Gender Roles in Harry Potter

Girls in young adult fantasy novels tend to fare rather poorly, especially in the light of Susan from the Chronicles of Narnia. When  Aslan  admits the  Pevensies  into paradise, Susan is barred because she has forgotten Narnia and is more interested in stockings and the real adult world, because she has dared to want to grow up. Jill Pole comments: aâ‚ ¬? She’s interested in nothing nowadays except nylons and lipstick and invitationsaâ‚ ¬? 1. C. S. Lewis presents a conservative view of girls in the fantasy genre, that they will be drawn into their own adolescent fantasies and will abandon the secondary world.Philip Pullman compounds this with his treatment of Lyra in the His Dark Materials trilogy where she is the protagonist in the first novel but cedes decision making and power to Will through the remaining narrative. Hermione Granger starts out challenging this conservative view but ultimately she is turned into a mother and sidelined from the world of action . Her role changes through the novel and this is not due merely to the maturation of the character as she ages but also the needs of the male dominated groups around her, from the school group with Harry and Ron to the Order of the Phoenix.A quick glance offers the view that between 11 and 15 she is more rebellious whilst between the ages of 16 and 17 she takes on a sisterly role before her final appearance as a mother. In the Harry Potter novels  Hermione  is variously a bookish individual who supports and guides Harry through her research and work. She is the dominant force in Harryaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s success until the sixth novel,  Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, where her role as Harryaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s educator is taken by  Dumbledore. Eliza  Dresang  sees Hermione as being far more successful than she is made out to be by  Farah  Mendlesohn.Hermione gains agency and is able to take more control of her situation than  Mendlesohn  gives her credit for thro ugh her own actions, finding aâ‚ ¬? evidence in the text to be considerably more optimistic about Hermione’s self-determination than does Mendlesohnaâ‚ ¬? 2  through her determination about being sorted by the Hat and aâ‚ ¬? refuses to be deterred from her purposes, whether it be learning, admonishing about rules or †¦ championing the underdogaâ‚ ¬? 3. Mendlesohn comments that aâ‚ ¬? Hermione is accepted in the social structure of the school only because she is Harry’s friendaâ‚ ¬?   and that aâ‚ ¬? [r]adicalism, as embodied by Hermione, is irrational, ignorant, and essentially transientaâ‚ ¬? 5. Though her attempts at freeing the house-elves are doomed, she is more successful at galvanising her peers and enabling Harry’s success through her contributions. There is another issue to consider though and that is one of genre. The first five Harry Potter books are clearly school stories. Motifs, such as the annual arrival via the ste am train and the term times with the enforced stay over Christmas, come from this genre.Instead of only competing in sports for honour such as Quidditch, house points are awarded or taken away for behaviour or acts of bravery. In the final two novels, the structure of the novels change to being a more conventional fantasy series wherein Harry must defeat  Voldemort in a final conflict. This switch to the fantastic, in particular a male dominated fantastic world, means that Hermione must change roles to remain in the world since we rarely see any lone witches who have not turned to Voldemort such as Bellatrix Lestrange. This change of genre changes the expectations placed on the characters by readers and the roles which they play.School stories, in the mould of Enid Blyton’s  Malory  Towers or  St Clare’s,  offer  the reader a tale of a group of children who go on adventures limited in scale by location, an isolated school, and time, terms end and the year i s punctuated by holidays. They offer a degree of  carnivalesque  expressed in the capers of the students which are tamed by the teachers but also a continuing discourse of maturation and acculturation to the wider adult world which must be entered. Parents exist at the edge of the story, referred to in letters or bringing their children to school.Once the anarchic time at school comes to an end, the parents represent the roles that the children will adopt. The fantastic world that Rowling constructs is one which begins as potentially subversive with Hermione challenging perceived wrongs and gaining a more powerful agency in the world through her knowledge. As she matures, the world is fully extended past Hogwarts and becomes deeply conservative and male dominated and Hermione has to re-ascertain her social standing on the edge of the group, her enabling agency now of no direct use to Harry.Hermione matures in the series changing from the shy, bookish outsider to being, in effect , a big sister character to Harry and Ron but at the cost of her own agency and talents. As she matures into this role, she changes from being an inquisitive person, pushing her own bounds of knowledge and even her sanity, to being slightly calmer but clearly not of equal standing with Ron and Harry who are allowed to take active roles into world. When we first meet Hermione on the train going to  Hogwarts, Rowling presents her an unkempt, exploring child unafraid to make new friends or to go up and visit the train driver.She is described as having aâ‚ ¬? a bossy voice, lots of bushy brown hair and rather large front teethaâ‚ ¬? (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, p 79) and already wearing the school colours. She interrupts Ron and Harry who are tucking into a carriage way feast of sweets. Curious, she challenges Ron to show him the magic trick which he is attempting. As the train approaches the station, she encourages the two boys to don their robes and questi ons whether they have been fighting already. Her drive towards perfection is shown in her encyclopaedic knowledge of the school drawn from reading the history.Already knowing the reason for the enchanted ceiling, she attains a position in the newly formed social triumvirate as the knowledge repository. Hermione comes back from the school holidays a day early whilst the friends are trying to find out who Nicholas  Flamel  is and is aâ‚ ¬? torn between the horror at the idea of Harry being out of bed†¦ and disappointment that he hadn’t at least found out who Nicholas Flamel wasaâ‚ ¬? (Philosopher’s Stone,  p158). Her curiosity and good behaviour are at odds since she is aware that the answer may well lie in the forbidden section of the library but that entry  transgresses  the school rules.Although it is Harry who discovers Flamel by accident on the back of the collector’s card he got on the train, it is Hermione who links him to the Philosoph er’s Stone through a book she got aâ‚ ¬? out of the library weeks ago for a bit light reading aâ‚ ¬? (Philosopher’s Stone, p. 161). Ron’s only comment, aâ‚ ¬? Light? aâ‚ ¬? (Philosopher’s Stone, p. 161), a suggestion that knowledge is not highly prized in Hogwarts as opposed to  Quidditch. It was Hermione who noticed that Fluffy was standing on the trapdoor (Philosopher’s Stone, p120), a fact that both Ron and Harry missed. Yet her achievements come at a social price.Hermione’s adherence to the school rules is shown inPhilosopher’s Stone  after the finding of the trapdoor at night. When Harry receives a new broom after the destruction of his old one, her comments aâ‚ ¬? So I suppose you think that’s a reward for breaking rules? aâ‚ ¬? (Philosopher’s Stone  p. 123). Her forthrightness about the midnight incident is tempered by the argument with Ron and Harry. She is clearly upset by their reaction which is made worse by Ron’s careless comment about her not having any friends. Rushing past Harry, he notices that she is crying (Philosopher’s Stone  p. 127).When the troll is announced, both boys realise that it has gone to the girls’ toilets where Hermione is trapped. When Professor McGonagall enters, Hermione lies to protect them all and claims that she wanted to tackle the troll herself. Although this means that aâ‚ ¬? from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friendaâ‚ ¬? (Philosopher’s Stone, p. 132), she can only do so by lying to a teacher and so overturns her previous rigid adherence to rules. She has to adopt the boys own world view. In  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Hermione offers to make the Polyjuice Potion to see what Malfoy knows about the chamber’s opening.She tricks  Lockhart  into signing a slip for ‘Most  Potente  Potions’ to fool the Librarian (Chamber of Secrets, p. 124). Wh en Ron says that they will need to steal from Professor Snape’s private stores, she retorts: aâ‚ ¬? Well, if you two are going to chicken out, fine†¦Ã‚  I  don’t want to break the rules you know. aâ‚ ¬? (Chamber of Secrets, p. 125). Hermione is aware that they have already obtained a permission slip that Lockhart has signed without realising what it is (using his own arrogance), that the recipe relies upon illicit goods and that the boys cannot discover Malfoy’s perceived role without trickery.Despite her protestations about the rules, she is aware that these will need to be broken to be successful. When they come to making the potion, the group need parts of their victims and Hermione is too hasty in taking some hair from Millicent  Bulstrode  in Wrestling and accidentally turns herself into a cat much to Myrtle’s delight, aâ‚ ¬? Wait till everyone finds out you’ve got a  tailaâ‚ ¬? (Chamber of Secrets, p. 169). Whilst Ron and Harry have used her Sleeping Potion to knock out  Crabbe  and  Goyle, Malfoy’s henchmen, Hermione’s own attempt has backfired and so she is unable to help get information from Malfoy.Her overachievement turns her into a figure of fun. Although she is able to assimilate Harry and Ron’s worldview into her own perceptions, she is unable to fully join their world although she is the enabler for their plans through the potion and the linking together of the clues in  Philosopher’s Stone. Her overachievement comes to a head in the  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of  Azkaban  when she is given the use of the Time-Turner. In Snape’s Potions class, Neville is aided by Hermione to perfect the Shrinking Solution but when Ron and Harry turn to challenge her after the deduction of points, she disappears only to reappear a few minutes ater with her bag falling apart through weight of books. When she brushes off Ron’s challenge about the contents, he muses aâ‚ ¬? Do you get the feeling Hermione’s not telling us something? aâ‚ ¬? (Prisoner of Azkaban, p. 99). Clearly Hermione is unable to tell the boys about Professor  McGonagall’s  gift of the Time Turner. In the Defence against the Dark Arts exam, Hermione comes into contact with the  Boggartand after aâ‚ ¬? a minute inside it [the  Boggart's  trunk], she burst out again, screamingaâ‚ ¬? (Prisoner of Azkaban, p. 234).The Boggart, which presents worst fears, has suggested to her that Professor McGonagall will fail her in an exam, so her fears of academic and also personal failure come to the fore. Ron is still inclined to laugh at Hermione’s fear since he will not excel academically. Despite their close bond, Hermione’s academic achievements have always separated her from the boys. It is only when the situation demands that time is altered that she is able to tell Harry. When they fail to saveBuckbeak  the first ti me,  Dumbledore  suggests to Hermione that the situation can be saved by going backwards and Hermione confesses to Harry, aâ‚ ¬?I’ve been using it all year to get to all my lessonsaâ‚ ¬? (Prisoner of Azkaban, p. 289) but she still cannot work out why Dumbledore has suggested going back three hours. It is up to Harry to formulate the plan to save the  Hippogriff  and Sirius. Once again, Hermione’s mental achievements enable Harry but she is unable to complete the reasoning for the shift in time. Hermione proves herself via her academic prowess and enables Harry and Ron to complete various challenges. She is the person to whom the boys go when they have difficulties with the homework. Lupin praises her  as the aâ‚ ¬? inest witch of her ageaâ‚ ¬? (Prisoner of Azkaban, p 253)  in the Shrieking Shack  as she becomes hysterical at his perceived betrayal of her loyalty, aâ‚ ¬? I didn’t tell anyone†¦ I’ve been covering up for you aâ‚ ¬? (Prisoner of Azkaban, p 253). Her need to prove herself academically is challenged and Ron’s reaction is to want to laugh. Despite her achievement and regular help for Harry and Ron, it is only the teachers who really prize her accomplishments. She is the character most likely to fail through overachievement. Her role is clearly defined in the school story as the swot.The school story genre allows her this room as a defined role but it she must adapt when the genre changes to a conservative high fantasy wherein gender roles are somewhat different. During the  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, she reverts to the quiet studious Hermione of the first novel when Harry gets the  magicked  version of the potions book. As Harry falls under its spell and useful marginalia, she becomes increasingly exasperated at his lack of work or effort in the class commenting aâ‚ ¬? Well, it wasn’t exactly your own work, was it? aâ‚ ¬? (Half-Blood Prince, p 182). She and Ginny are protective of Harry and test the spell book which he has picked up, though they do not see the inscription claiming it is the property of the Half-Blood prince. With the aid of Ginny Weasley, she also defends him during the setting up of the self-help Dark Arts group, the  acronymed  DA, in  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Gathering the curious students together in the Hog’s Head, she comments aâ‚ ¬? well I thought it would be good if we, well, took matters into our own hands†¦ And by that I mean learning how to defend ourselves properly, not just in theory but doing the real spellaâ‚ ¬? Half-Blood Prince, p 303). Though she is instrumental in gathering the class, she immediately reverts to her supporting role and allows Harry to discuss the events at the end of  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Firewhere he met the revived Voldemort. Her tenure as Prefect in  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  shows her stopping the  Weasley  twins from recruiting junior members of the school to test their joke wares,  saying aâ‚ ¬? I told you this morning, you can’t test your rubbish on students! aâ‚ ¬? (Order of the Phoenix, p 229) whilst Ron, her fellow Prefect, looks on from the side.Although she is active in keeping the more extreme elements of the carnivalesque from taking over the school in the form of the Weasley brother’s joke wares, it does mark the apogee of the progression from swot to Prefect in the school novel. Though these roles are usually played by various characters in the school story genre, Rowling has rolled them into one person who exemplifies the qualities of Hogwarts and, in particular,  Gryffindor. Though Hermione is keen on the maintenance of the status quo, she becomes increasingly vocal against the abuse of power in two areas.She has mixed success but it allows her to retain her role in the social cohesion of the friendship group and to begin organising ot hers in the school. Firstly she challenges a perceived abuse of the house elves by the  wizarding  classes and sets up the Society for the Protection of Elvish Welfare, SPEW. This act comes after  Dobby  is freed by Harry in  Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets. Hermione starts knitting hats to free the elves from their slave positions at Hogwarts inOrder of the Phoenix  and when challenged about this by Ron, exclaims aâ‚ ¬? Of course they want to be free! aâ‚ ¬? (Order of the Phoenix, p 230).Whilst it may mirror  Rowling’s  own time working for Amnesty International, she undermines Hermione by having Dobby pick up all the hats as the elves are offended by them. Though she gains the partial support of Dumbledore as he explains to Harry that he had encouraged  Sirius  to treatKreacher  with kindness  (Order of the Phoenix, p 733),  Ron and Harry dismiss her efforts. To an extent, she loves hopeless causes and sets out to free the elves despite t heir reluctance to change their positions. Secondly, she attacks the misuses of authority by teachers, such as Severus Snape and Dolores  Umbridge.In  Prisoner of  Azkaban, Snape takes over Lupinaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s classes while he recovers from his change. Ignoring the class protests he begins to set them work which will provide clues to Lupinaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s condition and Hermione protests  (Prisoner of Azkaban, p128) which encourages Ron to defend her and receive detention. She becomes increasingly agitated by  Snapeaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s  manner and challenges him through questions. Though she has been able to answer the questions that he puts to the class since the first book, earning his contempt, she now uses these as a challenge to his authority through passive disruption.In  Order of the Phoenix, Dolores Umbridge attempts to run a school based on the traditional school model of learning the theory of Defence against the Dark Arts rather than practical lessons. Hermione listens to  Umbridgeaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s  long speech which sets out the rationale for the coming changes. During the first Defence against the Dark Arts lesson she immediately questions  Umbridgeaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s  passive stance through using Umbridge’s insistence on pupils raising their hands to ask questions (Order of the Phoenix, p 217-218). Asking the question, she repeats herself when the answer is not forthcoming.Hermione continues this with the creation of the Dark Arts or  Dumbledoreaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s  Army group. As Umbridge tries to crack down on any nascent dissent against the Ministry of Magicaâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s policy, Hermione comes up with the plan of setting a group to rectify the lack of practical training. Facing the belief that Harry killed  Cedric,  fuelledby the Daily Prophet, she motivates the students to come together and to learn practical defence. As she does this she comments aâ‚ ¬? d’you know †¦ I think I’m feeling a bi t  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ rebelliousaâ‚ ¬? (Order of the Phoenix, p 559).Rather than continuing her challenge to misplaced authority, once the school story ends, she moves towards the role of the sister. Whilst on the run from the Ministry of Magic in  Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsHarry confesses to Ron that Hermione is aâ‚ ¬? like a sister,aâ‚ ¬? he went on aâ‚ ¬? I love her like a sister and I reckon she feels the same about meaâ‚ ¬? (Deathly Hallows, p308). To some degree she follows the path of  Lyrain Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy where the she develops her challenges early on but end up giving up independence.Before she meets Will, Lyra is free to challenge the authority figures around her but after the meeting, when Will is cooking an omelette, he commands aâ‚ ¬? ’Find a couple of plates’ he said, and Lyra obediently did soaâ‚ ¬? (The Subtle Knife  p 25). After the defeat of Voldemort, we see her and Ron on Platf orm 9 A? s waving their children off on the Hogwarts express. The action occurs around Harry and Ron with Hermione chiding them when they see Scorpius, Draco’s son, with aâ‚ ¬?Don’t try to turn them against each other before they’ve even started schoolaâ‚ ¬? (Deathly Hallows, p605). She is keen to maintain stability in the world for the children. As she develops into adolescence, she moves away from her rebellious side straight into motherhood, so avoiding Susan’s fate in the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’. Though she moves into adolescence, she is faithful to Ron, declaring her love for him in the  Deathly Hallows. Despite Lupin’s proclamation of her talent, we finally see Hermione taking her children to platform 9 A?.She avoids Susan’s banishment from the magical world because she cares for her friends and, ultimately, children and is not selfish as Susan is implied to be by Aslan in the quotation at the beginning of this essa y. Yet it seems a poor fate for all her achievements. The boarding school genre allows Hermione to excel academically and be an equal to Harry and Ron. She develops and is capable of taking on teaching duties and, it would appear, likely to follow  Minerva  McGonagallas the archetypal spinster teacher. She is the archetypal swot who becomes Prefect as she gets to the end of her school years.Her insistence upon hardwork and her dislike of cheats, even if they are her friends, show Hermione’s dedication to maintaining order, though not at any price. She also takes on what appear to be hopeless causes, the release of the elves and then challenges against misused authority, despite the ridicule of her peers. Hermione stands against inequality and tries to effect change. Dumbledore is the only person who backs her stance, and this is only very partially, as he explains to Harry. Dealing with her own social group, she is more effective in galvanising her peers into forming the Dark Arts group.Yet she is on the edge of the social group. On the train to Hogwarts, it is Harry who accepts her into the nascent group and then more firmly once the troll is defeated in the bathrooms. Once the  OWLs  have been taken, Hermione moves away from being the bright academic, her role in helping with Ron and Harry finishing their homework redundant, to being involved in maintaining the group with Ron and Harry through her caring for both boys. It is only Hermione who can cope with the real world of Oxford Street before they manage to get into more magical territory.The school narrative allows Hermione to blossom as an individual as the closed world of Hogwarts bars the real world and gives her space as a person. Once the real world begins to encroach, she begins to move away from her academic achievements and into the big sister role. At one level Rowling sees Hermione as a caricature of her school memories but at another, the Harry Potter series fails to address the idea that girls can do more than become mothers or spinster teachers. In Narnia thePevensie  children are either kept in childlike paradise away from ever growing up or they are ejected from paradise for thinking of the adult world.In ‘His Dark Materials’, Lyra moves from challenging the misplaced authority of Mrs  Coulter  and Lord  Asriel  to leaving Will to make all the decisions. Hermione’s own contributions to the group come through enabling Harry to complete tasks with the requisite knowledge that she can find or discern. Once the fight against Voldemort moves into Harry’s own history, only Dumbledore can help Harry. Whilst on the run in  Deathly Hallows, it is Hermione who tries to keep the group together and to work out Dumbledore’s final clue in the book of fairy tales. She is a catalyst for those around her and remains sidelined.Whilst she shows that she can develop herself against  Mendlesohn’s  analysis through her own talent,Dresang’s  assertion that Hermione gains strength through empowering others is shown to only be partial; she sacrifices her individual power and role to help recreate a safe world. Once she has enable Harry, Rowling moves her into a maternal role, her highest honour. It short changes the Witch that Lupin described as the brightest of her age. Bibliography Jackson, Rosemary,  Fantasy: The Literature of Subversion  (Routledge, London, 1981) Lewis, C. S. ,  The Last Battle(Harper Collins, London, 2005)Moorcock, Michael,  Wizardry and Wild Romance: A Study of Epic Romance  (Gollancz, London, 1987) Pullman, Philip,  The Subtle Knife  (Scholastic, London, 1997, 2001 reprint) Rotruck, Amie Rose, ‘Where Have All the Tomboys Gone? : Female Figures in British Children’s Fantasy Series’ in  Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction  Volume 32, Number 88, Summer 2003 Rowling, J. K. , Harry Potter and the Philosopherâ€℠¢s Stone (Bloomsbury, London, 1997) Rowling, J. K. ,  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets  (Bloomsbury, London, 1998) Rowling, J. K. ,  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban  (Bloomsbury, London, 1999) Rowling, J.K. ,  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  (Bloomsbury, London, 2000) J. K. Rowling,  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  (Bloomsbury, London, 2003) Rowling, J. K. ,  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  (Bloomsbury, London, 2005) Rowling, J. K. ,  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow  (Bloomsbury, London, 2007) Reynolds, Kimberley (ed),  Modern Children’s Literature: An Introduction  (Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2005) Whited, Lana A (ed),  Harry Potter and the Ivory Tower: Perspectives on a Literary Phenomenon  (University of Missouri Press, Columbia, 2004)

William Manchester

William Manchester gained his notoriety in a series of biographies based upon the life of Britain’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Through his writings in this work, Manchester made the colorful life of Churchill come alive as Manchester was able to capture an aspect and human aspect that had been missed by many of the other books on Churchill. The same is the case in this book: The World Lit Only by Fire. The book is divided up into three separate and distinct parts. The first part deals with the typical medieval European mind and all the impediments to free thought and learning that the Catholic Church had over the individual in his opinion. However, out of that time, according to Manchester, there was still able to emerge, some of the greatest minds, along with some of the greatest contributions, the world has ever known in the field of science, religion and philosophy. Manchester makes a list of twenty eight such individuals. Some of these would include Martin Luther, Copernicus, Machiavelli, Erasmus and his hero and the man to whom he will constitute the last third of the book about: Magellan and the great importance that Manchester feels, was the contributions that he gave to medieval Europe. The second aspect of the book deals with the Catholic Church and its role of importance and dominance in Europe during that time as well as the corruption of the Popes and the rise of humanism as a direct response to the Catholic Church. The Europe of the Middle Ages is a very large subject to tackle and Manchester does his best to encompass all of the major themes of that time as he sees it, into one comprehensive study. As the title suggests, Manchester attempts to show the relationship between the Medieval Mind and how it evolves into the Renaissance. This occurs through the evolution of religious thought into a more modern day aspect, a complete look at education and philosophy with major contributions to these fields occurring at this time along with the successes in exploration. However, this transformation would not occur overnight. At the beginning of the section entitled â€Å"The Medieval Mind† Manchester states that the age is plagued with the lasting effects of The Black Death, famine, illiteracy and common daily violence surrounding the courts of Europe. Manchester’s concept of the Medieval Mind also comes from the influence that the church has on almost every aspect of society, an influence that Manchester feels served as an impediment to learning. The example of Saint Bernard Clairvaux is given when he states that: â€Å"the pursuit of knowledge, unless sanctified by a holy mission†¦ Is a pagan act, and therefore vile.†[1] The medieval man or woman was left with nothing else than to contemplate God’s wrath and displeasure at their sin. Manchester stated that the only form of society that a typical man or woman felt was what was offered to them by the church. It is then that Manchester tackles The Reformation. In this, he credits both Erasmus, a moderate on issues of religion and which was ahead of his time in Christian thought and tolerance for other versions of Christian Faith, and Martin Luther, who took the Catholic Church head on and did all that he could to show the corruption of the church and dedicated his life to the education of the people. Due to the fact that the masses were not able and/or not allowed to learn how to read, the version of Christianity that was offered to the typical parishioner was typically void of Biblical truth in favor of Catholic Church doctrine which were sometimes in direct conflict with Biblical truths. Manchester goes into detail about the corruption of the church being allowed to flourish, due in part, to the masses inability to read and to know that what was being taught to them was not entirely true. In response to Pope Leo X who was in need of obtaining a large amount of revenue in order to finish the Basicilla at St. Peter’s, allowed Johan Tetzel to sell indulgences which offered eternal salvation to anyone willing to pay for it, Luther became outraged and sought to attack, possibly not the church as a whole, but this doctrine which was completely in conflict with Romans 1:17 which said that the righteous shall live by faith. The resistance that Luther offered to the Catholic Church eventually turned into the Protestant Reformation and as a result, there are more than 650 million Christians of a Protestant section. Another in the chief contributions that Luther gives to his German people, according to Manchester, is the completion of a German language Bible. In order to complete this, Luther had to be hidden away in a tower out of fear of retribution which would lead to death by agents of the Catholic Church, set on suppressing this which they saw the translation as well as the attacks that Luther made in response to the Catholic Church to be vile and wicked. Manchester, with regard to The Reformation, sees the entire process as being avoidable. Manchester sees the corrupt Popes during that time as well as the rigid rules that were put in place by the Catholic Church as being not only unnecessary, but also doing much to incite the masses against the church once an antagonist, such as Luther comes onto the world stage. However, since it did happen, Manchester sees The Reformation as not only a split between the church but also in history as much of Europe could now be split into one of two groups: persons belonging to the Medieval Mindset of superstition and absolute religious adherence, or a new consensus that allowed for the emergence of Copernicus and Galileo and above all in the mind of Manchester, the explorer Magellan. Manchester, in a continuation of his degradation of the Popes of this age, believes that their behaviors not only led to the religious reformation but also to the rise of the humanists. â€Å"Humanism†¦ led to the greatest threat the church had ever faced.†[2] The new inventions and ideas brought on my men like Da Vinci and Copernicus, according to Manchester, put into question â€Å" the certitude that knowledge had been forever fixed by God.†[3] The assertions by Copernicus as well as Galileo, brought into question the whole of idea of God’s omnipotence. Despite the fact that nowhere in The Bible does it claim that the sun revolves around the earth, since the Catholic Church asserted that this was the case and since the church had placed such a stronghold over the minds of the people, any blow to The Catholic Church and their faulty logic, also bought into question, the validity of Christianity as a whole. As a result, since some felt that God could not be trusted and that the inability to see him made the case for faith even harder, the only other logical source was to become a humanist and to believe in the capabilities of man since that is easier to see and to trust in the minds of the faithless. The corruption of the Catholic Church at that time, coupled with the inventions of Galileo and Copernicus, along with the huge popularity of Luther and Erasmus, a more secular and humanistic world view seemed to emerge and as a result, helped usher in the influence of The Renaissance. This brings us to the last section of the book which Manchester has entitled â€Å"One Man Alone.† A full 1/3 of the book is filled with the actions of the explorer Magellan and how Manchester gives a glowing review to the man and his accomplishments. According to Manchester, Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe â€Å"was the crowning triumph of the age, the final decisive blow to the past.†[4]Manchester includes this accomplishment as not only the greatest of the Middle Ages but also as part of a bigger picture: the religious revolution brought on by Luther and to a lesser but still important degree, Erasmus, the increase of secular power that Copernicus brought on with his achievements towards science. The majority of this section is a glowing review of Magellan and it seems to be, as one critic said: â€Å" a hero worship of the man.†Ã‚   Of all the people of importance that   contributed to Medieval society, Manchester makes a list of the twenty eight most important people. Some of these include Luther, Copernicus and Erasmus. The man that is seated on the top of this list of notables is Magellan. Manchester regards Magellan as â€Å" the linchpin for the men of the Renaissance.† [5] Manchester does not go into detail concerning what he means by this but rather gives a general review of the age which included both high and low culture. Manchester praises Magellan’s handling of the mutiny aboard ship, overlooks his distance miscalculations and refers to Magellan as the era’s greatest hero. In this hero worship of Magellan, Manchester seems to overemphasize the importance of Magellan and ignored the explorations of others. However, for Manchester, Magellan is the quintessential definition of what a hero is. â€Å"The hero acts alone, without encouragement, relying solely on conviction and his own inner resources.†[6] For Manchester, Magellan has always come to define such ideals. Manchester’s ultimate argument is that Magellan’s voyage is directly connected to the shattering of what he had come to define throughout his book, as â€Å"The Medieval Mind.† That is to mean, in Manchester’s opinion, a world that is ruled by superstitions as well as not only the corrupt Catholic Church but seemingly, most or all organized religions combined. Many reviews of Manchester’s book, The World Lit Only by Fire, does not contain a scholarly opinion of the book as Manchester’s telling of the events and conclusions to those events do not seem to be objective. There is seen within the pages of The World Lit Only by Fire, a great deal of biases, anecdotes and humor that seems out of place in a scholarly work of history. Yet, the book, for fans of Manchester as well as those interested in a fascinating read, will find his book, advantageous to that endeavor. A World Lit Only By Fire is an informative read, yet as its purpose does not possess educational intentions, it tends to include humor, perspectives, biases, and anecdotes that readers may consider not to be objective. In what was supposed to be a forward on a friend’s book about Magellan, is turned into a separate work on the Middle Ages and all that is occurring at that time. Manchester gives a less than glowing opinion of the Catholic Church, from the Popes all the way down to the nuns and places full blame upon the corruption and the questioning of there ever being the need for a Reformation in the first place, if The Catholic Church had remained pure and free from corruption. However, The Middle Ages also saw the rise of the humanists which placed their faith in what they could see rather than in what they wanted to see or were told to see by a dominating force as in the form of the Catholic Church. The achievements of Copernicus, Da Vinci and Magellan helped to usher in the rise of scientific thought that was seen to a great degree in The Renaissance that was to follow the days and events that are portrayed in Manchester’s book. A newly educated class comes out of the Middle Ages which will turn into the humanists. And to an alarming extent, compared to their ancestors from the region, become disillusioned about religion to a degree that is seen still to this day in America and in much of The West. In this regard, Manchester points out, as he does in many of his books, the idea that History is not static. That its importance is not bottled up in a far away land and in a time that does not serve any purpose to contemporary society. Manchester works more like a novelist than a historian as he overlooks anything that could serve as evidence to the contrary of Manchester’s assertion that the average Medieval Mind was pathetic and weak. It seems that Manchester regards as much, anyone during that time that does not have the honor of being on his list of twenty eight notables who lived during the Middle Ages. For those who agree, A World Lit Only by Fire will serve to validate such opinions. For those who feel as though there always more occurring during that time than has the been the consensus among a small but consistent minority of historians, the book will have the reader responding out loud to some of the assertions that Manchester makes. But in the end, William Manchester is a entertaining and, for those that cannot forget his works on Churchill, a great writer. WORKS CITED Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance. [1] Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance. 8 [2] Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance p. 112 [3] Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance p. 91 [4] Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance p. 294 [5] Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance p. 33 [6] Manchester, William.   The World Lit Only by Fire. The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance p. 225

Counselling Model

â€Å"Evaluate the claim that Person Centred Therapy offers the therapist all that he/she will need to treat clients†. Word Count 2,508 During this essay I will present my findings as I view them. I am relatively new to counselling, this hinders my current experience and limits my opinions about therapy and what methodologies are more or less effective when offering therapy to clients.So, based on text book theories (only at this stage), I will present my findings about client centered therapy and incorporate a number of different methodologies that have assisted me to decipher the answer to this core question, and understanding how affective client centered therapy is as an approach. The research is informative and thought provoking. It certainly raises questions of how clients were viewed and treated in the past, right into the here and now. My task is to explore the above title, possibly uncovering a rather more complex theory than one may first assume.Initially I explored the world of psychotherapy to provide me with an insight and greater understanding on this subject, also identify the influences and changes that has occurred in a relatively short space of time in this developing area of psychology. As stated by Saunders (2002: pg 14). â€Å"From centuries-old ancient philosophies and cultures, through to current ideas in our own white European culture. A summary of the more recent landmarks would go back around 100 years to the work of Sigmund Freud†.Freud was a physician and the creator of many theories, primarily focussed on psychoanalysis. His work was from clinically derived experiences that were based on feedback from his patients during therapy. This gave birth to the ‘psychodynamic approach’ which stemmed from Freud’s collection of theories. Freud and his colleagues were psychologists who were treating their patients for depression or anxiety related disorders. Although shunned by the medical profession until late r in his career, Freud continued to shape and mould psychology as it is recognised today.Highly influential and extremely passionate professional men introduced their approaches into delivering the different theories/techniques, all of which have influenced and set the tone for the philosophy of psychology today. Definition of psychology, this was derived from the Latin it’s described in two parts, 1. â€Å"Psyche† meaning: Breathe, Sprit, Soul. 2. â€Å"Ology† meaning: Study of the mind. (Modern Latin, (Oxford dictionary 2000: pg, 652). Psychology emerged from Biology and philosophy, today it is closely linked with other disciplines including sociology, medicine, linguistics and anthropology.My main focus for study is Carl Rogers’s 1902-1987 (Rogerian approach). Counselling has emerged into a sophisticated therapy, thanks to Rogers’s intention to move towards supporting the client with a non-judgemental, kind and empathetic approach. Rogers develo ped his theories and debated about the vital skills required when a therapist engages with the client. Rogers not only theorised on mental illness he was also highly influential when developing other areas of therapies which I will explain further on.Rogers was resolute in his beliefs that the client’s success was based purely on his six core elements all blended together for an effective outcome. As the founder of client centered therapy Rogers was passionate about his ideas. The methodology he used was from a humanistic view and his techniques have made a huge impact into a world of psychology and psychotherapy. In 1942 the term ‘Non-Directive Therapy’ was born but changed nine years later by Rogers who preferred to use the term Client Centered Therapy.Other leading psychotherapy approaches were introduced from Albert Ellis (1913-2007), an American psychologist who instigated the ‘Cognitive approach’ known as Rational Emotional Behaviour Therapy (R EBT) that theorised that as people our thoughts control and depict our feelings it’s a directive therapy that is solution based. Whereas, Gerard Egan, founder of the ‘Integrative approaches’, claims to use whatever technique is appropriate according to the clients issues and is described as ‘middle of the road’ school of thought.From the beginning it was Rogers’s intention to provide a radical alternative to the then current â€Å"psychodynamic and behavioural† approaches. Psychotherapy was a vast unexplored area that was waiting for a new and different alternative which Rogers’s brought about. Psychiatrists are first and foremost medical practitioners who work from an established ‘Medical Model of Mental Illness’ Used by psychiatrists and mental health professionals to describe the full range of human psychological distress and disturbances. and according to Saunders ‘no more than a system of naming things (e. g. the term ‘neurosis’, [Literally meaning an infection of the nerves] is just a list of symptoms it actually explains nothing)†pg106. This was a long established method used when applying a treatment plan in which there was limited flexibility and had deep rooted entrenched guidelines. During the 1960’s Rogers began to use the principles of his approach into other areas such as education, management, group work and resolving conflict.Many years ago all treatments/ therapies were all encased under one label ‘medical treatment’ and in the early years psychotherapy would only be carried out in a ‘clinical environment’ where people were classified as ‘patients’ that need treatment to cure their illness. Counselling on the other hand can be viewed as both medical and educational. Rogers had to use the term ‘counselling’ as a requirement enforced by the American medical profession. The term counselling is deem ed suitable to use ‘if not causing medical disturbances but only deep issues in the mind’ (Saunders, (2002) pg107).Rogers conscientiously and gradually over time merged counselling/psychotherapy cohesively together. It is now virtually impossible to distinguish the differences between the two. The purpose of client centered therapy is to encourage the client to bring about their own self-awareness of their feelings. It is a nurturing process that functions without the counsellor/therapist suggesting or advising how to bring about change. It is not a solution based therapy. The therapist’s role when delivering this approach is to offer a safe and relaxed environment, where the atmosphere creates an aura of empathy, acceptance and no judgements.As stated by (Saunders 2006) â€Å"The unconditional positive regard element of this condition is not the same as ‘liking’ or ‘being nice to’ the client† pg 60. UPR is practised in client cen tered therapy no matter what the client chooses to disclose. This is achieved by the therapist reflecting and paraphrasing back to the client their inner feelings. The process will encourage positive feelings to facilitate in lifting the clients inner-self in this safe non-threatening environment. The aim is to encourage negativity to rise and bring about self-awareness for the client to explore their reasons for being in treatment.Carl Rogers assumed that all human beings, if given the right opportunity, are basically good and will strive towards goodness as their main goal. Secondly that the client’s experiences are unique only to themselves, and finally he felt that the client’s internal instincts would guide them into reaching their full potential resulting in self-actualization thus, creating self-healing as a ‘fully functioning individual’. Rogers states in his actualizing theory that â€Å"all human beings are drawn towards their natural tendencyâ €™, as we are more than just growth and survival†.Individuals need to understand their value and growth. All humanistic psychologists are focused on the person as a whole, where as the cognitive approach identifies ‘parts of the being’. Cognitive and behavioural approaches focus on irrational beliefs, effect feelings and are responsible for creating the behaviour. Rogers specified that we are instinctive ‘organismic’ individuals with the capacity of self-healing that involves psychological healing. Due to one’s self-doubt and an ingrained belief system (an instilled program since childhood) instils these self-defeating ideas into our psyche.Thus, creating a belief system of feeling scrutinized and judged. Person centered psychology is more interested in the clients own perception of their distress. We feel as individuals that our own beliefs are accurate and fail to recognize that these thought processes were planted by others (our primary carers and peers), through incidents and learnt behaviour. Client centered therapy is collaborative, it’s a guide to facilitate the client to seek out their own self-realization, which for some will be viewed as an advantage, it offers a free range approach to explore inner feelings, for both therapist and client.Client centered therapy encourages growth and its aim is in convert immaturity into maturity, this is vital for progress and healing. Rogers approach when implemented correctly should bring about activating the self-healing process he believes is found in each one of us as. Another well-known figure is Maslow who designed ‘A model’ shaped as a pyramid called the ‘Hierarchy of needs’ ‘Humanistic approach’ this is used in many areas of therapy including education and training in the work place.When Maslow’s basic core conditions are applied in a respectful, non-threatening manner they enable the client to direct the process of their phronesis (through their wisdom). Maslow’s theory consists of a five-step process, starting from the bottom and only raising to the next level by attaining that level of needs. Starting from a person’s basic physiological human need of survival require water, food and shelter. Stepping up again to the next level will accommodate the person’s requirement of personal safety and protection from danger and the emotional need for security.Raising again up to the third level it covers a person’s social needs that involve the need for acceptance by peers and friendship. Level four covers the need for self-respect and self-esteem. A person requires the emotional need for status and self-confidence, finally reaching the tip of the pyramid, is the need to reach and realise one’s own potential of self-actualisation. As stated in the chrysalis work book (module one: pg9), â€Å"Maslow believed that everyone is born with the potential to self-actuali se and that, given a good environment, this can be achieved†.He classified this as reaching a ‘peak experience’ which can be experiencing joy and unimaginable happiness. Rogers stressed the importance of his â€Å"six key conditions being both â€Å"Necessary and Sufficient† for therapeutic change to take place† as quoted by Saunders, P. (2006:9). The therapist and client have to have a genuine relationship based on a two way psychological connection. Rogers felt that if the client felt the slightest hint that this was not the case the counselling would be flawed from the onset. The client feels vulnerable and anxious and views themselves as needing assistance.The therapist needs to be balanced and healthy minded about their own residing issues and have dealt with their own issues during their training. As Rogers’s states, it is vital that the therapist â€Å"can accurately be himself in the relationship†. A fundamental requirement of C lient centered therapy specifies that the therapist actually feels a genuine regard towards the client. Rogers terms this as an ‘unconditional positive regard’ (UPR) an empathetic approach. The therapist needs to be authentic, transparent and a willingness to be open with self-disclosure.Rogers specifies that the client must be completely listened to without any interruption from the therapist, who should demonstrate that they have fully understood with a genuine regard to support the client. To support the number of approaches, Chrysalis designed ‘A Model’ (TIME) an acronym Temporal, Interventional, Multi- model, Empathy. This effective tool offers guidance when selecting an appropriate approach to be practiced accordingly with the formatted structure as a set of rules in which to be guided by. This is a profoundly simple tool that has been designed as a multi-model (it fits all).The TIME model’s function is to mix and match the client’s issu e/s, personality and suitability by selecting the appropriate treatment plan. Temporal meaning time, Interventional involves using other holistic therapies to run alongside these approached , which may assist with the cognitive side of the person for example using hypnotherapy by communicating with the subconscious, where positive suggestions and affirmations may be placed to replace the negative beliefs that are blocking/hindering progress. The client may relax enough to allow their own phronesis (practical instinctive wisdom) to appear.Multi Model is combining or selecting the different approaches from a variety of therapeutic sources. Chrysalis encourages the therapist to explore all approaches and form a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to an individual. The last area to discuss is empathy, all therapy is empathetic, and it would be impossible to implement without it. As suggested in Saunders primer (2006) â€Å"†¦ being empathetic is to perceive the internal frame of reference of another with accuracy, and with the emotional components and meanings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ pg 66.Empathy and communication is therefore essential. Disadvantages for some clients, if offering client centered therapy could be bring about discontentment, as it involves a long duration of time, (from the client’s perspective) they may not wish to attend numerous sessions, they may be unable to remain focused, affecting their motivation and stop attending. Client centered therapy may place too much pressure on the client if they themselves require direction and solutions to their predicament. Results are hard to gage thus, questioning its impact as a structured ystem. Client centered therapy may be seen as far too simple and the whole approach could be misunderstood thus, affecting its effectiveness. I like the feel of client centred therapy, for me it offers a kind, gentle and dignified treatment. The client may develop from this approach, however I can only surmise that as client centered therapy permits self-exploration, holistically healing the individual; it will not be suitable for all clients, as the question suggests but it is certainly suitable for dealing with the here and now and promotes self development.These modern times have seen a shift in emphasis with the medical approaches. The public are open to embrace different holistic therapies. Today the opportunities for people to try out new ideas and concepts are more readily available than ever before. Psychotherapy and counselling has flourished into a general acceptance. Some General practitioners promote counselling as a way forward rather than the patients only being offered powerful invasive drugs viewed with caution and some considered as highly addictive and not addressing the root of the client’s issue/s.I am in no doubt that through time and as this course progresses my perspective will change for the better. I have already started to question how I converse with peo ple on a one to one level. Questioning my ability to actually actively listen and observe my approach towards empathy & being non-judgemental. Feedback in class and group work will further contribute to these interpersonal skills in order to become a competent therapist.How I can/will deal with total honesty towards a client, under whatever circumstances, regardless of the client’s issue/s are certainly challenging tasks ahead of me. I am looking forward to practising the models and theories available. I understand that not every model or approach is suitable to every client and experience will help in my development for the good of the client. I am appreciative and thrilled to be living in today’s times, where opportunity and options are the norm for the majority of people.Today as a culture we not only require change but we encourage progress in the holistic world of therapies. REFERENCES: Rogers, C. (1951). Client Centered Therapy. UK: Constable & Robinson Ltd publi sher. Sanders, P. (2002). First Steps in Counselling. A Students’ companion for basic introductory courses Third edition, UK: Ross-on-Wye, Saunders, P. Franklin, A. Wilkins, P. (2009). Next Steps in Counselling Practise. Second edition, UK: Ross-on-Wye, PCCS Books. Saunders, P (2006). The Person-Centered Counselling Primer. UK: Ross-on-Wye, PCCS Books. Counselling Model â€Å"Evaluate the claim that Person Centred Therapy offers the therapist all that he/she will need to treat clients†. Word Count 2,508 During this essay I will present my findings as I view them. I am relatively new to counselling, this hinders my current experience and limits my opinions about therapy and what methodologies are more or less effective when offering therapy to clients.So, based on text book theories (only at this stage), I will present my findings about client centered therapy and incorporate a number of different methodologies that have assisted me to decipher the answer to this core question, and understanding how affective client centered therapy is as an approach. The research is informative and thought provoking. It certainly raises questions of how clients were viewed and treated in the past, right into the here and now. My task is to explore the above title, possibly uncovering a rather more complex theory than one may first assume.Initially I explored the world of psychotherapy to provide me with an insight and greater understanding on this subject, also identify the influences and changes that has occurred in a relatively short space of time in this developing area of psychology. As stated by Saunders (2002: pg 14). â€Å"From centuries-old ancient philosophies and cultures, through to current ideas in our own white European culture. A summary of the more recent landmarks would go back around 100 years to the work of Sigmund Freud†.Freud was a physician and the creator of many theories, primarily focussed on psychoanalysis. His work was from clinically derived experiences that were based on feedback from his patients during therapy. This gave birth to the ‘psychodynamic approach’ which stemmed from Freud’s collection of theories. Freud and his colleagues were psychologists who were treating their patients for depression or anxiety related disorders. Although shunned by the medical profession until late r in his career, Freud continued to shape and mould psychology as it is recognised today.Highly influential and extremely passionate professional men introduced their approaches into delivering the different theories/techniques, all of which have influenced and set the tone for the philosophy of psychology today. Definition of psychology, this was derived from the Latin it’s described in two parts, 1. â€Å"Psyche† meaning: Breathe, Sprit, Soul. 2. â€Å"Ology† meaning: Study of the mind. (Modern Latin, (Oxford dictionary 2000: pg, 652). Psychology emerged from Biology and philosophy, today it is closely linked with other disciplines including sociology, medicine, linguistics and anthropology.My main focus for study is Carl Rogers’s 1902-1987 (Rogerian approach). Counselling has emerged into a sophisticated therapy, thanks to Rogers’s intention to move towards supporting the client with a non-judgemental, kind and empathetic approach. Rogers develo ped his theories and debated about the vital skills required when a therapist engages with the client. Rogers not only theorised on mental illness he was also highly influential when developing other areas of therapies which I will explain further on.Rogers was resolute in his beliefs that the client’s success was based purely on his six core elements all blended together for an effective outcome. As the founder of client centered therapy Rogers was passionate about his ideas. The methodology he used was from a humanistic view and his techniques have made a huge impact into a world of psychology and psychotherapy. In 1942 the term ‘Non-Directive Therapy’ was born but changed nine years later by Rogers who preferred to use the term Client Centered Therapy.Other leading psychotherapy approaches were introduced from Albert Ellis (1913-2007), an American psychologist who instigated the ‘Cognitive approach’ known as Rational Emotional Behaviour Therapy (R EBT) that theorised that as people our thoughts control and depict our feelings it’s a directive therapy that is solution based. Whereas, Gerard Egan, founder of the ‘Integrative approaches’, claims to use whatever technique is appropriate according to the clients issues and is described as ‘middle of the road’ school of thought.From the beginning it was Rogers’s intention to provide a radical alternative to the then current â€Å"psychodynamic and behavioural† approaches. Psychotherapy was a vast unexplored area that was waiting for a new and different alternative which Rogers’s brought about. Psychiatrists are first and foremost medical practitioners who work from an established ‘Medical Model of Mental Illness’ Used by psychiatrists and mental health professionals to describe the full range of human psychological distress and disturbances. and according to Saunders ‘no more than a system of naming things (e. g. the term ‘neurosis’, [Literally meaning an infection of the nerves] is just a list of symptoms it actually explains nothing)†pg106. This was a long established method used when applying a treatment plan in which there was limited flexibility and had deep rooted entrenched guidelines. During the 1960’s Rogers began to use the principles of his approach into other areas such as education, management, group work and resolving conflict.Many years ago all treatments/ therapies were all encased under one label ‘medical treatment’ and in the early years psychotherapy would only be carried out in a ‘clinical environment’ where people were classified as ‘patients’ that need treatment to cure their illness. Counselling on the other hand can be viewed as both medical and educational. Rogers had to use the term ‘counselling’ as a requirement enforced by the American medical profession. The term counselling is deem ed suitable to use ‘if not causing medical disturbances but only deep issues in the mind’ (Saunders, (2002) pg107).Rogers conscientiously and gradually over time merged counselling/psychotherapy cohesively together. It is now virtually impossible to distinguish the differences between the two. The purpose of client centered therapy is to encourage the client to bring about their own self-awareness of their feelings. It is a nurturing process that functions without the counsellor/therapist suggesting or advising how to bring about change. It is not a solution based therapy. The therapist’s role when delivering this approach is to offer a safe and relaxed environment, where the atmosphere creates an aura of empathy, acceptance and no judgements.As stated by (Saunders 2006) â€Å"The unconditional positive regard element of this condition is not the same as ‘liking’ or ‘being nice to’ the client† pg 60. UPR is practised in client cen tered therapy no matter what the client chooses to disclose. This is achieved by the therapist reflecting and paraphrasing back to the client their inner feelings. The process will encourage positive feelings to facilitate in lifting the clients inner-self in this safe non-threatening environment. The aim is to encourage negativity to rise and bring about self-awareness for the client to explore their reasons for being in treatment.Carl Rogers assumed that all human beings, if given the right opportunity, are basically good and will strive towards goodness as their main goal. Secondly that the client’s experiences are unique only to themselves, and finally he felt that the client’s internal instincts would guide them into reaching their full potential resulting in self-actualization thus, creating self-healing as a ‘fully functioning individual’. Rogers states in his actualizing theory that â€Å"all human beings are drawn towards their natural tendencyâ €™, as we are more than just growth and survival†.Individuals need to understand their value and growth. All humanistic psychologists are focused on the person as a whole, where as the cognitive approach identifies ‘parts of the being’. Cognitive and behavioural approaches focus on irrational beliefs, effect feelings and are responsible for creating the behaviour. Rogers specified that we are instinctive ‘organismic’ individuals with the capacity of self-healing that involves psychological healing. Due to one’s self-doubt and an ingrained belief system (an instilled program since childhood) instils these self-defeating ideas into our psyche.Thus, creating a belief system of feeling scrutinized and judged. Person centered psychology is more interested in the clients own perception of their distress. We feel as individuals that our own beliefs are accurate and fail to recognize that these thought processes were planted by others (our primary carers and peers), through incidents and learnt behaviour. Client centered therapy is collaborative, it’s a guide to facilitate the client to seek out their own self-realization, which for some will be viewed as an advantage, it offers a free range approach to explore inner feelings, for both therapist and client.Client centered therapy encourages growth and its aim is in convert immaturity into maturity, this is vital for progress and healing. Rogers approach when implemented correctly should bring about activating the self-healing process he believes is found in each one of us as. Another well-known figure is Maslow who designed ‘A model’ shaped as a pyramid called the ‘Hierarchy of needs’ ‘Humanistic approach’ this is used in many areas of therapy including education and training in the work place.When Maslow’s basic core conditions are applied in a respectful, non-threatening manner they enable the client to direct the process of their phronesis (through their wisdom). Maslow’s theory consists of a five-step process, starting from the bottom and only raising to the next level by attaining that level of needs. Starting from a person’s basic physiological human need of survival require water, food and shelter. Stepping up again to the next level will accommodate the person’s requirement of personal safety and protection from danger and the emotional need for security.Raising again up to the third level it covers a person’s social needs that involve the need for acceptance by peers and friendship. Level four covers the need for self-respect and self-esteem. A person requires the emotional need for status and self-confidence, finally reaching the tip of the pyramid, is the need to reach and realise one’s own potential of self-actualisation. As stated in the chrysalis work book (module one: pg9), â€Å"Maslow believed that everyone is born with the potential to self-actuali se and that, given a good environment, this can be achieved†.He classified this as reaching a ‘peak experience’ which can be experiencing joy and unimaginable happiness. Rogers stressed the importance of his â€Å"six key conditions being both â€Å"Necessary and Sufficient† for therapeutic change to take place† as quoted by Saunders, P. (2006:9). The therapist and client have to have a genuine relationship based on a two way psychological connection. Rogers felt that if the client felt the slightest hint that this was not the case the counselling would be flawed from the onset. The client feels vulnerable and anxious and views themselves as needing assistance.The therapist needs to be balanced and healthy minded about their own residing issues and have dealt with their own issues during their training. As Rogers’s states, it is vital that the therapist â€Å"can accurately be himself in the relationship†. A fundamental requirement of C lient centered therapy specifies that the therapist actually feels a genuine regard towards the client. Rogers terms this as an ‘unconditional positive regard’ (UPR) an empathetic approach. The therapist needs to be authentic, transparent and a willingness to be open with self-disclosure.Rogers specifies that the client must be completely listened to without any interruption from the therapist, who should demonstrate that they have fully understood with a genuine regard to support the client. To support the number of approaches, Chrysalis designed ‘A Model’ (TIME) an acronym Temporal, Interventional, Multi- model, Empathy. This effective tool offers guidance when selecting an appropriate approach to be practiced accordingly with the formatted structure as a set of rules in which to be guided by. This is a profoundly simple tool that has been designed as a multi-model (it fits all).The TIME model’s function is to mix and match the client’s issu e/s, personality and suitability by selecting the appropriate treatment plan. Temporal meaning time, Interventional involves using other holistic therapies to run alongside these approached , which may assist with the cognitive side of the person for example using hypnotherapy by communicating with the subconscious, where positive suggestions and affirmations may be placed to replace the negative beliefs that are blocking/hindering progress. The client may relax enough to allow their own phronesis (practical instinctive wisdom) to appear.Multi Model is combining or selecting the different approaches from a variety of therapeutic sources. Chrysalis encourages the therapist to explore all approaches and form a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to an individual. The last area to discuss is empathy, all therapy is empathetic, and it would be impossible to implement without it. As suggested in Saunders primer (2006) â€Å"†¦ being empathetic is to perceive the internal frame of reference of another with accuracy, and with the emotional components and meanings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ pg 66.Empathy and communication is therefore essential. Disadvantages for some clients, if offering client centered therapy could be bring about discontentment, as it involves a long duration of time, (from the client’s perspective) they may not wish to attend numerous sessions, they may be unable to remain focused, affecting their motivation and stop attending. Client centered therapy may place too much pressure on the client if they themselves require direction and solutions to their predicament. Results are hard to gage thus, questioning its impact as a structured ystem. Client centered therapy may be seen as far too simple and the whole approach could be misunderstood thus, affecting its effectiveness. I like the feel of client centred therapy, for me it offers a kind, gentle and dignified treatment. The client may develop from this approach, however I can only surmise that as client centered therapy permits self-exploration, holistically healing the individual; it will not be suitable for all clients, as the question suggests but it is certainly suitable for dealing with the here and now and promotes self development.These modern times have seen a shift in emphasis with the medical approaches. The public are open to embrace different holistic therapies. Today the opportunities for people to try out new ideas and concepts are more readily available than ever before. Psychotherapy and counselling has flourished into a general acceptance. Some General practitioners promote counselling as a way forward rather than the patients only being offered powerful invasive drugs viewed with caution and some considered as highly addictive and not addressing the root of the client’s issue/s.I am in no doubt that through time and as this course progresses my perspective will change for the better. I have already started to question how I converse with peo ple on a one to one level. Questioning my ability to actually actively listen and observe my approach towards empathy & being non-judgemental. Feedback in class and group work will further contribute to these interpersonal skills in order to become a competent therapist.How I can/will deal with total honesty towards a client, under whatever circumstances, regardless of the client’s issue/s are certainly challenging tasks ahead of me. I am looking forward to practising the models and theories available. I understand that not every model or approach is suitable to every client and experience will help in my development for the good of the client. I am appreciative and thrilled to be living in today’s times, where opportunity and options are the norm for the majority of people.Today as a culture we not only require change but we encourage progress in the holistic world of therapies. REFERENCES: Rogers, C. (1951). Client Centered Therapy. UK: Constable & Robinson Ltd publi sher. Sanders, P. (2002). First Steps in Counselling. A Students’ companion for basic introductory courses Third edition, UK: Ross-on-Wye, Saunders, P. Franklin, A. Wilkins, P. (2009). Next Steps in Counselling Practise. Second edition, UK: Ross-on-Wye, PCCS Books. Saunders, P (2006). The Person-Centered Counselling Primer. UK: Ross-on-Wye, PCCS Books.

There is more than one topic(choose what you want from them) Research Paper

There is more than one topic(choose what you want from them) - Research Paper Example Wal-mart is driven by the objective that they should serve their customers to the best way possible keeping the costs as low as possible but still earn a reasonable amount of profit. Wal-mart ends up reducing the wages and encouraging relocation elsewhere to meet the motive of low cost1,2. The first point is that Wal-mart introduced a â€Å"pull† system of retailing. This means that Wal-mart would direct the manufacturers regarding what to produce and how much to produce. While studying macroeconomics, the first three basic questions that are asked are - what to produce, how much to produce and for whom to produce. In this case, also Wal-mart decides what consumer goods the manufacturers must produce. Wal-mart also instructs them regarding the quantity that is to be produced. Wal-mart, as any other company will want to maximize its profit level. For attracting more customers, it keeps the price of the goods at a low level. However, if prices are kept low then the profit level of the company must also be low. However, this does not happen because the company reduces its cost of production. One way of reducing the costs that has been adopted by the company is by paying low wages to the workers. In 2005, the average weekly wage was $8. While the average hourly wag e rate is $8.23 on average, the average supermarket hourly rate is $10.35. In 2001 there was discrimination between female and male workers –â€Å"the average male employee was paid about $5000 more per year than the average female full time employee†3. In order to protect this low wage policy, Wal-mart does not support the formation of unions. In the year 2000, when a meat-cutting department built up a union at Wal-mart in Texas, the commercial giant phased out the department meticulously. Hence the largest private sector in Europe is free from any union. According to estimates of January

Summarize project procurement management and the processes to purchase Research Paper

Summarize project procurement management and the processes to purchase products or services needed for the project - Research Paper Example Solicitation planning deals with documentation of solicitation procedure (which is explained in the following selection). This part also includes some portions of procurement planning if they have been modified since inception (project procurement management, 1996). This process involves obtaining bids, quotes and offers from the sellers and sifting out the potential ones. It costs almost nothing to the performing organization as all the work is done by the selling parties (project procurement management, 1996). Source selection involves the analysis of quotes and bids obtained through solicitation procedure. This process is very straight forward where cost cutting is the primary selection criteria. Quotes are normally sorted into technical and commercial categories. Multiple quotes are considered for analyzing complex goods and services (project procurement management, 1996). It includes analyzing seller’s performance to see if it meets the contractual requirements criterion. For larger procurement orders, this involves managing interface between various providers. This sort of integration and coordination occurs at various levels and involves multiple sellers and products (goods/services) (project procurement management, 1996). It is the last step in the process and involves both product verification (checking if the whole working procedure was performed satisfactorily) and administrative closure (Updating the final result and keeping that data and documents in archives for future use). Contract terms and conditions usually govern the contract close-out. Termination of contract before its expiration is a special feature of contract close-out (project procurement management, 1996). Generic-families is just a synonym for classifying the procurements. It is very beneficial to categorize procurements. It reduces the complexity of various procured goods and services and makes it easier to identify objects against their event timings.

My Funeral Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

My Funeral Plan - Assignment Example Wakes are overnight stays held at funerals especially on the eve of the burial day. This is a practice that is only common among Christians, Muslims bury their dead immediately after they are pronounced dead. Wakes were initially meant to be moments when the friends and family came together and commemorated their lives with the dead. With the spread of Christianity, Christians started using these moments to have services in which they prayed for the souls of the late and to pray for guidance for those they left behind by them. The services have become so common that others carry them out in churches while others carry them out in homes and places designated for them by the families of the late. Egyptians believed that the bodies of their dead were to be used again by the very dead in their eternal rest. This way, they thus devised a way, of preserving the bodies; mummification. They drained the bodies of all possible liquid and air then covered them tightly in strips of sheets. The b odies survived for millions of years in good shape and this was the origin of body preservation. Given the differing funeral schedules, some people may have their programming running for weeks, a time within which the body of the dead should still be fresh and in good shape. The modern societies came up with ways of preserving their dead with such chemicals as formalin being used to keep the bodies fresh for longer. Electrocuting the dead drains all moisture and air from the bodies thus making them to last remarkably long.

Toni Morrison Is Adulthood inevitable Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Toni Morrison Is Adulthood inevitable - Essay Example She stated that each phase of individual’s life is very important and has to be experienced with the greatest enthusiasm. Since she herself is an adult now, and she practices what she preaches, so there is nothing more satisfactory than becoming the adult in mind and heart. Morrison explained brightly that adulthood is about being content with the present, happy with the rewards one gets, and also work hard every day to make ones adulthood fulfilling. I completely agree that an individual needs to be in the present moment and be happy in that because the present is what matters the most since the past is gone and future is yet to be experienced. Living this way not only enlightens the present, but also the past and the future since one has lived every moment happily as the past and such a philosophy lays the basis of a bright future ahead as well. Morrison defined true adulthood in terms of the ability of an individual to take responsibility for his/her actions. This only can be achieved if people understand their role in the society in addition to just thinking about their personal well-being. It is not the chronological age, white hair or time period that defines adulthood. Adulthood is defined by an individuals attitude and approach towards life. As individuals, we have to choices. First; we can be selfish and take care of our own needs, and safeguard only our own interests, and second; we can live for more than ourselves, that is to say that we live for others and try to make a positive change in their life. If we adopt the first approach towards life, adulthood for us does not get inevitable. But if we choose to adopt the second approach towards life, adulthood for us gets inevitable. Hence, to say that adulthood is inevitable and generalize it for all people is wrong because there are many people who live and care only for themselves, so they are not included in this category. However, for the rest, who live and care for others, it can

History of the US Participation in World War II Research Paper - 2

History of the US Participation in World War II - Research Paper Example The war offered the United States to evaluate its military strength and strategies in situations and conditions that were never realised before. It is important to note that the involvement of the United States in the Second World War came in December of 1941 after the Japanese attack. However, the world war had started in the September of 1939 when Germany invaded Poland riding on the fancies of Hitler to establish German empire on the lines of the racial purity and sense of revenge against the western powers who pushed Germany into Economic oblivion after the end of the World War I. At the same time, it was the involvement of the United States that played a determining role in changing the equations of war after Japan went berserk for the establishment of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The involvement of the United States was dearly desired by the Allies who realised the military capability of the United States forces but it didn’t come before the attack on Pear l Harbour, an incident which was remembered by the contemporary President Roosevelt for its ‘infamy’. It was the unexpected intrusion of the Imperial Japanese Navy that surprised the political establishment of the United States and the measure of the damage forced the United States to go after the Japanese Forces. Thereby, the other member countries of the Axis Countries also declared war on the United States. The Second World War is often referred to as a situation where the military strategies of the United States Navy came in full use and achieved tactical advances against the navy of Japan. The Battle in the Pacific region determined the onset of a series of defeats for the Japanese Forces.

Reflective Learning Account (Ref) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Reflective Learning Account (Ref) - Assignment Example This essay stresses that working in a team where the members have different backgrounds in terms of gender, age, ethnicity and religion can be a very hard undertaking. This is due to the fact that each member portrays a certain kind of behavior, which the other party may deem to be inappropriate. This in the long run affects the overall performance of the team. Moreover, it might cause conflicts, making it difficult to accomplish the goal and objectives that brought the team members together. To avoid such situations, the team must possess certain qualities and adopt some behaviors that will ensure that they succeed in the undertakings. The group must be made up of members who have the appropriate requirements for the projects. This paper makes a conclusion that just like in developed countries, the developing nations have embraced and incorporated IT into their practices. However, there are some challenges that continue to be experienced which impact negatively on the success of those companies using such technologies. This study on the use of ICT in an NGO in the developing world provided a clear picture on the state of the field in these areas. Among the things identified to affect the use of IT include the size of the organization, organizational overheads, different expectations on ICT infrastructure and staffing problems. Some of these problems may also be encountered in the developed nations. They must however be dealt with in time and effectively.

Managing Oil Price Risk with Derivatives Coursework

Managing Oil Price Risk with Derivatives - Coursework Example VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS 44 Bibliography 46 FIGURES Figure Page 1.0 World Oil Consumption by Region, 1970-2020 13 2.0 Increments in Oil Consumption by Region, 1970-2020 14 3.0 OPEC Oil Production 1973-2007 15 ABBREVIATIONS CFTC Commodities Futures Trading Commission GAO United States Government Accountability Office IEA International Energy Agency ICE International Exchange NYMEX New York Mercantile Exchange OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OTC Over-the-Counter WTO World Trade Organization Section I: INTORDUCTION In the 21st century, oil prices are once again exhibiting an increased trend towards volatility since the last noticeable price hikes in the 70s and the 80s. There is no denying the fact that oil prices tend to be more volatile then any other commodity and thus could have a considerable impact on the economy of a nation. Therefore the developed and the developing countries are desperately...It is difficult to say whether this volatility will continue through 2009 or the things will revert back to the placid levels of 1986-2003 periods. The governments and financial institutions around the world are trying hard to come out with the instruments and the devices to control the risks imposed by the oil price volatility in the contemporary scenario. In that context, derivates could play a pivotal role in insulating the economies against oil price fluctuations. This paper intends to elaborate on how the oil price risks can be managed with derivatives. In the 21st century, oil prices are once again exhibiting an increased trend towards volatility since the last noticeable price hikes in the 70s and the 80s. There is no denying the fact that oil prices tend to be more volatile then any other commodity and thus could have a considerable impact on the economy of a nation. Therefore the developed and the developing countries are desperately resorting to all the strategies at their disposal, be it the price smoothing schemes, encouraging diversification, price control or fuel tax manipulations to tame the volatile oil prices (Bacon & Kojimi 2008).

The Case for Starbucks and The Body Shop Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Case for Starbucks and The Body Shop - Essay Example This brings the total locations to 12,440 worldwide. The number of weekly customers is 30 million. Starbucks’s success elucidates the fact that making a global brand is one sure way for the firm to survive and grow. The Roddicks' first Body Shop opened on March 26, 1976, in Brighton, the United Kingdom with only about 25 natural handmade products. The rights to the name of the firm were bought from a San Francisco beauty store which still remains today as The Body Time. Since then, the product portfolio has expanded to more than 600 skin and hair care solutions ranging from cosmetics, accessories, bath & body products, fragrances, hair care, products for men, and even an aromatherapy range -all containing only natural ingredients. Realizing that there is a great potential for their product in markets abroad, Roddick embarked on an aggressive semi-environmentalist campaign abroad. The Body Shop experienced rapid growth, expanding at a rate of 50 percent annually. Its stock was floated on London's Unlisted Securities Market in April 1984, opening at 95 pence. In January 1986, when it obtained a full listing on the London Stock Exchange, the stock was selling at 820 pence. By 1991 the company's market value stood at  £350 million. There are more than 1,900 outlets of The Body Shop today located in 500 countries such as Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, and Germany to name a few. The company may have continued expanding under the leadership of Roddick if it wasn’t bought by L’oreal.

Effects of gambling Essay Example for Free

Effects of gambling Essay What are the Odds? With flashy lights, cheap buffets, and free hotel rooms; owners of casinos use these things as a ruse to pull people in. In a study by Dr. Weinstock, it was found that when gambling, the odds are stacked against the player. The odds of a college athlete becoming a pro football player are 3,000 to 1, the odds of being struck by lightning are 280,000 to 1, the odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are 140,000,000 to 1 (Weinstock). Gambling is a complex and intriguing human activity. It has been in existence for several thousand years. Casinos are now located everywhere and gambling has become a recreational activity for all kinds of people. Gambling can be destructive to people and communities; however gambling can be a positive pastime because it provides entertainment and relaxation. It is a popular activity because people find it so pleasurable. The United States History of Gambling board did a study shows that thirty-eight percent of Americans will go to Las Vegas in their lifetime (History of Gambling in the United States). People go on vacations to places like Las Vegas or Reno Nevada, which are two major cities for gambling, to gamble for fun. It’s an enjoyable activity. People can participate in many different types of gambling; those with instantaneous prizes or scratch cards, slot machines, betting on sporting events, betting on special events, televised lotteries and traditional lotteries. Gambling can be positive and negative for these reasons: economy, addiction, harmful to the youth, and scholarships. Gambling preys on people who are poor, luring them with the promise of a life free from financial worries and burdens. In a physiological study, sixty percent of casino revenue comes from gamblers making less than $25,000 per year (Nance-Nash). As a result, bankruptcy rates are 100 percent higher in counties with casinos than in counties without casinos. While casinos may bring in tax revenue, this is perhaps the worst form of regressive taxation imaginable (Nance-Nash). The poorest of the population are the ones funding this tax revenue. On a more positive note, the regulation of the economy is a positive in favor of gambling. Wherever there is a casino, there is people spending money. When people win money, they use it to purchase items, thus putting the money back into the economy. Through regulation of the economy, new schools and hospitals can be constructed because of the increased funds caused by gambling taxes. With the creation of new casinos, other businesses in the area are often forced to shut down. Although gambling establishments may give tourism a boost, there may also be an increase in crime rates, which clearly isn’t a positive change. With more people passing through a town or city, there are more opportunities to commit crimes without getting caught. Gambling addicts can turn to thefts, robbery, fraud and embezzlement just to get more gambling money. The benefits to local businesses may be overstated, since many tourists will confine their activities to casinos and may not even spend their money elsewhere. Casinos are bad, because when people become addicted, it takes away from the economy by providing rehab, food, and housing assistance. As some people view gambling establishments as providing jobs, the activity also takes jobs away. People who become problematic gamblers become so addicted that they feel like that can’t do anything else besides betting. In turn, this causes people to lose their job in result of this addiction. 50% of college students were either problem or probable pathological gamblers (Weinstock). Looking at gambling from a different angle; when these establishments are built, other real estate such as hotels and restaurants are added to the community. These businesses provide more jobs. . Casinos are a positive because of the jobs they provide. Such jobs include: dealers, security staff, janitors, and entertainers. By providing more jobs, casinos help increase the population in an area. Jobs in the casino industry are often well paid jobs. Casinos make a great addition to a city with rundown areas because they encourage visitors and tourists. Gambling addicts not only do damage to themselves but to their families. Gambling addicts take a whole lot of time away from their families and friends. Whats worse is that they may even be spending not just their money but money for their familys daily expenses or for their kids education. Addicted gamblers fail to recognize this and are only focused in getting more cash when in reality, theyre just losing more. Gambling badly affects family life. Divorce, child neglect and suicides are products of gambling addictions. The legalization of gambling is not a problem, people who become addicted bring the problems and suffering upon themselves. A lack of self-discipline can lead to financial problems. Americas gambling addiction isn’t too far behind the nation’s drug problem, and it’s growing (Nance-Nash). In the United States there are 15 million Americans addicted to gambling and 23 million addicted to drugs or alcohol so the problem of people being addicted to gambling is not as bad as it may look. Also, there is a simple cure to gambling and that is to just stop going to casinos. Drugs have harmful effects and are much harder to break that addiction. The key for society is to find the right balance of it. Furthermore, people should be aware of the downsides of gambling so they participate in moderation. Gambling is fun and rewarding but destructive too, if one doesnt know how to handle it. As a youth, the rates of being at-risk for problem gambling can be two to three times higher than an adult. Gambling has become a problem because young kids, not yet old enough to gamble are now participating in this harmful activity, illegally. Huang found through research that students who gamble are at risk of obtaining other addictions such as binge drinking, marijuana use, cigarette use, and unsafe sex. (Huang) Living in the constantly changing times of today, technology has made placing bets easier than ever before. Students are liable to take part in gambling because it is deemed socially acceptable. As is it glamorized by advertising, and promoted as a sport, more and more people have found it okay to throw their money away on a nonsense game of luck. Although, for students gambling creates money for scholarships like the Arkansas Lottery scholarship. The Arkansas Lottery Commission is responsible for providing entertainment to the public and maximizing the revenue generated. Though gambling is looked at both negatively and positively everyone has their own opinion. They are all opinions; by giving supporting facts for both looks I have shown that gambling does have its ups and downs. Neither out ways is the other gambling something that will more than likely always be around. The gambling industry only exists because there are people willing to risk their money on a game of chance in the hope that they will make a profit. Usually, the only people who profit are the owners of casinos and other gambling establishments, but there are some people who are convinced that their day will come. Is it worth the risk to gamble your life away? While doing research supporting gambling it was found that gambling is beneficial because it stimulates the brain and strengthens decision making skills. (Campbell) People gamble, whether it is legal or not, because it helps them face the world more successfully than they could without the spark which it gives. Gambling is just an extension of entertainment like going to the movies or out to a sporting event. Casinos and gambling are harmless in moderation. They are beneficial to the community and the people who live there. Legalized gambling is a national sensation. The gaming industry is prosperous and should continue expanding.

Spa And Wellness Tourism Tourism Essay

Spa And Wellness Tourism Tourism Essay Austria is ranked as the ninth largest tourism market in the world and the sixth largest in Europe . 22.2 billion Euros was generated from international tourism in the year 2007 in Austria. Only few countries can boast of the per capital income from tourist in the same league as Austria. Although Austria is not a big country in central Europe with a population of 8.3 million people, it is one of the top tourist destination in Europe with 20.8 million arrivals in the year 2007 because of it fantastic and extensive cultural history in addition to its interesting customs , artistic tradition and natural environment (Austrian National office, Austrian Tourism Monitor 2006/2007). International tourism expenditure in Austria has increased from $7.6 billion in year 1995 to $14.2 in year 2007. Vienna the capital of Austria attracts major part of tourists that visit Austria. However, this report is aimed to develop a tourism marketing plan for Austria to attract spa and wellness tourist from United Kingdom and North America particularly Canada and the United States of America . This aim will be achieved through the analysis of the Austria tourism industry environment ,using the available secondary date, identifying and applying theories where it is relevant. Spa and wellness tourism has developed as a small but important market segment in developed countries such as Scotland, Switzerland, Greece ,New Zealand, Israel ,United States and Canada as well as developing counties such as Cuba, Cameron mailman, Croatia, Caribbean, India, Singapore and Thailand which result in growth in competitiveness. For any business to succeed, planning is a very important step .The tourism industry in any country including Austria need to have an effective plan to be successful because tourism industry has specific characteristics that will not be found in other industry.(Morrison,2002) The World tourism Organization projects that tourist to European counties will double by the year 2020, Conferences, business travel, beauty and wellness leading in the growth . The growth in wellness tourism is increasing worldwide with 18 percent per year and over ten percent annually estimated new demand. Ringer (2007) note that according to a research by Hawail Wellness Tourism Association in 2006, the number of travel agencies that specialized in wellness travel as increased from 300 estimated in the last two year to over 500.Consequently,Austria can become the primary tourist destination in Europe for health and wellness travel if well-positioned should these global travel trends persist .Austria can take advantage of its central location in Europe and ease access from other European counties (in less than 3 hours people can get to Austria form any part of Europe). Austria has the potential to attract Spa and wellness tourism from other EU countries who do not want to travel fa r from home . According to UNWTO world Tourism Barometer 2008, tourism demand could be hurt by the doubt over the global economic situation that is affecting consumer confidence. The present economic imbalance, particularly the rising cost of transportation and energy are likely to influence what people spend on tourism .However specific demand shift because of factor such as travel budget, disposable income and confidence which are different from country to country and region to region, depending on the labour market and local economies . Travel Oregon (2005) note that sustainable tourism development and environmental quality is now another critical issue in international tourism. More Pressure is now been put on countries to preserve their natural resources as well balance growth with the possible impacts of tourism development. Consequently, any effort in Austria aim to expand tourism industry into other areas will need to consider environmental, social and cultural impacts and the image it will have on the Austria as a tourist destination . The tourism market is also faced with the problem of international terrorism, war and H1N1 which make it more complex to attract tourists from a wider market (Videira et al 2006). This has increased the demands for product differentiation as well quality management and also significant market diversification. Austria government can capitalise on the high quality of tourist faculties and amenities in addition to fantastic and extensive cultural history as well as its interesting customs , artistic tradition and natural environment to increase the number of spa and wellness tourist visiting Austria . 3.0 RATIONALE FOR THE SELCTION OF THE MARKET CHOSEN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION . Soukiazis and Pronca (2008) argue that tourism should only be employ has a stimulate to the growth of the economy if the supply characteristics can be enhanced to bring in more affluent tourists. Any move to attract tourists to a destination should focus on major markets, where the population is adequately affluent to increase number of tourist visiting the destination. Consequently, United Kingdom and Canada and the United States of America are the choice naturally because of the high level of per capita income enjoyed in United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America. Also this countries have a long list of people waiting for spa and wellness product. In addition the cost of spa and wellness this countries are high. Also Americans may begin to look for alternative medical services in other countries because American will likely have the same problem as in England and Canada. The North America tourist coming to Austria will have to fly a fairly expensive transatlantic flight which will possibly make them stay longer and spend more in Austria to maximise experience. This will make Canada and the United States of America tourist more important than European tourists that will fly low cost airlines and lodge in cheap hotels for a short stay. Vienna the capital of Austria has transatlantic connections flights with major US cities. 4.0 SOME PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY AUSTRIA AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO UNITED KINGDOM AND NORTH AMERICA PARTICULARLY CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. According to Austrian National office, Austrian Tourism Monitor 2006/2007 Austria has fantastic and extensive cultural history in addition to its interesting customs , artistic tradition and natural environment which will make Austria appeal to tourist from United Kingdom and North America particularly Canada and the United States of America who are keen to see more of traditional European culture and the natural environment .In words of Erich Falkensteiner ,Co-owner Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group Austria is a small country with an extensive and fantastic cultural history and artistic tradition, interesting customs and a natural environment which can hardly be matched anywhere in central Europe.This makes a visit to Austria so rewarding. Every destination claims to have a unique heritage, culture and landscape, in addition describing itself as having the highest standards of customers service, friendliest people and best facilities. As a result, the need for destinations to create a unique identity that will differentiate it from their competitors is more critical now than ever (Ana 2008). Austria has some of the best tourism offerings. Examples of tourism offerings in some part of Austria are. Vienna is refers to as the world capital of music .It has 3 opera house ,over 50 theatres and 100 museums. Vienna is describe as a model environmental city with its extraordinarily low rate of population where people can drink mountain spring water from the tap. Tourist can also enjoy a mild climate and diverse landscapes in Burgenland which is refer to has the land of the sun. In addition to some of the best festival and different offering of thermal bathes as well as fantastic wines (Austrian National office, Austrian Tourism Monitor 2006/2007). Lower Austria house some world cultural heritage site designated by UNESCO and it is also recognized as a splendid location for physical and spiritual regeneration offers a well developed network of biking trails which make it one of the top tourist destination. Carinthia is also a major tourist destination in Austria to Visit because of the 1,200 lakes and ponds,8 golf courses and natural medicinal spring and radon healing galleries among other offerings. Consequently, all this offerings make Austria suitable destination for health purposes, relaxing, holidays and adventures(Austrian National office, Austrian Tourism Monitor 2006/2007). 5.0 AUSTRIA COMPETENCIES AND SOURCES OF COMPETITVE ADVANTAGE. Austria has most of the element required to meet the demands of a tourist destination such as well-preserved environment with scenic beauty, natural resources, a well-managed cultural landscape, green meadows and mountain pastures, crystal-clear waters, fresh air and much more. These natural treasures, in addition to the most diverse possible cultural offering, the highest quality of life and the greatest security as well as the best environmental situation give Austria a future as one of the top potential tourism sectors of the world (Austrian National office, Austrian Tourism Monitor 2006/2007). Falkensteiner 2007 indicate that Austria is not only a beautiful and interesting country but also have good infrastructure for tourism, an exceptional workforce, and attractive business opportunities. 6.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN AND THE SETTING OF FUTURE OBJECTIVES . For any business to succeed, planning is a very important step .The tourism industry in any country need to have an effective plan to be successful because tourism industry has specific characteristics that will not be found in other industry (Morrison,2002) . Thus, Austrian need to understands the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States tourism market and its major tourism segments after which different offerings must be develop to appeal to each segments and attract tourists form the market to Austria. As a result, more tourist from those market will develop interest in Austria, which is important in consumer decision making process. Schultz 2005 argue that AIDA model is more appropriate than the other theories for consumer decision making process in tourism because tourist are likely to only consider destination which they fine interesting and have attracted their attention . Blumberg 2000 supported this view when he said many tourism destination use marketing advert that will focus on putting the destination on people mind, rather than attempting to get them make a decision to visit the destination. This plan aim to increase the interest of tourist from United Kingdom and North America particularly Canada and the United States of America in Austria. When more tourist from United Kingdom and North America particularly Canada and the United States of America are interested in Austria, one of the future objective will be to increase the numbers of tourist coming to Austria for spa and wellness products. 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION International tourism are important pillar of many destinations creating much needed employment in the destination and opportunities for the general economy development. Tourism is ranked fourth worldwide in export category after oil, chemicals and automotive products in many developed nations while in some developing counties tourism is ranked number one in export category . Austria has the potential to attract tourism from other countries but a lot of research have showed that many country possess a significant tourist attraction but they fail to utilize the tourism potential. Inadequate promotional and positioning strategy has been identified by research has part of the reason for this, especially on the part of the government of the country concerned. In 2003 Kotler ,Dubois and Manceau noted that promotion is a extremely important tool in the positioning of a tourist attraction mainly because of its immobile and intangible nature. According to Awaritefe 2003 Promotion has an important role to play in the positioning of a countrys tourism potential especially bearing in mind that tourism unlike manufactured products is an experience which cannot be tested before purchase. Government and private bodies should put together more strategies to promote it spa and wellness markets. For example developing trade relationship with travel agents and airlines based UK,US and Canada . According to Ana (2008) tourism is like a crowded marketplace where building and maintaining a brand value is the key to business success and as a result, brand management is moving fast from a peripheral marketing concern to the core strategy in business . Government and private hospitals can partner with the major hotels to enhance the standards of medical facilities and also provide discount deals for tourist . Marketing research should also be engaged from time to time to find out what tourist need and how to meet the needs.