Effect of Amniocentesis as a Growing Trend

Effect of Amniocentesis as a Growing Trend Free Online Research Papers Amniocentesis has come about to be an effective and widely used trend in today’s world. It is a trend that has started to develop very recently. As a new technology, it is still in its primary stages. New developments are being made in this field but none of them have been established right now. In general amniocentesis is described as a process of drawing amniotic fluid from a pregnant women’s womb with a long needle to find out about the sex of the child and also look for any genetic disorders that the child may be carrying, that might affect the child after it is born and as it grows up. More and more pregnant women are using this process to ensure a safe health of their babies but, like everything else, it has its long term effects which cannot be overlooked, and in the long run can have certain effects which can destroy any healthy family. Amniocentesis is one of the processes of the broad subject matter of prenatal genetic testing. One major significance that the trend is going to have as researchers are thinking on it is the use of amniotic cells as amniotic stem cells. As more and more studies are going on in this topic the researchers have found that stem cells can be extracted from the amniotic fluid with the potential for therapy. Research has also found out that the stem cells that are extracted from the amniotic fluid have properties that resemble the properties of embryonic stem cells. One of the biggest significance that this research is going to have is that during amniocentesis a lot of cells are routinely discarded from the womb and scientists and researchers can use these cells as amniotic stem cells without posing any harm to the fetus or correctly the still developing embryo. People, especially pregnant ladies, think it will be a good thing that they will be able to help in a good cause while retaining what they want to and not harming what they don’t want harmed (survey). The use of embryonic stem cells is a very sensitive and controversial issue and now the finding that the cells extracted from the amniotic fluid can also do the same thing without having the highly objectionable consequences is going to give people some time to think about the use of embryonic stem cells and see if there is any situation in a persons life when that person wants an abortion. Well, rather than kill the fetus all together, it can be given up to be used for research and in that way help humanity. Amniocentesis started out as a procedure which was used to determine the sex of the baby before it was born. The doctors bring out some of the amniotic fluid from the mothers womb and test the cells to see the kind of chromosomes it has. This side of amniocentesis has also been used to preselect the gender of the baby before it was born. That became a very controversial issue, because a child’s determination of gender in the womb gender is natural process and according to the protesting people it should not be tampered with. But it is still used widely in some parts of the world where the reason to do this to some extent is the existence of gender discrimination. Although living and being born in United States of America a child (girl/boy) would not experience gender discrimination. They are told from the start that they are equal and can do everything like each other. This discrimination has various levels of existence, but the saddest level of all these is its existence among babies. In developing countries girls are still considered to be a burden and an extra expense added to the family. The poor families who barely survive are more annoyed when a new born in their family happens to be a girl. In these developing countries, since childhood girls are told that they are second in everything they do except that they are first in causing the family trouble for no visible reason. Boys are always put on a higher pedestal than the girls are, moreover girls are not given any kind of pedestal at all. According to Julie Mullins in â€Å"children in a world of violence† â€Å"Discrimination against girls and women in the developing world is a devastating reality. It results in millions of individual tragedies, which add up to lost potential for entire countries. Studies show there is a direct link between a countrys attitude toward women and its progress socially and economically. The status of women is central to the health of a society. If one part suffers, so does the whole†. Certain obstacles are put in a girl’s path as she grows up like-sex trafficking, abuse, neglect, dowry, labor etc. All this affects the girl emotionally and breaks them down. Earlier when amniocentesis did not exist people either had to deal with girl child or used to kill them after they were born. But, now as amniocentesis is available and can detect the sex of the child while still in the womb, people in especially developing countries go through this process just to find out the sex and if it is a girl a lot of them get it aborted. In a sense amniocentesis has taken this gender discrimination phenomenon to a level where it cou ld not go before. Amniocentesis is a very safe process and at the same time also a very useful process. People earlier thought that it is a process that may provide harm to the mother and the child inside her, but, scientific studies have proved that it does not have any harm on the mother or the child. The pregnant women who were earlier scared of amniocentesis can rest easier now. They had a fear that having an amniocentesis test would increase the chances of them having a miscarriage. In general it is said that 1 in 200 women are in risk of having a miscarriage due to amniocentesis. But two new studies by two different institutions have proved that this process has become safer. According to a study performed The University of California, San Francisco, 1 in 370 women have a chance of having a miscarriage due to amniocentesis. According to another study by Mount Sinai school of medicine, 1 in 1,600 women will go through miscarriage. So, these studies prove that amniocentesis is a very safe procedur e and can be and should be done by the pregnant women to be sure that the fetus inside them does not have any genetic abnormalities. After learning about these statistics, more people in the surveys I did were consoled that they would undergo the procedure of amniocentesis to ensure the safety of their child. It is very simple to notice how the human mind can sometimes very easily take the simple data produced in front of it and conclude on undergoing for something big like amniocentesis. Amniocentesis having been developed at such a constant rate, now also provides for pre-selecting how a couple’s baby will look. This is a controversial issue. People now sometimes do not use their own genetic material, instead they go to labs and find the embryo that they want implanted in their system, so their baby can be perfect or the way they want it to be. This is a long term effect that amniocentesis will cause, or to say has started to cause. It plays with nature and tampers the natural process. But, this process also helps some families who have a history of genetic disorders in their family and it has been passed down from generation to generation. They have a reason to pre-select their baby, so a healthy gene enters a family which can eventually help reduce the next generations chances of getting the genetic defect. Amniocentesis is done around the 16th week of the pregnancy. It looks out for genetic abnormalities like Downs’s syndrome, spinabifida cystic fibrosis and tay-sachs. It is generally recommended for women whose family has a history of genetic disorders or if the woman is above the age of 35 and is having a baby. In that case the baby has a higher chance of having a chromosomal disorder. Since it does not have a very huge cost associated with it, it is possible for an average human to do it once in their lifetime, for any kind of worry that may be troubling them about the pregnancy. This process does not have any harmful consequences, but it depends because there is still research going on in this field and that will tell if this is going to affect us in a negative way or not. Amniocentesis itself is a cost effective procedure, but if the test proves that the baby certainly does have some genetic defect, then the cost effectiveness of this process becomes cost expensiveness. Selecting the genes planning everything ahead of the baby’s arrival and paying everything becomes very expensive for the family. That is why a lot of people come to know of their baby’s disorder but cannot do anything for the lack of financial freedom. That is a setback that can traumatize families, the fact that they know their baby is genetically sick but they cannot do anything. Amniocentesis is a process that is both helping and harming people. It has too many long term effects associated with it once a parent finds out about their baby’s disorder. But, science is developing and it provides for solution for everything. For a general check up to ensure good health of the baby, amniocentesis should be done by everyone. Research Papers on Effect of Amniocentesis as a Growing TrendGenetic EngineeringPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyResearch Process Part OneEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesCapital PunishmentStandardized TestingMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in Capital19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

Objects in English Grammar

Objects in English Grammar In English grammar, an object is a  noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun that is affected by the action of a verb. Objects give our language detail and texture by allowing the creation of complex sentences.  Prepositions also have objects. Types of Objects Objects can function three ways within a sentence. The first two are  easy to spot because they follow the verb: Direct objects  are the results of action. A subject does something, and the product is the object itself. For example, consider this sentence: Marie wrote a poem. In this case, the  noun poem follows the transitive verb wrote and completes the meaning of the sentence.Indirect objects  receive or respond to the outcome of an action. Consider this example: Marie sent me an email. The pronoun me  comes after the verb sent and before the noun email, which is the direct object in this sentence. The indirect object always goes before the direct object.Objects of a preposition  are nouns and pronouns in a phrase that modifies the meaning of a verb. For instance:  Marie lives in a dorm. In this sentence, the noun dorm follows the preposition in. Together, they form a prepositional phrase. Objects can function in active and passive voice. A noun that serves as a direct object in the active voice becomes the subject when the sentence is rewritten in the passive  voice. For example: Active: Bob purchased a new grill.Passive: A new grill was purchased by Bob. This characteristic, called passivization, is what makes objects unique. Not sure if a word is an object? Try converting it from active to passive voice; if you can, the word is an object. Direct Objects Direct objects identify what or who receives the action of a transitive verb in a clause or sentence.  When pronouns function as direct objects, they customarily take the form of the objective case (me, us, him, her, them, whom, and whomever). Consider the following sentences, taken from Charlottes Web, by E.B. White: She closed the  carton  carefully. First she kissed her  father, then she kissed her  mother. Then she opened the  lid  again, lifted the  pig  out, and held  it  against her  cheek. Theres only one subject in this passage, yet there are six direct objects (carton, father, mother, lid, pig, it), five nouns and a pronoun. Gerunds (verbs ending in ing that act as nouns) sometimes also serve as direct objects. For example: Jim enjoys gardening on the weekends.   My mother included reading and baking in her list of hobbies. Indirect Objects Nouns and pronouns also function as indirect objects. These objects are the beneficiaries or recipients of the action in a sentence. Indirect objects answer the questions to/for whom and to/for what.  For example: My aunt opened her purse and gave the man a quarter. It was his birthday so Mom had  baked Bob  a  chocolate cake. In the first example, the man is given a coin. The quarter is a direct object and it benefits the man, an indirect object. In the second example, the cake is the direct object and it benefits Bob, the indirect object. Prepositions and Verbs Objects that pair with prepositions function differently from direct and indirect objects, which follow verbs. These nouns and verbs reference a preposition and modify the action of the larger sentence. For example: Girls are playing basketball around a utility  pole  with a metal hoop bolted to  it. He sat in the basement of the building, among the boxes, reading a book on his break.   In the first example, the prepositional objects are pole and hoop. in the second example, the prepositional objects are basement, building, boxes, and break. Like direct objects, prepositional  objects receive the action of the subject in the sentences yet need a preposition for the sentence to make sense. Spotting prepositions is important because if you use the wrong one, it can confuse readers. Consider how odd the second sentence would sound if it began, He sat on the basement...   Transitive verbs also require an object for them to make sense. There are three kinds of transitive verbs. Monotransitive verbs have a direct object, whereas ditransitive verbs have a direct object and an indirect object. Complex-transitive verbs have a direct object and an object attribute. For example: Monotransitive: Bob bought a car. (The direct object is car.)Ditransitive: Bob gave me the keys to his new car. (The indirect object is me; the direct object is keys.)Complex-transitive: I heard  him shouting. (The direct object is him; the object attribute is shouting.) Intransitive verbs, on the other hand, do not need an object in order to complete their meaning. Sources Woods, Geraldine. Using Pronouns as Direct and Indirect Objects. Dummies.com. Staff editors. Pronoun Case. Cliffsnotes.com. Staff editors. Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns. University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Madoffs Ponzi Scheme Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Madoffs Ponzi Scheme - Essay Example Still it took a long time to assess for the authorities to verify that it was a Ponzi scheme. It was one of the most cold-blooded, deliberately devised and implemented Ponzi scheme. This fraud had serious impact on people’s view about investment. All investors start viewing investment firms and charities with a lot of suspicion and firms faced a considerable fall in business. The only positive element was the fact that it acted as an eye-opener for both the authorities and the public. While public became aware about the need to be careful about the promises of unbelievably high returns, the authorities too understood the need for new statutes to prevent such frauds. Madoff’s intentions still remain a mystery It still remains a mystery why such a prominent figure who was well aware about the movements in the market and also about the implications of such a Ponzi scheme decided to implement such a devilish idea that caused irrevocable loss to many people. It is yet to be resolved as to why he went on paying the withdrawals if he wanted to cheat the investors. In addition, Madoff tried to hold back the firm’s imminent fall ten days before his arrest by receiving a huge sum of 250 million dollar from a close friend (Frank and Efrati). It seems closer to insanity that he admitted that his scheme was a Ponzi scheme and that he did not invest any money as had promised. However, it seems a calculated move that he managed to keep all his family members away from legal complexities by taking the responsibility of the fraud all to himself. One has to assume that seeing his irrational behavior, all other members managed to secure their position by avoiding any position in the company that involved the responsibility of money management. However, a man who could con the authorities and auditors for nearly two decades could easily devise a better plan than this Ponzi scheme if he wanted to. Thus, it still is to be ascertained as to why he chose a Ponzi s cheme, the outcome of which he knew pretty well. The best assumption possible is that his extreme wizardry might have turned him insane. I. What are the ethical issues involved in Madoff case? One has to admit the fact that the Madoff’s system was unethical in nature from head to toe as the scheme was a Ponzi scheme. While attracting the investors, Madoff was well aware of the imminent failure of the scheme. All financial experts and even common investors are well aware of the fact that Ponzi scheme always fail due to its own weight as such schemes require an ever-increasing flow of money to pay the retiring and withdrawing clients. Once the inflow of fund diminishes, the system collapses. 1) Misusing the office of trust The first element of unethical practice is in Madoff’s misusing his position of repute in the society. He was an educated and experienced person in a position of trust, respectability, responsibility and trust. The aura of authority he created in this field is evident from the list of his clients including influential people, big organizations and even banks. Some of them were The Fairfield Greenwich Group, Tremont Group Holdings and Westport National Bank. All his investors gave him money on the belief that there were many checks and balances to make his investment plan legitimate.  

Chauncy and Gay Male Culture, 1890-1940 (responses) Assignment

Chauncy and Gay Male Culture, 1890-1940 (responses) - Assignment Example I feel the response is correct in its assessment of gay male culture through the questions answered. The second response correctly identifies the three myths that Chauncey aims at dismantling. The response is however not very well detailed when it comes to assessing the questions raised. The author identifies the reasons for gay closure on a narrower perspective. The author should provide a wider perspective of the reasons gays remained closeted at certain points in history. The author provides his answers to the question as to why gay men got forced underground by simply quoting Chauncey. The author should elaborate on Chauncey’s reason a bit further. The response also has a few grammar mistakes in regards to the use of tenses and sentence structure which require ironing out. I feel the author in the second response has valid answers to the questions posed but needs to structure his sentences for his or her answers to come out more

Probation and Life in Prison Essay Example for Free

Probation and Life in Prison Essay Probation In the early days of our country, severe punishments were often meted out with little regard to the seriousness of the offense. There was no such thing as being sentenced to probation in the 18th century. The concept of probation, or giving a convicted criminal a chance to redeem himself without serving time in prison, was first introduced in 1841 by John Augustus. In August of that year, Augustus decided to try a radical approach with a man convicted of being drunk and disorderly. The man swore to Augustus that he would change his ways if only he did not have to serve time in the House of Correction. Augustus believed the man and he posted bail. Augustus went on to help others in the same fashion and eventually became regarded â€Å"a private angel and guardian of men convicted of crime† (Friedman, 1993, 162). Massachusetts was the first state to formally recognize this option in criminal sentencing in 1878 with the remaining states following suit throughout the rest of the century and onto into the early part of the 1900’s. It would take some fine-tuning to bring probation up to its current standards. Early probation officers enjoyed no formal training and many states were without prerequisites for passing this form of sentencing. In the early years, probation was often given in exchange for a guilty plea most often to married men, those who held jobs and exhibited no apparent vices. Judges used the sentence of probation prodigiously for several decades. It was only in the 1980’s, when the public clamored for stiffer penalties, that probation lost favor. In 1986, only 28% of male felony defendants were awarded probation as compared to nearly half of those convicted in 1970 (Friedman, 1993, 409). Probation initially became popular as the thrust of the legal system shifted from focusing on the â€Å"what† (the crime) to the â€Å"who† (the criminal) and how to best reform the offender (Friedman, 1993, 168). More recently, the focus has become a bit more equally fixed on both preventing the crime and rehabilitation of the criminal. Today, offenders on probation are closely monitored by correctional officers through surveillance in the community. Often, some sort of restitution is also involved with the goal of making the offender accountable and responsible in order to rejoin the community without potential further risk (Jones, 2). This option allows the offender to serve a sentence under â€Å"house arrest† and maintain a job rather than be integrated into the prison system, which is already strained to its limit. The level of supervision varies based on the crime committed. For those convicted of drug charges, a more constant monitoring system is used, often electronic. Another alternative is to use a â€Å"combination of prison time and work release/community service† (Jones, 3). Probation is often used as a condition of plea bargaining for a lesser sentence in exchange for information or a guilty plea. Plea bargaining came about as a quick, and cheap way, to move defendants through the legal system and probation helps to keep minor criminals out of jail. The concept of probation has evolved in many ways since its inception in the 1800’s but it still incorporates the integral idea of giving a convicted criminal a degree of trust. Prison Life: Comparison and Contrast with Life in General Society According to the dictionary, the definition of a prison is â€Å"A place for the confinement of persons in lawful detention, especially persons convicted of crimes; a place or condition of confinement or forcible restraint or a state of imprisonment or captivity.† Prisons first came about as a means of correctional punishment. In colonial times, punishment was often a way to shame the criminal in public; putting someone in prison did not have the same effect as putting him or her out in public view to submit to shame and scorn. When prison was used for sentencing, jail terms were generally short and in most cases less than 30 days. It was not until the 1800’s that prisons were built in more abundance and courts used them for sentencing on a regular basis. Today prison systems vary widely according to level of security and the state in which they are located. The aim of each and every one is still the same, however, and that is to deprive a convicted criminal of freedom. For a prisoner there is no freedom of choice. He is told when to wake up in the morning, when it is meal time, when to work, when to exercise, when to go to bed. There are no food choices or menus and the prisoner must either eat what is given him or go hungry. No comforts of home await him in his cell; the prisoner is lucky to be able to have a selection of books and perhaps a photo or two to keep him company. At night, lights are turned off at a particular time. Cell checks can be performed at any time of night or day. There is no privacy for bathing or bodily functions. The prisoner is unable to have any items that are not approved by the system. He also has no choice regarding a cell mate unless undue violence forces a cell change. Most prisons do not allow televisions or even radios as forms of entertainment; even when they are allowed there is no satellite or cable attached and no choice of programming. The work program is enforced in many prisons with prisoners being allocated to do jobs that benefit the community or provide food or clothing for the system. Any â€Å"luxury† items must be earned and paid for with pitifully low wages. In comparison, life in general society is full of choices. As a free citizen, people in this country are allowed to choose where they live, where they work, what they eat and what they do. There are no proscribed times in which they are forced to do anything and if they are unhappy at their job, they are allowed to quit and find work elsewhere. The times in which free citizens awaken in the morning and go to bed at night are at their own discretion; if someone wishes to never turn out the light and stay up all night, he may do so. He has the ability to go out and purchase items at will, as needed or desired. The private citizen can choose to live as he wants whether that be in clean or messy surroundings, in a house filled with knick knacks and furniture or a more austere setting. Entertainment options abound. In short, nothing short of illegal activity is prohibited for a free citizen. Whether in prison or out in general society, there are still rules made by our national and state governments to be abided by and morals which govern our actions. In prison it is more closely monitored while in general society citizens do not warrant such close supervision. As well, people in either situation must earn what they have. Loss of freedom is the biggest difference between living in prison or living outside. Contrast and Comparison of Georgia and Florida State Prisons In the Georgia state prison system, the dormitories shown are used for housing groups of prisoners who require minimal security. Rows of bunk beds are stacked two high and furnished with a thin blanket and pillow. A box beneath the bunk is the only place for personal items. The lighting is industrial and the flooring is utilitarian and easy to keep clean. It is surprising that there is a wide expanse of windows. Other than the addition of appliances and counters, the prison kitchen looks much the same as the dormitory. It looks to be well stocked, much as a large commercial kitchen might be furnished. The health intake area is set up like a school room with rows of small wooden desks headed by a larger desk manned by a prison employee. The state of Georgia’s correctional system offers a boot camp, a diversion center, probation detention, and transitional centers in addition to the state prisons. The state runs several farms, which provide all the food for the prisoners incarcerated at the low cost of $1.51 per prisoner per day. The Florida state prisons use a traditional cell configuration built in two stories overlooking a central corridor as well as the dormitory concept. According to the website, most of the Florida correctional facilities use dorm housing. The bunks in these dorms are not stacked but are situated individually in rows. A row of small, high windows lines one wall while fluorescent lighting illuminates the area. Cells house either one or two men and have two cots that pull down from the wall with a thin blanket and pillow on each. There is one small window in the exterior wall and a narrow door. A sink and open toilet are the only other furnishings. Death row cells are even more sparse and small with a total size of 6’ x 9’ x 9.5’. They have no window and a barred entrance. Death row cells are configured for only one person. The majority of inmates in the Florida state correctional system are enrolled in either a substance abuse program, a vocational education or adult education program. They also participate in Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises or Prison Industry Enhancement work programs. Inmates also grow some of their own food and both prison systems seem to be doing a good job of keeping food costs down through farming their own vegetables. The two prison systems are similar in their housing set ups. Cells and dormitories are sparse and barren. Both systems require prisoners to be involved in production of the food used within the facilities and offer work programs. Both Florida and Georgia’s state systems offer probation and transitionary facilities. The Florida state correctional system has more programs available and more options for rehabilitation of prisoners. The Georgia system seems to offer more minimal security facilities although they did not have a virtual tour of anything other than dormitories posted on their website and they most certainly house death row inmates. Georgia’s website is set up more for the convenience of family members of those incarcerated while the Florida website focuses more on the hard facts of prison life as a deterrence measure. While both states offer model facilities for incarceration of criminals, neither system looks particularly inviting or homey. References Friedman, Lawrence M (1993). Crime and Punishment in American History. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. Jones, Calvin. â€Å"Alternatives to Standard Methods of Incarceration†. Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Retrieved November 8, 2007 from the FDOLE Web site: â€Å"Virtual Prison Tour. Georgia Department of Corrections. Retrieved November 8, 2007 from the GDOC Web site: http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/AboutGDC/VRTour.html.

Fantasy In Cairo Essay example -- essays research papers

Fantasy in Cairo   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the film Purple Rose of Cairo, by Woody Allen, fantasy and reality are two very poignant themes. However, through discussion, the class brought up points regarding fantasy being Tom Baxter, and reality being Gill Shepherd; my perspective was different. Tom Baxter portrays the main theme of reality while Gill Shepherd demonstrates the role of fantasy. Also, the characteristic strength demonstrated by Cecilia as well as by Tom Baxter is pertinent to the story line. The remainder of this essay will entail why I have seen this film from a twisted view by using examples from the film.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the beginning of the film Cecilia is lonely and weak due to the fact that her husband shamelessly gambles away their money as well as hits her. Cecilia hopelessly goes to the movies to find solace and peace away from her miserable world. While at the movie, Purple Rose of Cairo, she is enchanted by the thought of running away with the lead character. Tom Baxter, one of the main characters in the film, catches Cecilia looking at him with adoration and strongly decides to leave the film and run off with the lonely Cecilia. Tom is a wholesome, naà ¯ve, and sensitive man, who is everything that Cecilia's current husband, is not. Although Tom jumping out of the screen and into Cecilia's arms may seem more like fantasy than reality, it is Tom himself who represents reality to Cecilia. By Cecilia being lonely and abused by...

Over the years there have been many theories of why rape occurs

Over the years there have been many theories of why rape occurs. Although rape can happen to a woman or a man statistics show that rape of a woman by a man is the most common form and this essay will focus on female rape. Rape is a brutal and ugly expression of male violence it is usually directed at women. Although rape is sometimes directed against children and men, this essay will focus on the rape of women by men. The following paragraphs will critically consider the contributions different theorists have made on the subject of Rape. Firstly it will look at how violence is defined and how rape is defined. Sociologists, criminologists and psychologists have different opinions as to why violent crimes such as rape occur. This essay will consider social learning theory explanations, radical feminist explanations, psychological explanations and biological explanations of why some men rape women. Matza, Left Realism, James Short and Taylor, Walton and Young will be some of the theorists used. Firstly rape is defined as having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent. Sex without consent could be because the individual is incapable of consenting due to the fact that they are mentally incapable, are incapable of consenting due to drink or drugs or that they have been forced or coerced into sex because of violence or the threat of violence. Violence does not have to be a physical act or result in physical violence; it can be words, mannerisms and attitudes or even a display of aggression, which leads an individual feeling, threatened and vulnerable. Radical feminist theories would even define coerced sex as rape, this is were they argue that women agree to sex because they feel that there will be negative responses from the other individual if they refuse. Explanations of rape are mainly sociocultural and social interactionist, arguing that ‘Rape reflects more general attitudes by men towards women in any particular society and that a substantial proportion of rape arises from misinterpreted ( to male advantage unless convicted) and unreciprocated seductions' (Sanday, 1981; Sorenson and White, 1992; Scully 1990, cited in Maguire et al Levi M ch24 1997: 866). White and Sorensen 1992 and Felson 1993 point out that whilst the majority of rapists prefer ‘non-coercive strategies to obtain sex, ‘subjectively defined sexual deprivation is their primary motivation' (Cited in Maguire et al 1997 levi m ch 24:866). They further point out that the majority of men who rape women have very full sex lives, and they regard other individuals as merely being there for their sexual gratification. These explanations are social psychological explanations. However individual psychopathology is important in rape cases were the victim and the rapist has had no previous interaction with each other before the rape, (West 1987, cited in macguire et al jefferson ch16;548). In some cultures and societies a women is raped because she displays too much independence (Sanday, 1981) this would back up the functionalist explanation that rape is a way of keeping women subjugated. (See Brownmiller 1975). Bandura (1973, 1978) is credited with developing social learni.ng theory Social learning theory believes predominantly that aggressive behaviour of towards women is a learned response. They further point out that if an individual is exposed repeatedly to any stimulus they will begin to see this behaviour as positive and the norm. It points out that if an individual has been subjected to seeing sex and violence together that this is the stimulus that makes then associate violence and sex together as normal. This stimulus can be given through incidents that have occurred in their own personal lives or via the media. Further more the opinions of the social learning theorist are that men absorb the myths that surround rape thus justifying their actions to themselves. Myths such as * Rape is about sex. * Only certain types of women can get raped. * A Woman who is healthy could defend herself from the rapist, if she really wanted to. * The majority of women who are raped ask for it, they are promiscuous and have bad reputations. * Many women cry rape just to get back at the man they are accusing. Other aspects of social learning theory and their explanations of why men rape women is that men get desensitised to pain and humiliation by looking at pornographic material, such as magazines and videos. Social learning theory believes that rape is strongly linked to cultural traditions. Rape is seen by the social learning theorist as being the extreme end of a culture and tradition were the man is seen as being aggressive and the woman as seen as being passive. Further more that the man is seemed to take the sexual initiative whilst the woman sets the limit. The radical feminist would disagree with the social learning theories opinion that rape was partly motivated by sexual desire, pointing out that rape was all about violence and control. However it could be said that a certain amount of desire on the rapists part is needed to achieve the rape. Also that defining it only as an act of violence and control confused the motivation (the sex) and the tactics (the violent coercion). The explanations of the social learning theorist could also be criticised by pointing out that rape is not about sex as sex is supposed to involve tenderness. However prostitution is about sex and that does not involve tenderness. Social learning theorists could be criticised in their opinion that rape is partly about sex, by pointing out that the majority of rapists are in stable sexual relationships. However it does not mean that their partner is fulfilling their sexual desire. Finally it could be said that the physical harm incurred by victims of rape shows that it is purely a violent act and no one of sexual desire. However statistics show that in 80% of rapes, only the rapist uses the minimum force necessary. However just because the woman is not physically hurt does not make this a non-violent act. Further more rapes of women who are leaving a relationship tend to be particularly violent. Surely this shows that rape is about power. Although there is a slight overlap of similar thinking between the social learning theorist and the radical feminist theorist, in their believe that rape is a learned behaviour this is about as much as they agree on. Early feminist theories of sexual violence concentrated on the ‘definition, nature, causes, functions and the consequences of rape' (Ward C.A, 1995: 22). Theoretical perspectives of rape however came from a broader feminist theory which pointed to the gender differences in power between men and women as a direct cause of sexual violence. As a result of this feminists have always maintained that violence against women (including sexual violence) plays a major part in patriarchal society. Further more that rape is ‘ social tradition of male domination and female exploitation' (Brownmiller S, 1975:267). Feminist theories are in line with sociological theories of conflict. It is argued that rape is caused because women are socially, politically and economically powerless compared to men. They further argue that not only does the differences in power between men and women cause rape but that sexual violence and rape serves to maintain the status quo. Thus keeping women subordinate and in there place. ‘Feminist theories of rape have incorporated theories of psychology as well as politics, sociology and some social learning theory into their explanations of rape. However they have always emphasised their believe that patriarchy, male power over women is the major factor in rape and that rape is a crime of violence power and hostility not sex. Rose 1977, Russell 1975 point out that rape is a result of ‘social stratification and differential gender roles and socialisation' (cited in Ward C.A 1995:23). Millet 1969 pointed out that women are seen as the property of men and those men should be able to use women to seek sexual gratification when they feel the need. This is particularly true in marriage as in Britain until October 1991 there was no law on rape within marriage, except to say it was not possible. This can be traced back to Mathew Hale who was the Chief Justice in England in the 18th century. In 1736 his statemen t was published in History of the pleas of the crown, it read ‘That a husband cannot be guilty of rape committed by himself upon his lawful wife, for by their mutual consent and contract the wife hath given up herself in this kind unto the husband which she cannot retract' (Toner B 1977: 85) Radical feminists believe that even consenting sex under patriarchy can be defined as a form of rape. Dworkin points out that women are defined by their sexuality a definition which is ‘socially real. Socially absolute and intrinsically coercive' Cowling M 2002: 4). Mackinnon 1988 pointed out that women have grave problems in proving rape in court because many women are often coerced into sex if not forced. (Cited in Kelly & Radford date: 20). This is particularly true in cases of date rape and marital rape. Thus radical feminists believe that rape is a major part of patriarchy. Research undertaken in the past couple of decades has shown that sexual violence plays a major part in male power and male control of women. The radical feminist theories argue that rape is about male dominance over women ‘patriarchy pointing out that the'. ‘Centrality of rape and fear/threat of rape to the social control of women; sexual violence is theorised as the violence underpinning and maintaining male dominance and female subordination, the gender power relations of patriarchy' (Radford J 2002, cited in Women crime and law 2002) Possibly intranet notes Check this quote and re- reference. Brown miller 1976 Cited in Macguire et al : 541 jefferson ch 16 point out that ‘rape was actually the foundation of patriarchy, she further added that rape was a consciuos procces by which all men keep all women in a state of fear' (cited in Mcguire et al 1997 jefferson ch 16; 541). Although as previously mentioned feminist theories of patriarchy overlaps with social learning theory in the believe that rape is an aggressive act the radical feminist sees this aggression as more about power than sex. They further argue that patriarchy plays a major part in sexual violence. Pointing out that rape is much higher in countries was patriarchy is more prevalent. Countries such as Alfghanistan may not appear to have a high rate of female rape cases. However this could be because some societies such as alfghanistan embrace a configuration that includes interpersonal violence. Domination by males and seperation of the sexes. In countries such as Alfganistan a women is classed as second class citizens the property me. For instance once married a woman may not define her experience as rape feeling that she must obey her husband when he wishes to have sex. The term sexual violence recognises that ‘Violence is a gendered phenomenon within the context of patriarchal relations (Hester, Radford & Kelly 2002, cited in Cowling M 2002, rape and sexual assault notes, theories of rape; 4) Check this. Dworkin (1974) argued that ‘Looking for a man not caught up in male power was like looking for a needle in a haystack (Cowling M: 5, rape and d sexual assault notes). Criticisms of feminist theories are that they ignore the fact that most women are heterosexual and enjoy consenting heterosexual sex. The theories of the radical feminist make out as though the majority of sex between a man and a woman is coercive and therefore should be defined as rape. Biological theories of rape are split into two parts socio-biological and hormonal. The basics of the socio-biological explanation of why men rape women is evolutionary, the males need to procriate. However some rapists use condoms whilst raping the woman so as there is no evidence so this is not about procriation. The Hormonal explanation is based on men's testosterone levels pointing out that males are naturally more aggressive than females. However if this is the case then why do they take their aggression out on women in the form of rape and not other males Further more why don't all men rape? Box (1983) points out that a man will use different resources to gain his masculinity depending on his position within ‘class, race and gender relations' (Box S 1983: 152). He further points out that were the individual feels their position is will determine the salience of the crime committed. The crime committed will be used as a way to accomplish more masculinity. The further down the racial and class hierarchy you are the more salient the crime will be. Brown miller (1975) although a feminist argues that rape is about ‘biological drive' as opposed to learned masculinity. Another psychological theory of rape is the disease model the believe that men who rape are suffering from an identifiable mental illness which makes them impulsive they argue that this means they should not be held responsible for their crime. Another suggestion is that men who rape suffer with an uncontrollable sexual urge. It is further pointed out by that See Jefferson and Gresswell and Hollin (1994) for psychological stuff. Rape in Britain has been illegal since 1275 Check this, Rape within marriage has only been illegal since 1991. Whilst the legal definition of rape might appear to be quite clear cut it is fraught with difficulties of interpretation. For instance if the victim and the offender know each other for instance are aquantances, are dating or are married there is difficulties around the issue of consent. What constitutes consent? Even stranger is difficult as we have a society and a legal system that often holds the perpetraitor and the victim equally responsible. The myths that surround rape such as * All women want to be raped * No woman can be raped against her will * She was asking for it * If you are going to be raped you might as well enjoy it, distort and govern female sexuality (Brownmiller S, 1975: 246). Further more these myths ‘disadvantage and oppress women, but they also subtly encourage sexual violence without awareness of moral wrongdoing' ( Brown miller S 1975: 247). Finally we mostly here about via the media who portray rapists as sex crazed monsters who attack women because they are psychologically disturbed however this is a myth and there are many others Myth Fact Rapists are mentally disturbed ——— Most rapists show no signs of Psychological problems Rape is committed by strangers ———Most rapes occur indoors & most victims know their rapists Rape is the result of a sudden ——— Most rapes are planned and have sexual urge have nothing to do with uncontrollable libido Some women ask for it for ———- Rape can happen to any woman Instance, the clothes they wear/ in any situation being to provocative. The above myths all contribute to the continuation of men thinking that women are their for their sexual gratification. These myths that exist within society not only give men the right to think that rape is not a crime or that at the very lest it is not a serious crime can effect a woman's ability to define her experience as rape. Did she encourage him? Did she not put up enough of a fight? Women in Britain have fought for many years to gain equality in a man's world and in some aspects women have achieved this until it seems it comes to sex. It appears that men have maintained there right to own women and use them to have sex with when they want in order to keep them in their place. Rape exists within society because society allows it to.