What are Cognitive Heuristics and how do they Influence the Process of Social Inference?
Assessment point 1. What are Cognitive Heuristics and how do they Influence the Process of Social Inference? Social cognition has become a broad and general perspective, which can be applied to almost every topic in social psychology. It looks at the manner in which we interpret, analyze, remember and use information about the social world (Baron and Byrne, 2000). From extensive research carried out on the subject, it is clear that we as humans are far from perfect in our own ability to think clearly about other persons and reach accurate decisions about them. On the other hand, we can't process more than a limited amount of information at a certain time even though our brain has an almost limitless capacity. We may also not have a substantial amount of information provided by the actions, words and even appearance of others. Errors are often made and people jump to conclusions without thinking them through, if motive or desire to reach conclusions about others. Given how complex the social world is, as humans we do well to make sense of it all, as there is a huge amount these potential pitfalls can be recognized then it will only result in a positive situation. There are a number of basic components of social thought, firstly Schemas. These are 'Mental structures or frameworks that allow us to organize large amounts of information in an efficient manner' (Baron and
Is 'abnormality' in the eye of the beholder?
Is 'abnormality' in the eye of the beholder? Rosenhan D (1968) examines the concept of what constitutes abnormal behaviour when he asserts 'Beauty, we know, exists in the eye of the beholder. But what of madness? Is it possible that a profitable conceptualisation of madness can emerge from the examination, not of the mad, as both psychoanalysts and learning theorists have done, but of those who call them mad? (Cited in Price RH, 1978;p145) Abnormality, as defined by Gregory RL (1987)1 is 'behaviour that differs from the familiar or usual'. Just how unusual, or even anti-social in order to be classified as 'abnormal' depends on many factors that change with knowledge and with social preconceptions. The classification of abnormal behaviour may depend upon whether or not the behaviour is socially acceptable or whether there are symptoms, however minor, of an underlying problem or disease already regarded as abnormal. This essay attempts to address the following questions posed by Rosenhan D (1975) relating to the issue of madness. 'If sanity and insanity exist, how shall we know them?'2 and 'Do the prominent characteristics that lead to diagnoses reside within the patients themselves, or in the environments and contexts in which observers find them?'3 In an exertion to identify what compounds 'abnormality', Perrotto and Culkin (1995) distinguishes four types of abnormal
The advantages and disadvantages of Ethnographic methods.
The advantages and disadvantages of Ethnographic methods. This should include as illustrative material (i) Your own ethnographic case study, and (ii) examples from both (a) anthropological research in a modern organisational context and (b) more traditional ethnographies. 'Ethnography is the hallmark of social anthropology'. It's the study of people in naturally occurring settings or 'fields' (whether in a 'New Guinea village or on the streets of New York'), through the use of methods, which capture their social meanings and ordinary activities, involving the anthropologist participating directly in the setting and 'immersing himself within the culture' over a period of time (Spradley 1979:3).' Despite its prominence, at present ethnography has an undecided status within all the social science disciplines. On the one hand, it has come to be widely accepted as a legitimate approach to modern day social research. It's a fact that the proportion of anthropologists and other social researchers who use this qualitative method has increased considerably in recent years. Criticisms that it is unscientific have declined 'sharply in many quarters'. Even many quantitative researchers now accept that qualitative research has its own logic and criteria of validity (Hammersley 1992:1). Simultaneously, criticism of ethnographic practice has arisen from new directions. Indeed from
The 'gender and sexuality' by John Storey, explores the significance of emergence of feminism in Western society.
The 'gender and sexuality' by John Storey, explores the significance of emergence of feminism in Western society. The advent of feminism, its belief system and philosophy have perpetually altered the gender roles in our society for the better. Over the centuries, women have struggled with their defined domestic roles in the society and have suffered an oppressed life. Storey delves into the struggles of feminism as a movement to claim women's natural and legal rights in society. Deliberate and conscious exclusion of women from cultural and societal norms has changed the ideologies of the modern world and its notions regarding history. Women have spent their lives challenging the interpretation and sexual hierarchy that prevails in the society. Feminism has diversified into a number of theory groups with their individual approach towards female subjugation. Some of these feminist perspectives include radical, Marxist, liberal, socialist, psychoanalytic, existentialist and anti-racist. Storey analyses mass produced fantasies for women such as Romance novels, gothic books, book operas and women's magazines that have further domesticated women's role in the society. The four major mediums critically explored include popular film and cinema, romance novels, soap operas, women magazines. My perspective revolves around one particular medium, romance novels as well as the conflicts
The adequacy of the dictionary definition of the term - Family
The Longman New Universal Dictionary (1982 edition) gives the following definition of family: 'a group of people living under 1 roof; [especially] a set of 2 or more adults living together and rearing their children.' How adequate is this definition? The adequacy of the dictionary definition of the term - Family The concept of the term family varies from person and person, is changeable and not fixed. The term family is construed differently depending on the context in which it is being referred - culture, history, geography and biology. The perception of the term family also differs from a child to an adult. Since the beginning of time, it was widely considered by society that the family is society's main and most important institution. It is socially constructed as it purposes is to enable people to be productive members of society as individuals within a family look to their family members for guidance, support and a sense of belonging. The term "Family" has within its boundaries certain norms, values, statues, roles and expectations from members of the relevant unit. (Young A.R). Family is considered to be a social system. This system forms part of a larger system namely society. This essay will endeavour to indicate that a the definition of a family 'a group of people living under 1 roof or [especially] a set of 2 or more adults living together and rearing
Compare the Social Democratic and New Right Approaches to theWelfare State and the Social Policies, which flow from either perspective
Compare the Social Democratic and New Right Approaches to the Welfare State and the Social Policies, which flow from either perspective In 1945 Clement Atlee and the Labour Party defeated Winston Churchill's Conservative Party in the General Election. Atlee announced he would introduce the Welfare State outlined in the 1942 Beveridge Report with free medical treatment for all. A national system of benefits was also introduced to provide 'social security' so that the population would be protected from the 'cradle to grave'. The new system was partly built on the National Insurance Scheme set up by Lloyd George in 1911, (www.bbc.co.uk/history/state/monarchs_leaders/beveridge). After the Second World War the British public wanted more than anything to avoid the unemployment of the 1930s. They remembered how difficult life had been then. They were looking forward to a brighter future after the war, where starvation and poverty were eliminated. During the Second World War, the government had asked Sir William Beveridge and a group of experts to examine living standards in Britain, including poverty, education, employment, health and housing. The new Labour Government decided to follow the recommendations of the Beveridge Report, so they set up a Welfare State, (www.mereside.blackpool.sch.uk/Britain%20post%20war). The Labour Party were very proud of the welfare state, they
Can transpacial placements work? Dicuss the arguments for and against this.
CAN TRANSRACIAL PLACEMENTS WORK? DISCUSS THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THIS. INTRODUCTION Transracial adoption means adopting children of various races, colour, religion that is from all parts of the world. (Silverman, 1993). Numerous arguments have been developed for and against transracial placements; I came to this project with the view that transracial placements are most definitely a positive aspect. Followers of transracial adoptions believe that children fare better psychologically, emotionally and physically when they are placed in a different racial setting. Opponents believe that children should be brought up by parents of the same race in order for the child to obtain a positive sense of racial identity (Williams, 1998). In this project I am going to discuss the arguments for and against transracial adoption/fostering and hope to identify the extent of the problem. I have also completed an interview with a social worker of a local social services adoption team hopefully this will throw a modern day argument into the mixture. I will then discuss what we as qualified social workers should strive to achieve and what implications may be in our way such as implementing anti-discriminatory practice. FINDINGS Transracial adoption began to be practiced more widely after World War II. Children from war torn countries without families were adopted by families in
Why are black people and minority ethnic groups more likely to experience poverty than the white population?
Why are black people and minority ethnic groups more likely to experience poverty than the white population? Introduction Poverty can take many forms they could be low levels of incomes or not being able to secure resources to have a sustained livelihood, hunger and malnutrition, ill health, low levels of access to education and the simple necessities like sanitation, high rates of morbidity and also mortality caused by illness, being homeless or inadequate housing, being in unsafe environments and finally social exclusion or discrimination. Poverty is a problem internationally and nationally. But what we see is that black people and other ethnic minorities are more likely to experience poverty. So for the purpose of this essay I will discuss the reasons behind this, the way in which I will approach this will be by firstly discussing Migration, settlement and social security. Then I will discuss the lack of employment as a cause of poverty, then low levels of education leads to poverty, poor housing and urban spaces living in poverty, racism and discrimination. Then finally I will draw all my findings together so that I can reach a detailed and comprehensive conclusion. So to begin according to Millar (2009:80-81) The UK saw high levels of inward migration who came from the commonwealth now former commonwealth countries to offer their services i.e. labour. First to come
Roles and challenges of social worker in promoting the rights of children seeking asylum
What roles might you play, and what challenges might you face as a social worker promoting the rights of asylum seeking children. It is certainly not easy when a person or a family has to leave their belongings, home and country to migrate and seek asylum in a search for a better and safe life. In this courageous attempt, children unfortunately, suffer the most as they have the potential risks of being neglected. Asylum seeking children especially those who are unaccompanied may experience extreme psychological trauma as a result of both pre- and post-migratory experiences (Fanning, 2004:211). These children are vulnerable as they need much support in the process of applying for a refuges status and most importantly where they will be placed after a decision has been made. Rutter (2006:93) suggests that "much of the legislative and policy change on asylum and immigration process has had a detrimental affect on the welfare of asylum seeking children". This requires the much needed assistance from social workers who have the training and facilities to provide aid to these children. As McLaughlin (2008:54) writes: Social work involvement with immigrants and asylum seekers should come as no surprise. Given its role in working with those at the margins of society, the disadvantaged oppressed, and given that immigrants and asylum seekers are among the most disadvantaged groups in
Children Young People and Families
Children Young People and Families & Practising Equality What do you understand by the term 'social exclusion'? Discuss how particular groups of children / young people can become socially excluded in Britain today. Illustrate, with reference to one or two specific groups of such children / young people, how social workers can best promote their welfare and social inclusion. This assignment aims to discuss social exclusion and inequalities in today's British society. Social exclusion is defined in a number of different ways however according to Age Concern (2008) social exclusion means being unable to access the things in life that most of society takes for granted. For example this might include someone who has a disability that makes it difficult for them to access public transport. Social exclusion can result in a poor quality of life for individuals but can also have wider effects on society as a result of inequality which can lead to a lack of social cohesion. This assignment will go on to demonstrate how social exclusion can impact on oppressed groups such as women and black people. By discussing how current services meet the requirements of legislation and policy, it will demonstrate how the needs of children and young people, with drug misusing parents, are being met. It will also explore the effectiveness accessibility and availability of these services.
