"Constructions of the Self" An exposition of Butler's work within Gender Trouble, with emphasis being placed upon her critique of Lacan & Foucault.

This is a term paper I wrote during the final year of my BA, for a course entitled "Constructions of the Self". It basically gives an exposition of Butler's work within Gender Trouble, with emphasis being placed upon her critique of Lacan & Foucault. "Girls who like boys like their girls like their boys, and boys who like girls like their girls to be boys, like their boys like their girls?-oh well it always should be someone you really love! ". ( Blur, Boys and Girls. 1994 ). To Judith Butler the word "trouble" appears to signify that which has the capacity to disrupt the accepted realities of the self ; in terms of how discourse works through concepts such as "sex", "gender" and "identity". Within her work Butler thus aims to assess/ criticise numerous key writers within Cultural Theory, in order to demonstrate how these formulations are ultimately based upon the sustained deployment of the Heterosexual Matrix. i.e. The discursive/ regulatory forces which attempt to construct identity in relation to the concept of compulsory hetero sexual desire. To Butler this "belief", rests upon the Traditional assumption, that there exist two distinct sexes; which in turn, manifest themselves as two stable gender categories, viz. "masculinity"/ "femininity". Following a genealogical analysis, Butler therefore aims to explore the implicit effects which stem from the power

  • Word count: 3358
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

"Discuss the notions of exclusion and inclusion and relate these to the increase or decrease in local crime rates".

"Discuss the notions of exclusion and inclusion and relate these to the increase or decrease in local crime rates" Through the ages of philosophy, philosophers tried to find out why poverty divides people into separate groups. The discussion about poverty, but in the new shape, continues until now. Books are written, conferences are held about new social evil, recently discovered - social exclusion. Poverty, unemployment and social exclusion are separate issues but tend to go hand in hand with one another. So sometimes I will be focusing at one of the issues but always with social exclusion in mind. First of all I am going to look at the definition of 'social exclusion', then go on to look at who and how many people fall into this category, government initiatives and the impact that being socially excluded or included has on crime, the individual and society. Exclusion I am aware of the difficulty of defining social exclusion due to its complex nature. The governments early definition is quite broad and limited. Their definition of social exclusion is "linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown". By 2001 the Governments definition has broadened considerably. They said that "social exclusion is something that can happen to anyone. But some people are significantly more at risk

  • Word count: 4458
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

"Ethical theories are of no help when discussing matters of sex and relationships." Discuss

Carolyn Deane Mr Waterfield 24/09/2005 "Ethical theories are of no help when discussing matters of sex and relationships." Discuss Sexuality is one of the most influential aspects of our lives as human beings. Sex is a primal instinct for procreation and continuation of the species. Yet why is there such a distinction between sexual instincts and other primeval instincts such as eating, drinking, sleeping and breathing? All are natural bodily functions! Sexuality directs our behaviour whether we are aware of it or not. If the desire for sexual pleasure is similar to the desire for food, should sexual behaviour be hindered by moral principles? Can we use the same moral codes of behaviour when discussing sex? Sexual attraction can be one of the main reasons for a couple forming a relationship. The ongoing sexual relationship of a couple has the capability of nourishing love, expressing affection, eliciting honesty and trust and can bind a couple more closely together. Ultimately it has the potential for new life. When we consider these elements of sexuality we have reason to believe that sexual ethics are important and we do need moral principles to guide our behaviour. Sex has the ability to be damaging, not only in personal matters but also to society.

  • Word count: 2096
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

"Every 90 minutes, a teenager somewhere in America kills himself" (Brian LaRue, 1996).

"Every 90 minutes, a teenager somewhere in America kills himself." (Brian LaRue, 1996). This figure is very astonishing and overwhelming when you take time to think about it. This essay will portray some of the warning signs that friends and families should be aware of and what a person should do to help a friend who is contemplating suicide. It will also consider the external and internal pressures and influences that might explain this growing phenomenon. "Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain." (Teen Challenge, 1998). This pain could be derived from abuse, problems at home, pressures, exams, money, work, relationships or chronic addictions such as drugs and/or alcohol. The Teen Challenge Homepage (1998) stated that "Suicide doesn't just happen.... there are a series of events that occur, there are signs that are evident in these times that if noticed, can stop the waste of another life." These series of events are impossibilities or failures, such as problems at home or school, that feel overwhelming to the individual. The next step in this phase commences when the individual begins to feel emotionally broken, as if there is no one there that understands what they are feeling and going through. This leads to isolation with their thoughts and problems which is unhealthy because it gives them time to ponder over all of

  • Word count: 721
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health and Social Care.

Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health and Social Care Euthanasia E1 & E2 Euthanasia is the deliberate killing of a person for the benefit of that person. Euthanasia is a controversial issue therefore holds the argument of whether the choice of death should be permitted or not. Euthanasia has become increasingly contentious as the generations move on due to medical and scientific advances continuing to transform and extend life. In most cases euthanasia is carried out because the person who dies asks for it, but there are cases called euthanasia where a person can't make such a request. A person who undergoes euthanasia is usually terminally ill, but there are some situations where people want euthanasia. Forms of Euthanasia Euthanasia comes in different forms; each brings a different set of rights and wrongs. Active and Passive Euthanasia: Active euthanasia is when death is brought about by an act - for example when a person is killed by an overdose of painkillers, "many doctors would argue that there reaches a point in the care of a patient where aggressive medical treatment is no longer of any benefit". Passive euthanasia is when death is brought about through omission, when someone lets a person die. This can be by withdrawing or withholding treatment. An example of withdrawing treatment would be to switch off a machine that is keeping a person alive so that they die

  • Word count: 3325
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Expound Durkheim's theory of anomie, bringing out the acute and chronic types. Evaluate Durkheim's view that the main source of the malaise of modern society lies in this phenomenon. How could it be minimised?

Sociological Thinking SLSP1020 Student I.D. - 200194793 Essay 6. - Expound Durkheim's theory of anomie, bringing out the acute and chronic types. Evaluate Durkheim's view that the main source of the malaise of modern society lies in this phenomenon. How could it be minimised? Along with Marx and Weber, Durkheim outlined the characteristics of the transition of society to modernity and what was problematic with this shift. This essay will explain Durkheim's ideas on this transition, concentrating on the division of labour and social cohesion. I will explain how this path to modernity may lead to a state of anomie and outline the difference between acute and chronic forms of anomie. Finally, I will look at whether or not the general sense of depression (or 'malaise') of modern society is due to anomie and discuss how anomie could be minimised. In understanding the transition to modernity, Durkheim, like Marx, took a holistic approach and argued that society cannot be reduced to individuals...'society' was, Durkheim argued, a phenomenon in its own right. It did not depend upon the intentions and motivations of individuals for it's continued existence. In his aim to establish sociological autonomy, to establish Sociology as a discipline sui generis, Durkheim sees society as more than just the individuals who constitute that society, believing in the ability to explain

  • Word count: 2211
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Identify the range of needs that Lisa may require help or support with. Identify the key knowledge, skills, values and personal characteristics that a practitioner would need, in order to provide effective guidance for Lisa.

Case Study (2000 wds) . Identify the range of needs that Lisa may require help or support with. Identify the key knowledge, skills, values and personal characteristics that a practitioner would need, in order to provide effective guidance for Lisa. Lisa has a range of problems that she will require help or support with including; educational, social, behavioural, personal health and family (see following page for Lisa's 'Needs Assessment'). Her problems are already becoming barriers to learning and attainment in education. Other problems related to education or future employment that are highlighted in the case study are to do with a lack of participation, Lisa is late to school often and also has some unauthorised absences. It is suggested that these absences may be due to her involvement with an older group of girls, with whom she has consequently become involved in drugs and crime (mainly shoplifting, which she is on a final warning for). Lateness may be caused by the caring role she has been given by her family, dropping off and picking up her primary aged sisters from school. It seems she has a poor family relationship and does not get on with her stepfather, her real father died two years ago from a drug overdose. She may possibly have lots of emotional issues from this. This could also indicate drug use in her family? Her self-esteem is possibly low and she has

  • Word count: 974
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

outline the various aspects of vandalism including what is vandalism, types of vandalism, where can vandalism be found, what is the cost of vandalism, and recommendations for future management against vandalism.

Contents . Rational Pg 2 2. Introduction Pg 3 3. Background material 3.1 What is Vandalism Pg 4 3.2 When and where does it occur Pg 4 3.3 Types of Vandalism Pg 4, 5 3.4 Who and Why Pg 5 3.5 The cost Pg 5 4. Methodology 4.1 Background reading Pg 6 ` 4.2 Limitations Pg 6 5. Presentation and analysis of evidence. 5.1 Case studies Pg 7 5.2 Statistics Pg 7 6. Findings Pg 8 7. Conclusion Pg 9 8. Appendices Pg 10 9. Acknowledgements Pg 11 0. Bibliography Pg 12 Rationale Vandalism is a serious issue in today's society; it is a criminal act against property. Like other crimes against property and people, the first step to preventing vandalism is to understand the crime. Introduction This essay will outline the various aspects of vandalism including what is

  • Word count: 1187
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Positive and Negative effects of CAFTA and NAFTA

Positive and Negative effects of CAFTA and NAFTA Sharon LaPage April 18, 2007 There are many reasons for the creation of CAFTA and NAFTA. Now we can see both the positive and negative effects these treaties have both on the US and in several other countries in north and South America. The first main difference is the actual meaning of these acronyms. They are both Free Trade Agreements, but the first CAFTA is the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the other, NAFTA is the North American free trade agreement. "The North American Free Trade Area is the trade bloc in North America which was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement and its two supplements, which are the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC), the members are Canada, Mexico and the United States. This treaty came into effect on the first of January in 1994. CAFTA is The Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, commonly called DR-CAFTA, is a free trade agreement (legally a treaty under international law, but not under US law). Originally, the agreement encompassed the United States and the Central American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and was called CAFTA. In 2004, the Dominican Republic joined the negotiations, and the agreement was renamed

  • Word count: 1214
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay

Rousseau's Lawgiver

MODULE TITLE: LAW AND SOCIETY STUDENT NUMBER: 0226841 Rousseau's Lawgiver Introduction Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that only the general will, the will of all people together granted sovereignty. In his Book, 'The Social Contract', Rousseau highlights the need for a lawgiver. He considers the possibility that that the General will err, if it errs, it would simply not be the General will of the people. "The general will is always right and is always tends towards the public utility. However, it does not follow that the deliberations of the people always have the same rectitude". Popular sovereignty is supposed to solve (il) legitimacy and arbitrariness. But once the people have the power, that "solution" suddenly looks like a problem, for the people, too can be a source of arbitrariness. This essay will touch upon lawgiver interpretations, but also demonstrates the continued relevance of Rousseau through the specific, and often overlooked, tasks the lawgiver must perform in the text. His acts, taken as explicit prerequisites of democratic will formation, are also our burdens of founding and re-founding democracy in the midst of our mutual opacity and the weight of structural inequalities. At the same time, Rousseau's account of the psychic threats which hinder our attempts to secure freedom and equality points toward an ongoing struggle to preserve democratic life.

  • Word count: 3309
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Social studies
Access this essay