How did Margaret Thatcher become Prime Minister? A discussion of her life with reference to Daniel Levinsons Phases of Adult Life Development and Astins Career Model and their relevance to choices in Margaret Thatchers life and car

How did Margaret Thatcher become Prime Minister? A discussion of her life with reference to Daniel Levinson's Phases of Adult Life Development and Astin's Career Model and their relevance to choices in Margaret Thatcher's life and career development. Abstract The aim of this essay is to explore the life of Margaret Thatcher within the framework of career development theory. Key to this is examining the relationships and series of events that led to her rising from "the Grocer's Daughter" (The Woman Within, Andrew Thomson) to the Prime Minister of Britain. Why did Margaret Thatcher become Britain's first female Prime Minister? What featured in her upbringing that gave birth to such a dream and who was responsible for nurturing and encouraging these aspirations? By answering these questions I hope to see why Margaret Thatcher rose to become one of the most influential women in the political history of this country. Margaret Thatcher: a Brief Biography 925 Margaret Hilda Roberts was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire on October 13. 936 Attended Kesteven & Grantham Girls' School. 943 Accepted into Somerville, Oxford to study Chemistry. 946 First woman to chair the Oxford University Conservative Association. 950 Worked as a research chemist. Stood unsuccessfully as Tory candidate for Dartford. 951 Married entrepreneur Dennis Thatcher. 953 Gave birth to twins Mark and

  • Word count: 6119
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

What difficulties arise in describing the international political theory of Hobbes and Rousseau as 'realist'?

What difficulties arise in describing the international political theory of Hobbes and Rousseau as 'realist'? It could be argued both ways that the international political theory of Hobbes and Rousseau could be described as realist, or could not be described as realist at all. Is there a different theme of realism that runs through both of their writings or are they writing independently and does the theme of realism only show through consequentially. Hobbes then was interested to see how human beings would act without government and rules, which he depicted in his writings in the first chapter of 'Leviathan, 'Of Man'. This study by Hobbes led to his belief that some form of legitimate governing body could be justified. 'Leviathan' first published in 1651 was Hobbes writing on what he felt it was to be human and how we could best live in the state and how it could have control over them. 'Leviathan' then raises a number of points that are both truthful but are yet contended by others, notably Rousseau. Hobbes writing came at a very violent and anarchical time. The most notable event being the English Civil War, which took place between 1642-1648. Bearing this fact in mind it is quite easy to see why Hobbes views human nature with some contempt. In 'Leviathan', Hobbes main writings try to show how he thinks humans would act without government,

  • Word count: 2361
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Is Hobbes the pessimist of philosophers?

Hobbes is known as the pessimist of philosophers, with his famous quote that life in a state of nature is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." His book, Leviathan, was published in 1651, and was a discussion of human nature, government, and the social contract. Hobbes's theories about government and the human condition are rather exaggerated, and too generalized and unclear. Contrary to Hobbes's beliefs, humans do not need a sovereign to prosper. The United States distributes power between three branches of government, each with the power to overrule the other - and the US is not in a state of chaos. People themselves have the ability to decide right and wrong, as stated in Locke's laws of nature, and don't need a sovereign to determine what to think for them. Hobbes himself states that humans are self-involved, and are not social. If this were true, then the sovereign would be more interested in making his own life enjoyable, rather than working to please his subjects. If people themselves cannot determine right and wrong, upon what would the sovereign base his own ideas of right and wrong? In addition to this, humans are indeed social, contradictory to Hobbes's statements - if humans were not social, they would not feel the yearning for acceptance, which all humans do indeed feel at some point. People instinctively attempt to form a society in order to live in

  • Word count: 393
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Connection between economic growth, wealth, health and happiness

Connection between economic growth, wealth, health and happiness Contents . Introduction 3 2. What is an economy? 4 2.1 The UK economy 4 2.2 Economic Globalisation 4 3. Economic Growth & Measurement 5 3.1 Growth and Environmental Gains 5 3.2 Environmental Losses and Repair 5 4. National Well-being, Health and Happiness 6 4.1 Alternative Measurements 7 5. Conclusion 7 6. References 8 Connection between economic growth, wealth, health and happiness . Introduction Economies around the world are varied and the wealth of the country is portrayed by its economic growth. Countries with high economic growth are generally referred to as developed countries and those with lesser growth are considered to be developing countries. Research has been conducted by sociologists, economists and psychologists to determine the link between economic growth and happiness. Whilst it is agreed that economic growth brings wealth to the country, this report will investigate whether economic growth can bring health and happiness also. 2. What is an economy? An economy is a system to control the income, assets, resources and wealth of a country. The production, consumption, distribution, imports and exports of goods are all part of an economy of a country. The economy is organised in such a way that it controls the prices and consumption of

  • Word count: 1691
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

The Leviathan presents itself as a book about the natural condition of mankind and how polity plays a role in mans life.

The Leviathan presents itself as a book about the natural condition of mankind and how polity plays a role in mans life. Thomas Hobbes depicts how he thinks humans would act without society, government or a code of moral values, calling his revelation 'The Natural Condition of Mankind' or 'The State of Nature'. This paper will use specific reflections from Plato's Republic and Augustine's Confessions to compare and contrast ideas and concepts that are proclaimed in Hobbes's Leviathan. In an in depth exploration of these three major philosophical works, though interpretations at times run wild, the themes, proverbs, and general lessons to be learnt are notably similar. Firstly it must be said that to understand Hobbes's Leviathan one cannot view it in a vacuum. Like the Republic and Confessions in this sense, it is not only impossible but ignorant to give it a single interpretation. Works of this nature, one will come to see after indulging in them, pride themselves on their complexity and divergence. In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes presents an understanding of the law as a concept that distances human beings from their natures, thus saving the integrity of civilization. He expresses his argument that; In such condition there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof is uncertain, and consequently, no culture of the earth, no navigation, nor building, no instruments

  • Word count: 1790
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Attitudes towards Depression: Developing a Reliable and Valid Questionnaire

Quantitative Research Methods and Data Analysis (SS-2405L) UOB: 07027443 Attitudes towards Depression: Developing a Reliable and Valid Questionnaire Abstract: Presented are results of a study attempting to design a reliable and valid instrument measuring people's attitudes towards people suffering from depression. The study consisted with total of 40 participants: 19 of them were psychology students and 21 were non-psychology students. This study aimed to develop a reliable and valid Likert scale to test attitudes towards people afflicted by depression among students. The study also aimed to find out if there was any difference between psychology students' attitudes towards people who suffer depression and attitudes towards depression of non-psychology students. It is hypothesized that psychology students will show a positive attitude towards people suffering from depression (reflected in a high score) and non-psychology students will show a negative attitude towards people afflicted by depression (reflected in a low score). It was hypothesized that psychology students will show a positive attitude towards people suffering from depression (reflected in a high score) and non-psychology students will show a negative attitude towards people afflicted by depression (reflected in a low score) but the aim of this study was not met and the attempt to develop a reliable and valid

  • Word count: 4441
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Social Biases: Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Running head: SOCIAL BIASES Social Biases Doyle O. Welborn University of Phoenix Social Biases The concept of social bias is more pervasive in our society than most people realize. Research in the field of social psychology reveals that social bias prevents mutually beneficial interaction among people. This problem could be detrimental to ingroup cohesion, intergroup cooperation, and the success of society. This paper will define the concept of social bias, explain subtle and blatant biases, describe the impact of bias, and evaluate strategies to overcome social biases. Defining the Terminology Social bias occurs in at least three forms: stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination (Fiske, 2004). These forms of social bias are a category-based response which is correlated but not redundant (Fiske, 2004). Category-based responses are typically clearly defined, negative, and directed at members of an individual's outgroup. These responses can be separated into three aspects: cognitive, affective, and behavioral (Fiske, 2004). Stereotyping is Cognitive Stereotypes are cognitive structures which people use to organize the characteristics or attributes related to groups of people and the functioning interactions of those various characteristics (Fiske, 2004). People use stereotypes to apply the characteristics of a group to an individual in the group. When people

  • Word count: 1599
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Compare Qualitative and Quantitative Approach in the Study of Language

Compare Qualitative and Quantitative Approach in the Study of Language Qualitative research is a systematic method of inquiry which follows a scientific in depth method of problem solving deviating in certain directions (Thomas & Nelson, 2001). Quantitative research can be visualized as it uses numerical forms of representation which then can be presented in forms of graphs and tables (Denscombe, 2003). The approaches included in both these two types of research are incredibly diverse, complex and nuanced. This essay will specifically introduce the existing research on language which employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in terms of data gathering and data analysis. The author concludes that qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are best suited to different kinds of research questions. The most important thing is that, firstly, the theoretical framework and methods match what the researcher wants to investigate; and secondly, researchers should be explicit about any challenging theoretical and ideological problems encountered in their research. The types of research questions which qualitative research methodologies address are often open-ended and exploratory, aiming to generate hypotheses rather than to test them. Therefore, the hypothesis is often not given at the beginning of the

  • Word count: 2562
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

A comparative exploration investigating the theories of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau on the foundation of society.

A Comparative Exploration investigating the Theories of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau on the Foundation of Society. CHAPTER ONE Introduction In making a comparative exploration between the "social contract philosophers": Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, we are forced to initiate our enquiry with regard to the question of what the shared motivation is of demonstrating the foundation of society, between these three philosophers. All three philosophers illustrated differing, and in some ways similar theories, as to what the origin and continued existence of society is. In this essay an exploration into the similarities and differences between the three theories comparatively, provokes in the reader the self-reflective question of, "What would life be like in a 'natural' state, a world without government?" (Wolff 1996:6). Thus, in this essay, an exposition of the reasons advanced by each philosopher respectively for the movement from a state of nature to a form of civil society shall be made, and further advanced by making a concentrated focus on the similarities and differences among all three arguments in this regard. Furthermore, demonstration shall be made with regard as to why Locke's Theory seems to embrace and accommodate the most "relevant" or convincing view of the reason for the origin and continued existence of society as we experience it in our time. Does the naturalness

  • Word count: 3110
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Assess the view that bureaucracy is the most efficient form of organization.

Assess the view that bureaucracy is the most efficient form of organization "The bureaucratization of society will, according to all available knowledge, some day triumph over capitalism, in our civilisation just as in ancient civilisations. In our civilisation also the "anarchy of production" will be supplanted in due course by an economic and social system similar to that typical of the Late Roman Empire, and even more so of the "New Kingdom" in Egypt or the sway of the Ptolemy's" (Gesammelte Aufsatze zur Sozial-und Wirtschaftsgeschichte, p.277) When people hear the word bureaucracy several concepts come into their minds: government, red tape, paper work, corruption and the accumulation of power. These are just a few misconceptions that people have. A definition from a sociology dictionary defines bureaucracy as "A type of organization which administration is based upon impersonal, written rules and a hierarchy of offices. Domination based upon written rules, recruitment based upon qualification and offices that are impersonal and clearly distinguished from incumbents." (Jary and Jary, 2000). What people forget is that bureaucracy were once conceptualised for there superior efficiency over other forms of organisation models. The machine like precision of a bureaucracy is its main strength; its ability to focus on work that needs to be completed without the distraction of

  • Word count: 2339
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay