Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Selling A Body For Survival - 1244 Words

Selling a Body for Survival There is actually one very good reason prostitution is known as the world’s oldest profession. It is because it has helped many women survive the toughest of times. No matter what moralists and conservatives say about how evil and corrupt prostitution is, the fact remains that the practice has actually not been that bad when it comes to giving an opportunity to one poor woman to save her family as well as herself. A non-profit media co-operative, New Internationalist Magazine, presents the article, â€Å"Argument: Should prostitution be legalized?† The magazine specializes in investigative reporting on human rights, politics, social and environmental justice. It reports on the issues of world poverty and inequality†¦show more content†¦It demonstrates their arguments and their reasons for why they believe what they claim. The authors show examples from different parts of the world to support their statements. The article demonstrates the situation in India, wh ere poverty is widespread. In fact, according to the New Internationalist Magazine, in India, â€Å"68.7% of people live on less than $2 per day† and as one legally accepts individuals using their heads, hands and other body parts when earning a living, then one must also accept the case of sex workers too† (Post Datta). Moreover, the International Labor Organization, or ILO, considered â€Å"adult sex work as work in a groundbreaking 1998 report† (Post Datta). Thus, it means that adult women cannot possibly find better jobs in a poor country like India, and so they merely resort to prostitution. Besides, with the ILO approving adult sex work as already a necessary moneymaking source and a legal job, then the stigma against prostitution must have declined in the recent years. Prostitution is a very practical way for women to survive, especially those who are far away from their families or who have no one to help them financially. Prostitution somehow serves as the refuge for women who have run away from home. Ian Urbina is a reporter for The New York Times and is the author of the article, â€Å"For Runaways,

Monday, December 16, 2019

Throughout history there have been two main kinds of virtue Free Essays

Throughout history there have been two main kinds of virtue.   One is Plato’s, in which virtue is associated with attributes such as justice, wisdom, courage and moderation, and the other is Machiavelli’s, in which is associated with being the best at any given task.   Many reasons could account for this drastic change in the definition of virtue put forth by Machiavelli, but the most important would be found in a consideration of the time period in which Machiavelli lived. We will write a custom essay sample on Throughout history there have been two main kinds of virtue or any similar topic only for you Order Now    This paper will explore how and why Machiavelli’s concept of virtue came to be so different from the one Plato had originally put forth. There is ample evidence to suggest that Machiavelli was familiar with the works of Plato.   He was an avid reader of many subjects, especially those of a political nature.   He was also an admirer of Ancient Roman society and must have been exposed to many ancient authors.   There was also the fact that for all their intellectual advances in art, law, philosophy and medicine, the Renaissance Italians were indebted to the ancients.   Their practice of imitating those thinkers of ancient history led the Italians to rediscover many facts about the world, which were once only known to the ancients.   Even so, Machiavelli chose to radically change the concept of virtue to an idea that is nearly the opposite of what Plato had in mind. (Wootton xiii) The concept of virtue that Plato had in mind was most readily laid out in the Republic.   Although it is mentioned several times throughout the book, virtue generally comes to mean an attribute of the concepts already explained above.   Specifically, with regard to justice, which the Republic is most concerned with, virtue means being just.   For the citizens of a state to be virtuous, they must be just to their fellow citizens and the state itself, and for the state to be just, it must attempt to run the most virtuous state as possible. In the beginning of Book I, Socrates gets into a debate with some of his fellow citizens about the meaning of justice.  Ã‚   After Polemarchus picks up where Cepalus’s argument left off, Thrasymachus, who is getting fed up with Socrates consistently refuting the arguments of all who try, attempts to give his own definition of justice.   He demands that Socrates give his own account of justice.   But after some words, Socrates persuades Thrasymachus to put forward his concept of the virtue of justice.   The account of justice that Thrasymachus finally gives is that â€Å"justice is the advantage of the stronger.†Ã‚   It is a sort of â€Å"mite is right† argument in that whoever is ruling, and whatever they demand of their subjects must be obeyed.   If the citizens do not obey, then they are being unjust.   (Grube) The view of Thrasymachus is somewhat similar to Machiavelli’s view.   In The Prince, Machiavelli lays out his concept of virtue (which he calls virtà º) in chapter 6, which is entitled â€Å"About new kingdoms acquired with one’s own armies and one’s own skill [virtà º].†Ã‚   In the chapter, one is left with the impression that virtà º means that quality which one is endowed with when they are the best at what they are doing.   Thus a soldier is virtuous when he is successful in defeating an army, or gaining a new principality. As Machiavelli put it, â€Å"The virtuous man is the man who has those qualities that lead to success in his chosen activity.† For Machiavelli, a person need not be â€Å"good† to be virtuous.   After all, Machiavelli condoned lying, treachery, cowardness, murder, anything necessary as long as it leads to victory in the chosen field.   This idea of virtue is a far cry from that of Plato or Christianity, which had been the official religion of Italy for twelve hundred years. (Wootton) In the same chapter, Machiavelli highlights certain people who, in his opinion have been the most virtuous throughout history.   He lists, â€Å"Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, Theseus, and others like them,† to make his case.   He dismisses Moses skill because it is a skill derived from following the direct instructions of God.   But he then goes on to discuss the others because they have all â€Å"acquired existing kingdoms or founded new ones.† Machiavelli admits that, â€Å"the founders of new states have immense difficulties to overcome, and dangers beset their path, dangers they must overcome by skill and strength of purpose.†Ã‚   But as he then goes on to say, the most virtuous, â€Å"once they have overcome [the dangers], and they have begun to be idolized, having got rid of those who were jealous of their superior qualities, they are established, they are powerful, secure, honored, happy.† (Wootton) To understand why Machiavelli’s concept of virtue may have been so different from that of Plato, one need look no further than to Machiavelli himself and the time period in which he lived.   In the sixteenth century, Italy was divided into many different, competing states.   There was a near constant shift in alliances between the differing states that lead to having to be constantly aware of the possibility of danger from a neighboring state.   There was no real security in Italy; there were powerful people constantly vying for more power, and many of them willing to gain that power by any means necessary. Under this system of chaotic statehood, diplomatic officials, and military and political advisors had to constantly be alert for any new crisis that might move previously friendly states to war. (Wootton) In most of these states in Italy, torture was accepted as a legal means of obtaining confessions for crimes, or pursuing investigations into crimes.   In 1513, Machiavelli had the unfortunate circumstance of finding himself under question in regards to his supposed plotting against the Medici family, who were then in control of the new government in Florence.   He was tortured on a contraption known as a strappado.   This device is, at its simplest, a rope thrown over a high beam. The prisoner’s hands are tied behind his back and he is then lifted up several feet in the air.   If allowed to hang there for several hours or several days, he considers himself lucky.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The other way of using the strappado is to allow the prisoner to fall until his feet almost touch the ground and then pull the rope tight.   The result is generally two dislocated shoulders, and extreme pain.   Machiavelli had this happen to him six times in the same investigation.   Italy in the sixteenth century was not a pleasant place to live. (Wikipedia) Machiavelli’s political career had mostly to do with military planning.   As a civil servant, his most important achievement was in 1505-6, when, in Florence, he organized a militia to replace the mercenaries upon which Florence had traditionally relied.   He was at the same time a diplomat and responsible for traveling to several different neighboring states in attempts to keep the peace.   (Wootton) In 1494, Italy was invaded and continued to be invaded on and off throughout the rest of Machiavelli’s life. And as diplomat and war advisor, his job was to find alliances in any way possible.   This is the reason Machiavelli thought it so important not for a ruler to live his life by principle, but powerfully. The Prince is an example of the way a tyrant would hold on to power.   In modern day democratic theory, some people would argue that the need for all information to be made available to the public is necessary for the public to be able to decide which path in a particular situation the state should follow.   According to The Prince the people should have no say in the direction of government and should never influence the rulers thinking, unless it would add to the ruler’s virtue. When considering the age in which Machiavelli lived and the events and responsibilities he had in life, it is easy to understand why he would view virtue so radically different than Plato.   When Machiavelli was so involved with the planning stages of military strategy, doing his best to not have Florence invaded by a hostile power, it may have been necessary to do and say things he knew were lies.   And being in an environment like that, and trying to be good at what he was doing, led Machiavelli to develop a concept of virtue that was completely distinct. Works Cited Grube, G.M.A., ed. Republic. 1st ed. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1992. â€Å"Strappado.† Wikipedia. 08 Apr. 2006 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strappado. Wootton, David, ed. The Prince. 1st ed. Indianapolis : Hackett, 1995. How to cite Throughout history there have been two main kinds of virtue, Essay examples

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Australian Visa System

Question: Describe about the Australia Visa System. Answer: In the given case scenario, Andrew is a permanent citizen of New Zealand and according to the bilateral agreement between Australia and New Zealand; citizens of the latter may enter into Australia and hold a Special Category Visa (SCV). SCV is not a permanent visa but it allows such citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Andrew will be able to sponsor the visa of Stephen. Andrew may apply for a Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801). This temporary visa allows a person to live in Australia who is a partner or a de facto partner of an eligible New Zealand citizen[1]. As pointed out above, Stephen will have to apply for a Partner Visa of Subclass 820 initially. This temporary visa allows a person to live in Australia who is a de facto partner of an eligible New Zealand citizen[2]. De facto relationship has been defined under section 4AA of the Family Law Act 1975 and states that the persons of the same or opposite sex had a relationship as a couple living together on a genuine domestic basis. In the given case, both Andrew and Stephen had a relationship for the last 10 months of which they lived together for 7 months in UK. Subclass 820 visa is the first step towards obtaining a permanent Partner Visa of Subclass 801[3]. An application for the above visa has to be filed online through the portal of Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The people involved must have a relationship of 12 months prior to the application. However, if the couple is able to demonstrate their seriousness such as dependent children, the visa may be granted. Ste phen has a dependent cousin Alfred and this may be considered for granting the visa. In case the visa is not granted at this point of time, the coupler may apply afresh after the completion of 12 months of their relationship[4]. A form related to Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia has to be filed by Andrew for a Partner Visa of Stephen. A declaration has also be filed about their relationship along with the application. Two declarations are required by any of the following[5]: An Australian citizen An Australian permanent resident, or An eligible new Zealand citizen In the given scenario, Alfred cannot be included in the application made by Stephen, as he is not a dependent child. He is a relative and falls under the category of Other Family Members. A separate application has to be made by Alfred for visa purposes. He is still a minor and is dependent on Stephen and hence a statutory declaration has be given by Stephen in this regard[6]. A separate application for Alfred has to be lodged before a decision for 801 (permanent partner visa) has been given for Stephen. Therefore, it can be seen that a visa application for Alfred has to be filed separately and before a permanent visa is granted to Stephen as a de facto partner of Andrew. References Australia, Family,De Facto Relationships - Family Court Of Australia. MIGRATION ACT 1958(2016) Austlii. MIGRATION REGULATIONS 1994(2016) Austlii. Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 And 801)(2016) Border.gov.au.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

The Extent to Which FDI Inflows have Influenced GDPGrowth in India

Abstract Previous studies on the impact of FDI on GDP concluded that there was no long run relationship between the two. The Granger Casual analysis provided this inference. Sirari Bohra (2011) provide a conceptual framework to explain the relationship between GDP and FDI inflows.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Extent to Which FDI Inflows have Influenced GDPGrowth in India specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Technology and knowledge transfers provide the key indications for the relationship. The pattern on annual FDI inflow as a percentage of GDP shows an exponential growth over time. Over the years, India’s FDI inflows have surpassed outflows. There were more sources of FDI inflow from the western hemisphere; however, Mauritius was the highest contributor. The services sector received more FDI inflows. Introduction According to Chaturvedi (2011, p. 528), foreign direct investment (FDI) is a form of lon g-term international capital transfer meant for productive activity coupled with the purpose of managerial control and the involvement in the management of the foreign company. Sirari Bohra (2011) refer FDI as a tool intended for economic growth by strengthening the local capital, productivity and employment. Moreover, it has an important role in the local technology advancement, optimal utilization of local manpower, trade balance, enhancing human skill as well as improving of the managerial capacities. In addition, FDI improves the local competition standards, broadens choices for the overseas market as well as creates more employment opportunities. Chaturvedi (2011, p. 532) explains that FDI has greatly influenced the achievement of economic development in developing countries.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, developing countries have benefited greatly from FDI inflows as a source of foreign financing. Inflows refer to inbound capital by foreign investors. Availability of highly skilled manpower facilitates the positive impact of FDI inflows on the economic growth (GDP) (Agrawal Khan 2011, p. 74). Hansen Rand (2005) investigated the existence of the Granger Casual nexus between FDI and GDP among selected developing countries. The analysis data was accumulated for over 30 years. The findings showed that there existed a two-way causal relationship between the ratio and the levels of GDP and FDI inflows. It was established that the FDI to GDP ratio was not affected in the long-run by the GDP. This revelation formed the bases for concluding that FDI had an impact on GDP. FDI augments the rate of investment in a host country resulting in a transitional rise in per capita income growth. Evidence on the FDI impact on GDP relates to technology and knowledge transfers (Jayachandran Seilan 2010, p. 74). This is captured in the New Growth Theory of the 1980s. Based on the computation from twenty years data, inferences showed that the FDI inflows into India have an insignificant contribution to the real GDP. Data was collected during the domestication of the open door policy. Figure 1: Conceptual Model for Relationship between FDI Inflows and GDP Growth Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Extent to Which FDI Inflows have Influenced GDPGrowth in India specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Adopted from Sirari Bohra (2011, p. 13) Literature Review Prior to 1991, India’s state administration applied strong control over industrial investment by regulating and fostering internally-driven economic progress. The approach used favoured domestic investment at the expense of foreign investors and imports (Beena et al. n.d.). The country experienced dismal development and growth. Imports were restricted through controls as well as high duties. Thus, the Indian s trategy on FDI was about reversing inflow influx. The main argument was to cushion opportunities within the local labour market from the foreign expatriates; however, economic inefficiencies were introduced in due course. Interested foreign investors were faced with bureaucratic procedures before acquiring approvals to establish businesses. These were deliberately introduced through the Industries Development and Regulation Act (1951). Foreign investment industries ended up using average technologies in production processes affecting their efficiency. This diminished foreign capital and technology causing difficulties in achieving global efficiency and production standards (Beena et al. n.d.). Due to heavy government infiltration on the financial and banking sector; there was a lot of manipulation of prices and credit allocation. Small industry players benefited a lot from loans and borrowings. Some sectors were reserved for government investment; thus, affecting competitive bidding . The government focussed on accumulating savings to fast-track local investment as explained in the Harrod-Domar growth paradigm (Beena et al. n.d.).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These affirmative approaches led to financial authoritarianism brought about by unjustified price changing as well as credit favours. Harrod-Domar model investigated relationship between natural and warranted trends of growth. Economic issues were put into perspective through short run tools economic tools. Nevertheless, the Harrod-Domar model faced strong criticism from the neo-classical economics. Endogenous growth model formed the third paradigm explaining FDI inflows relationship with GDP performance (Sahoo Mathiyazhagan 2002, p. 8). Post 1991, the industrial and economic policies were revisited with reference to the strategic approach to FDI. A liberal approach was adopted to stimulate investment as well as accelerate economic growth. Bureaucratic barriers were abolished for most sectors except for 18 industry types. Reduced barriers of entry gave room to the invigoration of the private sector. During the new dispensation, automatic approvals were awarded to FDI by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). FDI benefited from the rid-off of excess technology restrictions and royalty fees for technology transfer. Some of the Pro-FDI reforms introduced in the India’s public sector enterprises focused on enhancing autonomy, lower monopoly within the public sector as well as foster privatisation. Figure 2: A Framework on the Distribution of FDI Inflows in Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing Sectors in India Reported in 2011 Adopted from Rao Dhar (2011, p. 55) There are hotspot areas within India perceived to have a relatively high attraction for FDI investment. Some of the hotspots have already converted the potential into opportunities. Figure 3: Relative Attractiveness of Indian States to FDI Adopted from Nunnenkamp Stracke (2008, p. 63) Figure 4: Pattern of FDI Concentration Adopted from Nunnenkamp Stracke (2008, p. 64) Analysis Nunnenkamp Stracke (2008, p. 55) observe that after the liberalisation of India’s economy, FDI rose to over US$50 bil lion in 2006, from less than US$2 billion in 1991. This implied growing expectations towards FDI inflows. Nevertheless, the concentration of FDI inflow has not been balanced across the state. Globally, India was rated as the second most attractive destination for FDI within the period between 2008 and 2010. Figure 5: Yearly (between 1990 2008) FDI Flows to India Adopted from Virmani (2009, p. 19) It is evident that the FDI inflows into India surpass the performance of the outflows. This means more investment capital is finding its way into India than the one headed to a foreign destination, particularly as from 2006. Figure 6: Annual Growth Rate (in %) Trend for India’s FDI Inflows (between 1991 and 2010) Data adopted from Ray (2012, p. 189) The FDI inflow performance in 1998-99, 1999-00, 2002-03 and 2002-03 indicate negative growth rates. However, it is interesting that at times the FDI inflow went up by more than 100 percent. This implies that FDI inflows experience boom s and troughs. Largely, the FDI inflow rate of growth was positive across the years. Figure 7: Tracking FDI Inflows within the GDP Context Data adopted from Kareem (n.d.) The GDP performance has over the time allowed a positive response to the FDI inflow in India. The exponential growth implies that there is a minimal negative relationship between GDP and FDI inflows. Sahoo Mathiyazhagan (2002, p. 2) explain that the pattern observed couples FDI inflows with export. Table 1: Cross-Sector Analysis of FDI Inflows (between 2007 and 2011) Country 2007-08 (April-March) 2008-09 (April-March) 2009-10 (April-March) 2010-11 (for April ‘10) Cumulative Inflows (April ’00 -April ‘10) Mauritius 44483 50794 49633 2528 213434 Singapore 12319 15727 11295 1933 47080 USA 4377 8002 9230 404 37593 UK 4690 3840 3094 265 26263 Netherlands 2780 3922 4283 312 20438 Japan 3336 1889 5670 1455 18350 Cyprus 3385 5983 7728 123 17900 Germany 2075 2750 2980 102 12571 Fran ce 583 2098 1437 184 7102 United Arab Emirates 1039 1133 3017 31 7054 Total FDI Inflows 98664 123025 123378 9854 526357 Adopted from Chaturvedi (2011, p. 530) Figure 8: Total FDI Inflows in Various Sectors in the Indian Economy (between 2007 and 2011) Data adopted from Chaturvedi (2011, p. 530) The diversity of sectors attracting significant FDI inflows implies that investor confidence is high across the sector spectrum. The services sector is highly attractive (accounting for a fifth of the FDI inflows). Among the significant sectors, metallurgical industries, petroleum natural gas as well as chemicals are the least attractive in terms of FDI inflows. The growth of export commodities in India has not benefited from the FDI inflows boom. Arguably, the larger quota of the FDI inflows finance services sectors, computer software and hardware as well as electronics, which are not major export commodity sources. The manufacturing sector is an export oriented sector in India. Fig ure 9: Cross-Country Analysis of FDI Inflows into India Economy (between 2007 and 2011) Country 2007-08 (April-March) 2008-09 (April-March) 2009-10 (April-March) 2010-11 (for April ‘10) Cumulative Inflows (April ’00 -April ‘10) Mauritius 44483 50794 49633 2528 213434 Singapore 12319 15727 11295 1933 47080 USA 4377 8002 9230 404 37593 UK 4690 3840 3094 265 26263 Netherlands 2780 3922 4283 312 20438 Japan 3336 1889 5670 1455 18350 Cyprus 3385 5983 7728 123 17900 Germany 2075 2750 2980 102 12571 France 583 2098 1437 184 7102 United Arab Emirates 1039 1133 3017 31 7054 Total FDI Inflows 98664 123025 123378 9854 526357 Data adopted from Chaturvedi (2011, p. 528) Figure 10: Cross Country Proportions of FDI Inflows into the Indian Economy (between 2007 and 2011) Data adopted from Chaturvedi (2011, p. 528) There is a wide diversity of countries attracted to invest in India; nevertheless, the proportion of FDI contribution differs markedly. The nations in the western hemisphere feature more compared to other parts of the world; though Mauritius leads in the individual category. Mauritius dominance in the FDI inflows to India began as early as 1995. Mauritius Offshore Companies with an interest in the motor industry in India have led to the high FDI inflows. Mauritius has a friendly attractive tax scheme for investors targeting foreign markets. The diversity of the nations indicates a wide tolerance or acceptance to India as a FDI destination. Conclusion In the pre-liberalization era of the early 1990s, India’s investment policies presented hurdles that limited FDI inflow capacity. Policy and strategic adjustments led to the invigoration of FDI inflow. A range of countries has had their foreign investments in India, particularly Mauritius. Theoretical approaches in the search for the probable explanation on the relationship between FDI and GDP showed that technology and knowledge transfers provided the key links. Th is is explained by FDI inflow patterns in the Indian States and the various economic sectors. References Agrawal, G Khan, A 2011, ‘Impact of FDI on GDP: A Comparative Study of China and India’, International Journal of Business and Management, vol. 6, no. 10, pp. 71-79, via International Journal of Business and Management. Beena, P, Bhandari, L, Bhaumik, S, Gokarn, S, Tandon, A n.d., Foreign Direct Investment in India, http://www.dfid.gov.uk/R4D/PDF/Outputs/CNEM/drc04_india.pdf. Chaturvedi, I 2011, Role of FDI in Economic Development of India: Sectoral Analysis, http://www.trikal.org/ictbm11/pdf/Globalization/D1314-done.pdf. Hansen, H Rand, J 2005, On the Causal Links between FDI and Growth in Developing Countries, http://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/63300/1/500775478.pdf. Jayachandran, G Seilan, A 2011, ‘A Causal Relationship between Trade, Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth for India’, International Research Journal of Finance and Econ omics, vol. 42, pp. 74-88, via Eurojournals. Kareem, P n.d., Foreign Direct Investment and Emerging India, http://www.apeaweb.org/confer/bus11/papers/Kareem.pdf. Nunnenkamp, P Stracke, R 2008, ‘Foreign Direct Investment In Post-Reform India: Likely To Work Wonders For Regional Development?’, Journal Of Economic Development, pp. 55-84, via JED. Rao, K Dhar, B 2011, India’s FDI Inflows: Trends Concepts, http://isid.org.in/pdf/WP1101.PDF. Sayooo, D Mathiyayazhagan, M 2002, Economic Growth in India: Does Foreign Direct Investment Inflow Matter?, http://203.200.22.249:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/1902/1/Economic_growth_in_India.pdf. Sirari, A Bohra, N 2011, ‘Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) In India Service Sector (A Study of Post Liberalization)’, Int. J. Eco. Res., vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 10-18, via IJER. Virmani, A 2009, India’s Growth Acceleration: the Third Phase!, http://www.oecd.org/eco/productivityandlongtermgrowth/43823505.pdf. This essay on The Extent to Which FDI Inflows have Influenced GDPGrowth in India was written and submitted by user Raymond T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.