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Cultural Bias in Scholastic Aptitude Tests, 2002.
Presents the position that Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) are culturally biased against minority and low-income students.
1,609 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 17 sources, APA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
It is the contention of this paper that the standardized SATs, intended as a tool to help predict a student's collegiate potential, fail to meet this objective. Instead, the exams often misrepresent or portray a potential student in a negative light because of the cultural bias of the test. The paper asserts that this is especially true for the African-American and Latino American population. Experts in the fields of education and social sciences are quoted, and data is presented that supports the author's contention. Other problems that are considered intrinsic to the SAT are also covered in this paper.
From the Paper
"Today?s educational system supports tests such as the SAT?s, which are often biased against minority students. The SAT?s were developed by the Educational Testing Service as a means to predict successful collegiate performance. However, the tests in actuality seldom accurately predict the potential for a student?s success. The SAT?s have statistically in fact, been shown to have little value in predicting a student?s future performance. They also negatively impact admissions representative?s perceptions of a student?s potential for academic success. The SAT?s have also been shown to negatively impact minority groups, specifically African Americans, Hispanics and even low-income white students. The tests more accurately are a predictor of socioeconomic influences than a student?s potential, and unwittingly favor middle and upper class students, who often have the opportunity to prepare and memorize for such tests, placing them at a disadvantage over their peers."
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Brazil?s Liberation Theology, 2002.
Looks at the church movement in Brazil known as Liberation Theology, which was an attempt to liberate the Brazilian people from the injustices they had suffered.
2,181 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the origins of the Liberation Theology in Brazil and its objective of promoting social and political justice for the poor and impoverished people of Brazil. The factors that gave rise to this movement are considered, and the church's role in reintroducing basic human and civil rights are detailed. Finally, the lasting and positive effects of Liberation Theology and the advantages it continues to offer are highlighted.
From the Paper
"In the early 1950s, the Brazilian church became tremendously active and original within certain spheres of Brazilian society, especially politics. Amidst opposing religious movements, progressive movements in international Catholicism, and the repression of politics by the ruling military, the church sought to create its base of followers not with the elite, but with the lower classes (Bruneau, et. al. 1992). The churches sought to liberate the Brazilian people from the injustices they had suffered. This idea is known as liberation theology, and has proved to be a needed, positive change for the Brazilian population."
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Affirmative Action Policies, 2002.
Examines both the positive and negative sides of current affirmative action policies.
2,551 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper evaluates both the positive and negative effects of affirmative action policies today, with a particular focus on racial minorities, such as African-Americans and Latinos, in higher education. The paper defines affirmative action, traces the policies? history, examines their goals, and looks at the various legal challenges that have been mounted against these policies. Finally, the paper includes a critical examination of the arguments both for and against the continued use of affirmative action policies and concludes by taking the position that affirmative action policies are ineffective and actually harm the parties they are intended to benefit.
From the Paper
"Jackson further argues that many affluent white students have access to SAT preparation scores and have the time and resources to participate in extracurricular activities and honor courses. This places many minority students from lower-income families who need to work after school and do not have resources for SAT preparation tests at a distinct disadvantage (Jackson 290). For proponents like Jackson, affirmative action is a way to address these discrepancies and ensure that disadvantaged youth receive an equal opportunity towards higher education."
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Education in Latin America, 2002.
This paper examines education in Latin America, primarily elementary through high school, with the primary focus on economic and social factors, concentrating on countries representative of the region.
3,210 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 18 sources, MLA, AU$ 115.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that Latin American countries are far behind most of the rest of the world, except perhaps some African countries, in overall levels of educational achievement. The author points out that per capita spending, at times on par with some Asian countries, is still considered inadequate by politicians and international agencies like OECD. The paper concludes that many of the Latin American countries? leaders, especially Mexico?s Fox and Brazil?s Cardoso, are making pronouncements regarding refocusing resources on education.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Examination
Reforms
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Greater numbers of Latin Americans are being educated then 20 years ago, but the quality of their education is still not well. Past governments in Latin America lavished educational spending on the universities with the goal of training the countries? small groups of the elite. Now the current crop of leaders state that they recognize a need and the value of making sure that all of their countries? children, most especially ones from the poorest areas, are given and the opportunity of receiving a proper education. Regional consensus appears to be broad that the key to improving economic and social development in the region begins with improving the quantity and quality of education for a majority of the children, not just the elites."
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Development in Bolivia, 2002.
An overview of social and economic development in the the country of Bolivia.
1,995 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Bolivia is one of the most colorful and ethnically diverse countries of Latin America and how, despite its perpetual poverty, the nation has managed to emerge as a leader in economic innovation in the region. It examines how Bolivia is not an economically or politically stable country, but how it has made serious efforts to attain both over the last few years and how this characteristic makes it stand out among its other poor, struggling neighbors in the Latin world.
Outline
General Characteristics
Economic and Social Conditions
Development Effort and Changes
Water Privatization
From the Paper
"The fact that Bolivia is a poor country and suffers from all of the evils wrought on by poverty is one thing that comes to our attention when we initiate a research on this beautiful landlocked country. Yet poverty is not exactly the only problem that Bolivia suffers from. Bolivia has been a politically instable country ever since it became independent in 1825. Since then, it has encountered and endured more than 190 military coups and so-called revolutions (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2003) which played a major role in destroying the economic and political infrastructure of the country. While studying Bolivia, one cannot help but agree with the common observation that political unrest is usually the biggest cause of economic instability in any country or region."
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Latin American Culture in America, 2002.
Looks at the pervasiveness and influence of Latin American culture on American culture.
1,003 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Hispanic culture and how it has helped shape and mold American culture. The great extent to which Latin American dance, music, and food have become an intrinsic part of the overall American culture is cited as an example of this influence. The paper concludes by suggesting that American culture truly is a blend of cultures from all over the world.
From the Paper
"America has often been referred to as the great melting pot, a smorgasbord of people with various racial, cultural and ethnic identities and traditions. Tied to this view is the idea that the culture of the American people should be defined as a cornucopia of different cultures melded into one to form a new, hybrid culture. Many different cultures have influenced the overall culture within the United States particularly that of the Latin American people with whom I associate."
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Income Disparities in Latin America, 2002.
This paper discusses income disparities in Latin America: The history, main causes, the different countries, high-income disparities, ethnicity and gender, and possible solutions.
5,725 words (approx. 22.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 173.95
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Abstract
This paper states that, although inequality and high levels of income disparity represent major challenges confronting economists and leaders in many parts of the world, the problem is particularly severe in the Latin American countries. The author believes that the root of this phenomenon lies in the region's colonial history and the exploitation of the indigenous population as slave labor for agriculture and tapping the mines. The paper concludes that these stubborn patterns of inequality can be overcome if determined efforts are made to open political and social policies to all and to provide access by the poorer sections to social services. Footnotes.
Table of Contents
Income Disparities in Latin America
Measuring Inequality: Some Recent Studies
Latin America: How Unequal?
Income Disparity in Latin America: Getting Worse?
Is Poverty and Income Disparity Related?
Historical Roots of Inequality in Latin America
Comparison with Colonization of North America
Persisting Patterns of Inequality
Social, Economic and Political Changes in the 20th Century
Roles of Race, Ethnicity and Gender in Income Disparities
Racial Identification
Ethnic Identification
Identity Formation and Discrimination
Assets of Households
Access to Services
Average Incomes
What do the Race and Gender-Related Income Statistics Mean?
The Consequences of Inequality
Considered Unfair
Results in Greater Poverty
Affects Economic Growth
Current Backlash
Solutions for Reducing the Inequality in Latin America
More Open Political and Social Institutions
More Equitable Economic Institutions and Policies
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Poverty and income disparity are not the same concepts. Poverty may decline in a country or region where income disparity is increasing. However, experience has shown that such a situation occurs rarely and inequality and poverty are closely related. This is because in a growing economy with stable levels of inequality, poverty invariably falls. As a result the Latin American region showed significant reduction in poverty levels in the 1970s, when its economies were growing with a corresponding drop in inequality. On the other hand, the 1980s saw a fall in incomes and more unequal income distribution?resulting in accelerated increase in poverty."
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"The Limits of Racial Domination", 2002.
Review of "The Limits of Racial Domination" by R. Douglas Cope.
1,089 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Cope's study on attempts at racism in colonial Mexico and the reasons why racism never truly flourished. The paper concludes by agreeing with Cope's study and the light it sheds on racism and class and self-identity.
From the Paper
"The failure of Spanish elites to impose their own definitions of race on the people of the traza shows the difficulty of imposing one?s cultural ideas and definitions on another society. In the case of colonial Mexico, for example, the Spanish clearly wanted to establish a social order based on race. To them, a person's social mobility hinges on how much Spanish blood they possess."
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Eco-Tourism in Brazil, 2002.
A feasibility study on eco-tourism in Brazil.
2,714 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 20 sources, MLA, AU$ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how eco-tourism in Brazil has been underdeveloped and how it could serve as an even greater source of income on both a local level and national level for the Brazilian economy. It explores and identifies many factors such as various economic, political and social factors that influence the ability of Brazil to expand their ecotourism market.
Outline
Findings
Primary Research
Secondary Research
Conclusion
Works Cited
Appendix I
Appendix II
From the Paper
"One of the major concerns in promoting ecotourism is the effect that the influx of human beings will have on the region (Riverdeep, 2000). Phillip Fearnside (1986) stresses the fact that we have many example to draw from in the past and that we must consider our choices carefully. In 2001, a conference was held to address ecotourism issues in Brazil. This conference addressed planning and product development, monitoring and regulation in regards to sustainability, marketing and promotion, and the costs and benefits of ecotourism (SDMEA, 2001). In May of 2002 many countries joined to discuss these same issues on a global basis (World Ecotourism Summit, 2002)."
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The Cuban Missile Crisis, 2002.
Looks at this 1962 crisis from two angles, focusing on the Cuban point of view.
4,406 words (approx. 17.6 pages), 16 sources, APA, AU$ 144.95
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Abstract
There are two views, as with any conflict or issue, on the reasons and reactions of the major players in the Cuban Missile Crisis that took place at the end of October 1962. The crisis pitted two world powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, against each other in what many describe as the closest the world has come to World War III and a nuclear holocaust. This paper examines the background of the crisis from the Cuban/Soviet point of view in depth. Towards the end of the paper, the United States' perspective of the crisis is discussed.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Upheaval in Cuba - the Bay of Pigs
The Cuban Missile Crisis
The Beginning of Hostilities
The United States Perspective
From the Paper
"The account from the Cuban point-of-view paints Kennedy as a man obsessed with removing Castro from Cuba. In Robert Kennedy's memoir, he portrays his brother as someone eager to get the missiles out in a peaceful fashion. Kennedy was in favor of the blockade, despite the advice that this was a weak response and that military action was in order. Among those dissenting was Senator J. William Fullbright of Arkansas. Schlesinger points out that the Soviets were no match for the United States, a point made continually from the Cuban point-of-view; however the take of the this fact is spun differently on the American side. If Kennedy had been completely set on ridding Cuba of Castro, he could have used the Soviet deployment to invade and overthrow Castro's regime. Instead the two Kennedy brothers led the fight against invasion in favor of a peaceful solution."
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John Fante?s "Ask the Dust", 2002.
Discusses the main theme of John Fante's novel, "Ask the Dust".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper describes how John Fante uses the characters in his novel "Ask the Dust" to convey the inferiority complex common to many new immigrants. It looks at the immigrant culture portrayed in the novel and the impact this culture had on the development of Californian culture.
From the Paper
"John Fante?s Ask the Dust is regarded as one of the most successful novels of the 20th century with its theme grounded in immigration and myth of American dream. The novel is not exactly negative in tone instead it simply focuses on realistically presenting the life of immigrants in Los Angeles community of 1930s. The author has beautifully recreated the early times of massive immigration to the Golden State where people of many communities settled down in the hope of building and carving a more positive future for themselves than the one they would have been accorded in their native lands. After reading the novel, it appears that the most important theme of the novel is ?struggle of immigrants to become an American by degrading others?."
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Starbucks in India and Brazil, 2002.
This paper explores the ability of Starbucks to successfully market their product in India and Brazil.
987 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Starbucks' local market has become saturated and how the company is exploring new international market options. It discusses the economic and market positions in India and Brazil and examines whether the company can successfully enter these global markets.
From the Paper
"India is one of the largest economies in the world with a large and rapidly growing consumer market of approximately 300 million people (Doing Business in India). India welcomes foreign investment. Although approval is required, it is automatic for most industries. The country currently has a stable parliamentary democracy. The country has experienced political stability in the past, but economic liberalization has been accepted as a necessity by all political parties in India."
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Mexican Immigrants, 2002.
Examines the social and financial problems faced by Mexican immigrants to the United States.
1,270 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune in August of 2002, at the end of the summer of 2001, one of the Bush administration?s major initiatives was amnesty for Mexican illegal immigrants in the United States. This paper examines how the immigration policy has changed since September 11 but the immigration numbers have increased. The paper examines statistics which show how bad Mexican immigrants are faring educationally, socially and financially and that the figures are only getting worse, not improving over time. The paper focuses on Los Angeles as a popular destination for Mexican immigrants and shows how the city has become 'addicted' to this cheap type of labor. The paper also uses as an example, Luis Rodriguez's true account of a poverty stricken life in America as a Mexican immigrant, in his book "Always Running".
From the Paper
"As the nation?s largest destination for immigrants in general and Mexican nationals in particular, Los Angeles needs to prepare quickly to play the piper for the economic benefits of low-income labor, according to two UCLA sociologists. Is this the answer to the poverty stricken Mexican immigrants? Is Los Angeles able to absorb and employ even the least skilled immigrants at a truly impressive rate? It appears just as incapable of offering them a living wage. New immigrants in Urban America indicate serious trouble unless the United State is able to develop the social infrastructure to ensure that the children of today?s unskilled immigrants do considerably better than their parents."
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Uruguay, 2002.
An overview of the social make-up of this small South American country.
1,201 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a brief history of Uruguay, the smallest country on the South American continent. It then discusses immigration to the country, the history of family life, women's rights and availability of employment and educational opportunities, especially to women. The paper compares rural households to urban ones and discusses certain traditions in rural areas. Finally, the paper looks at leisure activities in the country.
From the Paper
"Young people in Uruguay have a great deal of freedom when compared to children in other South American countries. Girls in particular have few of the expectations that are put upon girls in Argentina or Brazil. For the most part girls do not need chaperones when they are out on their own. There is an inherent expectation that most women will have some sort of career. Nearly half of the school population in Uruguay is female. (Family Life, Pg 2)"
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"Tejano Empire", 2002.
A critical analysis of Andres Tijerina's "Tejano Empire: Life on the South Texas Ranchos".
1,057 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the book "Tejano Empire: Life on the South Texas Ranchos," by Andres Tijerina, which gives an intimate and sometimes disturbing look into the lives of the Tejano ranchers who settled the harsh area of Southern Texas and were eventually forced out of their homes by unscrupulous land dealings by the whites. The paper presents a brief outline of the book's contents, a summary of the author's thesis and a reaction to the book. "Tejano Empire" is a history book, but is also a social history book which presents the lifestyle of early South Texas and a disturbing history of a people who have rarely had their story told.
From the Paper
"If there is anything the author failed to do, it is really establish what motivated the whites to remove these people from Texas, other than sheer greed. It is also quite clear that Tijerina is writing from the Tejano point of view, and champions the Tejanos. This bias creates quite a readable and compelling book, but does not give the other side at all. An equally compelling addition would have dealt with what the whites did with the land, how they succeeded or failed, and what compelled them to remove the original inhabitants who seemed to manage the land so well. Clearly, the whites did not succeed, or there would not be so much empty land in the area today. Also, if the whites left the area, why did the Tejanos not return to reclaim their land? "
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Immigration to America, 2002.
A brief study into the effects that immigration has had on American society.
866 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the effects of immigration upon America. The paper examines the issue from a number of aspects including social, economic, political, religious, and cultural. The writer believes that immigration is ultimately a good thing, beneficial to the American people and country as a whole. Rather than looking at the history of immigration, the paper focuses on the modern day issues and how these immigrants have benefited the U.S.A.
From the Paper
"The world of technology also has reaped the benefits of many immigrants. Silicon Valley and other high-tech sectors would cease to function if the borders were ever closed to skilled and educated immigrants. These immigrants represent human capital that can make our entire economy more productive. Immigrants have developed new products, such as the Java computer language, that have created employment opportunities for millions of Americans."
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