Discuss the contribution that psychology has made to contemporary society

Since Psychology has been known as a subject, it is very broad, and has contributed to many areas of society to the work place, school, prison and institutions. In the work place, managers are trained to deal and communicate effectively with employees and customers alike. This helps to keep both parties happy, and this causes less distress. Most work places are under law in which even people with mental health issues are allowed to be employed, and only in severe cases they will be unaccepted to the job. An occupational psychologist is able to find a job for those who are disabled and that would be able to meet their skills and knowledge. A couple of centuries ago, people who had mental illnesses wouldn't be able to get a job, and are likely to be distinguished as ‘insane' or ‘crazy', because of the lack of help that was given at that time. In the school, the National Curriculum has been helped by the research of Psychology by the reflection of Piaget's stages – showing that children are likely to cope with ideas when they are ready or at a given age. For example, those children who are at the concrete operation stage at age 11 should not be given anything to do with formal reasoning. Although, Vygotsky believed in scaffolding, this means by actively participating in groups to their level of understanding to be able to make them understand what they are being taught better. In prison, they use token economy systems which is based on operant conditioning for those who have good behaviour they are reinforced with tokens, and these can be saved up to be able to have a privileges to go out. The token economy system allow for prisoners to continue their repeated good behaviour. During court sessions they need to know whether someone is classified as insane, and whether they should go to psychiatric hospital or ward, or to prison because they are a criminal. In institutions, they also use the operant conditioning of token economy systems to be able to have the patients do good behaviour and to be reinforced with tokens. This allows to substitute the tokens to be able to have leave or be able to do more activities within the institution. Institutions also have social skills to help those with mental health issues to be able to understand how to make social interactions with other people – many of both offenders as well as patients lack these skills, and these can be developed through number of ways such as role play and rehearsal.

Case Study: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Case study: Creedence Clearwater Revival Introduction Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s (Lyrics Freak, 2010). â€Å"The group consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary lyricist John Fogerty, his brother and rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford† (Lyrics freak, 2010). The foursome began early on as young teenagers and grew together. Throughout their time together there were many issues that arose that in the end led the group to disband. Cause of Demise CCR began their downward spiral that ended in disbanding in 1970; by 1972 the group had come to an end (Lyrics Freak, 2010). The cause of demise for the group entailed a lot of different factors. John Fogerty had taken business control of the group by 1971 and felt that a democratic vote would only cause problems, however the other band members felt they should have a say in things (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Cook and Clifford were not thrilled with the decisions that Fogerty was making, but ended up accepting what Fogerty offered (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Despite the differences that the members had with how things were going they continued on recording and touring. â€Å"Finally, on October 16, 1972 – less than six months later – Fantasy Records and the band officially announced the disbanding of Creedence Clearwater Revival† (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Legal Issues Each went their separate ways. John began a solo career as a one-man band, but still was under contract with Fantasy to finish eight more records (Lyrics Freak, 2010). John was not thrilled with the way Fantasy was handling the contracts and was upset that they had the copyright to his work. In order for him to break the contract and be free John signed over his rights to Creedence’s songs to Zaentz, the owner of Fantasy (Lyrics Freak, 2010). John fought with Zaentz over this and many other issues. One legal issue much that affected the whole group was that much of the money earned by Fogerty and Creedence was â€Å"lost in an offshore tax-shelter deal arranged by Fantasy† (DeCurtis, 2005). The group took Fantasy to court and after much trial and tribulations CCR won a considerable judgment (DeCurtis, 2005). After John Fogerty left CCR and Fantasy he created an album in 1985 â€Å"Centerfield,† which had the song â€Å"The Old Man Down the Road† on it (DeCurtis, 2005). Zaentz, from Fantasy, felt that he owned the copyright to that song because he felt it â€Å"was an illegal remake of Creedence's ‘Run Through the Jungle’† (DeCurtis, 2005). Zaentz sued Fogerty for $140 million â€Å"for plagiarizing himself† (DeCurtis, 2005). The battle between Fogerty and Zaentz became childish with lashes back and forth. Fogerty began to create songs about Zaentz that were disrespectful and rude. After many arguments and legal battles Fogerty won. Cook and Clifford formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited and decided to sing some of the old songs. They had asked for John Fogerty to join them, but he refused (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Lawsuits between the band members began to ensue because John felt the others had no right to use the names of the band and songs (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Financial Issues Financial Issues were always a problem for the group since the beginning. Although there were a few years where they had financial gain overall the group struggled. When CCR disbanded Cook made a statement to the press saying, â€Å"Over the years John Fogerty has done everything he could to devalue Creedence Clearwater Revival†¦He owes the rest of us a fiduciary duty to protect, enhance and help [the band] grow on a business level. And we believe that he has violated that† (Rolling Stone, 1997). Fantasy had made a deal with an offshore tax shelter, and according to Lyrics Freak (2010) the other members were not aware that John had signed off on this. This deal led to a downfall of finances for all of the members. The negativity that occurred between all parties led to distrust and the inability to work together. This negativity affected their work and before they disbanded the albums put out was not received well by the public, which brought in less revenue then desired (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Management Issues In 1964 CCR, formerly known as The Blue Velvets, signed with Fantasy Records (Lyrics Freak, 2010). From 1964 to 1970 the band had a good run of success under Fantasy, however dissension began to settle in the band and Fogerty took the reigns as business leader for the group (Creedence Online, 2009). Fantasy was the group’s management, but Fogerty began making the main decisions for the group. Eventually the group decided to run as a democracy, which turned into chaos because everyone had their own ideas on how to manage the band (Creedence Online, 2009). Band Interpersonal Issues Dissension arose amongst the band members. Success was something they all sought after, but could not handle. Each had their own ideas on what should be done, but it was rare that all were in agreement in how things should play out. Tom Fogerty became upset at how the band was reacting to situations and in 1971 left the band for good (Creedence Online, 2009). This left John Fogerty, Stu Cook and Doug Clifford, the trio continued on but could not get along enough to keep the band going. They tried by putting together the album Mardi Gras and had also decided to attempt a U. S. tour (Lyrics Freak, 2010). â€Å"Hecklers reportedly pelted the band with coins at the final stop of the tour on May 22 in Denver. Finally, on October 16, 1972 – less than six months later – Fantasy Records and the band officially announced the disbanding of Creedence Clearwater Revival. † (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Conclusion The many issues of the demise of CCR should be learning points for other bands and managers. If I were the one who had discovered CCR and became their manager things would have been different. It is important to understand how each band member reacts to situations and as the manager to make sure everyone is on the same page. It seems that Fantasy did not do this and that John Fogerty had his own agenda as well. Although a democracy is needed and good sometimes, a fine line must be drawn in order to effectively manage a band. First off I would have made it very clear that as the manager I am working for CCR and that everyone does get an equal say, however what is best for the band should always be taken into consideration above what each person desires for themselves. Secondly conferences would have been held to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is extremely important during long hours of recording and touring. People tend to get tired and do not always think clearly during stressful times, so a re-hashing of the goals the band has is important to keep peace. Thirdly when it comes to the bands money all should have a clear understanding of how the finances are allocated. Every member should have the right to viewing statements. So decisions like the offshore account would not occur. Contracts to protect the members would have this stated in them to offer fairness to every party. By being honest, communicative and having legal protection for all parties I feel that CCR may not have disbanded in such a terrible way. It is shameful that the group could not remain working together after the split. However in 1980 the four did play together for Tom’s wedding lawsuits once again created an end of relationships amongst the group (Lyrics Freak, 2010). Even after the death of Tom John could not let bygones be bygones and still refused to play with former members Cook and Clifford (Lyrics Freak, 2010), References Lyrics Freak. (2010). Creedence Clearwater Revival: Biography. Retrieved March 4, 2010, from http://www. lyricsfreak. com/c/creedence+clearwater+revival/biography. html Creedence Online. (2009). Creedence Clearwater Revival History. Retrieved March 4, 2010, from http://www. creedence-online. net/history/ DeCurtis, A. (2005). John Fogerty Is Closer to Peace With a Label. The New York Times. Published: November 1, 2005. Retrieved March 4, 2010, from http://www. nytimes. com/2005/11/01/arts/music/01foge. html? ei=5088=a96cbcb6483ce99c=1288501200=1=rssnyt=rss=1182985952-kKlgvwEFB+csZpVxoY0czw

European Society around 1900 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

European Society around 1900 - Essay Example The capacity to explain for the partition of the African continent has been declared an indicator of imperialism theories, and divergent hypothesis have been suggest with immense vehemence. The scale of vehemence produced in the deliberations could be clarified by the verity that numerous key queries are concerned and the diverse responses to the questions inform fundamentally diverse outlooks of historical associations between European and African subjects. The question concerns the link between Africa's partition and the expansion of European capitalism. The debate is viewed as a battle between belief in the existence of relationship between capitalism and partitioning of Africa, and the absence of such a conviction. Another question concerns the nature of partitioning process involved. The question is whether the scramble was a spontaneous unplanned process, or whether it was a deliberate decision by the partitioners. Several reasons are given for the Scramble and partition of Africa by the European colonizers. First, the Europeans seriously needed the raw materials for their industries back in Europe. Some of these raw materials were found in plenty in the African continent and had not been mined by anyone. ... The major European countries involved in the partition of Africa also believed that the holder of biggest colonial domain would be relatively superior to the rival colonialists in power. A common hypothesis given for the French involvement in colonization of Africa was the desire by the French to restore their reputation and pride after losing the Franco-Prussia war (Duignan and Gann 16). Another controversial reason forwarded for the Europeans foray into the African continent is the European obligation to dominate other non-white races. It is suggested that the Europeans believed they had a responsibility to deliver civilization to other "weaker races", by whichever means possible (voluntarily or by coercion). Later in 1899 the British and the French resolved their differences. The British acknowledged the French's Madagascar, while the French recognized the British Nigerian and Zanzibar protectorate. European socio-economic standings went through a major transformation in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The reason for the intense revolution was the extraordinary growth of relations and factors of production, which is generally called Industrial Revolution; although this could appropriately be referred to as the Industrial capitalism breakthrough. This period witnessed a remarkable rise in production capacity and efficiency. Major industrial changes, that had commenced a century prior to the European colonization of Africa, received considerable boost at the onslaught of partition. The cotton industry in Britain is clear illustration of the industries that underwent major expansion at the turn of the century.

Reasons for the recent global financial crisis Essay

Reasons for the recent global financial crisis - Essay Example The present article has identified that the cause of the recent financial crisis and economic recessions has been attributed to various factors in the economy. The initial trigger of the financial crisis has been traced to the toxic mortgage backed assets whose decline in value and uncertain duration led to massive losses in the U.S economy. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were both taken over by the US government. Lehman Brothers was declared bankrupt since it could not increase its capitalization. Merrill Lynch was bought by the Bank of America while American International Group (AIG) was rescued by the Federal government through an $ 85 billion capital bailout. Washington Mutual which is currently the largest bank failure was purchased by J P Morgan Chase. The crisis can be traced to the failure of the real estate market due to subprime lending which saw the commercial and residential housing prices increase for a decade from 1990. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998 saw the econom ies in Asia generate huge current account surpluses which were invested offshore in economies like US and UK in order to keep the nominal exchange rates low. The US stock prices went high due to the influx of capital. The high growth in economic demands and especially in China saw commodity prices such as minerals, oil and food soar up from late 2004 to late 2007. There are numerous explanations and arguments which have been proposed as the causes of the 2008-2009 financial crisis and the recessions.... The burst of the housing bubble led to massive loan defaults which led to the decline in the values of the mortgage backed securities (Freedman 2010). The subprime mortgages were risky since their true values were hidden in the house price appreciation which allowed mortgage refinancing. The real estate bubble was occasioned partly by easy credit in the economy which was facilitated by expansionary monetary policy of the Federal Reserve where the Fed funds rate was cut from 6.5% in 2000 to 1% percent in 2003 (Freedman 2010). Innovations in the financial system resulted to collateralized debt obligations and other derivatives which fueled the housing bubble. Losses of US subprime mortgages were estimated at $ 250 billion dollars in 2007 while the decline in the stock market capitalization was $ 26,400 billion dollars from the period July 2007 to November 2008. Weak banking regulations and poor risk assessment methods forced coupled with the government regulations which blended the ope rations of mortgage providers and investment banks saw many risky and unqualified customers access the housing mortgages (Freedman 2010). According to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the aggregate collateralized debt obligations issuance expanded from USD $ 150 billion in 2004 to US $ 500 billion in 2006 before increasing further to US $ 2 trillion by the end of the year 2007. The value of the Mortgage backed assets held in banks’ books, insurance companies and other major financial institutions explains how the burst of the housing bubble led to massive losses to holders of the mortgage backed securities. However, subprime mortgages had higher interest rates after the initial offer and only 43 percent of the adjustable rate mortgages were subprime

Importance of Accurate Bloodstain Spatter Analysis in Crime Scene Research Paper

Importance of Accurate Bloodstain Spatter Analysis in Crime Scene Investigations - Research Paper Example Due to the certification of more technicians, a lot of information on the shape of bloodstain is being used in the conclusion of crime events. Blood stain pattern analysis is the assessment of the nature, position, and distribution pattern of bloodstains that should enable an investigator to deduce the physical actions that took place at the scene. The outcomes obtained from the analysis give extra information to medical practitioners when determining the time the victim died. Certified bloodstain pattern analysts are normally used in offering explanations on blood spatter patterns and supplementary verifications at the crime scenes. This assists in the disclosure of vital exploratory information; like the positions of the casualty, the attacker, the items at the scene; the weapon that created the spatter and the number of blows, blast, or stabs the victim received. It can also be used to agree or contradict the report the wounded, suspects or observers give, hence ensuring that an i nnocent person is not condemned. Basically, inert bloodstains are as a result of the gravitational pull. They are normally evident on the various surfaces like the floor, wall, or the clothing. In carrying out crime Scene investigation therefore, documentation of all stains must be done. During blood stain pattern analysis, investigators always apply the physics, mathematics, and trigonometry laws, which assist the investigators to acquire information which enables them to determine the actions that took place; the individuals who were there, and the authenticity of the self defense declaration of the alleged doer. In the crime scene, there may be numerous areas with blood spatters. Identification of all locations with blood spatters and carrying out the necessary analysis is therefore vital. Moreover, after the scene has been documented, the resolution of the course and succession of actions enables the CIS in laying strategies for the collection of blood samples from the most rati onal sites. When careful analysis of the scene is done, accurate representative blood samples will be presented to the crime laboratory for analysis. Introduction Blood pattern analysis assists investigators in the determination of the source of the blood, the distance through which the blood traveled before landing, the form and the bearing of the force that caused the blood stain, the object used to produce the bloodstain, and the position of the casualty and the attacker during and after the bloodshed. Normally small blood spatters are as a result of a lot of force having been used. In order to obtain accurate results, blood pattern analysts must be careful in doing the assessments. Blood spatter as evidence Due to the gravitational pull, the shape of a free falling drop of blood is spherical. The force of gravity results in surface tension which makes the blood molecules to adhere on one another. Due to surface tension, the distance through which the drop of blood falls does not affect the spherical shape (Chisum & Turvey 374). The drop of blood will only break after hitting another surface or when force is exerted on it. When a blood drop hits an impermeable, smooth, and firm surface for instance floor tile, the probability of it forming a spatter in minimal. Freely dipping blood forms huge circular stains. Rough surfaces interfere with the surface tension of the blood drops, thus resulting in spatters and uneven stains having serrated edges. Presentation of precise

Land law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Land law - Essay Example After the purchase of the land, certain claims were made by different parties, to which Glen was presumed to be unaware of. In this paper, various aspects as relevant to the justification of the claims, under the provisions of Land and Property Act 1925, Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, Land Registration Act 2002 and Rent Charge Act 1977, will be discussed. Accordingly, following the elaboration of every detail related to the claims made, Glen will be adviced that are binding with the property. Subsequently, claims made unjustifiably will also be explained in a rational way hereunder. Discussion The Nature of the Interests Claimed After the purchase of Rosebud Cottage by Glen, Abdullah approached Glen and stated that he had a contract with Clifton and Barbara previously, which Glen was incidentally unaware of. However, the contract amid Clifton and Barbara and Abdullah was withdrawn by Abdullah himself due to low price. Subsequently, Abdullah is claiming that the contract made between Clifton, Barbara and him, should be compensated by Glen. The claim made by Abdullah in this context can be affirmed as inappropriate as the contract was between him and Clifton and Barbara. ... It was when Henrietta came to know that Glen has planned to expand the property by further two-storey extension, she claims her rights as per the provisions prescribed for restrictive covenants as per the Land Registration Act 2002. In this regard, Henrietta stated that the property is subjected to restrictive covenant rights, which signifies that there can be no modification in the property without her approval. Conceptually, a restrictive covenant is recognised as a promise imposed by one individual to another to restrict buyers from causing harm to the land purchased as per the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989. In this respect, Henrietta as a covenant has a right to restrict Glen from altering the property [Crest Nicholson Residential (South) Limited v McAllister [2004] 1 WLR 2409]3. However, Henrietta is required to possess a written deed stating that she is entrusted with the provision of ensuring the protection of the property from harm on the basis of seller 4;5. Chelsea is the third individual making a claim to Glen that the property has been leased to her for a period of three years. In this regard, she also produced a document with the signature of Clifton and Barbara that it was signed in the month of July in the year 2013 and that the lease period will commence from 1st January 2014. The lease agreement with Chelsea implies that the real property has been transferred to her for a term of three years. In this respect, Glen may lose the property but could adopt certain legal measures and steps with the intention of obtaining compensation on the paid amount i.e. ?250,000 in the property transaction with Clifton and Barbara apart from enforcing other related

Home3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Home3 - Assignment Example Family History: The mother to the client is found to have had the same lugs problems. She is found to have experienced difficulties in breathing accompanied with some pains in her chest. Nobody else in the family has had such problems in the past. Lifestyle and Health Practices: Three of the family members including the client have been addicts of cigarette. The father to the client has smoked cigarette for a period of twelve years while the mother has also smoked cigarette. The family is used to buying medicine locally from shops in their cure for the breathing difficulties. Their exposure to colds is seen as the main reason for their problem. Current Symptoms: The client has a feeling that some of his neck vessels are swollen. He experiences some difficulties in swallowing saliva. He does not experience heart attacks. At the middle of his chest, he claims to experience some deep pains while breathing. Past History: The client experienced heart attacks some years back. This seems to have recovered after undergoing some treatments which lead him to undergoing heart surgery. He has experienced much hypertension prior to his condition while the degree of his fever has gone down. Family History: Hypertension has been a common problem to the client family. His mother and grandmother are found to have experienced the same problem while the grandfather was diabetic. There are some recorded cases of elevated cholesterol associated with many of his family members. Lifestyle and Health Practices: There is much use of drugs and alcohol in the family of the client. The client himself is a cigarette addict while his father and brother are addicts of alcohol and cigarette. Much stress originating from the use of drugs is experienced by many of his family members. The client is used to sleeping on high density pillows. Current Symptoms: The client experiences high temperatures especially during the night. His skin color

Government 2 Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Government 2 - Dissertation Example 2.) If universal health-care access becomes a reality, what will happen to hospital emergency rooms? During the 2009 US elections, Presidential Candidate Obama offered the idea of amending the healthcare coverage of the country. This proposal was intended for the creation of a health insurance exchange, which would set up a government-backed insurance system in competition with private health insurance companies. However, numerous concerned politicians debated on this topic. Republicans, on one hand, believe that implementing Obama’s suggestion would lead to an increase in government expenditures by almost $2 trillion, an overwhelming tax burden to the American citizens. Worse, it does not take any serious steps to reduce costs for the health care system. Most Democrats argued that the country is ready to apply the universal health-care, which would guarantee the poverty-stricken Americans an outright health insurance. As of 2011, the US ranks 3rd in terms of population. Promu lgating Obama’s plan would lead to a decrease in mortality rate and inflation in the number of hospital patients, possibly resulting to crowded emergency rooms.

Mckinsey Model Essay Example for Free

Mckinsey Model Essay McKinsey 7S Model This model was developed in the 1980s by Robert Waterman, Tom Peters and Julien Philips whilst working for McKinsey and originally presented in their article Structure is not Organisation. To quote them: Intellectually all managers and consultants know that much more goes on in the process of organizing than the charts, boxes, dotted lines, position descriptions, and matrices can possibly depict. But all too often we behave as though we didn’t know it if we want change we change the structure. Diagnosing and solving organizational problems means looking not merely to structural reorganization for answers but to a framework that includes structure and several related factors. The 7S Model which they developed and presented became extensively used by mangers and consultants and is one of the cornerstones of organizational analysis. [pic] Essentially the model says that any organisation can be best described by the seven interrelated elements shown above: Strategy Plans for the allocation of a firms scarce resources, over time, to reach identified goals. Environment, competition, customers. Structure The way the organizations units relate to each other: centralized, functional divisions (top-down); decentralized (the trend in larger organizations); matrix, network, holding, etc. Systems The procedures, processes and routines that characterize how important work is to be done: financial systems; hiring, promotion and performance appraisal systems; information systems. Skills Distinctive capabilities of personnel or of the organization as a whole. Staff Numbers and types of personnel within the organization. Style  Cultural style of the organization and how key managers behave in achieving the organization’s goals. Shared Value  The interconnecting centre of McKinseys model is: Shared Values. What the organization stands for and what it believes in. Central beliefs and attitudes. However the model is more than simply a list. Key Points are: 1. The top 3, strategy , structure and systems, are the hard elements. The bottom 4, skills, staff, style, and shared values are the soft elements. 2. At that time, any organisational study focused on the top hard elements and ignored the bottom soft elements. 3. The current view is to focus on all 7, accepting that for each business or enterprise, two or three will be the VITAL ones. 4. The key point is that all the elements are all inter-dependant. Changes in one will have repercussions on the others. Thus introduction of new systems will certainly affect skills, and may well effect structure, style and staff. It could even have an impact on strategy. Similar repercussions occur with decentralization. 5. If you just try to change one element on its own, the other element may well resist the change and try to maintain the status quo. 6. In this sense, any change in organisation is best seen as a shift in the whole picture. Waterman Jr., Robert H., Peters, Thomas J., and Julien R. Phillips. 198 0. STRUCTURE IS NOT ORGANIZATION. Business Horizons 23, no. 3: 14

Criticism of Industrial England Essay Example for Free

Criticism of Industrial England Essay In Hard Times Charles Dickens criticizes several aspects of life among the lower classes working in factories in England during the nineteenth century. This paper will examine three of the subject Dickens condemns in Hard Times: Grandgrindism, the divorce laws in England at the time and bad education for children. Hard Times is set in Coketown, England. It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it . . . It was a town of machinery and tall chimneys, out of which interminable serpents* of smoke trailed themselves for ever and ever, . . . It had a black canal in it, and a river that ran purple with ill-smelling dye (Dickens, 28). Coketown is typical of the industrialized factory towns that grew under the concept of Grandridnism, a term Dickens coined from a composite of popular philosophies of the day: utilitarianism, cutthroat capitalism, and self-interest among members of the upper classes. Dickens uses his character Stephen Blackpool to censure both the unions and the laws in England. Blackpool refuses to join the union that has formed in Coketown, consequently he is blackballed by the union and unable to find work even though he is an excellent worker. Here Dickens seems to be replacing one taskmaster, the company owners with another, the union, both of whom are more interested in their own interests than that of the workers. Blackpools troubles are increased because of his marriage. His wife went bad and took to drinking, left off working, sold the furniture, pawned the clothes, and played old Gooseberry (Dickens, 95). Unfortunately Blackpool is unable to get a divorce. To do so he would have to go to Doctors Common with a suit, and youd have to go to a court of Common Law with a suit, and youd have to go to the House of Lords with a suit, and youd have to get an Act of Parliament to enable you to marry again, and it would cost you (if it was a case of very plain sailing), I suppose from a thousand to fifteen hundred pound (Dickens, 99). Each of these tasks was beyond the means of Blackpool the combination of them was staggering. Clearly only the rich can get a divorce. When Blackpool expresses dismay at the legal requirements, Tis just a muddle atoogether, an the sooner I am dead, the better (Dickens, 99), he is chastised. Pooh, pooh! Dont you talk nonsense, my good fellow, said Mr. Bounderby, about things you dont understand; and dont you call the institutions of your country a muddle, or youll get yourself into a real muddle one of these fine Here Dickens is criticizing not only the divorce laws, but any laws that unfairly discriminate against the lower classes so much that they would rather die soon than have to live under the laws. Dickens disapproves of the education of the day with its emphasis on utility and absence creativity and concern for the individual student. You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing else will ever be of any service to them. This is the principle on which I bring up my own children, and this is the principle on which I bring up these children. Stick to Facts, Sir! (Dickens, 1). While Hard Times offers pertinent criticism of the living conditions of industrial workers in industrialized England, unfortunately Dickens fails to do is provide solutions for these problems. That is not to say his efforts were and are in vain. Change will only come after issues have been made known to the public at large and the ruling class in particular. Due to the increasing prosperity of people in the United States early in the twenty-first century it is difficult to identify with the characters in Hard Times. However its relevance is recently more significant as difficulties as an increasing amount of working conditions for factory workers in the third world reveals conditions similar to and even more harsh than those experienced by the people in Dickens novel. Hard Times is a valuable book for today just as it was when published. Works Cited Dickens, Charles. Hard Times. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.