Sociology

Introduction

Human trafficking is a form of organized crime that involves trade in human beings for purposes that include forced labor, sexual exploitation, forced marriage and organ harvesting (Aronowitz, 2009). Internationally, trafficking is recognized as a crime because of the severe violation of human rights experienced by victims. Women and children are the most common victims because they are highly vulnerable and in high demand. Trafficking is a type of organized crime that represents approximately $31.6 billion of the revenue generated from international trade annually (Jonsson, 2012). Trading in persons is a critical issue experienced around the world that has grown rapidly in the last twenty years. It has resulted in the emergence and growth of trans-national criminal organizations that have created illegal avenues for wealth creation. In 2013, the trade was estimated to generate approximately USD $32 billion (Lee, 2013). A review of human trafficking is important because of its severity and the rate at which it is growing around the world. It is a shameful trade because it violates the dignity and the human rights of victims. All countries possess constitutional statutes that guarantee the protection of the rights of their citizens. However, trafficking downplays the importance of human life by encouraging trade in people that violates their rights. The main causes of the expansion of the illegal trade include globalization, increase in the rate of unemployment, poverty, and rise in demand for domestic services in developed countries (Aronowitz, 2009). The problem is relevant for review because human trafficking is a widespread criminal enterprise that encourages violation of human rights and international law as well as the loss of the dignity associated with human life.

Literature review

The United Nations defines human trafficking as the use of force or trickery to recruit and trade in persons for purposes of exploiting them and benefiting financially from their services (Jonsson, 2012). According to the UN, exploitation includes the use of persons for sexual exploitation, extraction of body organs, forced labor, and any other form of coercive service such as domestic servitude. Little research has been conducted on the issue of human trafficking including its severity, forms, consequences, and the various methods used by different countries to combat it. Therefore, available knowledge focuses on the phenomenon, practices, involved players, effects, and the means of combating the crime. Many authors focus on pursuing the mechanisms used by different countries to combat human trafficking. According to Aronowitz (2009) there are six major approaches that could be applied in the study of the topic. They include trafficking for prostitution, forced labor, trafficking in children, violation of human rights, violation of migration laws, and proliferation of human trafficking as an organized crime (Jonsson, 2012). In exploring the problem, the approach chosen determines the strategies used to combat human trafficking. Other authors have studied the crime from moral, criminal, human rights, and labor perspectives. In many cases, the evaluation of the problem from a moral or criminal perspective involves the use of strategies that are aimed at either controlling the spread of trafficking or punishing offenders. On the other hand, when evaluated from a human rights or labor perspective, strategies that are aimed at improving the lives of citizens are devised (Aronowitz, 2009).

Causes of human trafficking

The most important factor in the rapid rise and prevalence of human trafficking is globalization. According to Jonsson (2012), capitalist production has undergone a rapid shift in its structure in the past three centuries. In contemporary society, capital is concentrated in areas that provide cheap labor, establishments whose labor laws favor employers and exploit workers, and where unions are weak and therefore ineffective in protecting workers. This has resulted in unemployment especially in developing countries. Local governments have been rendered weak by the stringent laws enacted by international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Poor national economies have led to increased poverty and lower wages that cannot support families (Shelley, 2010). Increased poverty and unemployment forces people to undertake actions that are aimed at improving their economic situations. On the other hand, the need by different organizations to compete internationally has led to high demand for cheap labor from developing countries (Jonsson, 2012).

As a result, international criminal enterprises traffic people to work in the manufacturing, services, construction, and tourism industries. The issue has been made worse by political instability, wars, and corruption that are prevalent in many countries. One of the most important factors in the study of globalization is the demand, supply, and transportation of commodities and capital. Human trafficking is prevalent because of current global conditions that facilitate the transportation of persons across the globe. Discriminatory labor markets, scarcity of economic opportunities, political restructuring, and proliferation of human rights violations are examples of factors that promote trafficking (Shelley, 2010). Criminal gangs take advantage of the rapid expansion of the global culture that has emanated from globalization and technological advancements. Other factors that are responsible for the proliferation of human trafficking include corruption, lack of public awareness, weak migration and labor legislation, high demand for cheap labor, and inconsistent implementation of public policies (Aronowitz, 2009).

The eradication of trade barriers between countries as well as the emergence of innumerable global markets has resulted in an increase in the demand for cheap labor especially in the manufacturing and services industries (Shelley, 2010). On the other hand, a rapidly growing sex tourism industry has also contributed in the expansion of the human trafficking market. Recruitment and retention of labor force are important factor in the maintenance of competitive edge in the global economy. Cheap labor is an effective strategy used in cushioning businesses against poor financial times that result from high costs of production and market fluctuations. Increasing globalization creates the need for great focus on providing human capital for sustainable economic growth. Low labor costs enable businesses to produce goods and services cheaply and thus make high profits. This phenomenon has been reported in Florida’s orange industry. The industry enjoys cheap labor from workers who are trafficked from Mexico and Central America (Shelley, 2010). Many international organizations have been accused of using running their operations at the expense of workers who are poorly paid and who are subjected to poor working conditions. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 2.5 million victims of human trafficking work in poor working conditions in different countries across the globe (Jonsson, 2012). Young children are the majority of victims of forced labor who work in hazardous conditions for little or no pay.

According to Aronowitz (2009), the main reasons responsible for the rapid growth in human trafficking in today’s society include globalization, high rates of unemployment especially in developing countries, high demand for domestic labor in developed countries, and poor regulations to monitor the movement of human capital that is facilitated by technological advancements. The most common forms of human trafficking include the transportation of women and children for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor (Jonsson, 2012). According to the United Nations, more than one million women and children are transported from their countries to foreign countries every year through complex networks created by human trafficking criminal groups (Jonsson, 2012). Human trafficking is an appealing business because it has high financial returns and can be conducted in secret without the knowledge of law enforcement agencies. According to a report released by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations, the human trafficking business in the U.S. is controlled by more than 3,000 criminal gangs in different cities (Shelley, 2010).

Coca is among the most popular agricultural products that are produced using trafficked labor. The United State’s chocolate industry depends on imported cocoa for the sustenance of the industry. For instance, in 2005, the U.S. imported cocoa beans worth over $870 million from West African countries that produce the raw material (Jonsson, 2012). 58% of cocoa used in the U.S was imported from West African countries that are famous for using trafficked children in its production (Jonsson, 2012). Child slaves are forced to work long hours under poor working conditions. For instance, they are forced to use pesticides and other chemicals without protective gear. On the other hand, they have no access to health care. Organizations that use cocoa as a raw material hold down prices in order to compete effectively with other organizations in international markets. This is done at the expense of child slaves who are paid poorly and overworked. This problem has aggravated over the years because governments have shown little interest in combating human trafficking and other activities associated with the crime. Involved organizations suppress the prices of cocoa in order to avoid giving fair remuneration to workers.

The majority of human trafficking victims fall prey to criminals because of their desire to improve the quality of their personal and economic situations. Human traffickers take advantage of the victims’ desires and offer to help them migrate to other countries that have better economies (Jonsson, 2012). However, they transport and sell them to second and third parties who use them for financial gains. Many people become victims of traffickers especially during periods of political restructuring in their countries. The anxiety and fear generated by economic, political, and social changes prompt many people to migrate to other countries to seek economic opportunities (Jonsson, 2012). In Europe, human trafficking grew rapidly after the collapse of communism that resulted in the need for economic, social, and political stability.

Forms of human trafficking

Human trafficking can be divided into four major categories that include sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, and organ harvesting (Shelley, 2010). Trafficking in women is rampant because the female gender is vulnerable and regarded lowly in many societies. Different countries act as sources, transit points, or destinations of trafficked persons. Majority of the victims comprise vulnerable groups such as women and children from poor families and unprivileged backgrounds. They are usually lured by promises of employment opportunities and better lives in developed countries. Victims are awarded illegal documents and then transported to foreign countries where they are forced into sexual slavery and forced labor (Shelley, 2010). One of the strategies used by traffickers to promote the sexual exploitation of victims is the use of debt bondage. Many exploiters hold victims by requiring them to pay off their purchase costs before they can be set free. Child trafficking can be divided into several categories that include child sex trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), and child sex tourism (CST) (Lee, 2013). CSEC refers to the exploitation of children for financial gains through acts such as pornography and prostitution. CST refers to the use of children for sex tourism and related forms of commercial purposes.

The largest percentage of trafficking victims is subjected to forced labor either in commercial establishments or homesteads. Forced labor involves the exploitation of vulnerable workers for financial gains. Victims are usually paid little money and work under hazardous working conditions that compromise their health (Shelley, 2010). Many of them have no access to health care services. High rates of unemployment and poverty are the major causes of these practices that violate the basic human rights. Women and children who are subjected to forced labor also undergo sexual exploitation. Forced labor is a form of human trafficking that is difficult to identify and combat because in certain cases, victims undergo legal recruitment and migration processes (Jonsson, 2012). Involuntary domestic labor is a form of forced labor that is very prevalent because of the privacy enjoyed by employers. Law enforcement officers cannot inspect private property thus making it easy for employers to exploit their workers. Domestic workers and victims of forced labor are usually trafficked from countries that register high rates of poverty and unemployment. According to the International Labor Organization, forced labor is characterized by six main elements that include debt-bondage, physical harm to workers, confinement of workers and restriction of movement, withholding of wages and unfair deductions and fines, retention of travel documents by employers, and threats of denunciation to authorities (Lee, 2013). Finally, organ harvesting refers to the trafficking of persons for the purpose of obtaining their body organs for sale. The major organ that is under high demand among traffickers is the kidney because of the low risk associated with its transplant.

Effects and consequences

Human trafficking has adverse economic, psychological, and health effects on victims. Trafficked women are subjected to serious health risks that affect their physical, reproductive, emotional, and psychological wellbeing (Shelley, 2010). Victims usually suffer from serious physical problems that result from forced labor either in homesteads or commercial establishments. Examples of physical injuries that victims encounter include burns, broken bones, concussions, and bruises. These injuries emanate from the physical assault meted on them by employers and traffickers. Certain injuries cause health problems that last for long periods because victims do not get access to health care services. Sexual exploitation of women and children results in physical and emotional damages (Kara, 2013). In many cases, victims are coerced to engage in sexual activities against their will. The use of force is a common factor in such experiences. Women who are forced to engage in sexual activities without their consent suffer emotional and psychological disturbances that have long-term effects such as depression and severe stress (Lee, 2013). Women who participate in prostitution expose themselves to sexual and reproductive health complications that affect their wellbeing adversely (Kara, 2013).

For instance, they are subjected to high risks of contracting diseases that could affect their reproductive health. In addition, they are subjected to high risks of unwanted pregnancies. As a result, they perform abortions in order to get rid of unwanted pregnancies. In some cases, abortion results in irreversible medical complications such as infertility. Physical and sexual abuse results in mental complications such as anxiety, excessive guilt, post-traumatic stress disorder, and abuse of drugs and alcohol (Kara, 2013). In severe cases, these effects lead to suicide. Children are the most adversely affected by trafficking because of the negative effects of the experiences on their physical, emotional, and psychological development. Finally, trafficking victims face legal consequences in case they are reported to authorities. Persons who refuse to cooperate with their employers are reported to authorities for being in foreign countries illegally and for violating local law.

Prevention and control

Several approaches are applied by different nations to combat human trafficking. In many countries, anti-trafficking initiatives focus on enacting new legislation and spearheading legal reforms that introduce stringent immigration and anti-trafficking laws. Many anti-trafficking laws are ineffective internationally because they are bent more towards post-trafficking criminal prosecutions rather than the prevention of human trafficking (Lee, 2013). It is important for governments and non-governmental organizations to work together in order to ensure effective implementation of mitigation strategies. Education and awareness raising are effective strategies of combating human trafficking that are directed towards the public. Vulnerable groups such as women and children are offered information regarding trafficking, its dangers, risk factors, and consequences. Information is disseminated through the media, press conferences, public service announcements, documentaries, and through the internet (Lee, 2013). Another strategy to combat human trafficking is through promotion of the human rights of workers and vulnerable groups. For instance, governments should implement the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

In addition, they should implement the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. It is also important for all countries to adopt the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families in order to protect the wellbeing of trafficked persons who are subjected to forced labor (Shelley, 2010). Other approaches include the enactment of anti-trafficking legislation, creation of special law enforcement groups to fight trafficking, and commissioning of thorough research on the severity of the crime globally. It is important for governments to adopt joint legislation that regulate the transportation of persons across borders for easier monitoring and identification of illegal activities.

Analysis significance

The foregoing topic evaluation is an important aspect in the comprehension of human trafficking in efforts to find lasting solutions to the problem. Human trafficking is a serious legal and moral problem that needs to be solved through cooperation between governments and non-governmental organizations. Currently available research regarding the extent and severity of human trafficking is inadequate. Therefore, it is important to conduct further research in order to fully comprehend the severity of the issue and thus improve the process of identifying the best preventive measures. The enjoyment of the basic human rights is a privilege that is provided by the constitutions of all countries in the world. However, human trafficking denies those rights to victims of trafficking. The existence of modern slavery in the form of human trafficking is a violation of human rights and the dignity of life. The use of force, debt bondage, violence, threats, and other manipulative tactics to exploit persons is unethical and illegal. The sheer size of the trafficking industry ($150 billion) is an indication of the extent of the problem. This shows that governments are not doing enough to combat human trafficking hence the need for further research and action.

The main victims of human trafficking are women and children who are more vulnerable when compared to men. Women and children deserve protection because they form an integral part of society. Other targets of human traffickers include victims of domestic violence, war, sexual assault, and homeless persons. The vulnerabilities of the people in these groups are issues that can be addressed by local governments and thus mitigate the trafficking problem. It is the responsibility of any government to protect the vulnerable members of society from any form of exploitation. According to the rational choice theory, people commit crime after performing an evaluation of the risks and rewards associated with a certain crime. An individual makes a choice to either commit or not commit a crime based on their thinking about the costs and benefits as well as the risks and rewards of their actions. As mentioned earlier, human trafficking is a low risk and high return venture. This explains why the trafficking business has been growing rapidly over the last decade. Lax ant-trafficking legislation and high returns are the main motivating factors for the rapid expansion of trafficking across the world.

Conclusion

Human trafficking is the act of luring, recruiting, transporting, and using persons for financial gains against their will. Major forms of human trafficking include forced labor, sex tourism, prostitution, and domestic servitude. The foregoing topic evaluation has revealed that human trafficking is a very severe form of organized crime that is rapidly growing due to lax anti-trafficking legislation that encourages the formation of international criminal networks that are difficult to dissolve. In addition, the crime expanding because traffickers enjoy high financial gains and they can operate without the knowledge of law enforcement agencies. These factors make it difficult to combat it. Trafficking in persons is a critical issue that has been taken up by the major international non-governmental and governmental organizations because of its severity. Traffickers use force, violence, fraud, and other forms of manipulative antics to lure unsuspecting victims into situations that involve sexual and other forms of exploitation. The main causes of human trafficking include poverty, globalization, high demand for cheap labor, and high rates of unemployment.

Victims undergo mental, health, and physical trauma that affects their wellbeing. For instance, women are exposed to the risk of contracting diseases that could affect their reproductive health while children undergo psychological disturbances hat affect their proper growth and development. It is important for governments to enact stringent anti-trafficking laws in order to mitigate the problem. Future evaluations and research should be conducted to identify other forms of human trafficking, the extent of each form, and the best possible solutions to combat them. Traffickers target vulnerable groups such as women, children, and victims of wars, terrorism, and sexual assault. Governments should put measures in place to cater for the emotional, economic, and physical needs of vulnerable groups in order to lower the risk of falling prey to traffickers.

References

Aronowitz, A. (2009). Human trafficking, Human Misery: The Global Trade in Human Beings. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Jonsson, A. (2012). Human trafficking and Human Security. New York: Routledge.

Kara, S. (2013). Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery. New York: Columbia University.

Lee, M. (2013). Human Trafficking. New York: Routledge.

Shelley, L. (2010). Human Trafficking: A Global Perspective. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Human’s Rights as the Attribute of Society

In contrast to the other institutions that suggest a single form of the notion existing in the given society, the area of human rights allows to switch the shapes of the very notion of human rights according to the sphere it is applied to. In spite of the fact that the core idea of the human rights remains the same, the form it takes can vary depending on the field of use. The universality of human rights allows them to get into every single part of people’s lives, and this is a subject that needs further exploration.

The way the human rights are interpreted now does not differ from the basic principles set by the founders of democracy. Throughout the centuries, the main idea of human rights remained the same, claiming every single person to have the package of rights that are to be inherent and be an integral part of living a full life of a free man. Set long time ago and representing the range of freedoms that have been proclaimed since the times of the French Revolution, these right still speak of the democracy in motion, demanding the constitutional law and the recognition of a man’s liberty. The situation has not changed much since then, the established rights for life, education, voting and freedom of speech, remain the same.

However, there have been some amendments that presupposed certain improvements, but the basics were left untouched. Nowadays, almost every country can claim that it suggests a full range of the necessary rights and freedoms to its citizens. The democracy principles spread all around the world, and the modern society seems to have all the attributes to be called democratic for recognizing people’s right and freedoms in full. However, it is still curious how the law that outlines the most important points of human rights can convey the idea, and the way this idea can switch its shape as it transgresses from one sphere of analytical and philosophical thinking into another one.

The Four Schools of Thoughts: Observing the Perspectives

Dembour (2006) defines human rights as the most obvious things that should actually be taken for granted, without clarifying them in such a detailed manner in the set of laws, “One claims a human right in the hope of ultimately creating a society in which such claims will be no longer necessary” (p. 248). The existence of the four schools of human right can explain the fact of these rights switching their shape so suddenly and with such a scale. There four schools consider human rights in absolutely different light. The ideas of different scholars may be considered from the point of view of those four schools of thought. A lot of scholars dwelling upon human rights in the relation to multiculturalism and language refered themselves to one of the Dembour’s schools.

Natural School: the Natural Course of Events

One of the most well-known schools is probably the natural school that considers human rights as they are given, in plain. Presupposing that human rights are something that one has been granted since the day of birth, the followers of this school suggest that the subject under discussion can be valued from the point of view of the plain nature. Eriksen (1996) supports this idea dwelling upon the fact that different nations can exist together on the basis of understanding this idea. Taylor (1994) also supports this idea claiming people with different understanding of human rights may respect each other and perceive them as they are.

The idea that this philosophy conveys is that a person’s rights are the incorporation of the laws of nature and it presupposes that people should act according to their inner understanding of their rights and freedoms. This theory is close to idealism, which is supported by Donelly (2003) who is sure that people have rights “simply because one is a human being” (p. 10).

Protest School: Opposing the Situation

As opposed to natural school of thought, protest school of thought believes that human rights cannot be considered as a universal notion because they are limited to such concepts as morality, dignity, and moral integrity (Dembour, 2006, p. 236). In particular, the supporters of this concept find some political and intellectual inferences related to human rights. They believe that universality of human rights fails to consider the dignity and individuality of each person. More importantly, the theory suggests that human rights impose a kind of responsibility on each individual.

If to consider human freedom as one of inherent components of human rights, one should be aware of the fact that all freedoms enjoyed by individuals should be deserved first. Indeed, a person takes all existing freedoms for granted finding it unnecessary to fight for them. They agree with the assumption that freedom is an innate right of humans (Denbour, 2006, p. 237). This position also reveals that illusionary possession of the fundamental freedoms should be protected by law.

This school of thoughts can be interpreted through visions and outlooks of Varennes (2007). In particular, his point of view is narrowed to the idea that language right should protected on equal basis with human rights because it reveals their identity and responsibility for their culture and country. Hence, Varennes (2007) states, “…the use of a language in private activities can be in breach of existing international human rights such as the rights to private and family right” (p. 117).

Drawing the line between the protest scholars, language right should be protected by law as well. Such a position explains Varennes’ affiliation to this theoretical framework. The problem of linguistic justice is also considered by Patten and Kymlicka (2003) and Wei (2009) who believe that should be linguistic justice because it is an inherent component of human rights.

Deliberative School: Agreeing Upon the Basics

As compared with natural and protest theoretical framework whose primary concerns are based on a strong belief in human rights, deliberate school of thought are fully loyal to this concept. They conceive human rights as an idealistic conception that exists regardless of human experience. According to this school, “human rights are thus no more than legal and political standards; they not moral, and certainly not religious, standards” (Dembour, 2006, p. 248). Therefore, the limited perception of human rights impels the scholars to believe that this phenomenon is nothing else but adjudication.

While analyzing different ideas and positions, Dembour (2006) concludes that deliberate theorists find human rights beyond political and legal dependence. Rather, they compare them with religion, stating that it is a universal notion existing outside the context of morality, law and politics. Due to the fact that human rights are perceived as something secular, deliberate school of thought subjects this conception to idolatry.

Following the main concepts of deliberate school, Aikman (1995) provides his own vision of linguistic diversity and cultural maintenance that should be preserved irrespective of laws and politics because it is more connected with social needs and socio-cultural environment in the country. More importantly, Boumann (1999) provides the separatist vision of linguistic rights in correlation of his position to its universality. In particular, the scholar beliefs that multiculturalism and human right should be reevaluated and be more connected with ethnic and religious identity, but not political and legal perspectives.

Although Biseth (2008) seems to be more radical in his vision of multiculturalism, the scholar also represents deliberate school of though believing that linguistic diversity is inevitable due to diversity in culture and cultural heritage. In particular, Biseth (2008) stands for equality and universality of human right with regard to linguistic right, which should be perceived as something integral and inherent to a human. In general all the above-presented scholars agree with the necessity to perceive linguistic right as something independent from politics and law.

Discourse School: When It Is the Right Time to Talk

Dwelling upon discourse school of thought and relating it to the human rights, it is possible to states that Dembour (2006) defined the scholars who belonged to this school as those who, “not only insist that there is nothing natural about human rights, they also question the fact that human rights are naturally good” (p. 251). The representatives of this school are sure that those human rights exist only because people talk about them. Moreover, Dembour (2006) believes that if the notion of human rights does not exist, so there is nothing to fight for and to protect.

Koenig and Guchteneire (2007) believe that due to high rate of migration and international communication human rights became international and there is nothing to discourse about. It is possible to refer Holmarsdottir (2009) to this school of thought as his ideas are closely connected to the ideas presented by Dembour (2006). Holmarsdottir (2009) is sure that there are no human rights which have been given to people since their birth. Only the government can give people their rights. He writes, “a government is considered as having as exclusive right to make and implement policy in the interest of all the people” (Holmarsdottir, 2009, p. 223).

All these ideas and perspectives may be easily considered from the point of view of multiculturalism and language problem in the concept of human rights.

Multiculturalism in Different Forms

It is important to remember that different cultures presuppose in some cases absolutely dissimilar norms and rules. In this case, human rights policies are not an exception. But, there is the tendency that many counties live in the multicultural society, so different norms and rules should collaborate and be combined. But, it is impossible to provide in the real society. Aikman (1995) states that many indigenous peoples struggle for the right to use their languages on their territory.

The multiculturalism has entered the society of Harakmbut Amazon people so deeply that these people have to fight for the opportunity to use their native language. It is natural that the countries with the same problems create the Declarations where the status of their country is stated as bicultural and it allows people to use their native language. Thus, indigenous peoples have created the draft of the declaration which allows them to use their traditions and culture in the multicultural society they are made to live in. The text of the draft states that peoples who are influenced by other cultures can “revitalise, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, philosophies, writing system and literature” (Aikman, 1995, p. 411).

Baumann (1999) is sure that people can never understand the main idea of multiculturalism and can still see the problem there until they do not rethink the problem. According to Baumann (1999), the multiculturalism should become global “just as environmentalism and feminism need to be global to succeed” (p. 32). Thus, human rights will be followed and there will not be a problem if the whole world is involved into multicultural society. The author also states that the problems in the society are mostly solved by the civil rights which exclude foreigners. Is not it the violation of the principles of the multiculturalism (Baumann, 1999)?

The problems in the multicultural society became extremely debatable. The appearance of different politics within the problem makes it possible to become politically neutral for most people. Thus, the politics of equal dignity is based on the principle that people on the whole Planet should be equally respected. Thus, their human rights should be respected as well. This politics creates the universal human potential. The main idea of this potential is that people should be respected, no matter what ethnical group they belong to or what language they speak. Still, the problem of the relations between people in the multicultural society remains unsolved (Taylor, 1994, p. 41).

While many people dwell upon the importance of the multiculturalism and the culture globalization, Halla (2009) states that globalization of culture has absolutely negative impact on the whole society. It is important to understand that the multiculturalism in the whole world eliminates the uniqueness of the peoples and their cultures. Halla (2009) is sure that multiculturalism reduces people from using their rights to live in the country they were born in.

It is really important for elite to maintain multiculturalism in the world society as in this case people are required to buy the western products and goods. On the one hand, the culture globalization has a positive effect (especially in education and in the right of choice). On the other hand, the problem is extremely sharp for small peoples who cannot resist cultural globalization and lose their unique qualities (Halla, 2009).

Dwelling upon multiculturalism and human rights, Eriksen (1996) uses the example of Mauritius. The religious, language and cultural diversity of this community is rather varied and difficult, still people in Mauritius are given an absolute freedom of which religion they may follow (there are four main religions on the island, three of which are subdivided into numerous sects), which subjects to study at school (most core subjects are options, so students are not obligated to learn the things they do not want or do not like due to their cultural or religious preferences), and which language they want to speak.

Even though that the main language on the island is English, the cultural languages are spoken and supported by the society (Eriksen, 1996). Thus, the main idea of the said is that multiculturalism which does not violate human rights is the multiculturalism where the peoples with different cultures live on the same territory, but there are no quarrels and problems in the cultural question.

There are a lot of different forms how multiculturalism may be considered. Still, many people understand this notion as the impact of one culture under another one when the smaller should resists. This understanding is correct as in most cases it is so. Here is one dominant culture which influences the whole society and other nationalities should submit to the requirements provided by other nations. This form of multiculturalism is wrong. People should not be submitted to somebody only because they are stronger or are considered to be more developed. Culture is not an economy or politics, this human facility should not be measured with anything. Thus, if some people have a culture, it should be protected and no one should violate the rights of others calling this multiculturalism.

Still, there is a better form of multiculturalism which is practiced on small islands all over the world. This form of multiculturalism is like a rainbow or a salad, as opposed by Eriksen (1996). The ingredients and elements are in one and the same ‘society’, they are gathered together, but they do not try to take up each other. Living on one and the same territory people do not impose their rights and cultures on others, they just learn to live together, and this is the form of the multiculturalism which should be spread worldwide, when human rights are not violated and human uniqueness is not spoiled.

Human Rights and Linguistic Diversity

Without any doubts, the idea of human rights has already touched upon numerous aspects of life: people want to know more about their rights, they want to take as many steps as possible to improve the conditions under which they have to live, and, finally, they want to understand the main idea of their rights and define possibilities. The idea of human rights and its connection to linguistic diversity seems to be a powerful aspect to evaluate the chosen theme from.

There is a certain link between language rights and human rights (Varennes, 2007). It is usually wrong to believe that only some groups of people may have their language rights because any person has his/her own language rights, and those people whose rights are violated by the government in some way have to re-evaluate their status and their possibilities. There were many attempts to advocate language rights, and one of them was supported by the political movement in the middle of the 1960s (Wei, 2000). Still, the question concerning rights remains to be open, and a variety of discussions may take place.

Nowadays, the idea of linguistic diversity is narrowed to several languages which are defined as those with some kind of future. In fact, the power of linguistic diversity is great indeed as any language is considered to be a factor that may contribute to cultural diversity that influences the development of human rights. Linguistic diversity seems to be a serious challenge for the vast majority of democratic polities because language is usually regarded as “the most fundamental tool of communication”; this is why even if the “minorities are not in themselves bearers of collective rights, the transnational legal discourse of human rights does de-legitimize strong policies of language homogenization and clearly obliges states to respect and promote linguistic diversity” (Koenig & Guchteneire, 2007, p. 10).

So, linguistic diversity is the source of controversies, which may be developed on the political background, influence considerably human rights in various contexts, and predetermine “the stability and sustainability of a wide range of political communities” (Patten & Kymlicka, 2003, p. 3). Still, this aspect has to be regulated accordingly because it has a huge impact on the development of the relations between different people.

For example, a number of politically motivated conflicts are connected with language rights which have to be established separately from other human rights. And even the increase of inequalities depends on language rights and prevents the development of appropriate society. In case language rights and other aspects which are based on linguistic diversity do not move in accordance with people’s demands and interests, there is a threat that people can make use of their own assumptions about language policies (Holmarsdottir, 2009), and these assumptions can hardly be correct. However, Biseth (2009) admits that diversity in languages as well as competence in these languages plays an important role in social development, this is why they cannot be neglected but elaborated.

People suffer from a variety of limitations which are based on human inabilities to use their own languages but the necessity to use the official language. Such restrictions lead to people’s inabilities to get appropriate education in accordance with their interests, to participate in political life of the country a person lives in, and even to ask for justice when it is really necessary. This is why another important aspect that has to be evaluated is how the chosen human rights perspective may influence the promotion of linguistic justice and diversity that is widely spread nowadays.

Some researchers say that linguistic rights have to become one of the basic types of the existed human rights. Speakers, who use a dominant language, and linguistic majorities find the existed linguistic human rights an excellent opportunity to express their ideas and their demands. Still, there are many people, the representatives of linguistic minorities, who cannot support the idea of linguistic human rights because only the smallest part of the existed languages has the official status.

It happens that some individuals undergo unfair attitude or are suppressed by the majorities because of the language they use. Taking into consideration this fact, it is possible to say that wrongly introduced linguistic human rights may negatively influence other human rights including the political representation. The outcome of such discontents and misunderstanding is as follows: people are in need of appropriate improvements and formulations which may consider cultural heritage, educational demands, and freedom of speech.

In general, the evaluation of the human rights perspective on linguistic diversity helps to comprehend that there are many weak points in the already existed system that influences and manages a human life. People are eager to create some rules, requirements, and obligations to follow a particular order and to develop appropriate relations. Still, linguistic diversity continues developing and changing human lives. And the main point is that some researchers and scientists still find this diversity an important aspect of life that cannot be changed, and some people cannot understand the importance of this diversity as it considerably restricts human rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of human rights is constantly discussed in the modern world. There are different opinions on the problem, some people state that human rights even do not exist as the notion (Dembour, 2006), still, most people assure that human rights exist as the duties of the society (Donnelly, 2003). Moreover, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (UN, 1993) dwells upon the very notion of human rights and the system of international human rights which relate people to the multicultural society where those rights should be followed. The problem stands sharp in the education where students, desiring to study their own languages have to learn others. Moreover, the impact of the dominant language is rather damaging on the others who exists in one society.

It is really important to remember that living in the multicultural society and trying to adopt the cultures and traditions of other dominant nations, many peoples ruin their uniqueness, they become ordinary, forgetting their roots. As the same time, the process of culture globalization leads people to the universality of human rights. This step may be significant in preventing human rights violation in the society.

Reference List

Aikman, S. (1995). Language, literacy and bilingual education. An Amazon people’s strategies for cultural maintenance. International Journal of Educational Development, 15(4), 411-422.

Baumann, G. (1999). The Multicultural Riddle: Rethinking National, Ethnic, and Religious Identities. New York: Routledge. Web.

Biseth, H. (2009). Multilingualism and Education for Democracy. International Review of Education, 55(1), 5-20.

Dembour, M. B. (2006). Who believes in human rights? Reflections on the European Convention. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Donnelly, J. (2003). Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.

Eriksen, T. H. (1996). Multiculturalism, Individualism and Human rights: Romanticism:The Enlightenment and Lesson from Mauritius. In R.Wilson (ed.) Human rights, Culture and Context, Anthropological Perspective (pp. 49-69). London, Sterling, Virginia: Pluto Press 47-17.

Holmarsdottir, H. (2009). A tale of two countries: language policy in Namibia and South Africa. In H. Holmarsdottir and M. O’Dowd (Eds.). Nordic Voices: Teaching and Researching Comparative and international Education in the Nordic Countries (pp. 221-238). Amsterdam: Sense.

Koenig, M., & Guchteneire, P. d. (2007). Political Governance and Cultural Diversity. In M. Koenig & P. d. Guchteneire (Eds.), Democracy and Human Rights in Multicultural Societies (pp. 3-17). Aldershot: Ashgate.

Patten, A., & Kymlicka, W. (2003). Introduction: Language rights and political theory: Context, issues and approaches. In W. Kymlicka & A. Patten (Eds.), Language rights and political theory (pp. 1-51). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Taylor, C. (1994). The Politics of Recognition. In C. Taylor & A. Gutmann (Eds.), Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition (pp. 25-73). Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.

UN (1993). Vienna Declaration and programme of Action. Web.

Varennes, F. d. (2007). Language Rights as an Integral Part of Human Rights – A Legal Perspective. In M. Koenig & P. d. Guchteneire (Eds.), Democracy and Human Rights in Multicultural Societies (pp. 3-17). Aldershot: Ashgate.

Wei, Li (2000). Dimensions of bilingualism. In Li Wei (Ed.), The Bilingualism Reader (pp. 3-25). London: Routledge.

Social location and the role it plays with regard to social problems

Social location is an idea that is widely used to help students who are new to the discipline of sociology figure out the relationship between the subject and their experiences in life. It may also be used to refer to a position associated with an individual in a given community. Typically, the position is determined by considering social characteristics that are highly esteemed in the community. Among the characteristics are ethnic background, sexuality, and race.

To a large extent, social location has a major impact on the lives of individual in any given society. It plays a very vital role in determining what people become later in life. Socially, social location tends to create disparities in the society and increases the gap between the rich and the poor.

What makes something a social problem? What are the components?

Generally, a social problem is one that affects how a group of people live and is as a result of prevailing social circumstances. Luckily, a social problem can easily be addressed through concerted efforts. It may also be said that a problem only becomes a social problem if it goes against the values and beliefs of a given group of people. Otherwise, it ceases to be classified as a social problem. Ostensibly, sociology as a discipline often seeks to address social problems in the society with the ultimate goal of transforming the world to be a better place.

It is however, important to note that certain actions perpetrated by human beings and violate the values and beliefs of a group of people, may not qualify to be considered social problems. This is mainly because the effects of such actions may not be of concern to the general public but only a section of the society. Clearly, a given condition must be seen to be a concern of the general public for it to be defined as a social problem.

The components of social problems are classified as objective or subjective components. The objective component is mainly based on clearly established facts while the subjective component is based on the feelings of individuals in a society.

The stages of a social problem

The four stages of a social problem are emergence, legitimacy, bureaucratization, and development of alternative strategies. First, a social problem comes into existence when a social movement creates awareness to the general public about. The idea is usually to paint the identified condition as being undesirable and hence needing attention by key stakeholders. During the second or legitimacy stage, it is upon the social movement to make it clear to the government that the identified social problem is actually a legitimate one.

The bureaucratization stage is characterized by the fact that social movements have made a breakthrough in formalizing a social problem. At this point in time, there is a common agreement among stakeholders that an identified social problem needs to be addressed. The final stage is development of alternative strategies. Typically, the main agenda of this stage is to come up with different approaches of dealing with the social problems in the event the government fails to play its part.

Climate change is a good example of a social problem that is currently at the developments of alternatives stage.

The difference between income and wealth and how it is related to other social problems

Wealth refers to the stock of assets held by a person or household at a single point in time. Income refers to money received by a person or household over some period of time. It includes wages and salaries.

Wealth is more important for understanding social problems because it generates income. Research indicates that most social problems are due to differences in wealth and discrimination in acquiring it.

Corruption as a social problem

In this section, I will talk about corruption as a major social problem in the world today. Throughout the world, people are denied their rights as a result of corruption that cuts across the private as well as the private sector. Without a doubt, the vice of corruption in the society has gone through all the stages and it is now at that point where civil rights groups are seeking alternatives to deal with the problem.

Despite the fact that concerned leaders across the world are speaking tough concerning the issue of corruption, there are those who are yet to come to terms with the fact that corruption is really hurting economies and people’s livelihoods all over the place. As a result of corruption, the level of poverty has continued to rise as the rich keep on oppressing the poor in the society.

Because of corruption, for example, people are not being paid what they are worth and are thus compelled to live below the poverty line. In addition, corruption is the biggest cause of unemployment in most nations across the world. It is thus imperative for stakeholders to work closely to address the vice of corruption which is slowly killing economies in the world.

Introduction

The subject that focuses on the role of women in Islamic countries is very controversial. Women in Islamic countries feel like their rights to participate in the development process of their countries are violated. Essentially, these women do not have the same freedoms as other women living in civilized nations (Roald, 2003). Islamic women have very little power to address social-economic and political aspects.

Women are excluded from public life, as they are required to take up the motherhood role as their full responsibility. Education empowers people to express every aspect of their life; however, according to research, women in Islamic countries do not have equal opportunities for education as the males have. The low illiteracy level among women and the violation of women’s rights bring severe intimidation in the female fraternity. The Quran limits the education woman, her employment rights, property rights, her dress code, and her age of marriage among many other aspects of life. This paper will give a stringent analysis of the challenges that women in Islamic countries encounter. The challenges will be inclined towards their effects on women’s representation in politics.

Education

Education is the key to success in every aspect of life. An educated woman will always have an upper hand in everything that she does as compared to an illiterate woman. However, religion has always played a critical role in guiding women’s schooling in most Islamic countries. While the ministry of education oversees male education, the Department of Religious Guidance restricts the education levels of a girl child. In the ancient times, religion restricted the females from having advanced education (Hamdan, 2005). According to the Islamic religion, the girl ought to have elementary education that would help her to become a good wife and mother.

Women would only pursue some basic education to become teachers and nurses. Essentially, education in Islamic nations was divided into male and female, where the ministry of education would allocate more cash for the educational programs of male students than that of female students. The unequal education opportunities dominate some Islamic countries up to date. Limiting the access of women to higher education, and restricting them from studying political science courses is a violation of the female rights. Obviously, a partially educated woman cannot take part in political matters.

Negatively Stereotyped Women

Women in Islamic countries encounter many injustices from their male counterparts. Women are regarded as inferior creatures that ought to be indoors caring for the babies. The inequality perspective is structured in people’s minds, and it is quite difficult to change their minds. The negatively stereotyped women are naturally non-present in the public sphere, as they feel intimidated. Therefore, the women cannot have the courage to advocate for their rights. Girls at a tender age develop the habit of being submissive to their male counterparts. In some incidences, parents favor their sons over their daughters, where, the daughters have to put up with the habit. The negative stereotypes play a great role in excluding women from public life. They grow up with some form of inferiority complex that cannot allow them to have the courage to take part in political matters.

Segregation of the Women

In most Islamic countries, women experience discrimination in every aspect of their life. The unequal access to education opportunities acts as the baseline to discrimination of women in social, economic, and political aspects. In any office, the woman will always take an inferior position, where, she has to be answerable to a male incumbent. The education and training opportunities in most Islamic countries will only offer women with “glass ceiling” competence and leadership capabilities. Unless a woman is lucky to study outside the Islamic country, she cannot beat her male counterparts in a lucrative job opportunity.

Similarly, a woman cannot have the guts to contest against a male candidate in any political seat. Other than the lack of professional qualification, fellow women disbelieve in a woman’s potential to take a political position. The conservative religious leaders have made it their role to implant the perception that the females ought to be the listeners and not actors. Therefore, in spite of the level of open mindedness, an individual will always have some negative attitude towards women taking political positions. The struggle to balance between modernity, western culture, traditions, and the Islamic religion is an enormous issue for women in Islamic countries.

Marriage Life

Most women in Islamic countries have limited rights in their marriage life. They are intimidated with social evils such as “honor” killings that do not carry weight in the contemporary world. The domestic violence and abuse of women in Islamic nations bring injustices to life of a girl child. According to Islam, the injustices are not evils as they are in accordance with the Islamic concept. Essentially, Islam leaders advocate that people should not compare their women with those in civilized nations.

They argue that they handle Muslim women in accordance with the Islamic teachings. The Islamic laws and cultures will dictate the female’s age of marriage; they will determine the marriage contract, as well as their freedom to consent to marriage. Interestingly, the customs will further dictate the use of contraceptives, and they will dictate their ability of women to receive justice in case of sex crimes. From a critical point of view, some women in Islamic nations are oppressed, as they have to seek for their husbands’ permission to even leave the house. Therefore, it is almost impossible for such women to take part in political matters.

Economic Exploitation

As discussed, most women in Islamic countries lack education empowerment. The Islamic teachings restrain women’s educational choices, which bar them from accessing lucrative jobs. Moreover, religious conservative scholars restrict the education gained by the girl child (Othman, 2006). Essentially, women only have the freedom to study and earn academic degrees. Women can only qualify to become teachers and nurses, and only the rich can afford to send their daughters to obtain the degree of their choice outside their countries. While the number of people adhering to the practice has dropped significantly, some Islamic countries still adhere to the practice. Women who do not qualify to be scholars have no choice, but to depend on their husbands entirely for their economic well-being.

Another aspect that brings some financial distress to the female fraternity is the fact that the Quran backs men to marry girls of tender ages. A girl, who is married and having less than 14 years, is not matured psychologically. The girl is harassed in her family life, but she has to submit to the breadwinner, who happens to be the husband. The psychologically and physically tortured woman cannot even afford to have the freedom of getting out of her house to address political matters.

Feminist Islamic Teachings

Whenever a girl child is born in Islamic countries, the mother is overwhelmed by the possibilities that may happen. In fact, in ancient days, mothers would witness their unwanted female children buried alive, and they could do nothing. Although the practice is not common in the contemporary world, some women abort their fetuses once scans reveal that they are carrying a female child. Gender inequality still prevails in most Islamic countries; therefore, women in such countries have battered bodies, troubled souls, and distressed minds. Their minds are preoccupied with the thoughts of the injustice, as such they cannot have time to think about political matters.

Analysts have always associated Prophet Muhammad to a feminist who always enshrined women’s inequality in some form of immutable law. Muhammad would attest that the laws were God’s commandments and he would have them recorded in the scriptures. Surprisingly, a female testimony’s in court is valued as a half of a male’s testimony. Such Quran scriptures downplay women with political aspirations. Obviously, politics are prone to disagreements that may force one to seek refuge in the courts. Therefore, intimidating women’s testimonies is a clear pathway to discouraging women to take part in politics (Blackburn, 2004).

It is evident that selfishness is the key issue in Islamic countries. Men are so selfish, such that they want to have everything happening on their favor at the expense of their women. They want to be the breadwinners of their families as the females bow down on them. They want to have the most lucrative jobs, as the females take junior positions. They desire to have the greatest influence in the political positions in the government while their women cannot even afford to argue with them. As much as the Quran is gender insensitive, egoism prevents women from taking part in public policy matters.

Conclusion

As evident from the discussions, the gender inequalities that ought to be outdated in the contemporary world still prevail in some Islamic countries. Although women activists have played a great role in fighting for the rights of women, it is evident that women cannot dislodge those issues through a single action. Women ought to work collectively to ensure that they have equal education and employment opportunities as their male counterparts. Essentially, higher education is the key indicator of social development. Women in Islamic countries are obligated to devise strategies to fight gender inequality to achieve social justice and take part in political matters.

It is encouraging that some parents living in Islamic countries send their daughters to other nations to pursue careers of their choice. However, foreign education is not a viable solution, as poor families may not afford to send their daughters abroad. In fact, female activists should struggle to ensure that the ministry of education does not segregate the male and female students. Female activists should struggle to enlighten the women to forget about their outdated traditions and fight to adopt the lifestyles of females in civilized nations.

(1675 words)

References

Blackburn, S. (2004). Women and the state in Modern Indonesia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Web.

Hamdan, A. (2005). Women and education in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and achievements. International Education Journal, 6(1), 42-64. Web.

Othman, N. (2006). Muslim women and the challenge of Islamic fundamentalism/extremism: An overview of Southeast Asian Muslim women’s struggle for human rights and gender equality. Women’s Studies International Forum, 29(1), 339-353. Web.

Roald, A. (2003). Women in Islam: The western experience. London: Routledge. Web.

Introduction

African Americans are one of the most ancient immigrants in the US and thus play essential roles in the country (Second Generation Immigrant Minorities 2). Throughout history, defining ethnic relations hinges on two broad perspectives, viz. black or white, with the whites standing out as the superior race whilst the blacks as the inferior race (African Americans 2). African Americans community was once the largest minority group in the country before the recent replacement by the Latinos. The majority of the challenges faced by African American populace have existed mainly because of certain issues associated with ethnic relations such as race and stratification.

Race

Over the past decades, race has been a major determinant in defining relations among the American citizens. The disparities in races have always been exemplified using the phenotypic characteristics with some people relating the phenotype features with genotype hallmarks. For instance, it is believed that people of a certain color (phenotype feature) are more talented or intelligent (genotype characteristics) than other ethnic groups.

The false belief that genetic disparities make some races superior to others promoted the mistreatment of the inferior races like the Blacks. This false belief led to the importation of Africans to work in various industries and farms where they were eventually assimilated into the American culture. Though race disparity has always had negative stereotypes, African Americans have earned some positive stereotypes because of their race. Blacks are seen as good athletes, cool, and hypersexual.

Stratification

When African Americans settled in the US, they were inserted at the lowest point of the racial hierarchy. Racial hierarchy has been a huge impediment in African Americans’ socioeconomic success. African Americans have heard minimal access to education with only 35 per cent of the populace being literate by 1947. Most of them live below the poverty rates with statistics showing that Whites are more than five times richer than the Blacks are. Both formal and informal discrimination is evident among African Americans.

A minute population of the Blacks has attractive professional jobs because most African Americans provide skilled and semi-skilled services. This high population of unskilled blacks is partially because of prejudice during hiring and lack of proper education. The racial discrimination caused by racial hierarchy is also evident in interracial marriages. According to the 2000 statistics, there were only 7 per cent of interracial marriages between African Americans and other ethnic groups, which indicates how other ethnic groups despise the blacks (Tsuda 68).

Though institutional discrimination has decreased over the years, unintentional structural discrimination is becoming rampant. Since the majority of the African Americans cannot access quality education, their economic opportunities become limited to low-skilled occupations, which earn them low wages and salaries. Due to these hardships, many young African Americans have resorted to participate in illegal practices such as drug abuse and crime.

Participation in such activities discloses how much the ethnic stratification has negatively affected the black community. Ethnic stratification has inspired them to develop an antagonistic mindset towards the majority groups whilst others have developed feelings of despair, which is a clear indication why the blacks have remained poor since their settlement in the US.

Conclusion

Race and ethnic stratification will continue to affect socioeconomic success of most African Americans. Although most blacks have worked hard and joined the middle or upper class, or become popular politicians, stratification and race prevents most blacks from fully exploiting their talents. Race and ethnic hierarchy should be restrained to regulate racial discrimination in institutions in the distribution of resources. The rapid rise of African Americans in the suburbs confirms that blacks can accomplish a lot if given an opportunity.

Introduction

Substance abuse has been a concern in most countries, especially in the US due to the negative effects of such drugs on the health of the users. Thus the governments in a bid to reduce the social costs that are associated with the use of such drugs usually enforce strict rules and regulations. This enables them to discourage the use of undesired drugs. However, the drugs also have some benefits to society. For example, marijuana has medicinal benefits to users (Reinarman & Cohen, 2004). This has led to the debate on which drugs should be legalized and which ones should be prohibited. This paper will focus on the debate on the legalization of marijuana.

The Debate

Arguments against Legalization

The legalization of marijuana has always been opposed due to the following reasons. First, those who are against the legalization of marijuana argue that it is a gateway drug (MacCoun & Reuter, 2001). Thus its legalization will lead to a rise in the consumption of drugs such as alcohol which are used with it. Second, they argue that the use of drugs has negative effects on the health of the users.

This is because it can cause diseases such as mental illnesses and conditions such as lack of concentration (Joffe & Yancy, 2004). Third, the legalization of the drug has always been opposed because its usage leads to behavior disorders (MacCoun & Reuter, 2001). Thus the intoxication associated with it can lead to cases of crime and violence. Finally, the legalization of marijuana has been opposed on the ground that quitting its usage is very difficult.

Thus it is likely to have long-term effects on the users and society. Besides, commercial production of the drag will enhance its availability to adolescents. This is based on the fact that the minors are likely to access it through their parents or get influenced to use it due to commercial adverts and sales campaigns. To avoid these consequences, those who oppose the use of the drag have proposed tough regulatory policies to curb its usage.

Arguments in Favor of Legalization

Those who support the legalization of marijuana have always backed their arguments for the following reasons. First, it has been proved that marijuana has medicinal benefits (Wingfield & Scheck, 2010). This means that it can be used to treat diseases such as anorexia and nausea. Second, they argue that the drug control policies have generally failed and thus legalizing marijuana will help in reducing the criminal activities that are associated with its acquisition.

This is because, despite its prohibition, the citizens still find and use marijuana (Joffe & Yancy, 2004). Third, the social costs of using marijuana in terms of expenditure, mortality, and morbidity are considered to be lower as compared to other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. This makes marijuana a better alternative as compared to other drugs. Finally, legalizing the drug will improve the financial situation of the country through the taxations that are associated with its production (Wingfield & Scheck, 2010). These benefits have prompted those who support the use of the drug to push the government to decriminalize it.

Personal Opinion on Legalization of Marijuana

In my opinion, I do believe that marijuana should be legalized and my stance has been informed by the following reasons. First, marijuana should be legalized at least on medical grounds since it has been empirically proved that it has therapeutic effects. Besides, an overdose of the drug can not lead to death and this makes it a very safe medicinal drug that will help in improving the health of the citizens (Wingfield & Scheck, 2010). Second, the premise that consistent use of the drag will lead to negative health effects on the users is void. This is because research indicates that consistent users of marijuana develop their etiquette in terms of personal norms and values regarding the use of the drug (Reinarman & Cohen, 2004).

This means that the users have a mechanism for controlling their use of the drug and this helps them to avoid the negative health effects of the drug. Besides, the citizens can always be educated by the government and the producers of the drug on responsible consumption as is the case with other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. It has also been proven that the users tend to reduce the frequency at which they use the drug over time. This finding counters the belief that quitting the use of marijuana is very difficult.

Forth, research indicates that users will always access the drug and consume it even though it is prohibited (Reinarman & Cohen, 2004). Thus the criminals who sell the drug illegally enjoy financial benefits from the illegal trade. By legalizing marijuana, the government will enjoy more tax income due to the production of the drug. Besides, the government will make huge savings by eliminating the costs associated with arresting and punishing marijuana offenders.

The use of marijuana by teenagers can always be managed through appropriate legislation. Laws can be enacted to guide the production and consumption of the drug. Such laws will define who can buy the drug, where it can be sold, and the penalties that will be used on those who violate the regulations. Finally, the belief that the legalization of marijuana will increase its availability and usage especially by adolescents is not valid. This is because research findings on the use of the drug show that the level of its availability and the age at which users begin to consume it is the same between countries that criminalize it and those that have decriminalized it (Reinarman & Cohen, 2004).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the above analysis shows that marijuana has several benefits as discussed above. The policies that have been used to discourage its use have also failed since its usage is still popular despite its criminalization (Joffe & Yancy, 2004). It is also possible to manage the negative effects that are associated with marijuana. This means that it is not as dangerous as believed by those who oppose its use. Thus the use of marijuana should be legalized in society.

References

Joffe, A., & Yancy, S. (2004). Legalization of marijuana: potential impacts on youth. Pediatrics, vol. 113 (6), 632-638.

MacCoun, R., & Reuter, P. (2001). Evaluating alternative cannabis regimes. The British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 178 (2), 123-128.

Reinarman, C., & Cohen, P. (2004). The limited relevance of drug policies: cannabis in Amsterdam and San Francisco. American Journal of of Public Health, vol. 94 (5), 836-842.

Wingfield, N., & Scheck, J. (2010). Push for loose pot laws gain momentum. Web.

One cannot undermine the existence of diversity in a social set-up. As a matter of fact, diversity has been in existence since time immemorial, and it will continue to be observed in the future. In a contemporary society in the United States, there are a number of people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, in other words, they are of different races. It is important to note that diversity can also be evidenced in religion and in culture. A more critical approach to diversity has revealed that psychologists view different personalities as an aspect of diversity among people. In this respect, there is a common notion that diversity is a hindrance to progression. This progression may be at work, in organizations, government or generally in the society. Some of the hindrances include lack of co-operation, prejudice, hatred and tension among people. This diversity does not necessarily have to be a barrier towards progression. A recent approach on diversity seeks to edify that diversity is normal and will be a future phenomenon. In this respect, it is important to accommodate diversity and use it to harness various activities that are deemed progressive in the various realms. There are a lot of various issues that surround diversity and continue to affect people’s lives in the society. These issues include gender, disability, politics, culture, race, ethnicity as well as social status. The following discussion focuses on three most pressing issues that concern diversity in the coming future.

The cultural diversity is one of the most pressing issues that are going to remain in the future. Culture is undeniably one of the common issues of diversity that affect any social realm (Parvis, 2006). Nevertheless, the United States like many other nations of the world takes pride in the diversity of its cultures in the country. However, recent trends have emerged, where new cultures are cropping up and assimilating major cultures. This assimilation of culture by new cultures, such as pop, for example, is prominent among the youth. Interestingly, the embracing of new cultures transcends among people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Cultural conservatives view such assimilation unnecessary as it makes people lose their identity. From this perspective, cultural assimilation may be viewed as a negative concept. However, psychologists view cultural assimilation as a form of cultural integration, where people accommodate other people’s cultural beliefs. In this aspect, issues such as hatred and prejudice are eliminated. In addition, when people from diverse cultural backgrounds integrate their cultures, they are able to progress in pursuit of a common goal (Bucher, 2010). From a practical observation, the young generation in the United States is comprised of individuals with common ideologies, and is able to live peacefully compared to cultural conservatives. From this perspective, it is evident that cultural diversity will be one of the main diversity issues to observe in the future.

Racial and ethnic diversity is one of the contentious diversity issues in the United States. For a very long time, issues concerning racial and ethnic diversity have been the reason for discrimination of individuals at places of work (Naylor, 1997). As a matter of fact, this diversity has severally led to establishment of civil rights movements that seek to solve vices associated with racism and ethnicity. In the recent past, people have been stereotyped by their ethnic and racial background. Many people view this as a negative perception on race and ethnic diversity. With the increasing immigration to the United States, issues of ethnic and racial diversity will continue to feature in the future. However, current political efforts to abolish such negative diversity are ongoing. In recent times, people have found issues that overlook race and ethnicity. An example of one of them is the current political trend in the United States. The current president of the United States is an African-American. This is a great achievement in eliminating negative diversity. Many business organizations in the United States are now showing respect to race by employing people from different racial backgrounds. As a matter of fact, science has proven that diversity in terms of race and ethnicity has certain values that benefit the society. Science has proven that from diversity of race, people have certain traits that if harnessed can be used for the greater good. This explains why the Jews are respected for construction and engineering in the United States, while the Afro-Americans are known for athleticism. Asians are known to be innovators in the business sector. In the future, it is possible that racial and ethnicity diversity will be harnessed from a positive perspective.

Economic status is another factor that will influence future diversity. The current trend in economy makes it clear that economic diversity does not distinguish race, religion or political affiliation (United States Forest Service, 1990). Initially, economic status among some ethnic groups was associated with racial backgrounds. People used to be economically discriminated in regards to racial and ethnic issues. In recent years, the United States has offered every citizen an opportunity to thrive in the economy. This has led to emergence of the rich, the middle class and the poor. For this diversity to end up in the future, political and economic growth is critical in reducing the gap between these diverse groups.

References

Bucher, R., D. (2010). Diversity Consciousness: Opening our minds to people, cultures, and opportunities. (3rd Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, Prentice Hall.

Naylor, L., L. (1997). Cultural diversity in the United States. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Parvis, L. (2006). Understanding cultural diversity in today’s complex world. Raleigh, NC: Lulu.com.

United States Forest Service. (1990). Draft economic diversity/dependency assessment, Volume 1. Pinecrest, CA: U.S Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.