicultural dilemma in their formative years, and have come up with myriad life choices. Though I can help Elena begin to understand and possibly question her core beliefs that drive her behaviors, she will need safe and pertinent ways to explore them. Elena is a very intelligent young lady, and I do think from our observation that she inherently knows that as well. Finding places and people with whom she can identify will empower her—not pressuring her into making a decision about her next step in life; with a goal toward hearing other stories of biculturalism in America and give her a comfortable place to explore her wishes for her own future and how she might find congruency between her choices and her heritage. I am certain that once her belief of what it means to be Mexican-American is challenged in some authentic way, she will begin to explore her automatic thoughts about cultural identity. My hope in working with Elena from a cognitive perspective is that she will begin to see her own identity and realize how her own thoughts had created a situation that most certainly is not the only possible scenario for her path in life. Relevant multicultural considerations From the perspective of a bilingual educator and a culturally aware individual, I was ultimately unable to separate Elena’s biculturalism from the cognitive approaches and questioning that I would practice with Elena. Though this aspect of Elena’s life situation appears hopeless to her now, I believe through finding authentic ways to identify with successful, independent Mexican-Americans she might begin to expose the prevailing automatic thoughts leading her to these isolating, dichotomous conclusions. The last relevant multicultural aspect that I have not addressed is it would be imperative that I find an opportunity to speak with Elena’s family, and connect them with other families who are raising children in a bicultural environment. This is ideal because Latino families need opportunities to be involved in the community and support one another in myriad ways. non-productive cognitive approaches Note how at the beginning of this integrated discourse regarding Elena’s pull toward family tradition and sense of loss for her dreams of going to college I was careful to note which door felt safe and respectful to collaboratively open with Elena. Siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles may â€Å"stay out of family business† such as the pressure from her mother, but it would be culturally insensitive for me to have Elena challenge her thoughts and risking her attaching them to family ties. That is already were Elena is, and traditionally Mexican-Americans see the counselor as â€Å"expert,† which could disengage long-standing family traditions and dynamics. I am convinced that approaching Elena through questions about herself, her friends, her academic life, and family would have made her feel that cognition is knowable and accessible, which is an underlying foundation of Beck’s theory. If a counselor were to solely base their approach, without multicultural considerations, on cognitive therapy with Elena as an individual it could serve to not allow herself to fully feel her human emotions, nor to bring awareness that change is central to the human process. I do not think asking Elena to explain how her beliefs construct her reality without first finding meaningful ways for her to relate to others outside of herself could she effect any change at all. Cognitive therapy, through the lens of multiculturalism, must always consider the bigger picture of what their life perspective really is: If challenged directly about her mother Elena may have only further solidified her commitment to fail at school to have a concrete reason to obey her parents.

A Marketing Analysis Of Pipers Crisps Marketing Essay

A Marketing Analysis Of Pipers Crisps Marketing Essay A SWOT analysis is a useful approach; it helps to examine a business overview position in relation to its internal and external environments. A SWOT analysis is and how it can be used to assess and plan for business developments(Book 1 what is a business PG 30) From the SWOT analysis; the human resource management, accounting and finance, and marketing functions need to be strengthen. There is no clear organisational structure within the business. The accounting function seems to be lacking clear information on pricing and areas to sell their products. The marketing function seem not to have a clear marketing strategy, as there are no clear lines for targeting customers or promoting the crisp brands. How to strengthen Piper Crisp: Human resources function- Clear organisational structure Accounting function- Set price for their products with more places to sell their products nationally and internationally Marketing function- Needs a clear marketing strategy with co-ordination, involving the 4 Ps price, product, promotion and place to improve the marketing targeting Q B. Piper crisp is a small business and its less likely to have a formal organisational structure. However, it will have its own characteristic culture. Two examples are from Drennan 1992, who proposed there are 12 key factors that shape the culture of a business; the influence of a dominant leader the vision, management style and personality of the founder or leader in a business often has a significant influence on the values that the business tries to promote (Book 1 What is a business PG 47) Having a strong idealistic leader is a common factor Pipers Crisps will have such a defining culture. This is illustrated in the case study by A Albone refusal to sell his crisps for Harrods and Prà ªt a Manager because of his ideals. The second factor that will influence the culture will be its goals and belief goals, values and beliefs reflected in objects, actions and language, that is, in Trice and Beyers symbols (Book 1 what is a business PG 47). The employees will have a common goal and belief within their company. This is showed in the case study by Pipers now creates special packets that include an Eastern Airlines jet in the picture on the front along with other subtle plugs for the airline (ECA PG 9) Piper crisp having a strong leader is where the culture will evolve from, he stands up for his ideals and he is not easily swayed by money or more business, this is showed by him turning down business from Harrods, Prà ªt a manager and major supermarkets. Question 4 Marketing function The marketing mixes are a combination of price, product, promotion and place that help to deliver a product in a successful approach to customersMarketers can influence this positioning by manipulating the marketing mix (Book 4 An introduction to marketing PG 16). Piper crisp does not have a very clear marketing strategy as they are the most expensive crisps on the market. Plus they have limited places to sell their crisp. However relationship marketing through promotional communication seems to be used to attract and keep customers. Francis Buttle 1996 theorized that products today are generally the same, thus its hard to find a clear difference. Product quality has become generally high and businesses have found it increasingly difficult to compete on superior quality alone as most competitors are able to offer similar quality. This is forcing businesses to seek competitive advantage in other ways (Book 4 An introduction to marketing PG 19) Piper crisp is achieving this marketing relationship by not selling in normal supermarkets and turning down well-known businesses to promote their own brand of high quality crisps, creating brand loyalty by stimulating the public awareness by not selling out. This is demonstrated in the newspaper article entitled: The rural revolution by Gareth Chadwick. The Independent Sunday, 20 March 2005 Pipers crisp can increase sales by increasing the use of free publicity of newspapers, media coverage and the internet. This can be achieved by using the internet to promote public interest at a national and global scale to sell their high quality products. Thus amplifying the issues of being a small countryside company trying to take on bigger companies, hopefully this will gain public support to purchase their crisps which would be indicative of the publics ongoing support and solidarity. This is showed in the chart below. Figure 4.4 .The promotional mix (Source: Blythe, 2001, p. 175, Figure 9.3) Q. B To develop a profitable relationship; the internal (Micro) and external (Macro) environment shows a marketing relationship that suggests that Piper crisp is focused on the lifetime value of customers and suppliers. From the case study These suppliers all have a story to tell and we tell it on the packets. Its a kind of joint branding, said Albone. We built our business on our relationship with suppliers (ECA PG 9). This shows that the Biggleswade Company and the Fiaz family are local suppliers and are part of the crisp branding. By building long-term relationships with a smaller number of suppliers they can ensure reliability of supply, both in terms of quality and delivery (Book 4 An introduction to marketing PG 26) The customers are also having a long term marketing relationship with Piper crisp. This is showed in the case study. He argues, undercut his core of original customers; those who backed him in the early years. These are the people who helped me and helped my business (ECA PG 9). This shows that Piper crisps values their customers opinions. Figure 2.1 shows this relationship Customers/ Eastern Airlines Pipers Crisp Biggleswade Fiaz family Q. C From Piper crisp SWOT analysis; two pressing human resources problems are according to Fowler 1996. There are no clear organisational structure in place which includes policies and aims. Secondly, Piper crisp must have the right staff in the right areas of the business, especially if there is a shortfall of quality people to hire. To run a successful business everyone must knows their area of reasonability. Different functions are responsible for making different aspects of the business happen, but have to work together so that overall objectives can be achieved (Book 1 What is a business PG 59) Two problems the accounting and finance function faces are; there is not a standard selling price in the stores for their crisps, this is the basis of accrual accounting; the gross profit The idea is that each sale generates a profit which equals the sale price less the cost of whatever was sold (Book 3 An introduction to accounting and finance in business PG 37); the function has no idea what their products actual selling prices are in the stores. Secondly, places to sell their crisp are limited because A Albone does not want to sell in certain place for example; super markets I dont want to sell to supermarkets, nor produce own label crisps, (ECA PG 9) Question 5 The term power is used to identify an action that someone would not necessarily do without being told or promised something in return. Power, in the human context, has long been recognised as the ability to make someone do what they otherwise would not (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 42). According to Watson, 2001, pp. 322-3, there are 3 dimensions of power. In Piper crisp there are 3 dimensions of power An interpersonal dimension An organisational-structural-cultural dimension A societal-structural-cultural dimension. The interpersonal dimension face of power is on a personal one to one level, this is showed in the case study by R. Lake persuading A. Albone to make crisp for his airline. Although A. Albone said no initially, but it still happened- Richard Lake who owns Eastern Airlines, he says. He wanted us to make Eastern Airline crisps. I said no- Pipers now creates special packets that include an Eastern Airlines jet in the picture (ECA PG9) The organisational-structural-cultural dimension is about the organisational relationships within Piper crisp company. A. Albone is the managing director and also 1 of 3 founders of Pipers crisp. Thus A. Albone will manage the company as he sees fit and his employees will follow his instructions. Plus there are 2 other men that help to invest money to form Pipers crisps. However its A. Albone decisions not to sell to Harrods and Prà ªt a manager. This would have increase sales within the company thus increasing the return on the 2 men investments, selling to the Prà ªt a manager or Harrods did not happen. This is showed in the case study- despite the personal invitation from the nations most famous grocer to produce branded crisps for one of the worlds most famous stores, 44-year-old farmer Alex Albone politely declined and Albone heads the sales team of three (from a staff of 15) (ECA PG 9) The third face of power is the societal-structural-cultural dimension; this involves society. This is when people or groups in society exerts power on someone or the company to do something they would not necessarily have done, this also can be reversed, this is illustrated in the case study by Piper crisp customers. Their customers are disempowered; they have to buy their crisps in certain locations and not readily available in supermarkets because of Pipers crisps decisions not to sell to major retailers. Selling via the likes of Tesco or Sainsburys would also, he argues, undercut his core of original customers; those who backed him in the early years. These are the people who helped me and helped my business. If I sold in the supermarkets it would undermine the value of the brand.(ECA PG 9) Q.B PEST analysis stands for political (P), economic (E), social (S), and technological (T) analysis and describes a framework of external environmental factors. I am going to use this model to discuss Globalisation, Technology and Networks in Piper crisp Globalisation- is term the expansion of business activities It can be defined simply as the expansion of economic activities across political boundaries of nation states (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 32). This is the most important trend. P. In the present; Piper will have political support being a small countryside employer. This is showed by Pipers receiving a grant fund to be started teamed up with two friends to invest  £100,000 plus some grant aid to set up Pipers. (ECA PG 9) In the future Pipers should be able to expand into other countries as there is improved free trading and reduce taxations within the UK and EU borders for small businesses. E. In the present Pipers is economically stable as they are making a profit Last year he saw pre-tax profits of  £80,000 on a  £1.3m turnover. This year he is looking to sell £2m worth of crisps (ECA PG 9). In the future Pipers is looking to increase sales to  £2 million, this can be archived by increasing exports to Norway and Ireland. S. In the UK society we like to eat lots of junk food We are a nation of snackers. (ECA PG 9) In the future this concept is a good working model and Pipers should be able to use this concept in different countries. T. Pipers is a small countryside employer. Piper is very traditionally based Provenance is very important to us. (ECA PG 9) In the future there is room to improve with new machinery for faster production and the use of the internet to market their products. Technology- Is the development of systems to indicate improvement; this can also be information the development and growth of technological innovation which simplifies the production process (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 17) P. In the present Pipers are using the newspapers to gain public support about their issues of being a small town manufacturer taking on the big chains in Harrods and Prà ªt a manager I dont want to sell to supermarkets, nor produce own label crisps, (ECA PG 9) This will be a local political debate about the support of small enterprise. In the future if Pipers continue to view their issues via the internet and mass media coverage this might be a national political issue Business is booming again in the countryside but it needs more support if it is going to continue to grow The Independent Sunday, 20 March 2005. E. In the present Pipers will more likely be using information technology, to calculate their exports and accounts Last year he saw pre-tax profits of  £80,000 on a  £1.3m turnover. (ECA PG 9) In the future this can be improved with new software for more timely and accurate information. S. In the present, Pipers is using also using information technology to market their products to society. In the future the internet and mass media can be used more to target consumers. T. In the present, Pipers might be using airplanes and trucks to distribute their products locally and internationally it means Pipers crisps are available across the UK (ECA PG 9) In the future; Pipers might be using more airplanes to distribute their product nationally and internationally because it adds greater value or return to the business. Networks- are used to describe flexibility of teams or smaller divisions within business for a business to be flexible and manage quick responses without tying up resources (either assets or people) that are needed for other functions (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 29) P. In the present, Pipers does not have much flexibility in dealing with political issues, a tax increase on small businesses might be detrimental to Pipers financial overview But rural businesses make a surprisingly healthy contribution to the overall performance of the UK economy (ECA PG 9). In the future, Pipers might be able to pressure governments, if the company increases in size and is large enough to cause mass unemployment, by ceasing operations in a certain country or town. E. In the present, Pipers have a profitable relationship with their suppliers. They are part of the crisp branding These suppliers all have a story to tell, and we tell it on the packets. Its a kind of joint branding (ECA PG 9). In the future, pipers might want to buy these small suppliers to secure the branding rights and increase the efficiency of the supplier chain. S. Presently, Pipers is using their brand to create loyalty from customers. In the future Pipers might have a reward scheme or promotional cards to buy crisps at discount prices, thus reducing the need for general marketing. This will provide Pipers with a database of customers names and addresses. T. Currently, Pipers is using information for marketing and sales. In the future this can be improved with new software and by the use of internet technology to increase sales. Word count: 2489

Hip Hop America Essay -- essays research papers

Hip Hop America Nelson George's Hip Hop America discusses the nature of hip hop along with the relationship between African Americans and America. Many take the idea of hip hop to be just African Americans and rap music. George continually focuses on hip hop's many contradictions. He addresses how hip hop represents race, ethnicity, class, gender, and generation. George covers much familiar ground: how B-beats became hip hop; how technology changed popular music, which helped to create new technologies; how professional basketball was influenced by hip hop styles; how gangsta rap emerged out of the crack epidemic of the 1980s; how many elements of hip hop culture managed to celebrate, and/or condemn black-on-black violence; how that black-on-black violence was somewhat encouraged by white people scheming on black males to show their foolishness, which often created a huge mess; and finally, how hip hop used and continues to use its art to express black frustration and ambition to blacks while, at the same time, refering that frustration and ambition to millions of whites. Chapter 3 and chapter 16 â€Å"da joint and beyond† really caught my eye. Chapter 3 â€Å"gangsters-real and unreal† summarized the image of the â€Å"hood† and crime filled areas where people are regularly being robbed, shot, and killed. It also told how drugs came about and became a new indusry. It also became popular among musicians and soon became a way to employ young poor teens who lived in these â€Å"hoods†. As many ...

Concept of Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development is based on the rising environmental problems, socio-economic issues to do with poverty and inequality, and concerns about a healthy future for humanity. There is no definitive definition of sustainable development as it is thought of differently by many other people throughout the world. Sustainable Development is founded on the principle that mankind should advance without causing permanent damage to ecosystems and the resources they provide, how these resources are used, the processes that are used to get these resources and who has access to them.All the above stated should be taken into consideration without posing risks to future generations. Sustainable development can be seen as as the connection between environment, society and economy, which is thought of being separate yet connected bodies. The economy is often given priority in policies and the environment is viewed as apart from humans. They are directly linked where the economy is dependent on society and the environment, and society is dependent on, and within the environment. Issues to do with society such as sustainability of communities and the maintenance of cultural diversity are often sidelined.Economics came to be the leading issue of human relations with economic growth, defined by increasing production, as the main priority. Changing the quality of growth, meeting important needs, merging environment and economics in decision making while emphasizing human development, participation in decisions and equality in benefits are things that can be done to eliminate poverty, meet human needs and ensure that all get a fair share of resources. Social justice today and in the future is a key component of the concept of sustainable development. This is seen as the key to humanity’s well-being and, through growth, poverty would be reduced.Most countries have no programs or policies that offer any real hope of narrowing the growing gap between rich and p oor. This has caused damage to the environment which we depend on, with a downward spiral of poverty and environmental degradation. Environmental problems threaten people’s health, livelihoods and lives and threaten future generations. Global prosperity and human well-being can be achieved through increased global trade and industry. Green engineering is designing, building and manufacturing of products and processes including energy utilization and waste production that has the least negative impact on the environment possible.It includes all of the engineering disciplines, and is based off of current engineering design principles. Green Engineering can be defined as environmentally conscious attitudes, values, and principles, combined with science, technology, and engineering practice, all directed toward improving local and global environmental quality. It is usually used when referring to buildings, but it can be used for automobiles, lights or any other sort of system or device that requires engineering. Current design concepts in automobiles that are considered environmentally friendly are hybrid technologies; flex fuel vehicles, and even electricity.Though green engineering is somewhat more expensive, many countries, recognizing the value of this type of engineering by offering tax breaks and other incentives to the people and companies that incorporate its use. Green engineers need to understand how building materials, techniques and other components can be made in an environmentally-friendly way. This may include the use of solar powered appliances, especially water heaters, solar lights or windows and other design elements. Elements outside the building, such as the irrigation system and other landscaping features need to be taken into consideration also.It is likely that in the very near future we will be seeing â€Å"green cities† where cities are constructed to be healthy and environmentally friendly environments thus alleviating iss ues such as poverty in inequality within society. References 1. Abrahammson, K. V. 1997. Paradigms of sustainability. In S. Sorlin, ed. The road towards sustainability, A historical perspective, A sustainable Baltic Region, The Baltic University programme,Uppsalla University, pp. 30-35. 2. Hanna, S. & Munasinghe, M. 1995. eds.Property rights in a social and ecological context, Case study and design apllications, The Beijer International Institute of Ecological Economics and the World Bank, Washington D. C. 3. OECD. 1997. Environmental indicators for agriculture, Paris. 4. Robinson, J. & Tinker, J. 1995. Reconciling ecological, economic and social imperatives: Toward an analytical framework, SDRI Discussion Papers Series, 1995-1, Sustainable Development Institute. Vancouver, Canada. 5. Anastas, P. T. , and Zimmerman, J. B. , â€Å"Design through the Twelve Principles of Green Engineering†, Env. Sci. and Tech. , 37, 5, 94A-101A, 2003.

Learn About Gothic Literature With Elements and Examples

Learn About Gothic Literature With Elements and Examples The term Gothic originates with the ornate architecture created by Germanic tribes called the Goths.  It was then later expanded to include most of the medieval style of architecture. The ornate and intricate style of this kind of architecture proved to be the ideal backdrop for both the physical and the psychological settings in a new literary style, one that concerned itself with elaborate tales of mystery, suspense, and superstition. The height of the Gothic period, which was closely aligned with Romanticism, is usually considered to have been the years 1764–1840, but its influence extends to the present day in authors such as V.C. Andrews. Plot and Examples The plot of Gothic literature novels typically involves people who become involved in complex and oftentimes evil paranormal schemes, usually against an innocent and helpless heroine. One such example is the young Emily St. Aubert in Anne Radcliffe’s classic Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794). This novel would inspire parody in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (1817). The most famous example of pure Gothic fiction is perhaps the first example of the genre, Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764). Although rather short, the setting certainly fits the description given above, and the combined elements of terror and medievalism set a precedent for an entirely new, thrilling genre. Selected Bibliography In addition to The Mysteries of Udolpho and The Castle of Otranto, there are a number of classic novels that those who are interested in Gothic literature will want to pick up. Here is a list of 10 titles that are not to be missed: The History of the Caliph Vathek (1786) by William Thomas BeckfordThe Monk (1796) by Mathew LewisFrankenstein (1818) by Mary ShelleyMelmoth the Wanderer (1820) by Charles MaturinSalathiel the Immortal (1828) by George CrolyThe Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831) by Victor HugoThe Fall of the House of Usher (1839) by Edgar Allan PoeVarney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood (1847) by James Malcolm RymerThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) by Robert Louis StevensonDracula (1897) by Bram Stoker Key Elements In most of the examples above, one will find certain key elements ascribed to Gothic fiction.  They  include: Atmosphere: In the Gothic novel, the atmosphere will be one of mystery, suspense, and fear, the mood of which is only enhanced by elements of the unknown or unexplained. Clergy: Often, as in The Monk and The Castle of Otranto, the clergy play important secondary roles. They are often weak and sometimes outrageously evil. The paranormal: Oftentimes Gothic fiction will contain elements of the supernatural or paranormal, such as ghosts and vampires. In some instances, these supernatural features are later explained in perfectly natural terms, but in other works, they remain completely inexplicable. Melodrama: Also called â€Å"high emotion,† melodrama is created through highly sentimental language and overly emotional characters. The panic, terror, and other emotions can seem overwrought in order to make the characters and setting seem wild and out of control. Omens: Typical of the genre, omens- or portents and visions- often foreshadow events to come. They can take many forms, such as dreams. Setting: The setting of a Gothic novel is typically a character in its own right. Gothic architecture plays an important role, so the stories are often set in a castle or large manor, which is typically abandoned. Other settings may include caves or the wilderness. Virginal maiden in distress: With the exception of a few novels, such as Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla (1872), most Gothic villains are powerful males who prey on young, virginal women. This dynamic creates tension and appeals deeply to the readers pathos, particularly as these heroines tend to be orphaned, abandoned, or somehow severed from the world, without guardianship. Modern Critiques Modern readers and critics have begun to think of Gothic literature as referring to any story that uses an elaborate setting, combined with supernatural or super-evil forces against an innocent protagonist. The contemporary understanding is similar but has widened to include a variety of genres, such as paranormal and horror.