What You Should Know About Gender Dysphoria

What You Should Know About Gender Dysphoria The term gender dysphoria describes a strong feeling that one’s actual gender is different from the biological sex assigned to them at birth. Gender dysphoric persons born with male genitalia and physical characteristics may strongly feel they are actually females, while those born with female genitalia and physical characteristics may strongly feel they are actually males. Dysphoria is defined as a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction. Key Takeaways: Gender Dysphoria Gender dysphoria is a strong feeling that one’s actual gender is different from the biological sex assigned at birth.Children, adolescents, and adults may experience gender dysphoria.Gender dysphoria is not a mental illness.Gender dysphoria has no bearing on a person’s sexual preference.  Gender dysphoria was called â€Å"gender identity disorder† until 2013.Due to their differences from â€Å"gender norms, dysphoric people face significant challenges to gaining equality and social acceptance.Today, there is evidence that society is becoming more accepting of gender dysphoric people.   Gender dysphoria was formerly called â€Å"gender identity disorder.† However, this suggested that gender confusion was a mental illness, which it is not. In 2013, the â€Å"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders† of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), acknowledged that gender confusion becomes a medical condition only if actually affects one’s health or well-being and renamed it gender dysphoria. It is important to understand that while gender dysphoria is a recognized medical condition, it is not a mental illness.   Examples of Gender Dysphoria Children, adolescents, and adults may experience gender dysphoria. For example, young biologic girls may prefer to wear boys’ clothing, participate in boys’ activities, and express their desire to grow up and live as men. Similarly, young biological boys may say they wish they were girls or state that they will grow up to be women. Gender dysphoric adults, feeling uncomfortable being treated by others according to the gender assigned to them by society, may adopt the behavior, clothing, and mannerisms of the gender with which they most closely identify. The Language of Gender Identity Understanding the true meaning and range of the gender dysphoria spectrum requires an understanding of some often-confused terms. For example, while they are often used interchangeably, â€Å"sex† and â€Å"gender† are not the same. According to current (2013) APA guidelines, the following definitions apply: â€Å"Sex† refers to the biological differences between males and females based strictly on internal and external sex organs and chromosomes present at birth.â€Å"Gender† refers to a person’s internal feelings of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither, according to generally accepted cultural or societal perceptions of masculinity or femininity. These personal feelings of masculinity or femininity make up one’s â€Å"gender identity.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Transgender† refers to persons whose sense of gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth. For example, someone whose biological sex is male (has a penis) but who feels like a woman is a transgender. Transgender people often have a feeling that they were â€Å"born in the wrong body.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Transsexual† refers to gender dysphoric persons whose feelings of opposite-gender identity are so powerful that they take steps to assume the characteristics and gender-based roles o f persons of the opposite sex. Transsexual persons may seek medical assistance- such as hormone replacement therapy or gender- reassignment surgery- to effectively change their physical appearance or gender. â€Å"Gender Queer† refers to individuals whose gender identity and sometimes sexual orientation shift throughout their lifetimes.â€Å"Gender Fluid† applies to persons who embrace different gender identities at different times.â€Å"A-gendered† literally means â€Å"without gender,† and applies to people who identify as being of no gender at all.â€Å"Cis-gender† describes persons whose gender identity or sexual expression aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender Dysphoria and Sexuality Many people incorrectly associate gender dysphoria with same sex attraction, assuming that all transgender persons are gay. This is a dangerous and potentially harmful misconception. People with gender dysphoria typically live as straight, gay, or bisexual, exactly like those whose gender identity aligns with their biological sex. Basically, gender dysphoria has no bearing on a person’s sexuality. Brief History of Gender Dysphoria Descriptions of gender dysphoria’s feelings of discomfort with one’s anatomical sex first appeared in medical literature during the middle of the 19th century. Until the 1950s, gender nonconformity and same-sex relationships were almost universally considered to be socially objectionable forms of perversion. This negative perception began to change in late 1952 when Christine Jà ¸rgensen famously became the first American to undergo gender-reassignment surgery. After her secret surgery became known, she became one of the earliest advocates for the rights of transgender people. In 1957, sexologist John William Money created and advocated for the concept of gender as a separate entity from sex. As a result of Money’s research, the feeling of confusion between anatomical sex and gender identity was classified as a form of mental illness called â€Å"gender identity disorder† by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1980.  This terminology contributed to the stigmatization and discrimination still experienced by transgender and gender-fluid individuals today. Finally, in 2013, the APA recognized that â€Å"gender nonconformity is not in itself a mental disorder,† and reclassified â€Å"gender identity disorder† as â€Å"gender dysphoria,† which becomes a medical condition only if it results in actual mental or physical harm. Despite this turning point in understanding on the part of the medical community, transgender people continue to face significant challenges in gaining equality and social acceptance. Gender Dysphoria in Modern Society Today as always, society places great importance on gender norms- the â€Å"socially-acceptable† ways of expressing gender and sexuality. Gender norms are passed from generation-to-generation by parents, teachers, friends, spiritual leaders, the media, and other social institutions. Despite recent signs of better acceptance, such as legally-required transgender public bathrooms and gender-neutral college dorm rooms, many gender dysphoric persons continue to suffer as a result of their feelings. According to the APA, physicians typically require that transsexual or transgender persons seeking hormone therapy or gender-reassignment surgery must first be examined and referred by a mental health provider. Research conducted by the University of California in 2012, found that the rejection by the straight community experienced by transgender and transsexual people is actually significantly harsher than that experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. In addition, a study conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network in 2009 found that transgender and transsexual students face much higher levels of on-campus harassment and violence than LGB students. Perhaps most significantly, a 2011 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine concluded that the marginalization of gender dysphoric people by society is having a devastating effect on their physical and mental health. For example, the study found substantially higher rates of substance abuse, attempted suicide and HIV infection, and other medical problems in transgender and transsexual persons than those occurring in the general population. Evidence of Change Today, there are important signs that a more hopeful era of understanding and acceptance for gender dysphoric people is at hand. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has banned all forms of discrimination against or harassment of individuals in the workplace because of their gender identity, including transgender status or sexual orientation. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense now allows transgender, as well as gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly in all branches of the military. More clinical studies are exploring treatment techniques for transgender people who seek it, as well as ways to prevent discrimination and harassment. Finally, a growing number of universities are joining institutions like Brown, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale in offering health insurance plans that include coverage for hormone therapy or gender-reassignment surgery for transgender students, faculty, and staff. Sources Understanding Gender. GenderSpectrum.org. OnlineWeiss, Robert, LCSW. Heterosexual, Homosexual, Bisexual, Gender Dysphoric. Psychology Today. OnlineWhat Is Gender Dysphoria? American Psychiatric Association. OnlineZasshi, Seishin Shinkeigaku, 2012. The history of the concept of gender identity disorder. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of HealthNorton, Aaron T. Herek, Gregory M. â€Å"Heterosexuals’ Attitudes Toward Transgender People: Findings from a National Probability Sample of U.S. Adults.† Psychology Department, University of California, Davis. January 10, 2012The 2009 National School Climate Survey. Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. ISBN 978-193409205-7The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding. Institute of Medicine. ISBN 978-0-309-21061-4

Exploring Employee Motivation at Bureau Veritas Dissertation

Exploring Employee Motivation at Bureau Veritas - Dissertation Example These studies were carried out over a period of nine years (i.e. from 1924 to 1932) by Elton Mayo (Dickson 1973). The Hawthorne studies found that monetary benefits are not the only factor to motivate employees working in an organization. In fact, employees are also in search of other attributes related to their jobs which in turn shape their behavior and develop an attitude towards work. In addition to this, the Hawthorne studies also initiated the examination of relationship between employees and management by way of developing a human relations approach to management. In this particular regard, the studies explained how the needs and motivational factors for employees are regarded as the major focus for management of an organization (Bedeian 1993). After the conduct of the Hawthorne studies and since the results of the studies were made public, a number of researchers focused on to develop understanding as to what motivate employees and how their motivation levels can be evaluated (Terpstra 1979). In this regard, there were many theoretical models developed amongst which major works included Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory, Victor Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, Adam’s Equity Theory and Skinner’s Reinforcement Theory (Lindner 1998). 1.2. Definition of Motivation While defining motivation, a number of contemporary authors have given their explanation of the concept. Following are the definitions of motivation given by different authors: The psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction (Kreitner 1995) A predisposition to behave in a purposive manner to achieve specific, unmet needs (Buford, Bedeian and Lindner 1995) An internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need and the will to achieve (Higgins 1994, Bedeian 1993) Employee motivation is deemed to be important for the survival of the whole organization (Smith 1994). In the modern business world of today, where requirements of the organ izations, consumers and employers change continuously, it is extremely important that employees are motivated enough to cope up and follow these changes in the surrounding environment. Apart from the fact that motivation is important in making employees to be adaptable to changes and work towards the survival of the organization, it also helps in improving the productivity of employees. In this regard, it is very a matter of extreme significance that the management of an organization understands the factors which are responsible for improving motivational levels among employees. The importance of knowing motivational factors for employees for managers is also required to be considered because of all the responsibilities and duties of management, motivating employees is placed among the top priority tasks and is also regarded as a complicated and tough task for managers; as motivation levels for employees are prone to consistent changes (Bowen and Radhakrishna 1991). As for instance, researchers in the past have agreed that after becoming satisfied from the financial incentives and

Masco Corporations Strategic Planning Case Study

Masco Corporations Strategic Planning - Case Study Example The company has successfully developed its product lines for faucets by establishing faucet manufacturing units with advanced business model. In 1986, Masco Corporation developed its vision statement, which reflected its desire to become "Procter & Gamble of consumer durables" (Harvard Business School, 1998). The very vision statement has propelled the company to diversify its business into other consumer durable goods. Alongside, the company has also extended its tentacles to enter the market of oil-field equipments, drilling tools and transport related products like gear shift levers, engine exhaust system etc. The company has even restructured its organizational structure and implemented other methods to reduce its overall cost of production. However, the primary obligation of the company is to enhance its research & development, and manufacturing ability so that the above stated concerns are addressed to. For acquiring technological breakthrough, the company has entered into contracts with research firms like MTI. For optimising the productivity of each manufacturing division, the company has developed formal organiza tional chart aimed at facilitating communication and exchange. In order to reduce the cost associated with its R&D various cost reduction programs were undertaken. This coupled with innovative working procedures and methodologies have helped the company to produce high quality innovative products at a lower cost. Masco's resources The resources of Masco Corporation can be categorized into two types i.e. tangible and intangible. Since its inception, the company has been constructing its manufacturing units in numerous locations that produce a wide range of consumer durable products. This attest the fact that the company is well equipped with necessary plants, machineries, inventories etc. Its intangible resources include its expertise in metalworking. The company has a sound experience in technology, driven by proficient technicians that constantly strive to design and create new products. With its existing resources, Masco can easily enter the $14 billion household furniture industry. The company has already curved out a niche in the mind of its customers by virtue of its quality products. Hence it is expected that the products manufactured by the company will find a ready acceptance. Another vital resource of the company is its high profitability. The company can use its retain-earnings for investments purposes in the furniture industry. Masco's Strategy for entering the furniture industry Before entering the furniture industry, Masco Corporation must implement only those strategies that match with the organizational structure and compatibility. It is of paramount importance for the company to analyze the internal and external factors. The internal factors include the strength and weaknesses of the country whereas the external factors include Porter's five forces of competition and macro-environmental factors like economy, demography, legal etc. Only when the company has successfully scanned these factors, it will develop its strategy focusing on particular areas.

Promotion of Liberal values by states Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Promotion of Liberal values by states - Essay Example Further it also presents the idea that the spread of liberalism will not necessarily result in shape of complete peace and prosperity in the world. In order to understand the prescribed role of the liberal states by the Liberalism theory it is important to understand the theory. "Liberalism is an ideology, philosophy, and political tradition that holds liberty as the primary political value. Broadly speaking, liberalism seeks a society characterized by freedom of thought for individuals, limitations on power, especially of government and religion, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market economy that supports relatively free private enterprise, and a transparent system of government in which the rights of minorities are guaranteed. In modern society, liberals favor a liberal democracy with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law and an equal opportunity to succeed." (Wikipedia, 2006) The essential characteristic of the liberal theory of the state is the doctrine of jurisdiction. The liberalism theory emphasizes on the limited area of power and authority for the state. Liberalism provides specified boundaries to the state beyond which the state cannot trespass. The principle of the limited power of state is the characteristic, which signifies the theory of Liberalism from Socialism in which the power of state is unlimited and Anarchists, according to whom the state does not have any significance. According to the neo socialist theory the most important factor is the economic efficiency rather than that of individual liberty and limited government. In order to undertake a discussion of the extent to which the use of power in the spreading the Liberal values is justified we will analyze the principles of Liberalism. The first and the foremost important principle of liberal theory are that the state is not superior to all the institutions. In fact state is also a social institution as other social institutions. All the institutions related to the specified field have relatively more power concerning the field as compare to other institutions. State has its own limitations and boundaries. It has to act in those boundaries. (Cooray) War has remained an issue of concern for most of the countries and nations. The formation of the international institutions such as League of Nations and the UN is the part of efforts of the nations towards establishing peace in the world. But still the notion of war is present in shape of the process of fighting terrorism and intervention to establish democracies. In case of the attack of U.S and its allies at Iraq and the refusal of the United States to follow the suggestion of United Nations to resolve the matter through peaceful talks, denies the first role of the superiority of the institutions on the state. United States used her economic dominance and military superiority in the world to make all the countries, including its enemies and allies to support the decision of war against Iraq through using force. "The second principle of the liberal theory of the state is that the state ought to respect the fault principle." (Cooray) According to the fault principle the state cannot punish an individual or cause him any harm with

The Treaty of Waitangi and Healthcare

The Treaty of Waitangi and Healthcare Realities and Maori Models of Health New Zealanders has major ethnicities than any other parts of the world, comprising over 213 ethnic groups. Five major ethnic groups in New Zealand comprise New Zealand European, Maori, Chinese, Samoan and Indian (NZ Herald, 2013). And of all ethnic groups, Maori has been documented as having the poorest health status in New Zealand even after the regulation of factors like income, residence and education. This health status is the result from their negative experiences from colonization processes that resulted in the loss of their cultural beliefs, practices and even their Maori language. As Ramsden, Irihapiti has stated: Maori have until recently been passive consumers of a health service that they have had little input into. As yet Maori have little control over funding, policy and delivery of health service in the State sector. Many Maori would argue that this situation is in contravention of the promise of the second article to protect the â€Å"unqualified exercise of Maori chieftainship†¦over lands, villages, and all their treasures†. [1] Tino rangatiratanga guarantee has not been realised while Maori cannot gain autonomy in health service and become accountable to Maori.[2] The Ministry of Health documents [3]has revealed the seriousness of the matter and the need to address the inequalities and disparities of health as what Hon. Annette King has stated: The Government has acknowledged the importance of prioritizing Maori health gain and development by identifying a need to reduce and eventually eliminate health inequalities that negatively affect Maori.[4] As health care providers, it is our utmost responsibility to respond to Maori’s health issues in respect to the diversity of worldviews that may exist in between us. To fully understand Maori health promotion, it is best to examine these key models that have been developed and currently used. Maori view health in a holistic way. Each of these models is interlinked and highlights the links in between the physical, spiritual, individual and most importantly, the family. Te Whare Tapa Wha Te Whare Tapa Wha is also known as â€Å"four cornerstones or sides of Maori health†. These four cornerstones includes the: Taha tinana or Physical Health – from the word itself, it refers to the body and its physical manifestation. Taha Wairua or Spiritual Health – Maori believed that the spiritual essence of the individual is their life force and therefore is essential in the identification of an individual as a whole. Taha whanau or Family Health – it details the importance of family on the well-being of the individual. Taha hinengaro or Mental Health – refers to the relevance of the mind and the ability to communicate, think and feel. This model expresses the relevance of balance that if one of these elements fails can lead to illness. It was developed by Mason Durie in 1982 because the spiritual element of health was discarded which has become an important in the prevailing health models. Te Pae Mahutonga or Southern Cross Star Constellation This model brings together the elements of modern Maori health promotion. These key elements highlight the linkages in between Mauriora (cultural identity), Waiora (physical environment), Toiora (healthy lifestyles) and Te Oranga (Participation in society). The two pointers symbolize NgÄ  Manukura(community leadership) andTe Mana Whakahaere(autonomy) which depicts the resources needed to achieve those outcomes. It has been currently used around New Zealand to create a positive change regardless of ethnicities or culture. Te Wheke Te Wheke or the octopus depicts family health. The octopus head represent te whanau (the family), octopus eyes as waiora (family and individual’s total well-being) and the tentacles representing specific dimension of health which are interwoven representing closeness of these tentacles. Maori acknowledges importance of interconnectedness in between the mind, spirit, whanau and physical and has always been even after the introduction of Western medicine. He Po Oranga Tangata Whenua This model has been developed to ensure the traditional tangata whenua (people of the land) values, knowledge and institutions are recognized as key indicators of toiora: optimum health and well-being. It attempts to make a wider connection between wider health and social determinants like housing, employment, education, resources and language. This model is now being applied in the Bay of Plenty District Health Board. All of these models will help shed light on Maori’s views of health and well-being in the hope of greater appreciation to them and be put into works by the professionals working in the health sector. MANAAKITANGA Loosely translated as â€Å"hospitality†, manaakitanga plays an integral part in Maori society. It is derived from the word â€Å"mana† or the person’s ability to care. It derives respect that is earned and cannot be forced to any individual. Being hospitable, looking after visitors and caring for them regardless of their status is of great importance to them. But manaakitanga has a much broader definition than just a word or direct translation. It can be broken down into 3 parts: mana-a-ki which means â€Å"power of the word† which motions them to be expressive and articulate in welcoming visitors. There is another explanation with the words â€Å"mana† or prestige, â€Å"ki te tangata† or to the people – which gives the importance of mana that contains the integrity, prestige and power of guests. Manaakitanga not only encompasses hospitality but also on mutual respect. It acknowledges others’ mana as having equal or greater th an their own which can be seen in the form of love, generosity, as well as hospitality. They also believed that in any gathering, small than it may seem, it should be remembered with gratitude and affection. They welcome settlers with open arms as they often trade and give foods to them. Some of them brought individuals into their marae or meeting place where they become members of whanau/family, hapu/sub-tribe and iwi/tribe. Manaakitanga, in short sense, is about cultivating relationships, looking after one another and being careful as to how others are treated regardless of their status in the society. It is applicable not only to the Maori but also in any ethnic group. In any health care setting, it is important that we all treat each other with respect. It can boost one’s esteem knowing you are valued. In this way will we be able to build rapport and partnership not only to the patients but as well as their families, thereby, improve the health status of not only the Maori but also to the entire ethnic group. References Manning, B. (2013, December 11). Census 2013: More ethnicities than the worlds countries National NZ Herald News. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1objectid=11170288 Media Resources. (n.d.). Manaakitanga – unique New Zealand hospitality > New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.newzealand.com/travel/en/media/features/maori-culture/maori-culture_manaakitanga-hospitality.cfm Nursing Council of New Zealand. (2002, March). Guidelines for Cultural Safety, the Treaty of Waitangi, and Maori health in Nursing and Midwifery Education and Practice. Retrieved from http://www.sportsouthland.co.nz/files/docs/culturalsafety nurses.pdf Whanau Ora News. (2013, November 11). MÄ ori Models of Health Wellbeing | Te Arawa WhÄ nau Ora Collective. Retrieved from http://tearawawhanauora.org.nz/2013/11/maori-models-of-health-wellbeing/ [1] Kawharu, I. (Ed). (1989). Waitangi: Maori and Pakeha perspectives of the Treaty of Waitangi. Auckland, NZ: Oxford University Press. 2 Ramsden, I. (1996). The Treaty of Waitangi and cultural safety: The role of the Treaty in nursing and  midwifery education in Aotearoa. In Nursing Council of New Zealand, Guidelines for cultural safety in  nursing and midwifery education. Wellington, NZ: NCNZ. [2] [3] Social Inequalities in Health, New Zealand (1999), the New Zealand Health Strategy (December  2000) and Priorities for Maori and Pacific Health: Evidence from epidemiology (2001) [4] King, A. (2001). New Zealand Health Strategy. Wellington, NZ, Ministry of Health. p.18

America Needs an Alternative to Prison :: Argument Argumentative

America Needs an Alternative to Prison America's prisons have been called "graduate schools for crime." It stands to reason: Take a group of people, strip them of possessions and privacy, expose them to constant threats of violence, overcrowd their cell- block, deprive them of meaningful work, and the result is an embittered underclass more intent on getting even with society than contributing to it. Prisons take the nonviolent offender and make him live by violence. They take the nonviolent offender and make him a hardened killer. America has to wake up and realize that the current structure of our penal system is failing terribly. The government has to devise new ways to punish the guilty, and still manage to keep American citizens satisfied that our prison system is still effective. Americans pay a great deal for prisons to fail so badly. Like all big government solutions, they are expensive. In the course of my studies dealing with the criminal justice system, I have learned that the government spends approximately eighty-thousand dollars to build one cell, and $28,000 per year to keep a prisoner locked up. That's about the same as the cost of sending a student to Harvard. Because of overcrowding, it is estimated that more than ten-billion dollars in construction is needed to create sufficient space for just the current prison population. The plain truth is that the very nature of prison, no matter how humane society attempts to make it, produces an environment that is inevitably devastating to its residents. Even if their release is delayed by longer sentences, those residents inevitably return to damage the community, and we are paying top dollar to make this possible. Why should tax payers be forced to pay amounts to keep nonviolent criminals sitting in prison cells where they become bitter and more likely to repeat their offenses when they are released? Instead, why not put them to work outside prison where they could pay back the victims of their crimes? The government should initiate work programs; where the criminal is given a job and must relinquish his or her earnings to the victim of their crime until the mental and physical damages of their victims are sufficed. A court will determine how much money the criminal will have to pay for his restitution costs, and what job the criminal will have to do to pay back that restitution. The most obvious benefit of this approach is that it takes care of the victim, the forgotten person in the current system.

Child’s behavior Essay

Action speaks louder than words, the adage goes. The same applies for child rearing, specifically in setting a child’s behavior. Verbal admonitions, advices, and instructions are important to make it obvious to the child what the parent expects him to follow and do. Words specifically define the desired behavior parents want from their children. However, children are easily distracted, especially with long sentences, so that while talking to them, their attention or their mind strays from grasping every word thus deterring understanding. Another, words oftentimes have ambiguous meanings to the child so that the latter might not â€Å"get it† in spite of having been told. Actions leave more imprints into a child’s memory compared to words because actions explain more than words could express. Usually, when a parent verbalizes an instruction, he accompanies it with action. This is because the more senses are involved during the comprehension process, the better and more lasting the comprehension. Actions involve more senses. They engage the child more into the character-building process because they do not just hear; they also see it in action through their parents. Furthermore, when the parents’ behavior contradicts with what they say, it confuses the child and might diminish the parent’s trustworthiness and authority in the eyes of the child. Children imitate grown-ups a lot during their formative years since they still have to develop their own individual personalities and judgments. Children tend to think that whatever their parents do are always the right things. After all, in their yet young lives, parents have been doing a lot of things for them, feeding them, taking care of them, dressing them, etc. By doing the right and proper actions, therefore, the child would confidently follow—with this knowledge that whatever their parents might be doing could be right.