Macroeconomic analysis of France Research Paper

Macroeconomic analysis of France - Research Paper Example This has been accredited to the global financial crisis that has affected Finance as well; although it is difficult to identify the exact nature and extent of impact that the financial crisis had had on GDP (Banque De France, 2008). There are other factors that influence gross domestic product of a country. These include trade balance (exports and imports), public debt, consumption, expenditure and savings in the economy. The above figures show that there has been continuous growth in imports for the country but it is not matched with growth in exports. As a result, the trade deficit has been increasing over the years. Imports for 2008 were almost 33% of GDP; whereas exports were 30.36% of GDP. This has also affected the reducing growth in the GDP. As per the latest report published by INSEE, the consumer price index (CPI) for all households, which is the measure generally used to determine inflation, was 1% in March 2009, as opposed to 0.8% last year which shows an increase of 0.2% (INSEE, 2009). The increase in the consumer price index from 2008 was mainly due to the fact that prices for clothing and footwear increased due to the winter season. Although their effect was somewhat compensated due to the decrease in prices of communication services, energy and transport services (INSEE, 2009). As a general rule, the greater the consumption by government, the higher will be the economic activity in the country; thus leading to higher GDP. Government consumption for France over last three years is shown in the following table (OECD, 2009): The above table shows that government consumption has been growing at a constant rate for the last three years. However, considering the financial crisis, the government consumption growth rate is expected to decline in 2009 by 0.8% (absolute amount of government consumption in 2009 is expected to be 429.2 billion Euros). Moreover, government consumption in 2010 is expected to increase by 0.7% of 2009 (OECD,

The different influences which impact on the reform of unlawful Essay

The different influences which impact on the reform of unlawful conduct - Essay Example By definition, unlawful conduct refers to any action that can be identified as contrary to, or forbidden by the law (The W100 team, 2011). This definition covers both criminal and civil unlawful behavior. In criminal law, the litigation is always brought forward by a specific prosecutor -the state (in the name of the Crown). However, in civil cases, the circumstances are a different in that, the lawsuit can be initiated by any legal private party who is normally referred to as the claimant. The task of bringing collecting and presenting proof against the defendant rests squarely on the shoulders of the claimant (Samaha, 2012). The W100 team (2011) posits that in order to determine unlawful conduct, it is paramount that sufficient proof is produced placing the particular party at fault so that relevant action may be taken. Without doing this, no legal action can be taken against either party. It is very important to analyze in depth the factors which influence why any conduct should b e considered unlawful. Technological development plays a very significant role in this. Issues to do with copyright infringement and intellectual property are constantly changing and so reforms need to be carried out from time to time regarding the same. Social climate also determines a lot in influencing reform. Changing times affect what laws are made and implemented. A perfect example is cited whereby during the Shakespearean period, it would be perfectly legal for a girl of 13 and a boy of 18 to get married. However under the current laws of Wales and England, this would be unlawful conduct because 16 is the minimum age for marriage (The W100 team, (2011). Worth noting here is that not all rules of social morality are considered unlawful. Differences in social values in different countries may to some level dictate the differences in laws. Protecting individuals and society from harm is a very important factor that influences reform. The activities classified as unlawful for thi s reason are usually seen to cause direct harm to those engaging in them or to the society at large. For example, the possession of cannabis is considered unlawful. However, the legality of this situation may change in the circumstance whereby the cannabis is prescribed by a physician to be used for medicinal purposes. It is inevitable that social morality will sometimes influence the lawful or unlawful nature of an act. Economic reasons also come into play in matters of legislation. Borrowing items without someone’s consent may be considered unlawful in some societies whereas it is perfectly legal to do so in others, provided the items are returned. These are societies where ownership of property is more communal as opposed to where private ownership is prioritized. In some cases, the economic effect of a person’s action is actual ground for determining whether an action is unlawful or not. The array of factors mentioned above clearly indicates the complexity of defin ing conduct as unlawful or otherwise. Some activities that are considered to be out rightly immoral and antisocial do not necessarily warrant them to be earmarked as unlawful. Parliament plays a big role in reform and determining unlawful conduct. It represents the democratic will of the people. Pressure from the public and the media has been seen to work on many occasions in contentious issues regarding legislation, therefore making parliament one of the most direct ways of reform on unlawful conduct. Despite the judiciary not being primarily concerned with law reforms, it is involved in identifying anomalies in the law and calling for relevant amendments to be made on the same (The W100 team, 2011). The truth of the matter is that the judiciary has a

The value of cross-cultural studies Essay Example for Free

The value of cross-cultural studies Essay A cross-cultural study examines human behavior by comparing members of at least two different societies. Comparing two groups that differ only in terms of culture allows researchers the opportunity to determine whether certain traits, behaviors, and practices are culturally bound. In addition to differentiating contextual factors, like socioeconomic status and education, from cultural factors, cross-cultural studies can also test hypotheses posed about a certain way of life. Cross-cultural studies also answer questions of variations. Do traits like intelligence or self-esteem differ across different countries? Every culture cherishes its strengths and absorbs its weaknesses. Cross-cultural studies allow scientists and researchers to define the unique personalities of the world’s countries. A recent study by Fiori, Antonucci, and Akiyama (2008) is an example of a cross-cultural study that sought to answer the question of whether social relationships among the elderly differed between older Americans compared to older Japanese citizens. This research utilized archival data gathered for another study over a decade ago. Face-to-face interviews were conducted for approximately 60 minutes to determine how many, what quality, and what type of relationships elderly participants experienced. Different types of social networks were determined and labeled, including such types as family-focused, friend focused, and various types of restricted relationships (Fiori, Antonucci, Akiyama, 2008). All participants also consented to the disclosure of a number of health variables, including time of death. A statistical analysis examined the association between social networks and morbidity. One of the aims of this cross-cultural investigation sought to identify societal differences in social relationships. Fiori and colleagues concluded some types of relationships described by the elderly are shared by both the Japanese and American cultures. These include family-centered and friend-centered. Other types of social networks are unique to that country, like the married/distal label attached to the Japanese tendency to experience the companionship of marriage with little social contact with others. Social networks labeled â€Å"diverse† were exceptionally common in the United States but rarely observed in Japan. Elderly Americans also experienced two distinct barriers to social relationships, structural restrictions and functional restrictions. Older adults who live far from family members and may be socially isolated experience structurally restricted socially networks. A functionally restricted social network includes proximal family members or contacts but these relationships fail to meet the emotional and social needs of the older individual. In addition to exploring cultural differences between the social networks of the elderly in Japan and the United States, this study also identified differences in associations to health and survival related to these relationships. Americans who reported functionally restricted relationships were at a much greater risk for depressive symptoms and a number of negative health adversities. Those with structurally restricted relationships, however, demonstrated higher and faster rates of morbidity compared to participants who experienced other social network types. Interestingly, Japanese participants showed no difference in health variables or survival associated with social networks. The information garnered from this study can be applied to working with the elderly population. The need to consider social networks and cultural factors is clearly established. Future research can expand these findings to develop interventions to target negative or nonexistent social relationships among the elderly. Longitudinal research is needed to draw a causal connection between social networks and health, but the importance of these variables has certainly been emphasized by this study. References Fiori, K. L. , Antonucci, T. C. , Akiyama, H. (2008). Profiles of social relations among older adults: A cross-cultural approach. Ageing and Society, 28, 203-231.

The After Effects Of World War One History Essay

The After Effects Of World War One History Essay World War I has been an event of the great significance for its times. According to its dimensions and after effects it did not have the equalities within the previous history of the humanity. The First World War lasted 4 years 3 months and 10 days (from August 1, 1914 till November 11, 1918), 38 countries were involved within the war processes, at that times nearly 1,5 milliard, approximately two thirds of all the Earths population, people dwelled within these countries  [1]  . The multimillion armies took parts within the battlefield processes, which used the newest technologies of the military powers. It is a well known fact that a number of so called inhumane weapons (it is contemporary relation to such military forces and techniques) was tested during the World War I and used for the later military conflicts. General number of the soldiers participating within the WWI reached 73,5 million people and the war brought very significant damage to the civilians dwelling on the ter ritories the war occupied. 10 million people were killed during the conflict (historian, investigating the subject came to the conclusion that so many number of people were killed during the military conflicts in a period of a thousand years, which were held within the European continent) and 20 million of injured these are the results of these conflicts. According to the data provided within the investigations on the subject the direct expenses of participating in the conflict countries were nearly 208 milliards of dollars, which is 10 times larger than the cost of the wars lasting since 1793 to 1907  [2]  .The war provided a significant impact on the whole development of the historical processes: it caused the sharpening of the class fight, activation of the nationalist movements; the war was one of the main reasons that increased rising of objective pre-conditions of the socialist revolution in the Russian empire. Some left-oriented historians considered that the World War I and the Revolution of 1917 in Russia caused the total crisis of capitalism and it was one of the most significant after effects that impacted the history development within the countries involved in the conflict. The history of the WWI attracted attention of the numerous investigators, from different countries in the whole world. The writers were intended to analyze the reasons from different aspects, economical sociological military and examined it after effects. They analyzed cardinal questions dealing with the roots, processes and lessons of the war lasting during the 1914 1918, its impact on the further economical development, socio-political life of the conflicting countries, the role of the every participant and the character of the military operations and military tactic arts. The investigation of the First World War is still acute within the contemporary realities as it strongly deals to the one of the most significant, even burning questions the problem of the peace and t he war. The generation of people living in age of nuclear missiles turn to the past for the better understanding the present day events. We and our contemporaries are eager to learn what the reasons were and what newest military missiles were used during the war in order to understand present days events. Creating of the military political groups in Europe and armament race sharpened the difficult relation between the imperialistic countries more and more. They provided tensions within the international relations and rather calm world history changed on the more conflict, catastrophic and irregular policy of relations between the countries. It goes without saying that the sharpening of the imperialist confrontations started earlier than the war. It was already observed during the Morocco Crisis in 1905 1906 and 1911; Bosnia crisis of the 1908 1909; Italy Turkish was lasting during the 1911 1912, Balkan wars of 1912 -1913. The most significant confrontation of that period was sending the military mission to Turkey by German government, it was headed by general von Sanders and aimed on reorganization and tutoring of the Turkish army (the events happened in December 1913). Preparing for the war the governing rows of imperialistic government created powerful military industry, the basis of which were the most big and significant governmental plants ordnance factories, gunpowder factories, ammunition factories, cartridge-manufacturing plants, shipbuilding yards and many others. The private enterprises were involved to the process of military goods and production in Germany there were Krupp factories and plant, in Austria Hungary Schneider Krezo and St. Chaumont, in Great Britain Wickers and Armstrong Whitworth, in Russia Putilovs factory and many other private manufacturers. The imperialists of both confronting coalitions were faithfully supporting the military industry, they energetically fixed their defense powers and it is essential that all the contemporary investigations and discoveries of science and techniques were aimed on the providing and supporting military industry and helped to developed radically new tactics of military conflicts. The newer, more perfect armor appeared: rapid rate rifles and machine guns, which provided increasing of the firing powers of the infantry forces; within the artillery arms there was observed significant growth of the quantity in rifled-barrel guns of the newest systems. It goes without saying that the development of railroads had also been a part of the strategic plan. Their role was strategically very significant as they helped to fasten the centralization and deploying for action of the large military masses by the human inputs and any other type of material and technical supports of the army. The role of autom obile transport also started to increase. The military air forces appeared it was really the first military conflict where aviation was used as a military force for bombing, it was innovation that changed the whole idea of the contemporary military confrontation. The usage of the newest means of communication such as telephone, telegraph and radio helped the leaders of the military troops to provide all the necessary arrangements within the army they were leading. The number of soldiers was increasing significantly and well-taught arrearage forces had also appeared during this period of the military development. It goes without saying that imperialist nature of the majority states involved in the WWI was playing probably one of the most significant roles in the military development of the countries. In the field of naval military forces there was severe confrontation between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Germany. Both countries provided huge expenses for supporting their military naval forces. From the 1905 the new type of military ships was involved the dreadnought type of ships. Up to the 1914 the German naval forces firmly occupied the second place in the highly developed naval forces after the United Kingdom. It goes without saying that the other countries were also intended to develop their naval forces, but financial and economical facilities did not let them to provide the set shipbuilding programs. The increased armament drive was overwhelming and as a result it needed significant financial inputs as it usually happened the labor class was supporting all these expenses. The wide spread was provided to the ideological support and preparation to the First World War. The Imperialist leaders tried to persuade the nations about inability to avoid serious military confrontation between the states, the militarism became a part of the propaganda and was forced into the applications, chauvinism has also became a significant force for militarism propaganda the leaders of empires used to reach the set aims. It goes without saying that all means of propaganda were used: public means, literature, arts, church are among the most influential and significant for that period. Bourgeoisie of all the states, playing with the patriotic feelings of the different nations, found the real justification for armament race, providing a perfect mask for the expansionist policies by the massaging the theme of the necessity to defend their motherland from the external enemies (i. e. the other countries taking the leading positions on the armament drive). It goes without saying that the governmental forces at those times, supported by the biggest manufacturers of their countries were intended to solve certain problems with the help of the War. It goes without saying that German government (supported by Krupp manufacturing powers) were intended to enlarge the territory of the state as Germany being separated for quite long period of time did not participated on the military arena and did not take part in the carving up the colonies and territories. German Kaiser Wilhelm II was very ambitious person and supported by the key industrialists he promoted his expanding policy. The internal policy of the Germany at the time of so called The Long Fuse by historians was also aimed on concentration the powers within the Kaisers hands. He was the one who set his ideas as seeking for the place in the sun for the German nation. Kaiser was the one who found explanation of his policy within the national interest. He built strong military machine due to the Tirpitz plan and was without any doubts successfully confronting British fleet. Being one of the most significant figure in the war Wilhelm II was not the one who forced the events, he just did not prevented the activity of Austria Hungary. The same time he did not paid enough attention to control the socialist movements in Germany, which also played a significant role and provided an impact on the World War I and made Kaiser to refuse from his title and leave the country. According to Versailles Peace Act Wilhelm II was called the main war criminal, who was supporting the conflict. It would be necessary to say that all the leaders of some imperialist countries (the core participant in WWI) were relatives Kaiser, Russian king, Nicholas II and British King George V. It goes without saying that confrontation between the Germany and Britain made both George V and Kaiser seek for the suitable their region politics. George V refused all the German titles when the war broke up. Alongside with the imperialist leaders there should be mentioned alternative forces. The real force that could prevent the expansion policy of the imperialist government was so called international labor class, which consisted of nearly 150 million people. The labor movement in the worldly measures was headed by the International, which united 41 socio-democratic parties from 27 world countries consisting of 3,4 million members. But the opportunist leaders of the socio-democratic parties from Europe could do nothing for providing in life the anti-military decision of the 2nd International congresses, which took place accurately before the WWI started. As it usually happened the strong political forces supported the governmental policies of their imperialist leaders and voted in the parliaments for supporting the military credits. The Socialist leaders of France, Great Britain and Belgium even took part participating within the bourgeoisie military governments. 2nd International ideol ogy was ruined and it stopped its existence. It should be noted that the left oriented parties of Russia and Germany were the ones that kept on the anti-militarist policy and did not supported the war. The Russian scenario is well known all over the world. At first the leftists did not supported the military strategy provided by the king, strongly criticizing the intension of the Russian leaders to participate in the WWI and finally it ended by the Revolution of 1917, refuse for further participation in the WWI and Civil war in Russia. The Leftists were supporting the idea that the war is imperialist and do not have any brighter perspectives for the working class all over the world. They were supported by the German social-democrats and some French socialist leaders. The revolutionary ideas provided also very significant impact on the WWI and further development of European history. The German November Revolution was the one that played significant role for the whole war processes and the people cant stand oppressive military policy anymore. It would be hardly to define was it good or was it not but it is the historical lesson. Kaiser, even supported by manufacturers could do nothi ng with the growing indignation from the masses. The German scenario did not cost so many ruins for the country as the Russian one, but it was a total loss of the campaign. The united European power oppressed Kaiser and he could not keep on anymore. It goes without saying that all the united factors started the war and the united factors ended it. The most powerful world states were involved in the conflicts and it was looking like the demonstration of scientific and technical achievements of the confronting sides  [3]  , expanding policies of the country that did not took part in the main division of the colonies and the participation of the private companies in the supporting the war processes. In the end I would like to return to the very beginning. The represented statistical data, the death rates, the appearing of inhuman weapons that is still become a very contradictory question. The whole WWI was the shift moment in the world and especially European history. It showed who actually who is, the demonstration of power and forces showed the equipment and the results of armament rate. The revolution and socialist leaders and ambivalent figure of Lenin in Russian Revolution of 1917 all these were powers involved in the WWI, the results of which are really significant if we look back to observe them. The start of the new division and the expansion policies could be hardly accepted by contemporary society but the case of Kaiser Wilhelm II and other military leaders, who were intended to demonstrate the powers, the united powers that stressed Europe are really good lessons from the history. The after effects were different for the many countries. But we know that in the end the re was significant crisis in Europe and US and other countries involved in WWI. Understanding the core ideas and lessons of the First World War is really important for contemporary world. The First World War gave a strong push to the development of missiles of massive attacks and the first weapons of mass destruction were tried. Personally I think that in the present day world such type of conflicts is impossible as the results were undertaken. Historians still argue of the roots of WWI conflict that stressed all the European powers and make them either unite or confront and the common reason is one. During the 10 years Europe was living under the tension and stress, the small attempts of the territory fights were not enough for the countries growing their weapons and making significant inputs into the military and defense industry (it should be noted that manufacturers also supported the idea of the military conflict and took an active part in supporting the governmental forces). T hey need to demonstrate the power and start the re-division, more significant than Morocco crisis and the result was WWI engaging the strongest European forces.

Feminism is for Everybody :: Free Essays Online

Feminism is for Everybody The following paragraphs are an excerpt from a paper written about the political and social theories of bell hooks. These sections focus specifically on her newest book, Feminism is for Everybody. Throughout her works, hooks maintains a firm belief in the accessibility of the theory she seeks to situate within society. To that end, hooks’ latest work, Feminism is for Everybody, is an accessible book that outlines the basic tenants of a radical feminist theory. More inclusive than many of her other works, this book attempts to address an audience that is completely unfamiliar with feminist thought. In the introduction, hooks discusses the rampant misconceptions surrounding the movement. In her encounters with people on a daily basis, she finds that: â€Å"When I ask these same folks about the feminist books or magazines they read, when I ask them about the feminist talks they have heard, about the feminist activists they know, they respond by letting me know that everything they know about feminism has come into their lives thirdhand [sic], that they really have not come close enough to the feminist movement to know what really happens, what it’s really about. Mostly they think feminism is a bunch of angry women who want to be like men. (vii). It is these misconceptions that hooks feels must be corrected. Only in this way will the everyday relevance of feminism become clear. Hooks goes on to explain that this book is an effort to answer the question â€Å"what is feminism† in a clear, concise way that is not reductive to her readers (viii). She stressed the failure of the feminist movement to produce a multitude of works that are accessible and useful in many arenas. Many of the chapters in Feminism is for Everybody recapitulate and simplify the arguments put forth in Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center. Hooks attempts to diffuse common myths surrounding the feminist movement, and to that end, she suggests ways the movement may become all-inclusive. In the section entitled â€Å"Feminist Masculinity† hooks discusses the dichotomy perpetuated by Second Wave feminists who sought to classify the male as the â€Å"enemy†. The polarization of men as the â€Å"oppressor† and woman as the â€Å"oppressed† propelled the women’s movement initially, but it was not long before women were able to step back and realize that the system itself was flawed (68).

European Travel and the Spread of Western Ideology Essay -- European E

European Travel and the Spread of Western Ideology Humans began their existence as travelers, slowly making their way across the earth hunting and gathering. This travel was quite slow and gradual, and could be termed a period of â€Å"human expansion†, as traveling groups rarely encountered other humans. It really wasn’t until the sixteenth century that a new kind of travel developed, a kind that was more global, occurred rapidly, and was filled with many encounters with other civilizations. This sort of travel signified not simply the spreading of humans across the earth, but more the spreading of ideas among people. And during this particular period, the travelers were predominantly European, and so it was Europeans who, believing in their own superiority, most imposed their ideas on others. Overall, therefore, human travel could more accurately be termed European: its effect was to increase both the power and scope of European ideas. These ideas, in turn, affected many different civilizations, changing the thinking, and actions, of people all over the world, and therefore changing their impact on the world. While many civilizations have traveled at various points, it was the Europeans who, beginning in the sixteenth century, began to travel the most. â€Å"It was the Europeans who went out to the peoples of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and never the reverse† (Adas, p. 2). As soon as European ships could be built that were large enough to endure long voyages, the Europeans set out in them, realizing that this was advantageous: â€Å"the relative advantage of Europeans was on the seas† (Cippola, 138). Through this, they visited many foreign countries, and were usually the ones doing the conquering. Other people were unprepared for t... ..., Michael, "Machines as the Meaure of Men: Science, Technology, and Ideologies of Western Dominance", Cornell Univ. Press 1989. Cipolla, Carlo M., "Guns, Sails, and Empires: Technological Innovation and the Early Phases of European Expansion, 1400-1700" Sunflower Univ. Press, 1996. Diamond, Jared, "Guns, Germs, and Steel" W.W. Norton & Co, 1997. Ponting, Clive. "A Green History of the World," St. Martins Press, NYC, 1991. Pursell, Carroll W. Jr., Ch. 1 and 2 in "Early Stationary Steam Engines in America: a study in the migration of a technology" Smithsonian Inst. Press, 1969, pp. 1-27. Schneider, Jane. Rumpelstilskin's Bargain: Folklore and the Merchant Capitalist Intensification of Linen Manufacture in Early Modern Europe. In Cloth and Human Experience, edited by Annette B. Weiner and Jane Schneider. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993.

The Japanese Quince

Japanese Quince† is a story that describe around a part of Mr†¦ Nelson's life. It starts out with Mr†¦ Nilsson being drawn outside where he finds himself standing in front of a Japanese quince tree. Before he can feel the special of the tree, he finds that his neighbor is also outside and eventually Mr†¦ Nilsson walks back inside to continue his boring day. The simple event lead the story into a deeper administrative level.John Goalmouths, the author, uses symbolism within his short story to create a deeper meaning within: when given an opportunity to change their lives, some people are hesitated to be consciously. However, subconscious factors may influence their behaviors in ways that can impact their lives in many ways which they did not anticipate. Throughout this tale, John Goalmouths uses some symbolism. The story begins with Mr†¦ Nilsson reading his paper when he feels a sharp pain near his fifth rib, Just above his heart. He takes deep breaths to try and reduce the pain, but it only makes it worse. He tries to figure out the cause of the pain.Deep In thought, Mr†¦ Nilsson becomes distracted by a pleasant â€Å"fragrance† from the quince tree In the nearby park. He forgets about his pain and enjoys the distraction of the tree. This ailment symbolizes the void that he feels, Mr†¦ Nilsson does not know what It Is and tries to figure it out, but in the end he never finds it. The smell of nature, to be more specific, the Japanese Quince tree's smell, that represents life itself. This symbolizes the piece that he is missing, seen when he does not feel the pain In his chest anymore. Mr†¦ Nilsson feels content with It and feels special that he had been able to witness of such a beautiful sight.John Goalmouths uses this scene to symbolize the discovery of a lost piece. The â€Å"Japanese Quince† Is a short tale that John Goalmouths wrote using symbolism to create a centric theme. The protagonist of the story finds that he Is presented two paths at the one that blocks his way Is himself; he must chose which path he will take. In the end of the story, he decides that It Is not worth stepping over himself to change his life and he reverse. Through this, John Goalmouths Is showing that the mall character was hesitated to change his life and his subconscious Influences him to would walk away from the opportunity.