Effects Of Violence And Disease On The Kenyan Economy Research Paper

Effects Of Violence And Disease On The Kenyan Economy - Research Paper Example There is the element of that aspect of ethnic violence that is due to numerous disputes over land and the distribution of power and wealth, stemming from disputes that first arose during the time of the colonial masters, and taking deeper root from the time of independence in 1963 moving forward. The Rift Valley and Nairobi slums have been targeted as the areas with the most profound violence in the country, even as violence is not isolated in that region, but spread over along ethnic lines. The Kikuyu tribe, making up about 20 percent of the population, and politically and economically influential, has had clashes with competing for ethnic groups such as the Luo, among the most prominent of which is the violence that erupted in 2008, tied to the elections. It is hard to quantify the economic impacts of such violence, and the number of casualties seems to pale in comparison to the dead in such places as Rwanda, but the consensus is that violence in some form or other has had some imp act on the development of the Kenyan economy through the years. The effects of disease and poor health on the economy, in particular, are dire, pervasive, and chronic, affecting longevity and workforce numbers and quality, and affecting the ability of the Kenyan economy to fund growth and other drivers of long-term economic wellness, such as education, and threatening to pull the country into a vicious cycle where the continued deterioration of the health of the Kenyan population translates to poorer and poorer economic outcomes.... face a growing list of persistent and chronic health crises that crippled the country's ability to adequately address all of these health problems and grow the economy. It is a chicken and egg affair. As more Kenyans meet with devastating health afflictions, such as tuberculosis malaria, and AIDS, the greater their burden on the nation's coffers, which in turn caused the country to suffer reversals versus its economic goals. Moreover, the impaired health and longevity of its citizens translated to a less capable workforce, which also had the effect of stunting overall economic growth. Indeed, at present, about half of the Kenyan population lives in poverty, while the longevity rates have gone down from a peak of 62 years in the late 1980's to just 53 years twenty years hence (Center for Strategic & International Studies). Data from UNICEF largely corroborate the steep plunge in expected longevity rates for the country, dropping to just 44 years according to UNICEF largely due to the outbreak and chronically high levels of the incidence of AIDS/HIV in the country (UNICEF). The numbers relating to the incidence of crippling diseases, including malaria, AIDS, other infectious illnesses, and tuberculosis, have remained at chronic high levels since that time. To add to this, recent trends are that the country is facing an epidemic of other chronic ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and different kinds of cancers, further adding to the national burden, increasing the financial requirements to meet health care needs, and further stressing the national economy. The health care burden is huge relative to the capacity of the Kenyan national government's ability to meet it financially, and is the starting point of a vicious circle that threatens to keep the Kenyan

To what extent does the concept of ethics affect online business Essay

To what extent does the concept of ethics affect online business - Essay Example In relation to the study the company which has been selected is Global Media, a London based online mass media organisation which acts as a platform where different mass media houses can market their offerings to the customers. Advertising as well as marketing companies can utilise the services offered by Global Media Company to market as well as distribute their products. These products and services include literary works as well as advertisements for various goods that are related to the media fraternity. This online agency is primarily concerned with providing a network for media organisations to link with their customers. Global Media has a large database for customers as well as providers of different products and services. All the transactions between the media organisations as well as customers are facilitated by Global Media Company. Payments for these products and services offered are done online. Basically, Global Media Company is responsible for compiling and managing the database for various media houses. The organisation operates at a global level since it deals with stakeholders from different parts of the world. A close analysis of the operations of Global Media Company shows that there are broadly two lessons that can be learnt from it. The network approach taken by the organisation overlooks some of the important societal values that characterise people from different backgrounds since the company is mainly driven by the concerns of the proprietors. The other issue that is of concern in this particular case is related to ethical marketing since it can be observed that the company at times give precedence to its profit oriented goals at the expense of the needs of the other stakeholders at large. Thus, these two issues are discussed in detail below and the lessons leant are also outlined. The other part of the report will discuss the measures that can be taken by the managers at Global Media to resolve the issues for the betterment of the compan y in its future operations. Network approach The main issue with the network approach by Global Media is that the model of communication is mainly linear. The main problem with this model is that special consideration is given to the sender of the message and it follows a linear direction. However, the use of the internet has made it possible for information to flow from different angles where all the stakeholders are treated as equal. According to McQuail (2000), this model of communication is criticised because it follows a linear channel from the sender to the recipient. Indeed, the organisation is in business of marketing various products and services to different stakeholders but the problem is that the communication process is skewed in favour of the people who are responsible for designing the message. Molwana (1997) acknowledges that there are several communication networks in society and everyone belongs to one or several of these. As such, people are members of groups, coo peratives and other

Discussions, week 1, week 2, week 3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussions, week 1, week 2, week 3 - Assignment Example To determine the cause of the itching, one should consider a history of the same symptoms. A dietary assessment is also required to determine if the skin reaction is due to an allergy. Certain drugs also cause allergic reactions. Lab tests may also be mandatory to establish if it is a microbial infection. Since the available information does not point to a specific condition, the patient should be treated for superficial infection and referred for further tests. A follow-up is necessary to assess the course of treatment (Wilson et al., 2013). Mr. AK has several chronic conditions that he is aware of and is receiving treatment. However, his recent loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss in the past few weeks is unexplained and could be as a result of several factors. His medical examination does not provide concrete evidence of the underlying cause. His dietary history points to certain factors that could have contributed to his current condition. AK takes wine every night before going to bed, which might be the main cause of his appetite loss. Alcohol has been shown to cause sleep disturbance (Ebrahim et al., 2013). It may reduce the time to fall asleep but prevents one from having a peaceful sleep. Also, alcohol reduces the appetite, and this can lead to unwanted weight loss. In the case of AK, the alcohol intake might be the main cause of his loss of appetite, weight loss, and daytime somnolence. As a treatment measure, he should be advised to avoid taking alcohol before going to bed and a follow up done to ensure he is complying. Facial itch can be caused by several factors. These include microbial infection, allergic reactions, skin diseases and facial hygiene among others. Chronic facial itch is usually as a result of dysfunction of itch sensing neurons that send false signals of pruritogenic stimuli to the brain (Oaklander, 2012). This condition is known as neuropathic itch, and usually does not involve direct

Government of Zanzibar v British Aerospace Essay

Government of Zanzibar v British Aerospace - Essay Example In the case, the Government of Zanzibar had contracted with British Aerospace (supplier) in order to purchase an executive jet from the company. As part of the deal, the Government of Zanzibar entered into a separate contract with a financing company that eventually bought the plane before leasing it back to the government. However, the plane was soon found to be defective. It was returned back to British Aerospace for repair but the faults persisted even after the repair. The Government of Zanzibar immediately stopped its payments of the semiannual installments to the financing company. In order to recover their costs, the financing company (CIBC) took possession of the plane and sold it. The Government of Zanzibar then initiated an action against British Aerospace either to rescind the contract or alternatively be awarded damages under the British contract laws.Additionally, the government of Zanzibar accused the supplier (British Aerospace) of false representation in the contract for having claimed that the Jet was airworthy, reliable and without any construction or design defect. They also appealed to rescind the contract and put them back to the pre-contractual position. For example, it could be by returning plane to the Government in its original position or compensation for damages due to misrepresentation. This was particularly because the government claimed that the contract with British Aerospace is subjected to fraudulent misrepresentation (deceit).

Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 21

Marketing - Assignment Example Mr. Khan a banker as well as an expert swimmer was a participant of this fateful underwater reality challenge which was co created by the two multinational giants, Unilever and mindshare, who are still unable to account for the tragic accident that took place. During the execution of the same stunt, Mr. Khan apparently lost control, he tossed, turned and struggled but could never recover and eventually drowned while performing this challenge for the program. Daunted and terrified co-contestants and crew hurried and tried to save but could not find him in the murky, misty waters of the lake. It is believed, that the personal security precautions were inadequate at the time of shooting the stunt, while participants also seem to lack training or briefing for the very harsh fateful reality show. Besides the inadequate security measures, the underlying question of corporate social responsibility of the two multinational giants, in the making of this reality show still remains unanswered. And it seems there was no document regarding the planning and preparation of the show. Moreover, Unilever, being the fastest growing FMCG in the world, had control over the media, and swept away any news regarding the dreadful event. The traditional media was put on silence and was forbidden to utter any word related to Mr. khan’s tragic death. This avoidance of media, has called into question the social, ethical, as well as the moral responsibilities of the

Poem Comparison Essay Example for Free

Poem Comparison Essay All four poems that I read are related in their purposes and goals; however, they are also very different. Lucinda Matlock by Edward Lee Masters, Chicago by Carl Sandburg, Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson, and We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar are all about the joys and sorrows of life. How we look at life makes life good or bad. Lucinda Matlock is a story of a woman, who, by some standards, would have a life that we consider a mediocre. However, the narrator of the poem says that it was a good life and that life can only be truly appreciated if it is taken from you. Chicago by Carl Sandburg is the most closely related poems to Lucinda Matlock. In the poem, the people of this city are dirty, evil, and happy. The people are not saying to themselves, Well, my life is horrible because this is where I live and this is my underpaying job. They are laughing and joyous because they have life. Chicago is unlike Lucinda Matlock because Carl Sandburgs depiction of life in Chicago is so much more cynical than that of Masters more optimistic characterization and depiction of life in the world. Richard Cory is a poem about an aristocratic man that under- appreciates life, and, as a result commits suicide. The narrator talks about how envious he/she is of Richard Cory. Only in the very end do they mention the fact that he is actually a very sad man. This poem is a representation of the front that some people put up to hide their inner selves due to embarrassment or many other feeling of despair. Finally, we read We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This is very similar to Richard Cory in its message. The message is again that there are some who sometimes cloister their inner selves behind a barrier of a fake personality. In the poem, Dunbar writes: Nay, let them only see us while/ We wear the mask/ We smile, but oh great  Christ, our cries/ To Thee from tortured souls arise. The second part of the quotation says that they have tortured souls. They smile to hide their pain and they cry to Christ for help. All of the poems share the common theme that life is what you make it and that people often hide their true identity behind a false one (As shown in Richard Cory, We Wear the Mask, and Chicago). Though the final two poems mentioned have more in common with each other than they do with the first couple poems that were talked about in class, all of the poems are similar in their ultimate subject matter.

Graphene: Development and Applications

Graphene: Development and Applications Number of carbon atoms packed in a two-dimensional (2D) grid cells as flat single layer give the graphene. This is a key building block for graphitic materials of all sizes. It can be enclosed in fullerenes (0D), rolled into 1D nanotubes or stacked into three dimensional graphite. A serious step forward in the study of graphene was when Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov from Manchester extracted Singlet thick crystallites (graphene) from crude graphite in 2004. The unique electronic properties of graphene produce an unexpectedly high opacity for one atomic monolayer, with amazingly simple value : it absorbs ~ 2.3 % of white light . This is a consequence of the unusually low energy electronic structure of monolayer graphene saws which electrons and holes tapered zone which meet each other at the point Dirac which is qualitatively different from the more common solid square zones. In 2008 carried out the first experiment proves that graphene is the strongest material that exists in nature. The measurements showed that graphene has a tensile strength of 100 times greater than steel. Graphene is different from most conventional 3D materials. The natural Graphene presents a semimetal or zero-gap semiconductor. Been a long time since we talked through the Medgreece in graphene and its unique properties. Graphene is a material which was discovered relatively recently, and its main feature is that it is a graphite sheet consisting of a lattice of carbon atoms linked together as shown in the photo of the article ( we could characterize as a wire ) which has a thickness of a single atom . So far it has been described as the ideal replacement for silicon , and has a very low resistance and higher conductivity which can lead to the creation of faster chips for computers . And all at room temperature . Where else could however be used graphene ? From the University of California , and Alexander Balandin (Chair of Materials Science and Engineering), investigated the possibility of using graphene sheets as heat conductors . The researchers call these cards quilts ( like a quilt ) and that is because the graphene sheets are not homogeneous but consist of flakes graphene , which overlap creating a spreadsheet. Only unlike the quilt ( we all know ) the quilt of graphene flakes will not retain heat, but will remove it . The graphene sheets can be used to extract heat from parts of a circuit which, due to the high speed flow of electrons ( current) particularly heated , which leads to impaired function of the circuit. Helping the diffusion of that heat , graphene will help create sdti much faster chip . Graphene based on measurements made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹by the researchers shows remarkably high thermal conductivity that surpasses even that of diamond and carbon nanotubes. The properties of graphene , (electrical conductivity , low resistance , high thermal conductivity ) find no scope only chip electronic circuits. As we mentioned previously this technology could even be used to improve the photovoltaic , since one of the main problems (in terms of performance ) is the high resistance of the conductor carrying the current. Graphene thanks to its properties , could significantly increase their performance Chapter 1: Carbon Nanostructures 1.1 A new class of materials The two-dimensional (2D) crystalline materials have only recently been identified and investigated. [1] The first material that falls into this category, is graphene, a singlet carbon layer. This new material has unique properties that make it extremely interesting both as basic knowledge, as well as for future applications. The electronic properties of graphene, for example, have resulted in an unusual quantum Hall [2], [3]. It is a transparent conductor [4] with a thickness equal to the extent of zp orbital of an atom of carbon (0,344 nm). It also has parallels with the physics of elementary particles which for example displays an unusual tunneling [5], [6], which was predicted by the Swedish Natural Oscar Klein [7]. Additionally, graphene exhibits excellent mechanical and electrical properties. Its mechanical strength is greater than steel while it can be bent. The thermal and electrical conductivity is very high and can be used as a flexible conduit. The Andre K. Geim and Kostant in S. Novoselov from the University of Manchester, were awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize for the production, isolation and identification of graphene [1]. 1.2 Forms of carbon Carbon is perhaps the most exciting element of the periodic table. It is the basis of DNA and life on earth. O coal occurs in different forms. The most common form of carbon, graphite, which consists of stacked sheet carbonates hexagonal structure. At high pressures, the diamond is created, which is a metastable form of carbon. A relatively new form of molecular carbon, are the Fullerenes (Fullerenes) [8]. The most ordinary fullerene consists of 60 carbon atoms (60 C) and has the shape of a football. It is consisting of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons which enable the surface to form a ball. The discovery of fullerenes was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. The existence of a pseudo-one-dimensional form of carbon, carbon nanotubes, has been known for many decades and the existence of single-wall carbon nanotubes in 1993 [9]. The nanotubes are formed by winding of a graphene sheet so as to acquire a cylindrical shape with hemispherical ends with a configuration similar to that of the fullerene. The electronic and mechanical properties of metallic nanotubes, show many similarities with those of graphene. It was already known that the toner is composed of hexagonal carbon levels which are stacked on top of one another but scientists believed that such a singlet carbonate sheet could not be produced. In 2004, however, scientists A. Geim, K. Novoselov and colleagues [1] showed that such an individual could be isolated and was stable. The singlet this level carbon called graphene. Figure 1.1. The graphene sheets form the native structure of the graphite, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes [11]. It should be noted that structures similar to graphene has been known since the 1960s [10] but there were experimental difficulties in isolating them and raises doubts about whether this would be possible. The amazing thing is that a simple pencil contains graphite and as it moves the paper, toner levels separated in a very small part of which contains some of singlet layers of graphite, ie graphene. The difficulty is not the production of graphene structures but rather to isolate large quantities of singlet levels for the identification, characterization and study its properties. This just managed to make the Geim and Novoselov. 1.3 Graphene Graphene is called a singlet level of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, with nearest neighbor distance of atoms 0.142 nm. It is the first truly two-dimensional crystalline material and is representative of a whole class of two-dimensional materials which includes for example Psychosocial Critical Evaluation: Case Study of Rory Psychosocial Critical Evaluation: Case Study of Rory Psychosocial Critical Evaluation: Case Study of Rory Introduction Psychosocial theory originates from psychoanalytic and psychodynamic casework, which has had a profound and lasting impact on social work (Kenny and Kenny, 2000). This assignment will use the case study of Rory, a fifteen year old boy living in a family home with his brother, mother and stepmother. Throughout the assignment Rory’s social environment and his relationships within this environment will be analysed in order to understand how these factors have shaped his development. Following on from this an evaluation of group work as an intervention method to support and empower Rory shall be explored. Group work will be taken as evidence for practice, where social work practice is carried out in groups (Doel, 2000, p.148). Psychosocial theories will be explored into how they influence group work and group dynamics, and the way group work can be used to change and adjust dysfunctional social environments. In doing so, the model of psychosocial theory and its relevance to social work will be explored, and how useful it is in understanding clients and promoting their best interests. In order to critique the model of psychosocial theory, and explore how it influences our perception of the human condition, we must have a clear idea of what we mean by the term. Modern social work theorists have stressed the importance of applying the correct competency to the individual person, with regard to their social environment (Hutchinson, 2008). It sees people as ‘products of the interaction among their biogenetic endowment, the effects of significant relationships, the impact of life experiences, and their participation in societal, cultural and current events’ (Turner, 1978, p.2). The social work profession, can see the individual person as interdependent with their environment, which they are able to influence and change (Kondrat, 2002). By seeing individuals as being uniquely shaped by their environment, it helps social workers avoid the issues of social identity theory. Rather than categorising or stereotyping people, social workers are able to empathise a nd see all service users as individuals (Tajfel and Turner, 1979, cited in Gaine, 2010). The main ideas of psychosocial theory are reflected in other social work theories and methods, such as systems and attachment theory. Both theories developed from the need to build upon the traditional psychoanalytic model of individual therapy (Walker, 2012), and the idea that individual experiences with families were continually being shaped and influenced by the evolving interaction patterns of communication. For group work to be beneficial there must be a mindfulness of the social context or sociology of the individual and group. Understanding individuals who compromise the group requires knowledge of ‘psychosocial functioning and development through the life cycle’ but also the impact of the group’s structure and process on the members’ behaviour. A group cannot be understood without knowledge of members in their individual social context (Northern and Kurland, 2001, p.35). This promotes and encourages diversity within the group, as practitioners are mindful of differences within the group, and how they can be addressed to promote social skills such as empathy and respect. If a client’s environment and social context has been dysfunctional, as in Rory’s case, the group work can provide a model of a healthy culture through the group values, communication patterns, and the way it addresses interpersonal conflict (Northern and Kurland, 2001). Having explored the connection between group work and psychosocial theory, two theories of social work shall be applied and explored next. Attachment theory focuses on the quality of the attachments in the significant relationships in a client’s past (Bowlby, 1979, 1988). Bowlby’s theory of attachment stresses the importance of past relationships by determining which will develop emotionally and socially, and form relationships in the future. Bowlby was particularly concerned with the interactions and attachments that individuals had with their parents or carers. The ability of a child to attach to a parent or carer, the level of consistency of the parent or carer to meet the emotional needs of a child and the ability of the child to feel safe and secure, predicted how the child would develop emotionally. This theory has particular relevance and importance for this case study. The relationship between Rory and his mother can be recognised as a disorganised attachment. H is mother’s bi-polar disorder means her behaviour is inconsistent at times, due to her having stable periods but when her mood is very bleak she neglects the needs of Rory and his brother. From this behaviour Rory receives mixed messages, leaving him feeling anxious and unable to explain and possibly understand his own feelings (Bowlby, 1988). His father appears to display as insecure or ambivalent attachment, this is due to him demonstrating an inconsistency in his attitude to Rory, neglecting contact for several weeks at a time. His unpredictable behaviour and failure to display attention in a consistent way leads to anxiety and distress for Rory. Attachment theory is helpful to social workers in planning intervention, as they have insight into how past experiences of the service user can impact on their behaviour, and their ability to form relationships. For example, at the Youth Club Rory is seen as increasingly withdrawn and erratic by the youth workers. This may be due to his disorganised attachments impacting upon his ability to behave in social situations. Preston-Shoot and Agass (1990) explains that the development and quality of relationships can be influenced by considering the impact of the client’s feelings on behaviours. Group work can be a powerful tool when based on attachment theory issues. Egeland and Erikson (1993) and Eriskon et al., (1992) described a group in which young, high-risk mothers were brought together for weekly group sessions from the time their children were born until they were one year old. Group work was effective here for two reasons. Firstly, through the therapeutic relationship itself, or the relationship with the group facilitator, in which ‘the facilitator maintains a healthy, supportive alliance with the parent, proving such relationships are possible’ (Erikson et al., 1992, p.501). When using any intervention, it is important to create a working alliance, in which the patient has confidence that the practitioner can help (Holmes, 2001). Due to Rory having all his immediate adult relationships in his life being inconsistent and causing him anxiety, having another which proves to be consistent in his life, one that is dependable, may improve his self-esteem an d address problems he is exhibiting in social situations, such as at the Youth Club. The reason he may be attending the Youth Club could be due to him searching for that consistency and dependable person he needs, as the Youth Club is a weekly activity which is always there. The ‘therapeutic’ relationship gives Rory a ‘secure base’ (Holmes, 2001, p.17) where the task can challenge assumptions and relationship patterns. Group work would also introduce Rory to a plethora of perspectives and individuals. Through this, Rory may become conscious of thoughts and attitudes that were previously unconscious (Holmes, 2001). In listening to and working with others Rory may build up his self-esteem. As he begins to form relationships with members of the group, he has models of healthy and functional relationships that are different from his own attachments with family members. This could increase his confidence, addressing problems of withdrawn and erratic behaviour that have been raised by Youth Workers at Youth Club. A number of studies have shown group work can improve social skills (Reid and Hammond, 2001; Fargan and Jones, 2002). Group work also promotes diversity as those it helps do not feel isolated or alienated by their problems: through sharing experiences in a respectful and tolerant environment they gain insight into the sufferings and challenges of others, and methods to overcome this. Groupwork a s a form of learning extends beyond this, as groups offer members feedback that is often more effective coming from peers than from a social worker (Northern and Kurland, 2001). When done sensitively and constructively, such feedback helps clients such as Rory with their social skills and their ability to build relationships outside of the group. A weakness of this theory, however, may that does it is not sufficiently encompassing of all the social forces that act on the individual. Psychosocial theory holds that we should acknowledge the role in human development of temperament, racism, poverty, social class, and other environmental conditions (criticism outlined in Coady and Lehman, 2007). Group dynamics and interactions cannot be understood through individual’s relationships with their parents alone. Psychosocial theory assists social workers in understanding and analysing the situations and behaviours of their client. This provides practitioners with insight into what has occurred in the past or what may occur in the future. However, some argue that attachment theory does not paint a picture of the client whole: by attributing all of Rory’s behaviours and concerns to his parents, the practitioner may neglect the wider social context that is acting on him. Systems theory may offer a more encompassing picture of Rory’s social context. This theory holds that individuals and their environments are separate systems that are interconnected and interdependent (Teater, 2010). By thinking of families as living systems, systems theories are able to think about how dynamics are constantly altering as each family member deals with life inside and outside the family. Rory’s withdrawn behaviour, and self-destructive thoughts can be attributed to the frequency with which his family dynamics change. This change is at times dramatic for example the breakdown of his parent’s relationship, or his sister leaving the family home- but also in the inconsistencies due to his stepfather’s temper and mother’s mental illness. Systems theory also promotes tolerance and diversity, as it recognises that there is no one model for a healthy, functioning family (Walker, 2012). A change or movement in one of these systems results in change or movement in the others. In Rory’s case, social systems theory is useful as it allows social workers to identify which system requires an intervention (Teater, 2010). The key question is ‘does this structure work for this family’ and does it allow for the healthy development and growth of family members? As such, the Munro Report confirms that a systems perspective offers the most holistic tool for undertaking informed assessment work that takes into full account the wide environmental factors combined with the inter-personal relationship patterns that influence family experiences (cited in Walker, 2012). Furthermore, a family’s structure and organisation allows social workers to determine, to some extent what is possible within a particular family. Thinking of families systematically also ensures no family member is marginalised (Walker, 2012). One-to-one intervention with Rory will have an i mpact on the whole family system; his mother, brother and stepfather will be affected, and also the family dynamic as a whole. As such, group work is an effective method of intervention according to social systems theory. This is because it avoids the risk that the family’s problems and their solutions are individualised. By placing Rory in a different group dynamic, one that has been constructed by a facilitator or practitioner, social workers may be able to assess which elements of the family’s structure need intervention, and where Rory and the family need extra support. By assessing Rory’s patterns of communication and interaction outside his family dynamic, practitioners may gain greater insight into his specific needs and methods that can be used to support and empower him. Groupwork for families links closely to the family therapy movement (pioneered by figures such as Murray Bowen, Jay Haley, and Virginia Satir). The family therapy movement advocates systemic features as a means by which to assess the way groups of relatives organise themselves over time, creating stable patterns, that are inclined to return to familiar states. As such, one of the beliefs is that systems tend to be self-correcting, based on positive or negative feedback (Coady and Lehmen, 2007). By using groupwork intervention with Rory, he may feel empowered and supported to address and correct the patterns and familiar states of his family, rather than simply removing himself from situations. Furthermore, the counsellor or practitioner can address the dysfunctional and destructive subsystems that exist within Rory’s family. A concern surrounding this theory of social work, however, is the emphasis social systems theory places on adaptation. The purpose of the group work intervention is to explore how systems can be adjusted and change to create a healthy and supportive structure. As such, some fear that practitioners are encouraging clients to accommodate to oppressive circumstances (Coady and Lehmen, 2007). From this perspective, Rory may be being taught to accept and adapt to the hostile and threatening behaviour of his stepfather, or the neglect he sometimes faces from his mother. This can be addressed by being mindful of social work’s traditional concern with social justice- an integration of values such as social justice and social systems based thinking is possible. To do this, practitioners must be self-reflective and question their own values and assumptions, particularly in terms of prejudice and diversity, in order to ensure that the client’s best interests are at the heart of gr oup work intervention. An awareness of social circumstance is also important in tackling diversity with regard to mental health. Parental mental health, and the disruption to parenting capacity has been found to have profound and persistent implications for children and their parents (Smith, 2004). As such, it has been advocated that social workers have improved access to training that assists with psychosocial interventions, such as group work (National Institute for Mental Health in England, 2005). This helps us to understand the quality of attachment between Rory and his mother. Rory himself is displaying behaviours that may point to mental health, particularly disclosing suicidal thoughts. Research shows that social work plays a significant role of social work in promoting the involvement of people using services and developing systemic approaches to practice with families (Gilbert, 2007). Diversity is important here- social workers must address societal stigmas regarding mental health. Effective inter vention can also promote diversity by helping those with mental health to function and become involved in society. A psychosocial approach helps us to understand Rory’s patterns of communication and behaviour, as it gives us insight into the formative relationships, experiences and environments that have categorised his life thus far. This puts troubling behaviours, such as self-destructive and suicidal thoughts, within a social context that can be used as the basis for assessment and intervention. Our chosen intervention method, group work, is also revealing about how Rory can be supported and empowered. By modelling healthy and secure relationships, and developing Rory’s social skills, Rory’s future relationships do not have to be influenced solely by dysfunctional attachments with his parents and stepfather. By understanding his family as a system, and observing Rory but within that system and in other groups, insight is gained into how Rory’s social context can be adapted in order to promote the healthy growth of all its members.