The Effects of Incarceration on Mothers and their Children A Critical discussion

Deviant behavior Prostitution

Deviant behavior Prostitution Deviant behavior is an act that breaches the cultural norms. Norms are considered to be the behavior standards that define the actions that are acceptable in the society. Thus they form a paradigm for predicting actions or behaviors in the society. This means that deviance is any â€Å"thought, feeling or act† (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 45) that according to the social audience’s judgment violates the cultural norms (formal or informal rules) or values.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Deviant behavior: Prostitution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper will focus on prostitution as a deviant behavior. It will begin by defining prostitution and explaining why it is considered to be a deviant behavior. Then two sociological theories namely, the labeling theory and the differential association theory will be used to explain why the behavior continues to exist. Finally, the paper will end by discussing the reasons as to why prostitution is best explained by the differential association theory. Prostitution Prostitution is defined as â€Å"the act or practice of providing sexual services to another person in return of payment† (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 68). Thus the person who offers such services is referred to as a prostitute. In some countries the act is legalized and regulated by the government while in others it is illegal and attracts severe punishment. Prostitution is some times viewed as a profession since there is a significant level of expertise or skills and practice that is required in order to successfully offer the services (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 69). According to religious teachings, prostitution is considered to be a sinful act that should be condemned. The social audience also has a negative attitude towards it since they believe that sex is meant for procreation and not for mere pleasure. Thus commercializing it is unacceptable (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 69). The medical perspective on prostitution condemns the act on the ground that it facilitates the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Thus prostitution is labeled as a deviant behavior since it does not meet the standards of morality as defined by religious perspectives, health principles and social perspectives. The prostitutes are thus labeled as deviants due to the fact that they â€Å"willfully sell their bodies in exchange for material things† (Taylor, 2010, p. 59). The causes of prostitution are as follows. First, the rising levels of permissiveness in the society have provided an opportunity for individuals to engage in deviant behaviors without being punished (Taylor, 2010, p. 63). Second, rising levels of poverty has forced people to engage in the act in order to earn a living. Finally, the rise in cases of failed relationships and marriages has forced the affected individuals to embark on prostitution in order to fulfill their sexual desires. Sociological Pe rspectives Differential Association Theory According to this theory, criminal or deviant behaviors develop through learning. This means that deviance is not an inherent trait of the individual since it only develops as the deviant learns about the outlawed acts from others. The learning occurs as individuals interact by â€Å"communicating ideas and symbols† (Taylor, 2010, p. 71).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The symbols and ideas in regard to deviance can be favorable or unfavorable. Thus a person will take the favorable symbols and ideas, especially if they outweigh the unfavorable ones. This means that a person will engage in a deviant behavior if the merits are greater than the demerits. In the context of prostitution, the behavior is usually learned as individuals share their ideas about sexuality. Besides, most people usually join the sex industry after learning about the material benefits that are associated with prostitution. Research studies in sex industry reveal that the success of the practitioners depends on the level of their expertise or skills (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 67). Such skills are usually acquired as prostitutes interact and share ideas on prostitution. Besides, advancement in communication technology such as the introduction of the internet has made it easy to share information on prostitution. This encourages individuals to join the sex industry as they learn more about it. These trends show that learning is an integral aspect of prostitution. Thus according to the differential association theory, prostitution continues to gain popularity in the society as individuals learn about it from each other through their interactions. The Labeling Theory According to this theory, deviance is created as members of the society formulate norms whose violation amounts to deviance (Taylor, 2010, p. 73). Labeling in this cas e is the process whereby the members of the society judge the actions of individuals based on accepted norms and then stereotype such actions as either deviant or not. Thus it involves the â€Å"invention, selection and manipulation of beliefs that define conduct in a negative way† (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 76). This forms the basis for labeling individuals as deviants. Thus according to this theory, deviance occurs when an individual is labeled as a wicked person. After sometime, the deviant person internalizes the label and focuses on engaging in acts that are associated with the label. This theory suggests that prostitution is a social construction that can cease to exist if those who engage in it are not labeled as deviants (Taylor, 2010, p. 73). The society usually punishes those found to engage in prostitution. However, this does not prevent such individuals from engaging in the act. As they continue to engage in prostitution, they get more severe punishments and stigma from the community. Eventually the prostitutes accept their status and continue to engage in prostitution. This means that the actions of the prostitutes are reinforced by the punishments that they receive from the community. This is based on the fact that prostitutes are considered to be outcasts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Deviant behavior: Prostitution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus they continue to engage in prostitution due to the fact that they can not be accepted by the society. This means that, according to the labeling theory, individuals practice the act because they have been labeled as prostitutes. It also means that prostitution continues to exist since the punishments used against it reinforce the actions of those who engage in it. Conclusion The above discussion shows that prostitution is considered to be a deviant behavior. The reason as to why a person can engage in prostitution and the persistence of the act in the society is best explained by the differential association theory. This is because prostitution just like any other behavior is learned through interaction (Clinard Meier, 2008, p. 64). Thus individuals continue to engage in it after realizing that the gains are more than the costs. Prostitution does not exist simply because those who engage in it have been labeled as deviants as suggested by the labeling theory. This can be proved by the fact that even in countries where the act has been legalized; its popularity has increased instead of diminishing. Besides, consequences such as stigmatization have resulted into a significant reduction in the prevalence of the act instead of perpetuating it. However, it is apparent that an increase in availability of prostitution literature and free interaction has significantly increased the popularity of the act in the society. It is for this reason that differential association theory is considered to be the best in explaining prostitution and its prevalence in the society. References Clinard, M., Meier, R. (2008). Sociology of deviant behavior. New York: Cengage. Taylor, H. (2010). Sociology. New York: Cengage.

Biochemistry of human disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Biochemistry of human disease - Essay Example This hepatic dysfunction has led to jaundice as apparent from the yellowish discoloration of the while of his eyes and skin, and this has established a vicious cycle of malnutrition, alcohol intake, hepatitis, jaundice, and malnutrition. Moreover, his blood glucose level is 1.7 mmol/L (fasting reference interval, 3.0-5.5 mmol/L). In alcoholic liver disease, nutritional deficiencies are common and complicate the management. The liver disease in this patient is significant due to presence of jaundice and low blood sugars at presentation. In a habituated alcoholic, an ethanol level of 43 mmol/L or 0.2 g/dL usually does not cause stupor in contrast to that of a nonhabituated patient, where it causes impaired mental activity. Although a habituated man can remain awake even at levels >87 mmoL/L or 0.4 g/dL with the rise in the level of tolerance, usually a nonhabituated man would be stuporous at >65 mmol/L (0.3g/dL) and would lose consciousness at >87. This patient was also hypoglycemic. T hus, as expected, this man is not expected to be unresponsive with the level of alcohol at 0.36% or 80 mmol/L, and it is the hypoglycemia that has made him unresponsive. Based on this background the following questions will now be answered. About 10 percent of consumed alcohol is absorbed from the stomach, the remainder from the small intestine. Once alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is distributed to all body tissues. Because alcohol is uniformly dissolved in the bodys water, tissues containing a high proportion of water receive a high concentration of alcohol. About 90 percent of absorbed alcohol is metabolized through oxidation in the liver; the remaining 10 percent is excreted unchanged by the kidneys and lungs. In persons with a history of excessive alcohol consumption, upregulation of the necessary enzymes results in rapid alcohol metabolism. Alcohol is metabolized by two enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the

Sam Houston Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sam Houston - Essay Example Sam Houston was born in the year 1793 in their plantation, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. During his boyhood, he acquired elementary education by attending a local school for a period less than six months. He migrated with his mother together with other siblings to Blount County in Tennessee when his father died in the year 1807. He joined a nearby academy and continued with his education reading more of classical literature. He refused his brothers attempts to work on the farm and in the store, in Maryville. The mother was a farmer, and they relied majorly on family labor since they could spend time on the farm during weekends and in the evenings after school. It is at this time that he ran away from home in 1809 and lived among the Cherokees. He joined the Army in the United States in the year 1813, and within a period of less than a year, he became promoted to the post of a third lieutenant. It was at this instance that he embarked on his career growth in the public sector before moving to Texas, where he ventured into politics. There is no doubt that Sam Houston had an immense contribution to the politics and laws of Texas. He moved into Texas in the year 1832, and this is where he began his leadership and political career. He served as a delegate at the Convention of 1833 under the leadership of Wharton H. William. He pursued a law practice while in Nacogdoches.... He became later elected as the President of Texas, defeating Austin F. Stephen. During his tenure in office, he effectively guided the state through many tribulations and trials. During his first term, he founded the town of Houston in 1836 which would be used as the capital city during his administration. He also put up various infrastructural facilities such as roads, schools and health facilities to improve the lives of people. He sought to demilitarize the republic of Texas by carefully furloughing the army. He also ensured that there was no trouble between the Indians and the white settlers. After leaving the office as Texas President after the first term, he served as a congressman in the House of Representatives from 1839 to 1841(Randolph 103). He opposed President Lamar’s expansionist tendencies and cruel measures toward the Indians. Houston succeeded President Lamar for his second term in office, in December 1841. He stressed financial transparency and considerably re duced offices and salaries for all government employees. This would be aimed at getting enough money to provide social amenities to the people. He established peace and unity with the Indian people by making several treaties. He also managed to avoid war with the people of Mexico. While serving as a Senator between the year1846 to 1859, Houston distinguished himself as a political leader who cared for humanity irrespective of race and the religion. He voted against slavery since he believed it was an ardent injustice to mankind. Sam Houston was an outstanding leader. He proved to be an intelligent and decisive leader who assisted Texas to secure independence. He also contributed in ensuring that the

Civil Rights in America Essay Example for Free

Civil Rights in America Essay The Cornell University Law School defines a civil right as â€Å"an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury† (2008). An example of a civil right in the United States is the freedom of speech. It is safeguarded in the First Amendment of the Constitution because this right allows for the free flow of ideas among individuals, organizations and other entities even if these opinions are unconventional, contentious or downright distasteful (Wang, 2001). The clash of opposing ideas in society facilitates the process in which the truth will emerge. Suppressing thoughts that counter another thought will not bring about a well-rounded understanding of an issue at hand and will lead to insufficient knowledge on which the public will base their positions, decisions or actions. Only by trying and testing ideas through competition guaranteed by free speech can the public become objective. Further, the freedom of speech is also one of the ways in which persons express their individuality and pursue self-development (Wang, 2001). Another example of a civil right is the freedom from involuntary servitude. The Thirteenth Amendment ended the more than two centuries in which slavery, the classic form of involuntary servitude, existed in the United States (Missouri Bar, 2006). This granted every inhabitant of the country, no matter what the race or ethnicity, gender or personal beliefs, the security from this form of inhumanity. However, involuntary servitude has a wider meaning in that in not only encompasses slavery but also peonage. The Thirteenth Amendment also protects against voluntary or involuntary labor of a person as a form of debt payment or a means for the fulfillment of obligations (Missouri Bar, 2006). The right against involuntary servitude assures citizens of their dignity and freedom even in times of economic difficulties. This right specifically protects persons of the lower economic status from the exploitation of the more affluent.

Juliet’s Transformation in Romeo and Juliet Essay -- Free Romeo and Ju

From â€Å"the fatal loins† (Prologue.5) of Lord and Lady Capulet, protagonist Juliet is born in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Early on in the play Juliet is portrayed as a very dutiful daughter to her family. After her encounter with Romeo however, she begins a rapid transformation from a naive young girl into a woman. By the end of the play Juliet’s transformation evolves her from a dutiful daughter, into a faithful wife that is willing to desert her family in the name of love. The audience is first introduced to Juliet in the exposition of the play. Juliet attracts the attention the Count Paris and her father (Lord Capulet) wisely says that Juliet â€Å"is yet a stranger in the world† (Act I.2.8) and should be allowed â€Å"two more summers† (Act I.2.10) to grow until she is ready for marriage. This implies that Juliet is young and has not yet matured to level where she is eligible to be married. Lord Capulet’s love for his daughter leads him to protect her from the prospective marriage until she is â€Å"ripe to be a bride† (Act I.2.11). The audience’s first impression of Juliet however, is through her interaction with her mother (Lady Capulet) and the Nurse. From the Nurse’s remarks, the audience learns that Juliet is thirteen and â€Å"Come Lammas-eve at night shall [Juliet turn] fourteen† (Act I.3.18-9). As Juliet enters the presence of her mother and the Nurse, Shakespeare portrays Juliet as a very faithful daughter. When summoned by the Nurse, Juliet comes promptly then responds politely to her mother â€Å"Madam, I am here, what is your will?† (Act I.3.7). When Juliet refers to her mother as ‘madam† (Act I.3.7), the audience also gets the impression of Juliet being compliant to her elder’s wishes. This can be observed when her mothe... ... Juliet bringing news for Juliet to â€Å"hie you hence to Frair Laurences’ cell; there stays a husband [Romeo] to make you a wife† (Act II.5.73-74), Juliet is ecstatic. This portrays Juliet as being disobedient because while she accepted Romeo’s proposal, her family has already arranged a marriage between Juliet and Paris. Juliet’s disobedience continues until her death in scene five when Romeo’s dagger finds â€Å"thy sheath† (Act V.3.170) in Juliet’s body. The significance of Juliet’s change in character is to show her accelerated transformation from a young girl into a mature woman. In the beginning of the play Juliet is unable to make her own decisions. However after her meeting with Romeo, Juliet becomes more assertive and defends her love for Romeo. In conclusion, individuals cannot be forced to love; love is nurtured and nourished but also is always put to test.

Tda 2.2 3.1-3.3

T. D. A 2. 2 Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people 3. 1 *identify the characteristics of different types of child abuse Abuse, harm or bullying of children and young people can take many forms. Sometimes more than one form of abuse is experienced at the same time for example a child may be physically abused as well as neglected. Shown below is a table with examples and characteristics of abuse – FORM OF ABUSE |CHARACTERISTICS |SIGNS | |PHYSICAL |*hitting/kicking/throwing |*bruises/burns | | |*beaten with objects |*not wanting to get changed for P. E | | |*being burnt or scolded |*heavy clothing or wearing lots of layers | | | |(to hide marks) | |SEXUAL |*viewing porn |*self-harm | | |*touching private parts |*personality changes | | |*acts of penetration |*inappropriate sexual behaviours | | | |*medical problems (urine infection) | |EMOTIONAL |*undervalued/bullied |*becoming withdrawn | | |*shouting |*under-confident | | |*negative criticism |*nervous behaviour | | |*showing no affection | | |NEGLECT |*not providing- |*tiredness | |warmth |*hungry | | |adequate food |*frequent illness | | |medical care |*not growing or gaining weight | | |education | | T. D. A 2. 2 Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people 3. 2 *describe the risks and possible consequences for children and young people using the internet, mobile phones and other technologies There are many risks that children and young people may be exposed to whilst using modern technology. The internet can also be accessed through mobile phones as well these days so it is made easier to receive more messages and images. Risks when using the internet – giving out personal information (at risk from building ‘friendships’ with other children who turn out to be adults (grooming) *accessing inappropriate info (often accidentally when innocent words are entered into search engine) *taking or receiving photos over the internet which could lead to them being exploited by another person or adult Risks from text messaging – *unwelcome texts that are threatening or cause discomfort *images sent to make the victim feel embarrassed or threatened Risks from mobile phone calls – *silent/abusive calls *stealing the victim phone and using it to harass others to make them believe that the victim is responsible Risks from E-Mails – threatening or bullying E-mails *bullying or name calling through websites/social networks T. D. A 2. 2 Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people 3. 3 *describe actions to take i n response to evidence of concerns that a child or young person has been abused, harmed (including self-harm) or bullied, or may be at risk of harm, abuse or bullying It is Paramount for anyone working with children or young people to understand how to respond to evidence of abuse and to understand safeguarding procedures. The very first thing to do is to raise your concerns with another member of staff. In most cases this should be your supervisor or manager. Children who are being abused are usually quite anxious children so it may be difficult for them to talk to anyone about it. When a child tells you or suggests that he/she has been harmed this is called a disclosure. It can be quite upsetting to hear a child speaking about it but it is important to take the following actions – †¢ listen and do not show any shock or disbelief †¢ do not ask any questions (e. g. ‘where did he touch you’) †¢ accept what the child is saying and don’t interrupt or rush them †¢ reassure them and tell them they have done the right thing in speaking to you †¢ NEVER promise to keep what they have said a secret †¢ Follow work procedures T. D. A 2. Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people 3. 4 *Describe the actions to take in response to concerns that a colleague may be: – failing to comply with safeguarding procedures – harming, abusing, or bullying a child or young person If yo u feel that a colleague is abusing, bullying a child or failing to comply with safeguarding procedures then you should take the same guidelines as if it was a family member or stranger. It is very important to give the information quickly to your manager or head teacher. It can be a difficult situation as you have to work with the person and you may even like them but your first concern is for the child. You should never discuss with everyone about it but at the same time it is important for you to get some support from someone as well. T. D. A 2. 2 Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people 3. 5 * Describe the principles and boundaries of confidentiality, and when to share information. In any school setting confidentiality is very important. You may have been told private information about a particular child as you may need to know this as it may effect the way you work with a child. This should never be disclosed with other parents or be a discussion with colleagues. As a T. A or support staff, parents may speak to you concerning their own child. You must let them know that you will be discussing it with your supervisor. You do not need permission from the parent to share this with your senior if you have good reason to feel the child is at risk. Do not share with everyone and only speak to the appropriate people (manager, supervisor, headteacher) they can follow up and take action. It is important also that information is shared between the correct professionals and agencies. Over the years there have been many failings in serious child abuse cases – e. g. Victoria Climbie, Baby P, The west family – Where failings by services and agencies have been found to fail in the reports into these children’s deaths. These findings highlighted the importance of sharing information early. There are protocols in every school which need to be followed.