Diverse Families Essay Example for Free

Diverse Families Essay The modern society is marked with many challenges, which are transforming the traditional social way of life. For instance, the traditional two parent family seems to be losing the originality and substance which was associated with it in the past. This is evidenced by the increasingly high rate of divorce which has resulted to high number of single parented and remarried families. Clearly the challenge in this matter is encountered in appreciating that a two parent family is full of challenges which when left unattended can result into far reaching effects. Many people therefore find solution to these challenges in single parent and remarried families. This fact is underscored by sociologist Paul Bohannan who defines divorcees as people who have failed in their marriage but would also do not like to settle in a bad marriage (Gladding, 2002). This paper is written with an interest of discussing how single and remarried families differ from traditional Two-parent families as well as discussing their challenges and strength. How Single parent and Remarried families are treated differently from traditional two parent families. Single parent and remarried families are treated as failures of their original two parent family in the modern society. This is because the society still holds the sanctity and originality of a two parent family at esteem and as a command from their supreme being (Gladding, 2002). They therefore believe that any deviation from this command is a betrayal of their religion’s requirement and has a well defined punishment documented in their holy doctrines. Further to this, many religions hold that all men and women must marry and stay in their marriages irrespective of the challenges they meet. Single parent and remarried families are therefore depicted as non official and against the requirements of the Supreme Being (Harris, Abernethy, Smenta, 2000). Still to be noted here is the perception that single parents and remarried parents are sexually immoral. In the modern society, sexual immorality is still perceived to be more pronounced and associated with women than men. This compounded by the fact the number of unmarried single parents are women. To avoid being branded a feminist, I find it necessary to mention here that the considerable number of unmarried single parented men in the society cannot be ignored in this discussion. This perception is overstressed by the fact that human beings reproduce through sexuality which is believed by many members of our society to be legitimate only when it occurs during marriage and with only one partner in life time (Harris, Abernethy, Smenta, 2000). Based on this discussion, it is apparent that having children outside the wed lock or divorcing as well as remarrying another partner and having other children is treated as a form of sexual immorality which in the broad and normal sense of the word is not acceptable in the society. Strengths and special challenges associated with culturally diverse families Single parent families face a number of challenges in the society. Top on the list of these challenges is financial problems. Available statistical research results shows that single parent families have financial problems, which are more severe than in the case of two parent families (Gladding, 2002). As a matter of fact, the financial contribution of one parent cannot be compared to the contribution of two parents. This fact becomes worse if the family was rendered single parented by divorce. This is because the family might have been used to a given standard of living which changes all of a sudden due to lack of financial support from the other partner. As a result, a period of stress and depression follows before the divorced person adapts to the new ways of living. This challenge becomes more serious if the parent undergoing this traumatizing experience has the custody of the children. Remarried families have for long faced the challenge of neglect. This is evidenced in cases where one of the parents had children. It therefore follows that each of the parents has to appreciate each other as well as loving the children. It is believed that the biggest gift an individual can give to his or her partner is by loving the kids (Harris, Abernethy, Smenta, 2000). This undoubtedly shows that you where not only looking for a spouse but you were willing to join a family. However, available studies shows that in many a time, people find it hard to love kids whom they have not fathered or mothered. The desire to have a spouse can overcome the importance of loving the kinds and hence it can amount into another form of conflict of interest (Gladding, 2002). This problem is compounded by the possibility of getting in the present marriage what was lacking in the previous marriage or life. The effect of neglect is also evidenced in cases where the grand parents or either of the parents fails to recognize the step children and therefore they deny them their right of inheritance. One of the major strengths associated with the single parent and the remarried families is that they are put in a position to enjoy there life as well as to enhance the goodness of their children (Gladding, 2002). Some family relationships are marked with many challenges which can have negative far reaching effects and therefore detaching from a non satisfying marriage gives an individual an opportunity to restructure his or her life as well as the life of the children. Although it is argued that divorcees are marriage fails. It is also important to appreciate that they are people who are not willing to stick into a bad marriage. In conclusion therefore, single parent and remarried people are perceived negatively in the society as compared to the two parent family but this kind of family can be a solution to other problems which otherwise could be more hurting to the parent and the kinds at large. References Gladding, S. (2002). Family Therapy: History, Theory, and Practice. Michigan: Merrill. Harris, A. , Abernethy, A. , Smenta, J. (2000). Adolescent-Parent Interactions in Middle-Class African American Families: Longitudinal Change and Contextual Variations. Journal of Family Psychology, 14 (3), 458-474.

Intercultural Communication Essay -- Papers Communicating Culture Essa

Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication is commonly explained as an interaction between people of 'different cultures whether defined in terms of racial, ethnic or socioeconomic differences.' Human communication consists of verbal and nonverbal messages (language and gestures) which are shaped by gender, social class or culture. Thus, what perimeters define the intercultural exchange and what primary messages do we need or try to convey? Our communication process or the way we attribute symbolic meanings to words and gestures, in order to express ourselves is shaped by the society in which we evolve. This shared use of codes within a given group of persons, also leads to a common philosophy of life, ideas or morals. Therefore, culture to a certain extent, shapes our thoughts in different fashions in spite of the fact that we have common biological or emotional needs and therefore, common responses to certain stimuli. In addition, various societies are now stratified in classes inside which, groups create and develop other codes. Each subgroup sustains its values and tradition through language and rites creating multicultural interactions. Hence, the human communication process cannot be held for homogenous, even inside the same society because factors like race, gender or social class will slightly modify this pattern. Last summer, I spent one month in Quito, Ecuador and one week on the island Anaconda in the Amazonian Forest. This was my first experience in Latin America and I have been able to see two very different part of the Ecuadorian culture. In Quito, people speak Spanish, live in the capital and are from mixed descent (Spanish- Indian) while Anaconda?s population is mainly Indian, speaks ... ...terlocutor?s, we will express ourselves differently. The fact that a common structure, for example college, is shared with someone helps to erase communication obstacles. Furthermore, criteria like manners are also defined according to classes and this shared meaning of codes often transcends cultural differences. However, words and the meaning they stand for are intrinsic to a language and this is always subjective. In spite of the arbitrary definition of a word in a given language, human feelings remain the common denominator of most exchanges. This is the basis on which messages can be exchanged and understood between people from different cultures, gender or race. In addition, tangible things or situations are easier to discuss with someone from a completely different culture. The message we convey become basic in this case, and generally express first needs.

Mechanical Engineering Essay

Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principle of engineering, physics and material science for analysis, design, manufacturing , and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering, that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.[1] It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines. The engineering field requires an understanding of core concepts including mechanics, thermodynamics, material science, structural analysis, and electricity. Mechanical engineers use computer aided engineering and product lifestyle management to design and analyze future manufacturing plants industrial equipment and machinery heating and cooling systems, transport systems, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons etc. mechanical engineering’s development can be traced back several thousand years around the world. Mechanical engineering science emerged in the 19th century as a result of developments in the field of physics. The field has continually evolved to incorporate advancements in technology, and mechanical engineers today are pursuing developments in such fields as composites ,mechatronics, and nanotechnology. Mechanical engineering overlaps with aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, petroleum engineering, and manufacturing so, all of these are encountered and cannot be avoided. There are other fields mechanical engineers have to do like, biomedical engineering and modeling of biological systems like, soft tissue mechanics. Mechanical engineers have to design and build engines and power plants, structures and vehicles of all sizes. Mechanical engineering requires a bachelors degree. The formal name for the degree is â€Å"Mechanical Engineer†, and the course work is based on five or six years of training, but in order to qualify as an Engineer you have to pass a state exam at the end of the course. Standards set participation to society and are intended to provide uniformity in fundamental subject material, promote competence among graduating engineers, and mostly to maintain confidence in the engineering profession as a whole. Students are required to show that they can â€Å"work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas. Mechanical engineers are also expected to understand and be able to apply  basic concepts from chemistry, physics, chemical engineering etc. All mechanical engineering programs include multiple semesters of mathematical classes including calculus, and advanced mathematical concepts. Also most mechanical engineering programs also require varying amounts of research or community projects to gain practical problem-sol ving experience. Engineers may seek license by a state, provincial, or national government. The purpose of this process is to ensure that engineers possess the necessary technical knowledge, real-world experience, and knowledge of the local legal system to practice engineering at a professional level. Once certified, the engineer is given the title of professional engineer. The field of mechanical engineering can be thought of as a collection of many mechanical engineering science disciplines. Several of these disciplines which are typically taught at the undergraduate level are listed below, with a brief explanation and the most common application of each. Some of these disciplines are unique to mechanical engineering, while others are a combination of mechanical engineering and one or more other disciplines.

The Sensitive Periods - Montessori - 1806 Words

This essay will briefly discuss the notion of ‘sensitive periods in development,’ as introduced by Hugo de Vries and researched by Maria Montessori. It will further list Montessori’s explanation of the sensitive periods and their importance in a child between the ages of 0 and 6 years. Two examples will be discussed through personal reflection to demonstrate the author’s understanding of these periods. Many theorists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Freud and Erikson have examined the idea that every living organism must go through developmental stages. This notion was especially examined by Hugo de Vries (1948-1935), a Dutch botanist and geneticist who spent much of his life researching animal development. His work largely related to the†¦show more content†¦11 Mathematics Formation of the concepts of quantity and operations for the use of concrete material aids (age: 4 - 6). (as cited in Seldin Epstein, 2003, p. 47) For the purposes of this paper, I have been required to observe children in an educational and non-educational setting and identify two examples of children demonstrating a sensitive period. My observation in an educational setting – at a Montessori Children’s house: Two little boys approximately the age of two were beside a sliding glass door. One child held a squeegee window cleaner and at his feet laid a bucket of water – we will call this child Jake. The other child (we will call Michael) fussed around Jake wanting to have a turn. Jake’s drive was to clean the glass using the squeegee. He dipped the squeegee into the water and then wiped the glass door. Several things were observed. Jake appeared stressed when he spilled water on the floor. He was also very obsessed with cleaning the glass well and wiping up any drips of water that were spilt from the squeegee onto the glass. Michael fussed around Jake. Michael was keen for his turn (the need for the implementation of rules) and used limited language to give instructions to Jake, telling Jake how to do his job. Jake appeared annoyed at Michael but was ignoring his verbal demands and also ignored Michael’s attempts to take the squeegee from him. Jake was deeply absorbed in his ‘work.’ After about 5 minutes, theShow MoreRelatedMontessori Sensitive Periods1559 Words   |  7 PagesA sensitive period refers to â€Å"a special sensibility which a creature acquires in its infantile state (Montessori, 1966, p.38). Such sensitive periods were first discovered in insects by the Dutch scientist Hugo de Vries, but according to Montessori, can also be found in children and are very important to consider in teaching. Each sensitive period is a transient disposition and is limited to the acquisition of a particular trait (Montessori, 1966, p.38). Once the sensitive period is over, theRead MoreMontessori Sensitive Periods2223 Words   |  9 Pagescover the sensitive periods and I will link them to the child’s first stage of development. I will also go over each sensitive period in full and give examples of my own experiences for each of them. I will also give explanations as to why it is important for us as adults to support and facilitate the sensitive periods and also what will happen if they are not recognised or supported at the right time. I am then also going to explain how the adults understanding of the sensitive periods and child’sRead MoreSensitive Period to Order - Montessori1167 Words   |  5 Pagesthe child’s sensitive period for order. I will explain how it is catered for in the classroom, referring to materials and activities. Sensitive Periods The Sensitive Periods are the best times for a child to learn a specific skill and are critical to the child’s self development. The child has this inner urge to undertake the task in order to live. Although, once this period passes it is possible for the child to learn the new skill but with much more difficulty. A sensitive period that is preventedRead MoreMontessori - What Are the Six Sensitive Periods?1777 Words   |  8 PagesWhat are the 6 sensitive periods? Write 7 to 8 lines on each of them? The Sensitive Periods in a child’s life was Dr. Maria Montessori’s greatest discovery. Though it was first discovered by a Dutch Scientist, Hugo de Vries, it was on animals, but Dr. Maria Montessori found the existence of this period in children too. The term â€Å"Sensitive Period† is used for a specific period of a child’s mental growth, during which the different sensibilities enable him to choose from a complex environment whatRead MoreMontessoris Sensitive Periods and Their Effect on Child Development2292 Words   |  10 Pages | | | |Define the term sensitive periods and give full details of the six main periods, together with examples to show your understanding. (6 x 5) - ie 30 marks in| |total Read MoreMaria Montessori : Education Of Children And Developed A Clear Concept Of A Planned Environment1489 Words   |  6 Pages â€Æ' While Maria Montessori expressed multiple convincing theories regarding the education of children that included ideas such as sensitive periods, the role of independence and a planned environment in the classroom, some theories contradicted each other and in practice. She compiled her beliefs into a Montessori Method that described how to teach young children in a way that fulfilled their full potential. McClure’s magazine recognized Montessori as a â€Å"wonder worker in education† (Tozier, 1911)Read MoreThe influence of the Absorbent Mind, and the Sensitive Periods on the childs development of movement, language and social skills.1448 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Absorbent Mind and the Sensitive period and illustrate the influence of these periods on the child s development of movement, language and social skills. A child in his absorbent mind develops his movement, his language and social skills by soaking knowledge. He takes steps in different sensitive period and repe ats his movements, words or social skill actions to improve and to perfect his movement, language and social skills. The Absorbent Mind: Dr. Maria Montessori uses the term Absorbent MindRead MoreThe Role of a Teacher in a Montessori Classroom1273 Words   |  6 Pagesto develop naturally. She believed that every child held the ability to learn but only needed to be shown or guided on how to correctly do so. The teachers role in the class room is to cater for these needs. Montessori believed that only a certain type of person suited the role of a Montessori teacher â€Å"The teacher must derive not only the capacity, but the desire, to observe natural phenomena. In our system, she must become a passive, much more than an active, influence, and her passivity shall beRead MoreSensitive Period and Absorbent Mind1093 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is sensitive period and the environment required for sensitive period At birth the child s physical development is more or less complete while psychologically it is still in the embryonic state. For this reason Dr. Maria Montessori called that the human being is still a spiritual embryo when it is born. Man seems to have two embryonic periods, one is prenatal like that of the animals; the other is postnatal and only man has this. -The Absorbent Mind, p55, Chapter 7. â€Å"A child possessesRead MoreSensitive Periods1496 Words   |  6 PagesSensitive Periods Define the term sensitive periods Sensitive periods are a period in a child’s life where they are obsessed with certain aspects of learning without any particular reason. This period is an optimum time for development and children can really develop specific abilities and skills. When children are in their sensitive periods and working with any activity, they will not show any signs of fatigue and will repeat the activity a number of times. These periods last for a certain