Coping With Ostraconophobia or the Fear of Shellfish

Coping With Ostraconophobia or the Fear of Shellfish Phobias Types Print Coping With Ostraconophobia The Fear of Shellfish By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on April 12, 2019 Ippei Naoi / Moment / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Ostraconophobia, or the fear of shellfish, is fairly common. For most people, this simply means a few minor dietary restrictions. In some cases, though, it can become life-limiting. Causes Shellfish phobias can generally, though not always, be broken down into a few common themes. Some people are deeply afraid of food poisoning, others of breaking religious dietary restrictions. In some cases, the fear is of the texture or taste rather than the food itself. People who are allergic to shellfish often exhibit strong fears when confronted with foods that may contain shellfish, but as these fears are tied to a physical condition, they are not considered phobias. However, some people are afraid of developing an allergic reaction to shellfish, even if they have never previously had such an allergy. Food Poisoning Shellfish poisoning is a real, though relatively rare, threat. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are three main types of shellfish poisoning: paralytic, neurotoxic, and amnestic. Although the prognosis is generally good, all three types can cause severe illness. The toxins are heat-stable, so cooking does not remove the threat. If you have ever experienced shellfish poisoning, you may be understandably reluctant to risk eating shellfish again. Even if the poisoning happened to someone else, you may be afraid that next time it will happen to you. However, it is easy to take healthy concerns too far. According to the NIH, there is some truth to the old wives tale that shellfish should not be consumed in months whose names do not contain an R. The toxins that cause poisoning are more active during the months of May through August, as well as during and just after a red tide. The NIH also states that these toxins occur mainly in clams, mussels, and oysters, and less frequently in scallops. Other shellfish carry a much lower risk. Of course, the elderly, children and those with preexisting medical conditions should speak with their physician before consuming any possibly risky food. Religious Restrictions Some religions restrict or prohibit the consumption of certain foods. In particular, Jewish and some interpretations of Islamic dietary laws forbid the eating of shellfish. For those who practice these religions, an aversion to forbidden foods is not considered a disorder. As illustrated above, though, a problem can occur in those who were raised in strictly religious environments but no longer practice that religion. Like religion-based phobias, food-related phobias can arise when formerly religious people attempt to eat or cook in secular restaurants or homes. Many people easily make the transition, but if you are having trouble, consider seeking assistance from a mental health professional or a spiritual advisor in your new religion of choice. Shellfish Allergies According to our Guide to Food Allergies, shellfish allergy is the most common food allergy in adults in the United States. Unlike most allergies, an allergy to shellfish usually develops in adulthood and remains throughout the sufferers life. Shellfish products are used in a mind-boggling array of applications, and allergic reactions can be severe and even life-threatening. Therefore, constant vigilance is medically necessary. Like concerns about shellfish poisoning, though, it is easy to take concerns about shellfish allergies too far. If you have an allergy, discuss your condition carefully with your doctor. Learn which foods to avoid and which ones to question, and decide together whether you should carry an Epi-Pen. If you have a pen, be sure you know how to use it and carry it with you at all times. Texture and Taste Issues Fear and disgust are often confused. In some types of phobias, including food phobias, some sufferers demonstrate repulsion rather than an actual fear reaction. Vegetarians and vegans, as well as those who were raised with restricted diets, may be more prone to disgusted reactions to certain tastes or textures. How to Cope In many cases, shellfish phobias have little effect on daily life. It is entirely possible to enjoy a healthy, varied diet without ever consuming a bite of shellfish. However, this phobia can become life-limiting. Whether you are training to become a chef, cooking at a local take-out place, or simply interested in broadening your culinary horizons, it may be worthwhile to overcome your fears. Milder cases of shellfish phobia can often be overcome simply through progressive exposure. Try bites of shellfish off a loved ones plate or pick up a shrimp or two when filling your plate at a buffet. Allow yourself plenty of time to adapt and overcome any taste or texture issues. If your shellfish phobia is more severe, or if your work or hobbies require you to quickly beat the phobia, consider seeking professional assistance. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can often make a significant difference in a very short period of time.

Dickens Use of Settings in Great Expectations - 2047 Words

Dickens Use of Settings in Great Expectations Great Expectations is the story of a young boy called Pips physical and emotional journey. The story starts when Pip meets an escaped convict in a churchyard near his home and gives him food and drink. The convict then disappears and is eventually recaptured. Then Pip is sent to Satis House which is occupied by an old woman called Miss Havisham, there Pip is attracted to her daughter, Estella. Later Pip travels to London where he is to be trained as a gentleman, paid for by an anonymous benefactor whom he presumes is Miss Havisham. Pip stays in London for many years and in due course learns that Magwitch, the convict, is his benefactor. This†¦show more content†¦But nothing has changed for many years and everything, including herself, has been neglected and is decaying. Estella, having lived with Miss Havisham for a very long time, consequently acts and behaves quite like her. She is very patronising and talks down to Pip all the time. She seems to take pleasure from insulting and humiliating Pip. By saying things like he calls knaves, jacks this boy she is criticizing the way he has been brought up. She says Pip has coarse hands and wears common boots which is very hurtful to Pip, he feels offended and angry that Estella is being so insulting and insensitive. Despite this Pip believes what Estella has said and he feels he has to change his life. During Pips short stay at Satis House Miss Havisham takes Pip to a dark, damp room. In the centre there is a long table. On it is rotting food and a large wedding-cake covered in spiders and cobwebs. The whole room is covered with dust and mould and Pip describes an airless smell that was oppressive; everything is damp and decaying. The room is infested with mice, spiders and blackbeetles. Pip is fascinated by the creatures and watches how each one reacts to his and Miss Havishams presence, this shows he is imaginative and it reminds us that he is only a boy. The wedding roomShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of the Use of Setting in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens1382 Words   |  6 PagesAnalysis of the Use of Setting in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens The novel, Great Expectations, starts on the dull lonely marshes of Pip’s home village. Pip has a lack of identity in this book because it says, ‘My Father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Phillip, my infant tongue could make of both the names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pip. This shows us that his lack of identity is downRead More Attitudes toward Victorian Society in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens1156 Words   |  5 PagesGreat Expectations Explore some of the ways in which Dickens’ attitudes to Victorian society are presented in the opening chapter of Great Expectations. For this essay I will be focusing on the opening chapters of Great Expectations, a novel written by Charles Dickens. I am going to consider the Victorian society at the time and dickens’ use of language to express themes, settings and characters. Charles Dickens wrote this story in the Victorian times. Hence we seem to think what ‘does heRead MoreEssay about The Importance of Settings in Great Expectations1503 Words   |  7 PagesImportance of Settings in Great Expectations The purpose of setting is to provide a physical background for the narrative and it must enhance or advance the plot. In â€Å"Great Expectations† Dickens has varied and contrasted his settings (on purpose), to make the changes in characters personalities more appropriate. For example Pip goes from a poor, working class boy from the marshes, to a socialite of the upper class who is arrogant and proud in London. In his choice of setting Dickens has madeRead MoreEssay about Dickens Great Expectations712 Words   |  3 PagesDickens Great Expectations The novel Great Expectations uses the central character, Pip, to depict the ups and downs of a young child on a quest to become not only a man, but a gentleman. Dickens uses a variety of different techniques to create mood, setting, and atmosphere. Charles Dickens grew up in the nineteenth century, when times were hard and punishments were extremely harsh. So harsh you could be imprisoned or even hanged for stealing a loaf of bread. Dickenss Read More How Dickens Creates Sympathy for the Characters in Great Expectations1212 Words   |  5 PagesHow Dickens Creates Sympathy for the Characters in Great Expectations Published initially as a weekly contribution in a local newspaper, Dickens’ Great Expectations developed to be a great success. Great Expectations was a story for all classes, both rich and poor appreciated his efforts. Great Expectations is the tale of Phillip Pirrip who has no family except an older sister, he feels insecure in the world around him. Having no parents to give him a sense of identity, he wanders in theRead MoreThe Opening of Dickens Great Expectations as Compelling Essay787 Words   |  4 PagesThe Opening of Dickens Great Expectations as Compelling Charles Dickenss Great Expectations contains one of the most famous opening chapters of a novel ever written. It is very effective in making the reader want to read on. He uses many techniques which makes each paragraph flow into the next. The novel was a very popular literary form in the Victorian period, in a time before the invention of modern forms of entertainment such as television and video. As theRead MoreCharles Dickens Great Expectations1223 Words   |  5 PagesBeloved author Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, England. Growing up in a life of poverty, his childhood hardships provided the inspiration to write a myriad of classic novels including his 1861 seminole masterpiece, Great Expectations (â€Å"BBC History - Charles Dickens†). Great Expectations follows the life of an orphan named Pip, who’s perspective of the world is altered when he is attacked by an escaped convict in his parents’ graveyard in the town of Kent. Throughout hisRead MoreEssay about Settings in Great Expectations928 Words   |  4 PagesShow how Dickens uses settings in Great Expectations to enhance our understanding of character and the symbolic elements of the plot - Great expectations Show how Dickens uses settings in Great Expectations to enhance our understanding of character and the symbolic elements of the plot. As we notice in the novel Great Expectations, Charles Dickens uses many different narrative techniques other than the usual description. One of these techniques is that of describing character throughRead MoreCreating Tension Through the Presentation of Magwitch and Miss Havisham in Great Expectations1182 Words   |  5 PagesHow does Dickens create tension through his presentation of Magwitch and Miss Havisham in Great Expectations? Introduction ============ Great Expectations is about a young boy, Pip, who lives in a deprived town with his sister (Mrs Joe) and her husband (Mr Joe). Pip meets a fugitive, Magwitch and after meeting with this runaway he fears from his life. Pip is then summoned to go and play at Miss Havisham’s house. He then falls in love with Estella who chooses to ignore Pip, which makesRead MoreGreat Expectations, by Charles Dickens Essay1094 Words   |  5 PagesEssay on Great Expectations (by Charles Dickens) Explore Dickens effective â€Å"language† to create â€Å"setting† and â€Å"character† in the opening chapter of Great Expectations. Dickens opens the theme of death early in the chapter. In the second paragraph he mentions the tombstones of Pips parents, â€Å"I gave Pirrip as my fathers family name on the authority of his tombstone†. This informs us that Pip experienced death at an early age. He goes on to describe the churchyard and the land around

The Financial Crisis A New Market For Rent - 900 Words

The 2008 financial crisis which displaced many home-owners created a new market for rent to own real estate properties. The recession caused home ownership to become unaffordable for average middle- and working-class citizens. This resulted in a clamor for affordable housing for millions of Americans who had lost their savings, their investments (homes), and their reputations (credit.) Rent to own (RTO) is a good option if you need to buy yourself some time. There are many advantages to RTO as opposed to renting without the option to buy. When you rent to own you get to move in immediately and you won’t have to move again when you’re ready to buy because you already live in the house you are purchasing. This relieves a lot of hassle and expense. Renting a house with the intention to eventually purchase will set you on a path of accountability. When rent to own is not an option people have a tendency to lollygag, renting for several years without making any progress towards their goal of home ownership. A house may be the biggest purchase of your life, so the pressure causes people to procrastinate. When home ownership is the goal, your steps should be to improve your credit and save money to buy the house. Being on a RTO program keeps you on a schedule in an organized, systematic way. This accountability can be crucial to someone whose dreams of home -ownership have been dashed by the economy. A portion of the rent you pay monthly works towards the down payment of theShow MoreRelatedCommercial Properties Of Commercial Property Development1349 Words   |  6 PagesCommercial property is one that is â€Å"intended to produce a financial return for its owner by being used or occupied by businesses† (British Property Federation, 2014) with the financial return being rent received from a tenant or a change in the capital value of the property. Commercial property includes offices, retail premises, restaurants, hotels and more. As with any other type of property commercial property is vulnerable to various factors that can make it a more or less attractive investmentRead MoreThe Housing Crisis Of Boomerang Buyers954 Words   |  4 Pages Following the 2006-2008 housing market crash, 4.8 million of homeowners lost their most valuable assessment to foreclosure, and another 2.8 milliongave up their homes in short sales. These f ormer homeowners that are reentering the housing market after losing their homes during the housing market financial crisis are now part of a wave of â€Å"boomerang buyers.† According to Real Estate experts, boomerang buyers who are returning to the market were at least 10 percent of all United States home purchasesRead MoreRent For Own Home Ownership1032 Words   |  5 PagesRent-To-Own Home Ownership The desire to own a home in America is very common. As a matter of fact, there is no American Dream without home ownership. Years ago, an economic crisis swept the nation leaving many homeless, jobless, and flat out broke. Many Americans as well as businesses were victims to this crisis. Fortunately, the market has started to recover and regain structure and many have been able to get back to into the home buying market. Millions of jobs are being created and small businessesRead MoreGreat Recession And The Great Depression906 Words   |  4 Pagesups in asset prices followed by a crash in the stock market and sent both debt and equity markets down. These periods are said to be the worse economic downturn in the country’s history. During the great depression, as banks failed and threatened to shut down the financial system altogether, President Franklin Roosevelt moved quickly and effectively to address the most dangerous financial crisis of the Great depression. The massive stock market collapse that began in October 1929 erased massive amountsRead MoreLoan Agencies And The Federal Housing Authority976 Words   |  4 PagesIn the year 2000, the stock market crashed whichshifted thepeople’s money away from the stock market and into the housing market. Many people were buying homes, which led to banks offering more loans, including subprimed loans. Most loans, specifically, subprimed loans began going into default  once the credit markets froze in the summer 2007. Things began to deteriorate rapidly. The offering of subprimed loans stopped completely and interest rates for other types of borrowing such as corporateRead MoreA Report On The Housing Market1659 Words   |  7 PagesThis report reviews a number of factors with the housing market, starting with the rent/price ratio, and covering relevant economic events and factors specific to renting and home ownership. Rent/Price Ratio Data The rent/price ratio data over a fourteen-year span from first quarter 2000 through first quarter 2014 tracks the trends of the housing market leading into the housing crisis that started in 2007 and its rocky path to correction. The start of this period shows a ratio of 4.7 percentRead MoreThe Foreclosure Crisis Of The United States813 Words   |  4 PagesThe foreclosure crisis that took over the United States a few years ago left many people facing economic hardships. This crisis happened because there was a huge housing bubble that was unsupported by actual home values. The bubble began bursting in spring of 2008 and the crisis culminated in mid-2009. Many lenders went out of business and many home owners began losing their homes. When the government became aware of this problem and began to implement new programs, it was already too late for manyRead MoreThe Financial Crisis Of Theu.s Economy1371 Words   |  6 PagesWithin the financial crisis of 2007, the U.S economy took a turn for the worst. The unemployment rate shot up to 10%(cbpp.org), and as a result there was less money within the economy for: goods, services, and this essay’s key topic; housing. As a result of this economic situation, there was a significant increase in the amount of houses being foreclosed upon. This was mostly caused by the owners of said houses taking out risky high interest loans, because of bad credit, while also being within financiallyRead MoreThe Subprime Mortgage Crisis in the U.S Essay1586 Words   |  7 PagesThe argument over who should be at fault for the subprime mortgage crisis and housing market collapse in the United States has been a heated debate. Even though home foreclosure keeps rising, there should be some accountability for the economic meltdown resulting from the subprime mortgage situation. Should we blame banking institutions, mortgage lenders, brokers, and investors for this crisis? Should minorities be blamed for recklessly accepting loans and defaulting on them after realizing theyRead MoreFinancial Crisis Of The Great Depression887 Words   |  4 Pagesasset prices followed by a crash in the stock market and sent both debt and equity markets down. These periods are said to be the worse economic downturn in the country’s history. During the great depression, as banks failed and threatened to shut down the financial system altogether, President Franklin Roosevelt moved quickly and effectively to address the most dangerous financial crisis of the Great depression. During the great depression, the stock market collapse that began in October 1929 took away

Paraphrasing the Decleration Questions Free Essays

3. 5 The Declaration of Independence Paraphrasing Main Ideas You will find it easier to understand the main ideas in The Declaration of Independence if you recognize the language that Jefferson used to state them and then paraphrase these items in your own words. As you read each section of the document complete the chart by writing the words that Jefferson used to state each main idea. We will write a custom essay sample on Paraphrasing the Decleration Questions or any similar topic only for you Order Now The first one is done for you. Top of Form Main Ideas in the Declaration of Independence Directions: Type the number and then type Thomas Jefferson’s Words (make sure they are quotations). Label it 3. 5 Jefferson. 1. Section of Speech:   The Preamble (Lines 1 – 8)  Ã‚  ? Main Ideas:   1. Sometimes it is necessary for people to break their? political ties. 2. The colonists should state their reasons for separating. ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thomas Jefferson’s Words: â€Å"†¦ it becomes necessary for one people to? dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. † 2. Section of Speech:   A Declaration of Rights (Lines 9 – 37)  ? Main Ideas:   1. All people have basic, God-given rights.? 2. Whenever a government denies people their basic rights, it is their  ? duty to overthrow it. ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thomas Jefferson’s Words: â€Å"†¦ That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it†¦ † 3. Section of Speech:   A List of Complaints (Lines 38 – 120)? Main Ideas:   The King of England has refused to agree to laws to help  ? the people.? Thomas Jefferson’s Words:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. † 4. Section of Speech:   A Statement of Independence (Lines 121 – 158)  ? Main Ideas:   The King no longer deserves to rule us. ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thomas Jefferson’s Words:  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. † Bottom How to cite Paraphrasing the Decleration Questions, Papers

The Giver Sameness Essay Example For Students

The Giver Sameness Essay Your Choice is No Choice. You Decide Everyone has the right to choose so, what if that right was taken away? Would anyone be happy? What if everyone was the same, that wouldnt be fun. Those two sentences described Jonas community. In the novel, The Giver, Lois Lowry suggests that sameness and conformity have a negative affect on societies. We take freedom of choice for granted but, what if that was taken away? Most people would be bummed but not those in Jonas community because they had never been able to choose. We dont dare dont dare to let the people make choices of their own. Not safe? The Giver suggested. Definitely not safe, Jonas said with certainty. (93) To maintain their utopian community the people in it have decided to rule out choosing because it can cause some problems like doing something wrong. In our world we need choices because we learn when we make wrong ones. No choices means that we cant really express who we are it is similar to sameness. We will write a custom essay on The Giver Sameness specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In our world everybody is different; nobody and nothing are the same. In Jonas community as he is gaining more memory from being the Receiver he is learning about color and choosing. But I want them! Jonas said angrily. It isnt fair that nothing has color! Not fair? The Giver looked at Jonas curiously. Explain what you mean. Well Jonas had to stop and think it through. If everythings the same, then there arent any choices! I want to wake in the morning and decide things! A blue tunic, or a red one? He looked down at himself, at the colorless fabric of his clothing. But its all the same, always. This quote shows Jonas frustration of having sameness. It would probably be the same reaction of all other people if we were in his position. Lowry shows that sameness in communities is not right through her characters emotions. Her characters act sad and mad like I would be if I lived in that community. If sameness was in our communities there would be no diversity. Difference is important because it makes you feel special. It also shows who one is. Sameness though is good is some ways because there is no racism because there isnt any color. Also kids cant get in trouble for wearing something wrong or be bullied for what they are wearing. Most importantly they cant be judged by how they look. Sometimes choices and sameness are related. In public schools some say uniforms cut out kids freedom to choose and uniforms make them wear the same thing. One primary argument espoused by opponents is that uniforms interfere with students right to choose their dress-a violation of students First Amendment right to free speech. This article describes selected constitutional issues related to the use of school uniforms with a focus on the First Amendment and concludes with implications for uniform policies in public schools. (Mitchell, Harold W., Knechtle, John C, 5-1-04). Choices are very important to our society that is why there is a First Amendment. They show who one is. Only you should be able to change your own life. Coopied paper from oppaper.com Lowry in her Newberry Award Acceptance speech said, Somehow, by shutting her out, we make ourselves comfortable. Familiar. Safe. The other girl was different from Lowry and her friends by shutting her out they caused sameness among their group. The quote shows how sameness is caused by choices. In The Giver Sameness Essay was their decision, to shut out the other girl in the private home was a result of a decision. This proves choices are important for your comfort, your happiness and that is important. Person choe to cheat do not give them A but F. .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 , .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .postImageUrl , .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 , .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:hover , .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:visited , .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:active { border:0!important; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:active , .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4 .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1ea92e6c86e96b0f247c8d9fd8c653d4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: 1015 Folsom Night Essay Any body should have the power to choose because we should be responsible forour life not someone else! Choices and a non-same community is a good community. Choices are obsolete in Jonas community because it brings change which wouldnt work in a sameness community. Choices let you control your life and sameness lets you control somethings but then you lose control of others. This matters because you dont want to live in a sameness community and .

Hrm Practices in South Asia Essays

Hrm Practices in South Asia Essays Hrm Practices in South Asia Essay Hrm Practices in South Asia Essay South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities (see below), also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east. Topographically, it is dominated by the Indian Plate, which rises above sea level as the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. South Asia is surrounded (clockwise, from west) by Western Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Asia, Southeastern Asia and the Indian Ocean. According to the United Nations geographical region classification, Southern Asia comprises the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka. By other definitions and interpretations (see below), Myanmar and Tibet are also sometimes included in the region of South Asia. South Asia is home to well over one fifth of the worlds population, making it both the most populous and most densely populated geographical region in the world. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is an economic cooperation organization in the region. South America Backgorund Using survey data from the Americas Barometer by the Latin American Public Opinion Project at Vanderbilt, Corral concluded that â€Å"happiness in Latin America and the Caribbean is related to economic factors as well as social, political and demographic factors. At least within this region, economic development at the national levels explains different levels of life satisfaction among citizens in the region. † Corral found that economic factors- income and perceptions of the individual and national situations- bear a positive correlation with levels of life satisfaction. It is no surprise, then, that survey respondents in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, the poorest country in the region, ranked the lowest on the life satisfaction index at 35. 4 percent. But, most people in the rest of Latin America see themselves as happy. Brazil led the pack at 71. 6 percent, followed by Costa Rica (67. 7 percent), Venezuela (65. 6 percent) and Panama (65. 1 percent), with Trinidad Tobago and Honduras tied at 63. 3 percent. Jamaica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Belize and Peru are all above 50 percent. For the region as a whole, perception of individual economic conditions is by far the strongest predictor of individual happiness, Corral found. Those with better economic profiles are happier. A person’s subjective view of his wealth was more influential on his satisfaction level than an objective measure of wealth. â€Å"It is possible that this relationship is driven by dual causality,† Corral wrote. â€Å"A perceived positive economic situation increases happiness, and as well, happy people tend to perceive better economic situations. Marriage has a positive but not significant effect on life satisfaction among the region’s citizens, Corral found. Churchgoers and those who are surrounded by people they trust register high levels of satisfaction. Women, the elderly, young adults, the better educated and those who live in large cities likewise express high levels of happiness. Having children and being unemployed weigh negatively on individual satisfaction. Co untry People values, Business Tradition, Etiquette Business Culture of South Asia Historically, South Asia is an agricultural country with a very small industrial sector employing about 40 percent of the active labor force. Smallness of industrial sector may seem to be congenial to the development of a healthy industrial relationship but this could not be realized even within a period of fifty-eight years of the country’s independence. While some of the reasons of this failure are historical and traditional cultural background, many are in fact attributable to the poor management system and legal system concerning industrial relations in the country. Usually trade unions are organized mostly on the basis of political, regional and even personal loyalties which was encouraged by the capitalists who often had restored to the policy of buying a fraction of the union or putting up one of their own to divide the union movement by extending some â€Å"under the table favors† to a group of union leaders. In addition, the system of HRM in South Asia is largely due to its own business heritage and traditional historical realities. In fact, historic forces shape HRM practices in that society, and largely influence the efficient HRM system of a society along with other things. Thus to make a correct assessment about human resource management system and practices in South Asia, it is necessary to make a through investigation into the development of Muslim and Hindu employer and employees and entrepreneurship in various phases of history and culture. The above situation as it stands suggests that, as a class of each group does not belong to a highly motivated and committed entrepreneurial class. The easiest explanation rationalizing this situation is, as often quoted, British colonial rule of two centuries in the past are responsible for this. Apparently, the explanation seems to be sensible and logical. However, this needs further explanation and demands clarification and comprehension. It is understandable that the colonial powers ( British rule) did not in their own interest encourage the growth of a significant industrial and efficient HRM practices base in this part of the subcontinent ( India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) and the deadlocks were created by them towards the development of effective HRM system in the area. The overall supply of competent management personnel, their profiles, and culture to which they belong and under which they work, also has significant impacts on the features and practices of HRM system in South Asia national culture. In general, to learn the expertise of building an effective HRM practices is very important for the attainment of an industrial efficiency, but most South Asian managers are traditionalistic. They tend to resist changes and develop participation within boss and subordinates. South Asia managers do not believe in the development of human resources, and they believe that machines are more important than humans. Several empirical studies (Read, 1962; Negahndi and Reiman, 1973) conclude that increased participation leads to improvement in several of organizational effectiveness. However, it should be noted that the closeness of relationship between participation and overall organizational effectives depends on the quality of its human resources. As suggested above, when a large complex organization is more participative minded and more decentralized most of the decisions are made at unit level. In this kind of organization, managerial employees need more technical management skill and knowledge. Top management in large organizations has neither the time nor expertise to make such decisions for unit level (Price, 1968). Properly trained managers and employees of participative organizations can overcome communication problems, make effective decisions at the point of action, and thus contribute to the achievement of more firm effectiveness. Business Culture of Latin America First, the high Power Distance (PD) that Hofstede noted in most Latin American countries has important ramifications. In practical terms, high PD means that social courtesies and formality are more important in Latin America than in the U. S. Latin American managers are expected to be more gracious and respectful than their U. S. counterparts, and the hierarchy is more noticeable For instance, while U. S. managers generally call employees by their first names, it is much more common in Latin America for managers to call employees senorita Martinez or senor Ramirez. Also, people in the Latin American workplace tend to use usted (Ud. , the formal â€Å"you,† rather than tu, the informal, â€Å"you,† when addressing others, and this applies to both supervisors and lower-level employees. When two members of the executive board converse privately, they may call each other â€Å"Jorge† and â€Å"Ana,† but in front of employees they are likely to switch to calling each other â€Å"senor Zapata† and â€Å"senora Gomez. † Finally, Latin American managers typically dress more formally than their U. S. counterparts, and are less likely to work beside their employees and â€Å"get their hands dirty. In addition to courtesy and formality, it is important to note how a high PD rating affects the way meetings are organized. One Mexican manager commented that meetings in Latin America are typically not thought of as a way for supervisors and employees to exchange ideas. Instead, information flows primarily from the top down in meetings. In other words, it would generally be considered inappropriate and disrespectful in Latin America for an employee to correct a supervisor or make a suggestion in front of other employees. At meetings, supervisors expect subordinates to listen attentively, more than offering input. Similarly, participatory management styles and employee empowerment are unfamiliar to most Latin Americans, and in many cases are perceived as neither helpful nor desirable. In some instances, global companies have successfully implemented these kinds of managerial techniques in Latin American subsidiaries, but in other cases attempts to solicit employee input and involve workers in decision-making have been met with hostility. One American manager of a factory in Guadalajara, Mexico was told point blank by the head of a local labor union to stop involving employees in decision-making and asking for their opinions. He told her pointedly, â€Å"You are in charge. You make the decisions! † The deference afforded to managers often has an impact on attitudes toward formal rules and regulations in Latin America. Persons in authority are more likely to be obeyed than a written policy, because of the respect they are given and the position they occupy. This attitude contrasts with the U. S. where most people tend to believe that rules should be applied impartially and without exception, in order to ensure fairness and justice. It is likely to observe all these results of high PD when you visit Latin America, but as one prepare to go to Nicaragua, keep in mind a principle presented earlier: variance within a culture. While Hofstede does not provide Cultural Dimension ratings for Nicaragua, the numbers for Ni caragua’s neighbors are fascinating: Panama and Guatemala both score 95 on PD, and are among the most hierarchical societies in the world, but Costa Rica scores only 35, which is a lower PD rating than even the U. S. earned. For that reason, it is important to be sensitive to how hierarchies play out in Nicaragua specifically. In addition to PD, it is important to mention the low Individuality (IND) rating that predominates in Latin America. In the workplace, low IND means employees tend to value harmony and good relationships more than personal advancement, and are expected to be loyal, hard-working, and willing to do whatever they are asked to do. In return for their hard work and loyalty, Latin American workers generally expect their employers to be loyal to them as well. Because of the group orientation, the employer-worker relationship tends to be more paternal in Latin America than in the U. S. Latin American firms typically treat employees as a sort of extended family, which often involves a wider range of benefits, such as subsidized or free lunches, more inclusive medical coverage, and holiday bonuses. It has already been pointed out that most Hispanic countries score very high on Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), which suggests that most Latin Americans prefer security and avoiding risk. This may help explain why technology is not as prevalent in Latin America as in the U. S. To be sure, poverty is part of the picture, but Latin Americans tend to be less enamored of technology for technology’s sake than many Americans. Due in part to the high UA rating, many Latin Americans perceive less of a need to upgrade, modernize, and replace old technology with cutting edge products. This may affect a given entrepreneur’s attitudes toward technological upgrades, adopting new computing systems, etc. One notable exception to this principle is the use of cell phones- due to infrastructure and bureaucratic issues associated with land lines, there are more cell phones in most Latin American countries than land lines. Lastly, the importance of family and personal relationships also impacts the workplace. For example, it is more common in Latin America to seek employment with family members, hire family members, and look to the family for help in times of need. In addition, many Latin Americans feel more comfortable doing business with people they know personally, and developing that relationship is often considered an essential first step. Americans who try to move things along more quickly and â€Å"get to the point† may become frustrated and/or offend Latin Americans. South Asian HRM Practices Recruitment and Selection

The Causes of the Downfall of Communism

The Causes of the Downfall of Communism Communism gained a strong foothold in the world during the first half of the 20th century, with one-third of the worlds population living under some form of communism by the 1970s. However, just a decade later, many of the major communist governments around the world toppled. What brought about this collapse? The First Cracks in the Wall By the time Joseph Stalin died in March of 1953, the Soviet Union had emerged as a major industrial power. Despite the reign of terror that defined Stalin’s regime, his death was mourned by thousands of Russians and brought about a general sense of uncertainty about the future of the Communist state. Soon following Stalin’s death, a power struggle ensued for leadership of the Soviet Union. Nikita Khrushchev eventually emerged the victor but the instability that had preceded his ascent to the premiership had emboldened some anti-Communists within the eastern European satellite states. Uprisings in both Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia were quickly quelled but one of the most significant uprisings occurred in East Germany. In June of 1953, workers in East Berlin staged a strike over conditions in the country that soon spread to the rest of the nation. The strike was quickly crushed by East German and Soviet military forces and sent a strong message that any dissent against Communist rule would be dealt with harshly. Nevertheless, unrest continued to spread throughout Eastern Europe and hit a crescendo in 1956, when both Hungary and Poland saw massive demonstrations against Communist rule and Soviet influence. Soviet forces invaded Hungary in November of 1956 to crush what was now being called the Hungarian Revolution. Scores of Hungarians died as a result of the invasion, sending waves of concern throughout the western world. For the time being, the military actions seemed to have put a damper on anti-Communist activity. Just a few decades later, it would start again. The Solidarity Movement The 1980s would see the emergence of another phenomenon that would ultimately chip away at the Soviet Union’s power and influence. The Solidarity movement- championed by the Polish activist Lech Walesa- emerged as a reaction to policies introduced by the Polish Communist Party in 1980. In April 1980, Poland decided to curb food subsidies, which had been a life-line for many Poles suffering through economic difficulties. Polish shipyard workers in the city of Gdansk decided to organize a strike when petitions for wage-increases were denied. The strike quickly spread across the country, with factory workers all over Poland voting to stand in solidarity with the workers in Gdansk. Strikes continued for the next 15 months, with negotiations ongoing between the leaders of Solidarity and the Polish Communist regime. Finally, in October of 1982, the Polish government decided to order full martial law, which saw an end to the Solidarity movement. Despite its ultimate failure, the movement saw a foreshadowing of the end of Communism in Eastern Europe.   Gorbachev In March of 1985, the Soviet Union gained a new leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev was young, forward-thinking, and reform-minded. He knew the Soviet Union faced many internal problems, not the least of which was an economic downturn and a general sense of discontentment with Communism. He wanted to introduce a broad policy of economic restructuring, which he called perestroika. However, Gorbachev knew that the regime’s powerful bureaucrats had often stood in the way of economic reform in the past. He needed to get the people on his side to put pressure on the bureaucrats and thus introduced two new policies: glasnost (meaning ‘openness’) and demokratizatsiya (democratization). They were intended to encourage ordinary Russian citizens to openly voice their concern and unhappiness with the regime. Gorbachev hoped the policies would encourage people to speak out against the central government and thus put pressure on the bureaucrats to approve his intended economic reforms. The policies had their intended effect but soon got out of control. When Russians realized that Gorbachev would not crack down on their newly won freedom of expression, their complaints went far beyond mere discontentment with the regime and the bureaucracy. The whole concept of communism- its history, ideology, and effectiveness as a system of government- came up for debate. These democratization policies made Gorbachev extremely popular both in Russia and abroad. Falling Like Dominoes When people all across Communist Eastern Europe got wind that the Russians would do little to quell dissent, they began to challenge their own regimes and work to develop pluralist systems in their countries. One by one, like dominoes, Eastern Europe’s Communist regimes began to topple. The wave started with Hungary and Poland in 1989 and soon spread to Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania. East Germany, too, was rocked by nation-wide demonstrations that eventually led the regime there to allow its citizens to travel once more to the West. Scores of people crossed the border and both East and West Berliners (who had not had contact in almost 30 years) gathered around the Berlin Wall, dismembering it bit by bit with pickaxes and other tools. The East German government was unable to hold onto power and the reunification of Germany occurred soon after, in 1990. One year later, in December of 1991, the Soviet Union disintegrated and ceased to exist. It was the final death knell of the Cold War and marked an end of Communism in Europe, where it had first been established 74 years prior. Although Communism has nearly died out, there are still five countries that remain Communist: China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam.