Identity Theory And Social Identity - 1228 Words

Identity theory traces its root in the writing of G.H Mead, the American philosopher, sociologist and psychologist who says that the image or the feeling that a person creates for him or herself in a particular society is the result of other’s vision, which is created daily and is subjected to change. Richard Jinkens, the sociologist describes that social identity means who we are and who the others are and on the other hand what the other thinks about themselves and others. Further, Mead elaborates that a person in a particular society has two identities and which are self-identity and social identity. The self-identity is the cognition that a person has about him or herself and the social identity is the reflection of the accepted values that a person has in the society. Social Identity theory is enabling a person to answer his question of what I am and who I am based on his group membership. This is basically a line between oneself and the alien. In this assignment I will d iscuss the brief biography of the developers of the social identity theory, the definition of the theory, aspects of the theory, a case study, the critics and future application. Henry Tajfel and John Turner developed Social Identity Theory in 1979. Henry Tajfel born on 22 June 1919 in Poland. He was one of the most famous and influential psychologists of the 20th century. He studied chemistry in France. He later joined the France army and was made a prisoner of war. After cessation he becameShow MoreRelatedSocial Identity Theory861 Words   |  3 PagesSocial identity theory, it is a person’s sense that is based around the group they are in, either by their personal identity or with different kinds of social identities. That is, people will try to improve their own image of themselves. The theory was proposed by Henri Tajfel. People can increase their self-esteem by both their own achievement and interaction with a successful group of people. This shows the importance of so cial belonging. This theory is based around three mental processes, socialRead MoreSocial Identity Theory1399 Words   |  6 PagesSocial  identity  theory  is a  theory  which is intended to explain how people develop a sense of belonging and membership in particular groups, and how the workings of intergroup  discrimination  work. Social identity  theory  plays an important role in the study of  social psychology. To some degree, everyone is influenced by social identity theory. Social Identity Theory tries to explain such intergroup discrimination in the real world as well as in the circumstance of the minimal groups. The theoryRead MoreSocial And Social Identity Theory1860 Words   |  8 PagesTurner, the Social Identity Theory (SIT) can be described as the comparison between the individual self and the social self. More specifically, it is the individual’s perception that is derived from their membership of a social group (ingroups and outgroups) or personal identities. The theory is divided into three different psychological mechanisms: social categorization, social comparison, and the tendency for people to use the group membership as a source to gain self-esteem. A theory is definedRead MoreAssignment On Social Identity Theory Essay1158 Words   |  5 Pages TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MUMBAI GROUP WORK ASSIGNMENT ON SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY Submitted to: Professor Vijay Raman Enrollment No.: M2015CF026 SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY The Social Identity Theory was developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1979. The theory was originally developed to understand the psychological basis of intergroup discrimination. Tajfel in 1971 attempted to identify the  minimal  conditions that would lead members of one group to discriminate in favour of the in groupRead MoreLimitations Of Social Identity Theory1673 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Social identity theory proposed by Tajfel Turner (2004) is a theory of group membership and behaviour which has made significant contributions in explaining in-group favouritism, out-group denigration, competition and other interactions of an individual among social groups (Korte, 2007; Brown, 2000; Tajfel Turner, 2004). Social identity theory can be defined as an individual’s sense of who they are based on the group that they belong to through a process of self-categorisation andRead MoreOutline Of Social Identity Theory1278 Words   |  6 PagesOutline social identity theory and with reference to recent research critically evaluate the strategies individuals or groups might use to achieve a positive social identity. Social Identity Theory (SIT) is a relational term, defining who we are as a function of our similarities and differences with others. It is shared with others and provides a basis for shared social action and the meanings associated with any social identity are products of our collective history and present. Therefore Social identityRead MoreNotes On Social Identity Theory1191 Words   |  5 PagesContextualizing BIRG: Social Identity Theory SIT (Tajfel et al., 1971; Tajfel Turner, 1979) has been explained briefly in the Introduction, which provided an overview on the nature of its construction (Galang et al., 2015) and its implications on ingroup inclusion, intergroup behavior, and self-esteem (Brewer Yuki, 2007). This theory is further discussed here, particularly its conception of group identification and esteem, to give context to BIRG and the framework of analysis that will be usedRead MoreSocial Identity Theory And Social Interaction Theory Essay1907 Words   |  8 PagesSocial Identity Theory In 1979, Tajfel and Turner are recognized for the development of social identity theory (SIT) (Tajfel Turner, 1979). Through earlier studies, Tajfel attempted to understand mechanisms that lead to group members to discriminate against non-group members, which lead to evolution of SIT (Hogg, van Knippenberg, Rast, 2012). The Tajfel and Turner developed SIT with the purpose of understanding social group discrimination (Tajfel Turner, 1979). SIT is based on three concepts:Read MoreSocial Conflict Theory : Social Identity Theory And Conflict1410 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Identity Theory and Conflict Theoretically significant to conflict is social identity theory. It allows â€Å"predictions to incorporate who is likely to perceive and act in group terms, to remain committed to the group in times of crisis† Turner (1999), Doosje Ellemers, (1999). Bar-Tal stresses conflict exists when an incompatible goal exists between two groups. The question of when incompatibility sets become important in understanding the cause of inter-ethnic or communal conflicts for instanceRead MoreComparing Erikson and Marcias Psychosocial Theory of Identity and Tajfels Social Identity Theory1766 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿ Eriksons and Marcias Psycho-social theory of Identity and Tajfels Social Identity theory Introduction of theorists: Erikson: Eriksons description of the eight stages of life has a lot of appeal, and Erikson himself was described in the early 1980s as the fifth most influential psychologist of the century (Gilgen, 1982). Much research has been done on predictions made by Eriksons theory, especially the adolescent crisis of  identify vs. role confusion. Erikson is one of the few famous

The American Outdoor Education Movement - 934 Words

Throughout my studies at Utah Valley University I have had the privilege of learning a vast amount about the history of the American outdoor education movement. Since I know so much about the American movement, I was interested in exploring the outdoor education movements in Europe. I specifically wanted to compare and contrast the differences and similarities between Europe’s movements and the exploits of Gifford Pinchot and John Muir. I focused on understanding these differences in regards to the individuals, unions, and philosophies that drove both movements. The American outdoor education movement was really spawned from the fortitude of early American conservationists. They worked to establish the National Parks movement, which has resulted in the preservation of precious land which can be admired today. Over 143 years ago the National Parks movement was formally established, and then 20 years later John Muir created the Sierra club. When examining the timeline of the early American outdoor movement, you can see how these actions led to the eventual creation of the Wildlife Refuge System by America’s first known conservationist in the White house, Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt was truly visionary with his planning of the National Parks service, but it wasn’t until the latter Roosevelt was in office with his spring of New Deal programs that we saw the modern American outdoor education movement we see today. The great depression played a large role in the United StatesShow MoreRelatedThe Alternative Philosophies Of Education1607 Words   |  7 Pagesfor mastery. Alternative Philosophies of Education Progressive approaches to early childhood education from Europe use physical activity throughout the school day to help shape intelligent and creative children. These approaches are the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia which are seen as â€Å"strong educational alternatives to traditional education and as sources of inspiration for progressive educational reform† (Edwards, 2002, p. 2). Waldorf education created by Rudolf Steiner focuses on the unityRead MoreNature Deficit Disorder1096 Words   |  5 Pagesthe importance of outdoor play for today’s children. Last Child in the Woods I. Introduction A. When was the last time you saw a child climbing a tree? B. After you listen to me today, you will hopefully encourage more outdoor play for today’s children C. Being a mother and a teacher in today’s world, I see the lack of interest by children to â€Å"go outside and play† D. First, I’ll tell you what â€Å"Nature-Deficit Disorder† is, second I’ll tell you the benefits of more outdoor exposure, third I’llRead MoreStory By Kaitlin Montgomery Photography By Baxter Miller1334 Words   |  6 PagesStory by Kaitlin Montgomery Photography by Baxter Miller *** What if your day started with YES? Yes, you can traverse the great outdoors breathing in fresh air and basking in sunlight. Yes, you can take a branch from a fallen tree. Yes, you can fasten it into a frame. Yes, you can weave pine straw together. Yes, you can combine them to make a really fantastic fort. Yes, you can open a store inside with wares we’ve made from the clay. Yes, you can now help your peers build a bank, an arcadeRead MorePatterns Of Society : The Beginnings Of An Industrial Revolution958 Words   |  4 PagesSociety Thesis: Between the 1820s and the 1850s, the American economy experienced the beginnings of an industrial revolution. 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In his eyes, school, â€Å"prevents learning rather than fosters it.† (Bickman) There are many aspects of traditional schoolingRead MorePersuasive Essay Homework1361 Words   |  6 Pages Homework has been a topic of conversation and controversy in elementary education for as long as many people can remember, the pros and cons have been argued and researched time and time again. While most professionals in the field agree that homework is needed and helpful in middle and high school grade levels, when it comes to younger grades the information strongly shows that it is a waste of time. At its core homework has two possible effects in the home. Homework can be seen as a rule overRead MoreThe Case Of Edward Bernays1520 Words   |  7 Pages(Wilcox, 2015, p. 77-78). During the 1920s, Bernays was hired by the American Tobacco Company to tap into the women’s market and get women to begin smoking cigarettes outside. According to Mostegel (2016), George W. Hill, president of the American Tobacco Company had asked Bernays, â€Å"How can we get women to smoke on the street? They re smoking indoors. But, damn it, if they spend half the time outdoors and we can get em to smoke outdoors, we ll damn near double our female market. Do something. Act!†Read MorePaper On Writing And Thinking1425 Words   |  6 Pagesa good education, they were not allowed to say anything about the politics. They were also not seen outdoors except for events that they need to attend to and also working in factories or in farms. Women had no freedom back in the days because there were restraints on what they can do in the society. In working to change the social discriminations that happened in society, women started to contemplate about their own social inequality within the government; therefore, a women’s movement was introducedRead MoreWomen During The Late 1800s1003 Words   |  5 PagesWomen in the Late 1800s In the early 1800s, women were second-class citizens. Women were expected to restrict their area of interest to the home and the family. Women were not encouraged to have a real education or pursue a professional career. Also, women were considered unequal to their husbands and all males legally and socially. The day-to day lives of men and women were quite clearly divided during the late 1800s. Woman in the late 1800s were treated inhumane because of society, class, and theirRead MoreWomen s Suffrage Movement Of The United States1341 Words   |  6 Pagesdidn’t receive any good education. When women did start to get good education, they started to get more into politics and started asking questions about why couldn’t they vote among other things. The year 1948, marked the birth of women suffrage movement when the first women’s right convention was held in Seneca Falls. The convention was organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Together with other women they declared that women should have rights in education, voting, property and more

Human Resource Management Law Fair Work Act.

Question: Discuss about the Human Resource Management Law for Fair Work Act. Answer: Introduction An Act of the Australian parliament called the Productivity Commission Act 1998 created an independent body or authority in Australia to review and advice the Australian government on various microeconomic topics and policies (McLachlan and Rosalie 2013). Thus, the Productivity Commission in Australian is the Australian governments most important review and advisory body which help the Government to implement better and sounder policies for the welfare of the Australian community in the long run (Parham and Dean 2012). The Productivity Commission has the authority and power to advice the Australian government on economic, environmental and social issues which adversely affect the Australian community. Thus, the productivity commission is like its name suggests focuses on different ways and methods of achieving productivity with an efficient economy and eventually increasing the standard of living in Australia (Bukarica, Dallas and Bukarica 2012). This essay includes the reform of the Australian employment relations and the proposal that has been made in the Commission recently and the impact of the proposal on the Commission. Background: The Productivity Commission believes that the primary source of growth in the productivity of a nation lies in the investments and decisions which the employer and the employee of the nation take (Doove and Samantha 2011). However, their investments and decisions can be regulated or altered by proper governmental policies. Proper governmental policies can change the incentives of profits which companies and individual receive, thus, the same can in return change the decisions employers and employees take to achieve these incentives. The Australian Government seeks the advice of the Productivity Commission and requests the commission to conduct a public inquiry to review and examine the workplace relations framework in Australia and suggest improvements for the same. Thus, the final report of the Productivity Commission on reform of the Australian employment relations framework was sent to the Australian Government on 30 November 2015 and was released to public and press on 21 Decembe r 2015. The said report prepared by the Productivity Commission summarizes a broad range of review and analysis of the workplace relations framework in Australia taking into consideration the current legislation, the institutes and practices which the legislation governs concerning workplace relations in Australia. The approach used by the Productivity Commission to prepare the said report was economic in nature which would help the Commission propose reforms which would help in enhancement of the overall Australian community (Forsyth and Anthony 2012). Proposal review While reviewing the workplace relationship framework in Australia, the Productivity Commission emphasize on the Fair Work Act 2009 keeping in mind and reviewing the important social and economical indicators which are necessary for the productivity, development and welfare of Australia and its community. The Fair Work Act 2009 mostly states all the rules and regulations which are necessary to be followed by an employer and an employee in maintaining employment relations. The Fair Work Act 2009 was introduced to regulate the work relation system in Australia (Peetz and David 2012). The Fair Work Act 2009 also sets minimum standard rule to be implemented by both the employer and the employee in maintaining work relationships. Thus, as the Fair Work Act 2009 stands as the supreme legislation concerning workplace relations framework in Australia, in the report submitted by Productivity Commission, many suggestions and proposal was suggested that required amendments in various sections of the Fair Work Act 2009. One of the proposal which was suggested by the Productivity Commission was to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 to clarify whether to terminate or suspend industrial action under the section 423 or section 426 of the Fair Work Act 2009, the term significant to mean important while considering the factors relevant under section 423(4) and 426(4) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fenech et al 2012). Section 423 of the Fair Work Act 2009 deals with Fair Work Commissions power to suspend or terminate protected industrial action when significant economic harm is suffered by the employers and the employees (Act, Fair Work 2009). Additionally, section 426 states the powers and authority of the Fair Work Commission to suspend and terminate the protected industrial action if a third party suffers significant economic losses. Thus, the suggestion proposed by the Productivity Commission was to created amendments which do not require the suspension and termination power of the Fair Work Commission to be dependent on the requirement that both the parties are to be harmed (Kramar and Robin 2012). Under the section 423 of the Fair Work Act 2009, any industrial action which is initiated by the employees can only be suspended or terminated b the Far Work Commission if the said action causes significant economic harm to both the employers and the employees. However, to suspend or terminate a lockout initiated by a employer, the lockout can be terminated or suspended by the Fair Work Commission with the requirement of just proving significant economic damages to the employees. Thus, the said section has caused hardships to employers making its implementation unjust and unpractical in nature (Layton et al 2013). It will be very rare phenomena that employees will engage or conduct any form of industrial action which will be adversely affecting them economically. It is practical that no individual will engage in activities that will make them suffer financial losses, thus, having a section which states that intervention from Fair Work Commission will be provided only when employer and employees suffer economic harm when an industrial action is initiated by the employees, makes the section in just which would affect the workplaces relations between the employees and the employer. It is to be noted that there are many form of industrial action like bans during work which cause huge economic harms to the employers and very little or no significant losses for the employees (Stewart and Andrew 2014). However, in the said case, the Fair Work Commission will not intervene in the matter to resolve it, but the Fair Work Commission needs to keep in mind the both economic harm of employer and employee is very rare to coincide. Thus, the Productivity Commission proposes to amend the said section which requires significant economic harm of both employer and employee, rather the harm should be important irrespective of whomever suffering the same (Cortis, Natasha and Meagher 2012). The Productivity Commission after reviewing the said section also suggested that employers in the situations which are created by section 423 and 426 of the Fair Work Act 2009 tend to engage in drastic response action by conducting serious lockouts with the intention to harm the employees and eventually terminate them (McCrystal and Shae 2010). As seen in the Schweppes case, the employer locked out his employees and subsequently applied under section 423 of the Schweppes case for termination based on the fact that his own lockout causes economic harm to employees. Thus, the above mentioned sections of the Fair Work Act 2009 promoted injustice. Additionally, actions by employers, which promoted adverse intentions on part of the employer to make employees suffer in order to overcome the injustice the said sections, created. Therefore, amendment was required in the said sections (Ellem and Bradon 2013). The Productivity Commission stated that the amendment should include significant economic suffering from either the employer or the employee for Fair Work Commission to intervene, terminate or suspend the industrial action initiated by employees. Additionally, no parties should be allowed to terminate an industrial harm based on self-suffering or self-harm (Baird et al 2012). Impacts if reform eventuates The amendments suggested by the Productivity Commission states that significant economic harm of either employer or the employees should be sufficient to permit the Fair Work Commission to intervene, terminate or suspend the industrial action initiated by the employees. Many opponents stated that the said change would minimize the capacity which employees have to initiate effective and efficient industrial action. However, the said section created injustice for an employer which was more important to resolve to enhance the employer-employee relationship in Australia. Additionally, the Productivity Commission suggested that the bar and degree of significant harm should be set high in the said proposed amendment which would leave the potential industrial actions unaffected by the amendment or the change. In this manner, justice would be accurately given to both employer and employees in Australia (Tweedie and Dale 2013). The amendment would bring additional benefits except the fact that it would eliminate injustice towards employers. The additional benefit would be that employers will not undertake to conduct or engage in strict lockouts with the intention to economically affect the employees and then to terminate them using the section 432 of the Fair Work Act 2009. The said section in its current capacity lead the employer to engage in wrongful conduct thus, the amendment proposed by the Productivity Commission would bring the employer and employee in equal footing, changing the additional benefit which the employees gain under the said section which will make the employees stop engaging in wrongful conduct to override the injustice towards them (Townsend et al 2013). Additionally, the sections mentioned above also promoted increased number of industrial actions which are brought about and then eventually suspended by the party initiating the industrial action claiming self-harm or significant economic harm to the party initiating it. This lead to increased number of industrial actions which was very easy to start and which would end easily by just proving an economic harm to oneself. The increased number of industrial action adversely affected the workplace relationship and created an unhealthy working employment which would affect the overall welfare and productivity of the company and eventually the welfare and productivity of the Australian community. Thus, the said change in the section 423 and 436 of the Fair Work Act 2009 would reduce or minimize the industrial actions for petty reasons like jealously, competition or revenge (McCrystal and Shae 2010). Therefore, implementation of the changes and amendments suggested by the Productivity Commission would enhance the overall relationship between employer and employees. This will also help in eliminating injustice from the fair Work Act 2009 statue which will eventually lead to enhancing the workplace relationships by bringing employers and employee in equal footing when it comes to industrial action initiated by employees and lockouts initiated by employers, by eliminating bringing about industrial actions and terminating the same based on grounds of self harm. By setting the degree and bar of significant harm very high would help in keeping the potential industrial action by employees unaffected by the said amendments (Forsyth and Anthony 2012). Conclusion Thus, the Productivity Commission in Australia, after reviewing very carefully suggested the recommendations, proposals and reforms which if implemented would be of great help in enhancing the Australian employment relations framework which also will help in creating good and friendly working environment in Australia eventually leading to overall development and welfare of the Australian community (Parham and Dean 2012). Reference List Act, Fair Work. "Fair Work Act."Fair Work Act 2009(2009). Baird, Marian, Sue Williamson, and Alexandra Heron. "Women, work and policy settings in Australia in 2011."Journal of Industrial Relations54, no. 3 (2012): 326-343. Bukarica, Alex, Andrew Dallas, and Alex Bukarica. 2012.Good Faith Bargaining Under The Fair Work Act 2009. Annandale, N.S.W.: Federation Press. Cortis, Natasha, and Gabrielle Meagher. "Recognition at last: Care work and the equal remuneration case."Journal of Industrial Relations54, no. 3 (2012): 377-385. Doove, Samantha. "Price Effects of Regulation: International Air Passenger Transport, Telecommunications and Electricity Supply-Productivity Commission Staff Research Paper." (2011). Ellem, Bradon. "Peak union campaigning: Fighting for rights at work in Australia."British Journal of Industrial Relations51, no. 2 (2013): 264-287. Fenech, Marianne, Miriam Giugni, and Kathryn Bown. "A critical analysis of the'national quality framework': Mobilising for a vision for children beyond minimum standards."Australasian Journal of Early Childhood37, no. 4 (2012): 5. Forsyth, Anthony. "Workplace conflict resolution in Australia: The dominance of the public dispute resolution framework and the limited role of ADR."The International Journal of Human Resource Management23, no. 3 (2012): 476-494. Kramar, Robin. "Trends in Australian human resource management: what next?."Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources50, no. 2 (2012): 133-150. Layton, Robyn, Meg Smith, and Andrew Stewart. "Equal Remuneration Under the Fair Work Act 2009." (2013). McCrystal, Shae. "The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the right to strike."Australian Journal of Labour Law23, no. 1 (2010): 3-38. McLachlan, Rosalie. "Deep and Persistent Disadvantage in Australia-Productivity Commission Staff Working Paper." (2013). Parham, Dean.Australia's productivity growth slump: Signs of crisis, adjustment or both?. Canberra: Productivity Commission, 2012. Peetz, David. "Does industrial relations policy affect productivity?."Australian Bulletin of Labour38, no. 4 (2012): 268. Stewart, Andrew.Stewart's guide to employment law. Vol. 3. Federation Press, 2014. Townsend, Keith, Adrian Wilkinson, John Burgess, and Kerry Brown. "Has Australias road to workplace partnership reached a dead end?."International Journal of Comparative Labour Law and Industrial Relations29, no. 2 (2013): 239-256. Tweedie, Dale. "Precarious work and Australian labour norms."The Economic and Labour Relations Review24, no. 3 (2013): 297-315.

The voices of silence by Bel Mooney Essay Example

The voices of silence by Bel Mooney Paper The novel The voices of silence by Bel Mooney is set in the country of Romania during the last months of the regime of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. The story is told from the viewpoint of Flora Popescy, a thirteen-year old school girl who lives with her parents Rodika and Constantin in the capital city of Bucharest. In chapters one to three we are given an immediate insight into the harshness of life under an oppressive government. Floras family lives in great poverty. We realise from Floras dream that even bananas are a delicacy, and a seven-year-old boy requested a banana for his big birthday present. Floras family lives in a twenty-story block, which was due to have new lifts fitted but as the government ran out of money they left the shafts on view. Between each block theres only rough terrain as there is no gardens or even grass. When rain falls puddles collect easily, as there is no drainage system just unfinished ground. We will write a custom essay sample on The voices of silence by Bel Mooney specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The voices of silence by Bel Mooney specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The voices of silence by Bel Mooney specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Flora describes her flat as tiny with only two rooms, a tiny kitchen and bathroom. The sofa in the flat is her parents double bed at night. It is a damp flat which was evident from Floras description of the dampness that bubbled and sprouted on the walls. Also they have an old wooden draining board which is cracked down the middle. They heat the flat with paraffin but it isnt enough to keep the flat warm. Each day at dawn they have to queue for bread and milk. Sometimes Tata would return with an old bag containing four/five apples, or bacon or just a lump of cheese, which made any of these things a real feast and by our standards shows how what a poor state they really live in. For Floras birthday it was such a treat for her to be served fresh bread and in addition she had two pieces of salami and a little strip of cheese and a fried egg. Flora had one birthday card, which was obviously appreciated because she took great care looking at the decorations the pictures and colours. Also Flora had one present rapped in the same paper their food was wrapped in, yet her mum had drawn and painted moons and stars on it. Flora had a scarf as her only present, she really appreciated it because it was an extravagance not a necessity. Daniel Ghiban had joined the school on the first day back. At lunchtime everyone crowded round him because of what he had on his sandwiches which was proper meat on soft bread and cake. On that day Floras school bag had broken again, she mentioned her mum had already mended it five times before, another example that they cant afford new possessions. Daniel Ghiban stopped to help her pick her stuff and sharpened her pencil with a real sharpener. Flora told Daniel that usually she sharpens with a knife. Daniel wore real jeans, a blue jumper with the schools badge on and trainers, he really stood out from the others because Flora described everyone in school looked the same Drab dark clothes From the opening chapters of the book we also learn a great deal about the political regime. President Ceausescu is a cruel dictator who lives in luxury, while keeping his people in poverty. In chapters two, on Floras birthday, she and her parents go into the city to look at the presidents dreadful, lavish, giant new palace, Her father Constantin seethes anger but dare not voice his opinions aloud in public. We learn very quickly that the citizens of Romania are spied on and that the government tries to control their thoughts and actions. Floras account of how the pupils chant their loyalty to Romania and the beloved president on a daily basis is evidence of the political indoctrination in school. From a early age Flora tells they learned from songs that the president was the father and his wife Elena was the mother. Some examples of characters been nervous of talking about the government are when mama tried shushing Tata from explaining why they are deprived from having certain things. Also Flora was worried when Alys called Old Ceausecu an old monster. This was evident because Flora tried shushing Alys and looking over her soldier to see if anybody had heard. Another point about this is the fact that Daniel was not supposed to tell his friends how he had managed to have decent food, he told his friends in a whisper, which later made Flora nervous of running footsteps behind her. Constantin was suspicious that Daniel had arrived unexpectedly at their flat bringing MMs for Floras birthday. Father said It was not Right because even though he was a school friend he was a stranger, adding people in Romania have to look after themselves and it wasnt normal to send presents to others unless they wanted something in return. From my reading of the novel so far, I understand life in a country like Romania must be very miserable. I think that the thing I would hate most of all would be the fact that you couldnt have any real friend or someone to trust as you have to live a life of secrecy and whispers because you never know who might be listening in on you.