Monday, January 27, 2020

Environmental Noise Management Plan

Environmental Noise Management Plan Environmental Noise Management Plan for a proposed Outdoor Music Event University of Derby Online Learning, University of Derby, UK Iwona Typek- Ryszka 100381110 This Noise Management Plan has been completed to regulate the potential noise issue during proposed three days outdoor music event. The objective of this plan is to provide control measures to prevent noise impact on the local residents during the event and to ensure that balance is achieved between providing good entertainment and controlling potential adverse effect of noise pollution. (Legislation.gov.uk, 1996) 2.1. Site details The outdoor music festival is intended to operate over a 3-day weekend period and it will be held at the Hainault Forest Country Park, Romford Rd, Chigwell, London IG7 4QL. Live music is proposed to be performed from the main stage and the secondary stage. There also will be two Dub music marquees. 2.2. Operational hours The following operational hours are understood to be representative for main and acoustic stages over the entire duration of the festival: Main and secondary stages will play live music on: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 23:00. The two marquee tents will play dub music on: Friday and Saturday from 12.00hrs to 02.00hrs Sunday from 12.00hrs to 24.00hrs. 2.3. Additional venues Additional venues will be available for guests: Adjacent camping area capable of holding up to 200 tents Onsite bar and refreshments area Car park area capable of holding up to 500 cars 3.1. The maximum Music Noise Level for main and secondary stages with live music The usual noise level for outdoor festival has been described as energy averaging (LAeq,T) 98 decibels (dB) measured at the concert mixer position about 40m from the main loudspeaker and at a height of 10m to 15m in the audience area (Colthurst and Fisher, 2011). Organisers will set the maximum noise level to (LAeq,T) 95 decibels (dB) to allow margin for error. This must not be exceed over 15-minute period during the entire event (Sound Solution Consultants Ltd, 2010). Maximum Noise Level set in The Code of Practice are shown in table 3.1.1. This guidance is set for events which finish before 23:00h. For events carry on beyond 23:00h, guidance recommendation is that the music noise should not be audible within noise-sensitive premises with windows open in a typical manner for ventilation (Noise Council, 1995 p.7). Reggae festival will more likely fit into category other urban or rural venues so a 15 minute Leq of 65 dB(A) is the guideline limit. Concert Days/Calendar Year/Venue Venue Category Guideline 1 to 3 Urban Stadia or Arenas The MNL should not exceed 75 dB(A) over a 15 minute period 1 to 3 Other Urban and Rural Venues The MNL should not exceed 65 dB(A) over a 15 minute period 4 to 12 All Venues The MNL should not exceed the background noise level by more than 15 dB(A) over a 15 minute period *dB(A) the A-weighted sound pressure level weighted to reflect the way the human ear responds to different frequencies (Noise Council, 1995). Table 1. The maximum Music Noise Level (MNL) where the MNL is expressed as a Leq (Adapted from the Noise Council, 1995 p.6). 3.2. The maximum Music Noise Level for the noise sensitive areas The World Health Organisations (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise document says that for outdoor living area noise levels of 55 dB LAeq cause serious annoyance during daytime and evening. The noise levels of 45dB LAeq (measured from outside) cause sleep disturbance to residence. The Guidelines recommends an internal LAeq of 30dB for optimal sleep conditions (and no more than 35dB for internal rooms during daytime). Organisers will set maximum noise level to 45dB LAeq (measured from outside) for operational hours of 12:00- 23:00 and 30dB LAeq (measured from outside) for event which carry on beyond 23:00. 4.1. Characteristic of reggae music The drums and bass guitar play significant role in reggae music and attention is drawn to low frequencies (En.wikipedia.org, 2017). This type of noise will travel substantially further, and it can easily pass through the barriers and structures. (Colthurst and Fisher, 2011). 4.2. Local Geography and Topography Hainault Forest Country Park is large park located in Greater London, which combines woodland and open space. This is a rural area and is relatively flat (Redbridge.gov.uk, 2017).The festival is planned on the open field which allows sound to travel without interference (Everest and Pohlmann, 2009). 4.3. Noise sensitive areas The closest noise sensitive receptors to the proposed festival site are summarised below: Receptor 1 Properties located at Lambourne End, approximately 1.33 km to the north of the proposed festival venue. Receptor 2 Properties located at Chingwell Row, approximately 1.45km to the west of the proposed festival venue. Receptor 3 Newly built housing development located behind a golf club, approximately 1.3 km to the south of the proposed festival venue. Receptor 4 Houses located alongside Romford Rd. approximately 1.3km to the south-west of the proposed festival venue. Picture 1. Location of noise sensitive areas 4.4. Noise Sources Main noise sources for the reggae festival have been identified as follow: Amplified music (recorded and live) Sound systems Sound checks Car parking and camping and bar area Departing patron noise The build and break down 4.5. Noise controls put before the event 4.5.1. Background Noise Survey The background noise, also known as ambient noise is defined as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic and from sites of industrial activity (The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, 2002). There is no doubt that large music events may cause disturbance to local neighbourhood due to high powered amplification involved. Therefore there is a need to complete a background noise survey before the event, to predict noise emission levels, and to ensure the health and welfare of those who live nearby is maintained (Noise Council, 1995). Background noise survey will be undertaken end of April 2017 to determine background noise level at the mixer location and in the noise sensitive areas. Weather will be taken into account, as wind speed and direction or temperature may influence the transmission of sound. (Colthurst and Fisher, 2011). 4.5.2. Acoustic consultant Fully qualified and registered acoustic consultant will be employed by festival organisers to help with event planning, to complete noise survey and monitor noise levels throughout the event. (Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events, 2012, p.16) 4.5.3. Communication arrangements The communication network between the team members involved in noise monitoring will be established via handheld radios (Noise Council, 1995 p. 11). There will be hot line step up where local residents could use to complain about noise level. The hotline will be open for whole duration of the event. All complaints will be logged, investigated and remedial action will be taken. Log will be kept to demonstrate compliance (Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events, 2012, p.17) 4.5.4. Public relations 3 months before the event, first briefing note will be delivered to the noise sensitive premises, informing neighbours that the concerts will take place and advising them about the precautions taken to minimise noise impact. The second note will be delivered to the residents no later than 2 weeks before the event. This note will remind them about the festival, asking for their tolerance and providing a telephone number for the noise complaint hot-line where someone responsible can be contacted in case of any problems. (Noise From Open Air Events Guidance for Applicants, 2014, p. 10) 4.5.5. Sound preparation tests and set ups Sound propagation tests will be carried out at the day of the event to ensure that sound levels are correct and meet the targets. (Noise From Open Air Events Guidance for Applicants, 2014, p. 10) The weather condition on the days of the event also will be taken to consideration and level of noise will be correctly adjusted to meet specified criteria. To avoid unnecessary disturbances to the local residents, sound propagation tests will be carried out no earlier than at 10am. (Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events, 2012, p.12) 4.5.6. Sound system Circuit speakers system will be adopted for the main event stage. This system will help minimise noise level by positioning several low powered speakers around the audience. The system will be used instead of two large banks of speakers on either side of the stage. (Noise From Open Air Events Guidance for Applicants, 2014, p. 8) Loudspeakers will be positioned away from the noise sensitive areas properties in Chigwell Row and development near Romford Rd (Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events, 2012, p.13). Loudspeakers will be directed onto the area where audience will be, to avoid over-spill into the surrounding area (Soundadvice.info, 2017). The roof will be placed on the main and secondary stages to help to decrease the noise exposure outside the stage (Asselineaut et al., 2010). There will be no speakers positioned outside of two Dub Shacks and speakers located inside the tents will be positioned downwards, away from any doors. Several small speakers will installed to ensure an even distribution of sound (Sound Licensing Limited, 2015). Sound engineer will be strictly responsible for controlling the low frequency level of the music (bass) as its causes the most nuisance to local residents (Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events, 2012, p.12). 4.5.7. Rules for car park, comping area, bar and refreshment area The car park and the camping areas will be strictly monitored during and after licensable hours to avoid any unnecessary noise e.g. recorded and live music. Use of Portable PA systems and car stereos will be strictly prohibited in the car park and camping site. Patrons will be informed about this rule before entry to the site and on entrance to the site. This will be communicated via clear signage and through Terms and Conditions of use of both car park and camp site. If there will be a breach of this condition, the equipment will be confiscated and if there will be repeatable offence, the offenders will be removed from the site. The active patrols will be taking place during and after licensable hours and logbook will be kept to demonstrate compliance (One Love Management, 2015, p16, p.28). Bar and refreshment area will be monitored by Designated Premises supervisor. Bar will be closed at 22.30pm to ensure party will not carry on after licensable hours of event (One Love Management, 2015, p.12). 4.5.8. Traffic Management Road traffic noise is one of the main sources affecting sleep and causing annoyance (Ohrstrom et al., 2006). There is only one road leading from the festival venue to the main road. This road will serve as an access to the venue. To keep traffic to minimum organiser will encourage guests to use alternative methods of transports e.g. trains, buses or car share. There will be dedicated traffic management team in place to ensure that parking is done efficiently and without unnecessary disturbance to local residents (One Love Management, 2015, p.16). The unnecessary use of horns and use of heavy vehicles at night time will be also forbidden (WHO, 1999). 5.1. Monitoring noise level Monitoring of noise levels will be in place during licensable hours, and sound checks will be completed daily for the duration of the event. Those measurements will be completed at following locations: mixer position, stage, Dab Shacks and noise sensitive locations (Lets Rock London, 2015). Fixed sound level monitoring device will be used at the mixer position (Lets Rock London, 2015) and sound limiter device will be installed inside Dub Shacks to ensure that agreed limits are not exceeded (Sound Licensing Limited, 2015). The mobile sound level monitoring device will be used to measure sound level for each of new act performs on the stage. The remote sound level monitoring device will be set up at least one of the Noise Sensitive Locations and this device will be configured to record the sound levels for the duration of the event. There will be system put in place to alert the responsible person if any levels are exceeded. (Lets Rock London, 2015) 5.2. After the event All the results of the noise monitoring completed during the event will be kept and send to the Local Authority after the event, along with any complaints received, with documented corrective actions taken (Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events, 2012, p.17). The aim of the noise management plan is to address all noise related challenges and ensure that there is balance maintained between the needs of the event organisers and the local residents. The actions have been taken to reduce and manage the noise impact on the surrounding area and to ensure great entertainment for patrons. Asselineau, M., and Serra, M (2010) Music and outdoors: are they meant to work together?. Proceedings of 20th International Congress on Acoustics, ICA. Sydney; pp.1-7. Code of Practice and Guidance Notes on Noise Control for Concerts and Outdoor Events. (2012). Bath, p.12-17 Colthurst, A., and Fisher, S (2011) Noise and Vibration. Cited in: Battersby, S. Clays Handbook of Environmental Health. 20th Edition. Spon Press. London and New York. Ebook. En.wikipedia.org. (2017). Reggae. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggae [Accessed 12 Mar. 2017]. Everset, F. A., and Pohlmann, K. C (2009) Master Handbook of Acoustics. 5th Edition. Mc Grow Hill. London. Ebook. Legislation.gov.uk. (1996). Noise Act 1996. [online] Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/37/crossheading/summary-procedure-for-dealing-with-noise-at-night [Accessed 12 Mar. 2017]. Lets Rock London. (2015). Lets Rock London 2016 Noise Management Plan. Noise from Open Air Events Guidance for Applicants. (2014). Portsmouth: Portsmouth City Council, p.8-10 Ohrstrom, E., Skanberd, A., Sevensson, H., and Gidlof-Gunnarsson, A (2006) Effect of road traffic noise and the benefit of access to quietness. Journal of Sound and Vibration 295(1/2); pp. 40-59. One Love Management, (2015). One Love Festival Appendix 2. EVENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN. Basingstoke: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, pp.12- 28. Redbridge.gov.uk. (2017). Redbridge Hainault Forest Country Park. [online] Available at: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-the-arts/parks/hainault-forest-country-park/ [Accessed 12 Mar. 2017]. Sound Solution Consultants Ltd, (2010). The Black Horse Festival Noise Impact Assessment TECHNICAL REPORT. Rother: Rother District Council. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (2002) Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Official Journal of the European Communities. L 189; pp. 12-25. The Noise Council (1995) Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts, London, The Noise Council. World Health Organisation (1999) Guidelines for Community, Geneva. Sound Licensing Limited, (2015). NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT 3 CROYDON LANE SM7 3AS.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Hunters: Moonsong Chapter Twenty-One

â€Å"What's taking so long?† Bonnie asked, bouncing on the bal s of her feet. â€Å"Stop being so hyper,† Meredith said absently, craning her neck to see over the crowd outside McAl ister. There was some kind of bottleneck by the entrance to the dorm that was slowing everyone down. She shivered in her thin top; it was starting to get cold at night. â€Å"Security's at the door,† Bonnie said as they got closer to the entrance. â€Å"Are they carding people to get in?† Her voice was shril with outrage. â€Å"They're just checking that you have a student ID,† someone in the crowd told her, â€Å"to make sure you're not a crazed kil er from off campus.† â€Å"Yeah,† his friend said. â€Å"Only on-campus kil ers al owed.† A couple of people laughed nervously. Bonnie fel silent, biting her lip, and Meredith shivered again, this time for reasons that had nothing to do with the cold. When they final y got to the front of the line, the security guards glanced quickly at their IDs and waved them through. Inside, it was crowded and music was pumping, but no one real y seemed to be in a partying mood. People stood in smal groups, talking in undertones and glancing around nervously. The presence of the security guards had reminded everyone of the danger lurking unseen on campus. Anyone could be responsible, even someone in the room at that very moment. As she thought about that, Meredith's view of the room shifted, the other students around her changing from innocent to sinister. That curly-headed frat boy in the corner – was he eyeing his pretty companion with something more than simple lust? The faces of strangers twisted viciously, and Meredith took a deep breath, calming herself until everyone looked normal again. Samantha was coming toward her, a red plastic cup in her hand. â€Å"Here,† she said, handing Meredith a soda. â€Å"Everyone's on edge tonight, it's creepy. We'd better stay alert and not drink,† she said, already on the same wavelength as Meredith. Bonnie squeezed Meredith's arm in fareWelland took off into the crowd to look for Zander. Meredith sipped her drink and warily eyed the strangers surrounding her. Despite the general malaise hanging over the party, some people were so wrapped up in each other that they were managing to have a good time anyway. She watched a couple kiss, as ful y focused on each other as if there was no one else in the world who mattered. They weren't worrying about the attacks and disappearances on campus, and Meredith found herself feeling a sharp pang of envy. She missed Alaric, missed him with a bone-deep longing that stayed with her, even when she wasn't consciously thinking about him. â€Å"The kil er could be right here at this party,† Samantha said unhappily. â€Å"Shouldn't we be able to sense something? How can we protect anyone if we don't know who we're up against?† â€Å"I know,† said Meredith. The crowd parted, and she saw a face she hadn't expected: Stefan, leaning against the far wal . His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he glanced past her with a hopeful half smile already forming on his lips. Poor guy. No matter what Meredith thought about Elena's decision to take a break – and, for the record, Meredith thought that Elena was doing the right thing; her entanglement with both Salvatore brothers meant that they had al been heading for trouble – she couldn't help pitying him. Stefan had the look of someone who was experiencing the same sharp pang of loneliness and desire as Meredith did when she thought of Alaric. It must be worse for him, because Elena was so close and because she chose to separate herself from him against his wishes. â€Å"Excuse me for a second,† she said to Samantha, and went to Stefan. He greeted her politely and asked about her classes and her hunter training, although she could tel that he was burning to talk about Elena. He had such good manners, always. â€Å"She's not here yet, but she's definitely coming,† she told him, interrupting one of his pleasantries. â€Å"She had something to do first.† His face bloomed into a smile of grateful relief, and then he frowned. â€Å"Elena's coming here alone?† he asked. â€Å"After al the attacks?† â€Å"No,† Meredith reassured him. She hadn't thought of this, and she didn't think she should tel him Elena was with Damon. â€Å"She's with other people,† she settled for saying and was glad that her answer seemed to satisfy him. Meredith sipped her drink and hoped grimly that Elena had the sense not to bring Damon to the party. Matt spotted Chloe from across the room. Tonight was the night, he decided. Enough playing around, enough exchanging glances and gentle, platonic hugs and hand squeezes. He wanted to know if she felt the same way he did, if she felt like maybe there was something between them worth exploring. She was talking to someone, a guy he recognized from Vitale, and her curly brown hair shone softly in the light from overhead. There was so much life in Chloe: the way she laughed, the way she listened to what the guy was saying, attentive and involved, her face focused. Matt wanted to kiss her, more than anything. So he started working his way across the room toward her, nodding at people he knew as he passed them. He didn't want to look too uncool and eager, not like he was making a beeline for her, but he didn't want to stop and lose her in the crowd, either. Matt. Matt jerked as if he'd been stung as the silent greeting hit him. Twisting around to see where it was coming from, he found Stefan standing right behind him and frowned irritably at him. He hated when Stefan got into his head like that. â€Å"You could have just said hi,† he told Stefan, as mildly as he could. â€Å"You know, out loud.† Stefan ducked his head apologetical y, his cheeks flushing. â€Å"I'm sorry,† he said. â€Å"That was rude of me, but I just wanted to get your attention. It's so loud in here.† He gestured around, and Matt wondered, as he sometimes had before, how the life of a modern teenager seemed to the vampire. Stefan had experienced more than Matt probably ever would, but the loud rock music and the press of bodies al around him seemed to make him uncomfortable, showing the cracks in his disguise as someone young. He tried hard, for Elena's sake, Matt knew. â€Å"I'm waiting for Elena,† Stefan said. â€Å"Have you seen her?† The lines of his face were anxious, and, just like that, Matt's picture of Stefan as someone too old, too out of place here, snapped. Stefan looked achingly young, lonely and worried. â€Å"Yeah,† Matt said. â€Å"I just saw her at the library. She said she was coming here later.† He bit his tongue to keep from adding that he'd seen her there with Damon, of al people. Matt wasn't quite sure what was going on between Elena and the brothers, but he figured Stefan didn't need to know that Elena and Damon were together. â€Å"I'm supposed to be staying away from her,† Stefan confided sadly. â€Å"She feels like she's coming between Damon and me, and she wants some time for us al to work things out before the two of us can be together again.† He glanced up at Matt, almost beseechingly. â€Å"But I thought since there are so many people here, it isn't like we'd be alone.† Matt took a swal ow of his beer, his mind working furiously. Now he knew he'd been right not to mention that Damon and Elena had been together. What game was Elena playing now? It was a shock, too, to realize how far out of the loop he'd gotten. When did al this happen? Since Christopher's death, he'd been avoiding his friends, spending so much time focused on the Vitale Society that he missed this big development in their lives. What else was he missing? Stefan was stil looking at him as if he was seeking some kind of approval, and Matt rubbed the back of his neck thoughtful y, then offered, â€Å"You should talk to her. Let her know how unhappy you are without her. Love is worth taking the chance.† As Stefan nodded, considering, Matt's eyes sought out Chloe in the crowd again. The guy she'd been talking to was gone, and she was alone for the moment, biting her lip as she looked around the room. Matt was about to excuse himself and head toward her when another voice spoke in his ear. â€Å"Hi, Matt, how's it going?† Ethan came up beside him, his golden brown eyes focused on Matt's. Matt felt himself straightening up and pul ing back his shoulders, trying to look loyal and honorable, a promising candidate, everything the Vitale wanted him to be. Matt saw this reaction to Ethan in the other pledges as Well: whatever Ethan wanted them to be or do, they wanted, too. Some people were just natural leaders, he guessed. They chatted for a minute, not about the Vitale Society, of course, not in front of Stefan, but simple friendly stuff about footbal and classes and the music that was playing, and then Ethan turned the warmth of his smile on Stefan. â€Å"Oh, uh, Ethan Crane, Stefan Salvatore,† Matt introduced them, adding, â€Å"Stefan and I went to high school together.† Stefan and Ethan started making conversation, and Matt looked for Chloe again. She wasn't in the last place he had seen her, and he started to panic, until he found her again in the crowd, moving to the music. â€Å"I can't help noticing just a slight accent, Stefan,† Ethan was saying. â€Å"Are you from Italy original y?† Stefan smiled shyly. â€Å"Most people don't hear it anymore,† he said. â€Å"My brother and I, we left Italy a long time ago.† â€Å"Oh, does your brother go here, too?† Ethan asked, and Matt decided the two of them seemed happy enough together and that it was okay for him to leave now. â€Å"I'l catch up with you guys later,† he said. Taking another swal ow of beer, Matt strode through the crowd, straight toward Chloe. Her eyes were shining, her dimples were showing, and he knew the time was right. Like he had told Stefan, love was worth taking the chance.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Focault- Discipline and Punish

Table of Contents Introduction2 Brief Overview2 Main arguments of discipline and Punish4 †¢Power4 †¢Prisons as part of civilisation4 †¢Punishment5 †¢The Body and Soul5 Evaluation of Discipline and Punish6 Conclusion7 ? Introduction: M. Foucault. 1975. Discipline and Punish: The birth of the prison. New York: Random House Inc. Below is an in depth book review of Discipline and Punish, The Birth of the Prison. The author who compiled the analysis on this is Michel Foucault, whom provided enlightenment on many different aspects of sociology and philosophy- many which are still immensely relevant to societies today.I will be using this book review to channel an outline of Foucault’s work, viewpoints and purposes as such. Along with this I will include my personal critique of my literary experience of the book. I will consider important factors of logic, coherence, evidence, expertise and originality. These specified fields are all crucial to useful and meaningf ul sociological theories. In brief, my aim is to clarify the argument presented by Foucault and provide my account of its validity. Brief Overview:Michel Foucault’s, Discipline and Punish, provides the reader of the historical timeline which ends at the institution of imprisonment that most modern societies have adopted today. The just of his intentions for the book are presented in the first section. Much of this includes his aim which is to trace the penal system back to its roots in order to define and identify its significance in the present. These roots begin in the seventeenth century. Here public torture and execution prevailed as the form of punishment.As aspects of society changed, especially power structures, so did this system of punishment- much like in an evolutionary manner. At this point it is probably important to highlight that a better alternative to the concept of the penal timeline, is rather a cycle- thus making visible the state it was in at birth and pl otting its journey to maturity. The model of the prison is not yet a comprehendible result or solution in the beginning sections. Punishments were rather inhumane and gruesome methods of torture and execution which were â€Å"public spectacles†. The point of this was the solidification of the power figures amongst their people.This notion of power stirred amongst people who were ultimately discontent with the inefficiency of these structures. Whilst attempting to resolve this, a â€Å"reform† was created. Sadly, the preoccupation of the reform blinded people to the inhumanity, suffering and pain being brought upon these so-called criminals. Following this we see the transition to private and secret forms of punishment which was cut-off from public visibility. Coercive practices resulted in submissive criminals, with credit given to new techniques established by adapting and altering out-dated methods.The separation and the shift of focus from the body to the soul were early defining factors of the modern system. These also form an immensely important theme that is recurrent throughout the book. Foucault’s theoretical cycle of the penal system then moves on to preparation of criminals for their lives after incarceration and attempts to reintroduce these people back into society as respectable civilians. Considering noted critiques on this section, it remains unclear as to whether this was successful at its time of occurrence.An issue arising along with this stage is that of judgement- who is qualified to pass judgement and what standards are used for comparison? Finally, in the closing sections of the book we reach the heart of the book where we see the introduction of the first prison- highly influenced by the panoptic, and the penultimate stage which Foucault dates February 22, 1840. This date marks the success of the first carceral system which â€Å"perfected† the failures and short-comings of all the previous phases. Currently t his institution has embedded itself in society and is the back-bone of order, laws and norms.The fact that at the moment there is no better alternatives to this, offers the assumption that the modern penal system has succeeded or human sciences are still advancing in order to further evolve current organisation- hence my prior labelling of this phase the â€Å"penultimate†. I feel that the purpose of the book is to inform the reader on a long list of various facets relating to sociology. These include the carceral system, the classical period, discipline, norms, power and penalty- to mention only a few. These all have significant importance in human sciences.My reaction or evaluation will conclude that Foucault has cleverly addressed establishments in sociology whilst using the penal system as a commonality to provide a practical sample- which in turn favours the readers understanding of sociology in general. The audience for this theoretical work is most likely to target sch olars of human sciences and philosophy. It may also spark interests of inquiries into the classical period given its historical flair. Main arguments of Discipline and Punish: Power: Foucault uses power as a central point of reference for punishing.All or most aspects of the book revolve around this, or come back to it at a point. According to him, as power structures change, so does the penal system. It adapts to requirements. In the section of the book titled â€Å"Body of the condemned†, we see how torture and punishment was used to reinforce the power of the sovereign. Knowledge is also important to power, because it is seen as the support for power. Those with greater knowledge, tend to yield or accumulate greater power. â€Å"Power produces knowledge . . . power and knowledge directly imply one another . . . here is no power relation without the correlative constitution of a field of knowledge, nor any knowledge that does not presuppose and constitute at the same time power relations. † Foucault describes that power can range from modifying ones self-control to complete coercion. It is embedded in society and all relations. As long as power relations exist, there will always be inherent authority and control. Here we see the effects of the â€Å"power to judge†. Those possessing power and knowledge use their controls on society to establish norms whereby they evaluate the actions of people.Post-judgement and examination incarceration is determined by how far the perpetrator strays from â€Å"normal†. In Foucault’s opinion, society has allowed sceptic officials to take the power to judge- people such as medical professionals, psychologists, etc. In essence, it is argued that power controls society, yet it cannot be controlled. Prison as a part of civilisation: It is emphasised time and time again throughout the book that the prison is part of society and the two cannot be separated. Prison is based on the judicial system (laws and rules governing our daily lives), which is embedded and weaved into society.Often Foucault mentions prisons along with institutions such as schools, hospitals and armies etc. They are all organised using the same framework of control and judgement- which emphasizes his stance that it is a part of society. The penal system of prison is too far incorporated into our lives to deny the connection which exists. Punishment: â€Å"The art of punishing must rest on a whole technology of representation† Foucault argues that each punishment should teach a lesson. It should not only take away a delinquents liberty and freedom, it should make them work, keep them active, enforce good habits.Prior to this, the penalty should correlate with the crime committed in order to create relevance. It need not be an attempt to control the body, but rather install regulation directed at achieving a goal- such as reintegration into community after incarceration. Discipline must be continuo us and must take the role of coercion. This we see from Foucault that it can be done using timetables and ranks- here differentiation of various series is important. The Body and Soul: Punishment was initially assigned to the physical body using methods of torture for example.In addition to this, the body could be used to stir fear amongst people during public executions. The body and the visible are reinforcing factors. However, with the changes in power, the body is no longer a target of direct punishment. The body now, as Foucault says, is supervised, controlled and organised. Although the body is replaced with the soul, it will still share an adjacent bond with punishment. Foucault argues that he produces a â€Å"genealogical account for the modern soul†- meaning that he intends to identify where the soul originated. There are two factors to this process in Discipline and Punish.First it is what is revised above- is the soul takes over from the body as the directive for p unishment. Secondly, the shift from body to soul and the new methods of discipline have ultimately generated or created the soul. Unlike the body, there are no limits to how you can penalize the soul. Evaluation of Discipline and Punish: Firstly, I will start by commenting on the extent to which the book achieves its desired goal. Foucault initially wanted to provide a power of speech for those confined to a discourse. This includes those who do not have the knowledge required to accumulate power.I feel that their issues have been brought to light, however the reasons exceeding this is for the purpose of gaining insight into the functioning of society in sociological terms. This does not give attention to their possibly ambiguous labelling of being â€Å"abnormal†. They have purely become a vessel to greater knowledge. Foucault rejected norms as positive determinants. It was seen by him as negative and oppressive. The unusual phenomenon is not a natural process instinctually followed by humans. Foucault strived to highlight this irregularity through his book.However, when commenting on individuality (which opposes norms) there is an inherent negative notion towards the concept. What then, if against norms and individuality, does Foucault conceptualise as an alternative? This is a possible indication of an argument which is incoherent and conflicting. Ultimately, as we see towards Foucault’s final sections, that his intention was not to ignite conspiracy and doubt in the minds if the reader regarding the prison, but rather to create understanding of its operation and the factors contributing to its processes.This was done with the utmost success. The historical context and actual case studies used provide valid and convincing confirmation. His views at this point are adequately supported. In terms of possibilities suggested by the book Foucault leaves us with the premise that the carceral system is very destructive in more ways than one. He also p rovides a new way for us to think of this system- as strong and highly powerful. We see that Foucault is optimistic toward change- thus highlighting prospective opportunities for the carceral system as well as the human sciences as a whole.The subject matter of the book has to this day not received further research- nothing of such extensive significance. Foucault has successfully provided us with a realistic account into the historical penal system and at the same time addressed common topics in sociology- much like his section on individualism. The material available to us regarding the penitentiary system tends to focus on specific regions or prisons-commonly those in the United States. A book which is well versed on the issue at hand is Situational Prison Control by Richard Hartley. However, it still does not divulge into the history and â€Å"birth† of the phenomenon.Foucault successfully identified a research topic which was in need of attention and enlightenment. I fee l an aspect Foucault neglected to focus on was future summations for the penal system and all it entails. We do not see any of his suggestions for possible ways forward or resolutions to the problems that exist. He has a tendency throughout the book, to highlight many downfalls yet no solutions. A few of personal proposals would have stimulated the readers thinking, ultimately opening doors for advancement for progress. Along with the above, I feel there is a lot that needs to be said on social divides amongst society.Foucault briefly touches on classes and social and economic situation but almost immediately redirected the train of thought. There is more to various demographics which influence all institutions throughout societies. Foucault failed to report on this and the way that their changes affect power relations and ultimately the penal system. Some of these demographics may include gender, age, race and ethnicity. Conclusion: I constantly referred back to specific criteria w hen considering the main arguments or theories of Discipline and Punish. This was helpful in concluding my opinion on whether Foucault has successfully argued his theory.My review concludes that a good research problem was identified and stated. The causes of this were also made apparent to the reader. Foucault carefully planned the way he would take-on this topic by testifying clear and concise points of view. At times it felt as though the argument was not coherent in that it would jump from one context to another. However, the main arguments and themes- such as the body and the soul were constantly referred to. This redeemed coherence with a well tied together and relevant argument- especially in the last section where everything is positioned into place.The evidence Foucault uses to elaborate his views and arguments are sufficient to enhance the validity of his study and specific arguments. He often provides actual occurrences in history- much like his introduction reporting on Damien’s execution in 1757 and referring to the opening of Mettray prison colony. Extensive referencing has been made available allowing further validation of facts. This in turn contributes to his ability to convince and persuade. Michel Foucault most definitely possessed the right attributes and expertise to work on this research problem.He had extensive training and experience in human sciences, from which he created his career. His direct encounters with the penal systems and prisons also granted him access to knowledge not readily available to others- thus making his expertise relative to the issue at hand. Keeping the short-comings I have mentioned in mind, I feel that Foucault’s arguments are valid and they all have been researched to the point where its concrete significance cannot be denied. Their continued relevance over the years supports my conclusion and it has in general been presented in a clear and concise manner.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Macroeconomic Theories Of Macroeconomics And Classical...

Macroeconomics is a branch of economics dealing with the performance, structure, behavior, and decision-making of an economy as a whole, rather than individual markets. This includes national, regional, and global economies. With microeconomics, macroeconomics is one of the two most general fields in economics. There are two major macroeconomic theories that economists use to describe the economy. Those theories are Keynesian and Classical. Each theory has a different approach to the economic study of monetary policies, consumer behaviors, and government spending. A few distinctions separate the two theories. Classical economics is the theory that free markets will restore full employment without government intervention. They believe†¦show more content†¦That means that there is no need for fiscal policy designed for the purpose of restoring full employment. A key assumption in the classical theory is that, with time to adjust, prices and wages will decrease to ensure the ec onomy operates at the full employment level. Classical economists focus more on creating long term solutions for economic problems. Inflation, government regulations and taxes can all play an important part in developing the classical theories. Classical economists also analyze how current and new policies will impact the market environment. Keynesian economics is the view that in the short run, especially during recessions, economic output is strongly influenced by aggregate demand. The theories forming the basis of Keynesian economics were first presented by the British economist John Maynard Keynes. In the Keynesian view, aggregate demand does not necessarily equal the productive capacity of the economy; instead, it is influenced by a host of factors and sometimes behaves erratically, affecting production, employment, and inflation. Keynesian economics is the theory that the role of the federal government is to increase or decrease aggregate demand to achieve economic goals. Keynesian economics relies on the government to intervene and spend to help with economic growth during the economic downturns. Keynesians believe that the economy is made up of consumer spending, business