Group+Twelve

Wiki 5: Social Conflict


 * “What can be done to resolve the political conflict between Israel and Palestine?”**

The Israel-Palestine conflict is the ongoing civil war between the Israelis and Palestinians. The beginnings of the modern conflict can be traced back to the late 1800’s when the world saw the beginnings of the Zionist movement, a movement among the Jewish community that urged the creation of a Jewish national homeland. The Palestinians who lived in the area had previously considered themselves a part of the Ottoman Empire until World War I and the collapse of the Ottomans. The British, with approval from the League of Nations took control of the area. The conflict continued but was mediated by the British until, following World War II, there was a newfound call for the establishment of a Jewish national state. In 1947 the UN general assembly voted on a partition plan which would create separate partitions for the Palestine area. It would create a Jewish state with a Jewish Majority population, an Arab state with a majority Arab population, and an international Zone compromising Jerusalem and the surrounding areas where the Jewish and Arab populations are roughtly equal. In 1948 the British mandate over Palestine was terminated and the Establishment of the state of Israel brought full scale war. The war resulted with a decisive Israeli victory that altered the lines of the original partition plan to three separate areas, the west bank which was controlled by Jordan, the greater Israel area and the Gaza strip controlled by Egypt. Due to this war Jewish population in Arab countries were expelled or fled their property due. Between 1948 and 1967, Israel and the bordering states conducted frequent border raids and skirmishes between each other. In 1967 after years of Palestinian attacks, aided by Egypt, the Six-Day war broke out. Shortly after Israel seized control of the Gaza strip and the west bank and asserted control over Jerusalem. The Palestinian residents of Jerusalem were granted citizenship. The Palestine Liberation Organization was founded as a means of resistance for the Palestinians. In 1993 the Oslo Accords were signed which provided for the creation of a Palestinian National Authority which would have control over territory under its control which consisted of mainly the west bank and the Gaza strip. The Accords also called for the withdrawal of the Israel Defense forces from the Gaza strip and the West bank. In 2000 there was a resurgence in Palestinian terrorism called the Second Intifada after continued clashes inside Israel. In 2007 Hamas, a terrorist organization took control over the Gaza strip. There are continued human rights violations throughout Israel especially against the Palestinians, most notably in Gaza. In 2007 an import-export ban was imposed on Gaza causing 95% of its Industrial operations to be suspended. The blockade is highly controversial and has attracted criticism from many human rights organizations because it denies citizens of Gaza many basic resources. By using the Social conflict perspective we hope to examine where policies have failed and what can be done to help resolve the conflict.
 * __INTRODUCTION__**

We have chosen to look at this dispute from a social conflict perspective, which emphasizes the distribution of power and allocation of resources in society (C.Bucher- Spring 2010, Intro to Sociology). According to the conflict perspective, social order cannot be fully understood apart from a consideration of how the status quo is established and maintained, and who benefits and who suffers from the existing system (Witt, 14). This theory explains the war in Israel by changing the allocation of power from the oppressed Jew’s who then became the powerful Israelis. These people became the bourgeoisie, after a long history of being the proletariats, once Israel was declared an official country in 1948.
 * __THEORY__**

In 1948, the United Nations declared the Israeli State in formerly Palestinian territory. Because of this, there has been major tension between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Today, Arabs and Palestinians in Israel are denied their rights such as education, employment, equality, and their citizenship unless they swear allegiance to Israel and forget their cultural heritage (Lendman). There is major conflict in the region because Zionists believe the Jewish people are entitled their homeland in the Holy Land where Palestinians have lived for years. These tensions have sparked many wars between the two peoples which have left many dead and homeless. Hamas is an Islamic fundamentalist group that opposes peace with Israel and uses terrorism as a weapon; they believe that Jihad is the only way to go. Hamas’ goal is to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine; which is now inside the borders of Israel (BBC). The founding documents of Hamas commits the organization to the utter destruction of Israel (BBC). It seems the only solution that has been tried by either side is violence and more violence. An anonymous Hamas leader said, “We know the violence doesn’t work, but we don’t know how to stop it,” (LeVine). With the way this conflict is going, it seems no one will win until the other group is utterly wiped out. In the past, non-violent revolts worked because, in Gandhi’s words, they sought “to convert, not to coerce, the wrong-doer,” (LeVine). What Hamas fails to realize is that terrorism rarely works unless the group using it is already strong enough demographically, militarily, and politically to defeat their oppressors (LeVine). It is not likely that Israel will give Palestinians a Palestinian territory so they need to put aside their past violent ways and try a more political approach to gain their rights (LeVine). A two-state solution would work but has been unattainable in the past (LeVine). One solution that could potentially work is having the UN make two states, one for Islamic people in the area and one for the Israelis. The UN could use militaristic force to keep it in order and place sanctions on countries that try to go against the system or invade. Israelis are not giving the Palestinians the civil rights deserved by all human beings (Lendman). The only way that has been attempted to gain these civil rights by the Palestinians has been war and violence (LeVine). Palestinians and Israelis need to seek a peaceful solution to end this conflict. A political approach could gain Palestinians the rights they desire, but it is hard to imagine that either group would put aside their violence and try another way (LeVine).
 * __LITERATURE REVIEW__**

In 1948, the UN instated Israel as a country. They instated in as a two-state system and it was divided into a Jewish and Arab state. The areas were intermixed throughout the new country and shortly after in 1967, the surrounding countries then invaded the new Israel, and Israel pushed their Arab invaders out. Since the territory that was given to create Israel was initially parts of Arab nations, the Arab nations still wanted to claim Israel as their own. As a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, we propose that the territory be divided into two-state area again, with backing from the UN. Through this, the Palestinians and the Israelis will each have sanctioned and separated land for each. If the UN enforces this, and imposes sanctions in the event of continued human rights violations, there will be less chances for the two-state area to be attacked and invaded by surrounding countries due to the economic impact. Jerusalem would be a neutral area based on the Muslim and Jewish significance in the area. This should not prove to be a problem because both the Arab-Muslims and the Jewish people have not caused problems or fought there in years, because Jerusalem has been a neutral territory already for the extent of the conflict.
 * __SOLUTION__**

· When one anonymous, influential Hamas leader was quoted saying,"We know the violence doesn't work, but we don't know how to stop it.”   ·  The Palestinians realize that the violence is only stalling action for limited periods of time, but the only new ideas they’ve come up with in past few years are more violent attacks with rockets.   ·  Palestinian society has a long history of political failures, that have only resulted in more social disorder. The PLO, Palestine Liberation Organization, founded in 1964 is the official representation of the Palestinian people. It was recognized as a terrorist organization until 1988, but still has vague references to the destruction of Israel in its pact. · After the PLO was granted legitimate political status, they began to move focus from full Israeli withdrawal to gaining wealth, social backing, and harnessing their political power. · Once PLO renounced its long history of terrorism, Hamas picked up where it had left off. · “Aside from the moral and legal problems associated with such attacks - whether by rockets or suicide bombs - Hamas and other militant groups failed to understand that terrorism rarely succeeds unless the insurgency deploying it is already strong enough demographically, militarily and politically to defeat the occupier.” · Hamas states that “jihad is the way”, but jihad is a specific path which Muslims have to take, but most argue that violence is not the way. · “Successful non-violent movements succeeded because, in Gandhi's words, they sought "to convert, not to coerce, the wrong-doer".” · Israel is not likely to give Palestinians a legitimate Palestinian territory, therefore, the Palestinians must change their violent ways, and politically demand equal human rights like those of the Israelis. · A two-state solution would be viable, but it has remained illusive in the past, and has yet to be attainable in the near-future. “Palestinians can begin the journey towards a future in which Jews and Palestinians can share the land of historical Palestine/Eretz Yisrael for the benefit of both peoples, rather than at the expense of the other. The road will no doubt be long and painful; but even as the fog of the latest war dissipates it is hard to imagine another path emerging that could lead to an independent, peaceful future for Palestine, or Israel.” 
 * __BIBLIOGRAPHIES__**
 * LeVine, Mark. "Who Will Save the Palestinians?" Editorial. //Al Jazeera English// 27 Dec. 2009 //[Doha, Qatar ]// . Web. 26 Apr. 2010. . **
 * Main Question: ** “What course of action should the Palestinians take toward peace?
 * Main Findings: **

How is the war in Israel affecting the human rights of all Palestinians? · Human Rights have been made conditional in Israel over the past year. Conditions range from fulfilling an obligation to belonging to certain groups. · “For example, free expression is targeted, and Israeli Arabs threatened, denied equality, education, employment, and their citizenship without “declaring loyalty” to Israel — in other words, on condition they abandon their national identity, culture, language, and historic heritage that’s the equivalent of asking Jews to renounce Judaism.” · Since 1948, Israel has denied its Arab citizens human and civil rights, but it is worse for the Palestinians who are afforded no protection. · Israel has also prohibited any foreign media to accurately report on the conflict. These war coverage restrictions “caused Israel’s journalistic freedom rating to drop sharply as measured by international human rights organizations.” · Israeli Arabs are seen as enemies, and unless they swear allegiance to the Jewish state, racist laws pose a threat to their free expression, political influence, culture, and heritage. · “If passed, the proposed Loyalty to Israel Law will make Israeli citizenship conditional on signing a loyalty oath to “the Jewish, Zionist, and democratic State of Israel, its symbols and values.” It will also obligate all citizens to perform military or other national service, and will authorize the Interior Minister to revoke the citizenship of anyone refusing to sign.” · Many people live in villages which have an older history than the state of Israel. Israel refuses to recognize these people and their settlements giving them two choices: live with the inhumane conditions or voluntarily move to one of the seven recognized townships or villages, abandoning their land, heritage, and traditional lifestyle. · The elderly are one of Israel’s fastest growing groups; elder Israeli poverty ranks among the highest in western countries.” · “ Private schools have long existed in Israel, but now they’re proliferating at the expense of public ones.” · ““The drastic cut to income-support and unemployment insurance has been one element in Israel’s high ranking in the (OECD’s) Inequality Index.”” · “ Israel’s preemptive, indiscriminate, Operation Cast Lead attack against Gazan civilians took a devastating toll, compounding the existing humanitarian crisis with the Territory under siege. In addition, Gaza’s entire infrastructure was savaged, affecting electricity, water and sewage facilities already severely compromised.” · Jews also experience different detention times than Arabs. Some examples of this include: preliminary detainment until judicial review — 24 hours for Jews most often; eight days for Palestinians and total detainment for investigative purposes — 30 days for Jews; 35 for security crimes, and only the Supreme Court can authorize extensions; 98 days for Palestinians with additional three month extensions · According to WHO, a human needs a minimum of 100 liters of water per day. Palestinians get about 66 liters despite the fact that the West Bank has enough water for everyone. This takes a toll on the Palestinians’ health as well as their farming. As a result of the almost 2000 years of prejudice shown to the Jews, the state of Israel is refusing to meet half way, or even any of the way, in Palestine’s request to be able to make a nation separate from the people of Israel out of the land they control. As discussed in the article, this dispute has had detrimental consequences to the Palestinians and Israel-Arabs. All regards for these people’s human rights have been deducted, leaving them to fend for themselves in an area that despises their existence. This religious war is without a doubt a social problem that is affecting not only the residents of the area, but the entire world as everyone is working towards resolving the conflict. · * //Mark LeVine is a professor of Middle East history at the University of California, Irvine, and is the author of Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam and the soon to be published An Impossible Peace: Israel/Palestine Since 1989. // · * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Steve Lendman received a Harvard BA in 1956 and a Wharton MBA in 1960 <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">
 * Lendman, Stephen. "Human Rights Abuses in Israel and Occupied Palestine." //Dissident Voice// 5 Feb. 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2010. <http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/02/human-rights-abuses-in-israel-and-occupied-palestine/>.**
 * Main Question of the Article**
 * Main Findings**
 * Relate article to the religious tradition of Israel and how it is affecting the human rights of Palestinians.**

_______________________________________________________ Wiki 3: The American Dream What is the American Dream? The American Dream is one of equal opportunities, wealth, and prosperity. The American Dream epitomizes social stratification by having those of lower economic status strive to work toward a higher social class. This provides many situations that influence society in various ways. According to the structural functionalist perspective it is not upheld. If everyone is given completely equal opportunities, then the ascribed status of the American Dream will have no meaning. The structural functionalist theory emphasizes that parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability. This theory looks at society as an ordered web of parts into one whole, where each structure has a function in society. (C-Bucher, Introduction Sociology Notes, 2010). The manifest function of this perspective is to be a part of the “American Dream”. The latent function occurs in the competitive nature of the desire to possess the American Dream. Much like a supply and demand scenario, the less success that is available to be obtained increases its demand. The dysfunctions are those that are left without attaining the American Dream and are trapped in a lower SES. When asked the question: “Is the American Dream equally available to all American citizens?” the structural functionalist perspective argues that it is not equally available to all. The dysfunctions far outweigh the positivity of the manifest and latent functions. In the history of the world, people did not question their status in life; it was something that they believed was uncontrollable. In the Enlightenment period, people’s beliefs about social inequality began to change, with the help of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques, from something that could not be changed to something that was caused by social institutions and groups (Jackson, 59). The next few paragraphs will show some types of social inequality that are present in the world and will show that poverty is in fact normative in the United States. If people in a society know that their society is unequal then it is unequal; otherwise the ideas about inequality would be foreign and would not exist (Jackson, 59). “While we all continuously experience inequality, the meaning of that experience differs according to our status” (Jackson, 59). For example, a rich person could know that the life of a poor person is hard, but they will never experience the life of a poor person and vice versa. Research from the last twenty years has shown that family’s influences are twice as likely to influence a child’s status (Jackson, 60). A person’s race, gender, occupation, wealth, and education also greatly influence one’s status and poverty level (Jackson, 61). Five to ten percent of white people are below the poverty level while twenty to thirty percent of Hispanic and twenty to thirty-five percent of black people are below the poverty level. One of the things that the disadvantaged must have in order to resist their status and place is the sufficient resources (Jackson, 61). Though, if someone is already disadvantaged, it may be hard for them to find the resources in order to resist their place in life. Many people in the United States don’t realize that poverty in America is very common. In the last thirty years, eleven to fifteen percent of Americans have been under the poverty line at any given time (Rank, 159). Furthermore, “By the time Americans have reached the age of 75, 59 percent will have spent at least a year below the poverty line during their adulthood,” (Rank, 159). At the age of thirty, twenty-seven percent of Americans will have spent at least one year in poverty, thirty-four percent will have fallen below the near-poverty line (Rank, 160). Low-income families in the United States work more than families in other countries, yet they are not able to make enough money for their needs unlike European counterparts to due lack of governmental support (Rank, 161). There are many types of inequality in our country, some based on race, gender, and social class. In order to change this, there must be more governmental support programs and educational programs to teach people that poverty is in most cases not caused by laziness or lack of motivation, but lack of opportunity. Our group looked at the question of whether or not all people are equally able to achieve the American Dream. We examined this question from the structural functionalist perspective. This perspective looks at society in terms of how all the structures work together to create the current state of society. In order to ask the question of whether or not all people can achieve the American Dream we examined the ways in which institutions act in order to create the availability to economic resources by different members of different classes. In order to conduct the research we reviewed data on the social stratification present in America as well as examined previous research conducted on the topic. From our observations of society as well and social stratification we’ve arrived at the hypothesis that if the institutions of society make quality education, jobs, and aid to those in the poverty level more equally accessible then an ascribed status will be less important in determining a person’s access to the economic status and happiness which constitutes the American Dream. The independent variable is the access to quality education, jobs, and aid to those in the poverty level, and the dependant variable is the access to the “American Dream.” <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">In regards to the data provided, we concluded that the American Dream is not equally attainable to all American citizens. Those belonging to a minority gender or ethnicity have a statistically lower chance. For example, the unemployment rates for February 2010 were at 7.8% for white females, while African-American males had 20.1% unemployment. The United States has one of the highest odds of being poor, both as a child (21.9%) and as an adult (17.0%). A specific group of people that tend to struggle with poverty and reaching the American Dream is single mothers. Women with more resources and higher class are able to care for their children better, versus mothers that are granted with no aid. Without aid, single mothers are extremely likely to end up in severe debt. The manifest function of possessing the American Dream, and the latent function of social competition allow for positive influence on Americans, while the dysfunctions leave many citizens in a low SES. These results, upheld by the data, support the hypothesis if the institutions of society make quality education, jobs, and aid to those in the poverty level more equally accessible then an ascribed status will be less important in determining a person’s access to the economic status and happiness which constitutes the American Dream. Jackson, Robert M. "Inequalities." //Contexts// 6.1 (2007): 59-61. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">What systems of inequality exist in our world, how do they affect the daily interactions of people, and is inequality necessary to maintain economic efficiency? <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">In the almost 250 years that America has been settled, the country has risen to a prominence better than almost all other nations in the world. But all is not well with this nation. The inequality that has developed between its citizens is damaging not only to the lives of each individual, but also to the health of our nation. As shown in our textbook, the greatest percents of America’s population falls into the Working Class, followed by Lower-Middle Class. However as we already know, the majority of power is concentrated within the Upper Class. If our nation is going to uphold its legacy as the land of opportunity and equal opportunity, than something must be done to tear down the barriers that have arisen. Few Americans realize that poverty is normative. How should that change the American viewpoint on poverty? Most people in America perceive poverty as being out of the ordinary -- when in actuality -- in the last 30 years approximately 11 to 15 percent of Americans have been under the poverty line at any time. Most people move in and out of poverty throughout their lifetime. “By the time Americans have reached the age of 75, 59 percent will have spent at least a year below the poverty line during their adulthood, while 68 percent will have forced at least a year in poverty. If we included experiences of poverty in childhood, these percentages would be even higher.” When people use the government aids provided, like welfare, the percentages become more substantial. “...40 percent [of Americans] will have used a welfare program in at least 5 separate years. (Again, adding childhood experiences would only raise the rates.)” Yet again, the American way of thinking is wrong. Poverty and welfare //__do__// extend across all spectrums. //<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Addressing the Issue: // The risk of poverty is high due to any factors. The first reason, are the unexpected events in life that heavily require money: divorce, unemployment, family emergencies, illnesses, or surgery. Furthermore, the American government’s safety net is useless during a family’s short period of financial emergency. “While low-income families in the United States work more than in many other countries, they are not able to make up for lower governmental income support relative to their European counterparts”. “European and Canadian programs reduce rates of poverty by an average of 79 percent. In contrast, the United States was only able to reduce its percentage in poverty at any given time from 29 to 18 percent”. The third factor is the labor market. In America, there is a lack in higher paying jobs with benefits. For that matter, there is a lack in jobs available. For every job in America there are multiple people applying for that one position, leaving many unemployed. //<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Ways to Change: // “Understanding the normality of poverty requires us to rethink several of our most enduring myths.” When people realize the effects of poverty and how it happens, they can then establish effective ways to cope with or eliminate it. Change the viewpoint “from a distant concept of //them//, to an active reality of //us//”. Also, realizing that most times poverty isn’t due to a lack of motivation or bad attitudes, but rather life’s shortcomings, may allow people to be conscious of the fact that they are letting millions suffer while they think it’s //them// not //us//. //<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">In Relation to Atchison, KS: // Looking at Atchison, KS from a socioeconomic standpoint, there is a wide range from wealthy to impoverish. Most likely, those that are wealthy see those that aren’t as lazy (by not attending college, being on welfare, etc.) In most cases, this is probably not the truth. Our generation is lucky to have many resources available to us today, like the FAFSA. Without programs like financial aid and G.I. Bills, or scholarships many of us wouldn’t be able to attend school. The structures more recently imposed allow many young adults to attend school and function in a way that they become more educated, and most likely stay above the poverty line later in life.
 * __Introduction__**
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Theory __**
 * __ Lit-Review __**
 * __ Methods __**
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Results __**
 * __ Bibliographies __**
 * Bibliographic Information: **
 * Main Question: **
 * Main Findings: **
 * You know you have an unequal society when people have ideas of equality, otherwise these ideas would be foreign to a truly equal society.
 * The Enlightenment shifted peoples’ attitudes about social inequalities from something that was incontrollable, to something that was caused by specific social institutions and groups.
 * Enlightenment people like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques were influential.
 * “While we all continuously experience inequality, the meaning of that experience differs according to our status”
 * The rich know the poor life is rough, but they will never be able to //feel// that roughness. The poor know the rich have the “good life” but they will never be able to know what that life //feels// like.
 * Inequality provides the barriers of our lives that split us into groups; these barriers we usually accept to be permanent and inflexible.
 * These groups share the following: schools, points of view, identities, places of worship. People usually marry within their social group.
 * “A person’s status is influenced simultaneously by race, gender, parents’ status, occupation, wealth, education, and other characteristics; these are largely inseparable in experience.”
 * With each status comes different level of life opportunities.
 * Wealth inequalities are sustained by things like inheritance, social mobility, and the economy. Race Inequalities are sustained by things like discrimination and exclusion.
 * “Status inequalities are always intermingled with positional inequalities, without which they would disappear. Positional inequalities involve unequal control over resources; without this, the other inequalities would not matter”
 * “Status inequalities involve differential access to desirable (an undesirable) locations in the systems of positional inequality.”
 * Inequality is fought by removing the barriers to //positions// in our industries.
 * “Research shows that parents’ income, wealth, education, occupation, and residential location all affect one’s eventual place in the economic hierarchy.”
 * Research from the past 20 years has shown that family influences are twice as likely to influence children’s status.
 * Resistance by those who being discriminated against requires: “that the disadvantaged must have sufficient resources and freedom to organize themselves; they must embrace an ideology that declares inequality unnecessary and unjust and suggests that overcoming it is a practicable strategy; they must accept a common identity; and they must believe that collective struggle is a more promising or more noble strategy than personal advancement.”
 * Supporters of inequality argue that inequality is necessary in order to remain productive as an economy. Higher rewards serve as incentives for people to work better and more efficiently.
 * Relate article to Stratification in America **
 * Rank, Mark R. (2003). “As American as Apple Pie: Poverty and Welfare.” Contexts. American Sociological Association. **
 * Main Question: **
 * Main Findings: **

Wiki 2: Best Practices for CPCs __**Introduction**__ The topic we have been given concerns Crisis Pregnancy centers in rural communities. A Crisis Pregnancy Center, or CPC, is an establishment that provides pregnant women with an alternative to abortion. Group twelve has been given the social conflict theory and asked to interview the Care Net of Cadillac in Cadillac, Michigan. The information gathered will be applied to the social conflict theory. The questions are as follows:
 * 1) In your professional opinion, what are the goals of the crisis pregnancy center?
 * 2) Does your work focus on all women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant, or specifically those who are unexpectedly pregnant and seeking an abortion?
 * 3) How are your clients affected by their financial resources?
 * 4) What practices has your organization implemented in order to recruit new clients?
 * 5) Which of these practices has proved to be most effective?
 * 6) What have been your greatest obstacles in delivering services?
 * 7) How do other institutions in society (mass media, schools, family, work, etc) influence your clients?
 * 8) How have you overcome these obstacles?
 * 9) How much emphasis do you place on instilling a new set of values in your clients?
 * 10) What kind of advice would you offer to a crisis pregnancy center opening in a rural town?

These responses will help us answer our research question which is: What are the best practices for crisis pregnancy centers located in rural communities? __**Theory**__

The theory being applied is the social conflict theory. The social conflict theory emphasizes the distribution of power (who benefits and suffers from the existing systems) and the allocation of resources. It is through these resources and the power struggles that some come to benefit, while others remain in their own conflicts (Class Notes 2010). The social conflict theory will see that the parents benefit -- at first -- and then later on as the child gets older, the parents may be troubled with money problems which will then affect the government and tax payers who suffer for these services.

__**Literature Review**__

Many crisis pregnancy centers -- also known as CPCs -- are closing throughout the country, especially in rural communities. Yet, there are some crisis pregnancy centers that still thrive in rural communities. If the business practices are studied, we can see the differences that make some CPCs thrive and some fail. Some thriving CPCs help save the mother from a life of welfare, not just the baby. A crisis pregnancy center should conduct research on practices that keeps other CPCs afloat. The pregnancy centers would also do well to focus more on minorities and older women with unplanned pregnancies.

Most single mothers are supported by welfare, usually two-hundred and twenty-five dollars a month. This creates a reward-like system for out of wedlock pregnancies. Many children born into single-parent households have high poverty rates, low academic achievement, and a high probability of criminal behavior. CPCs must try to create a good future fore the mother and the child. They must seek to teach successful parenting, not an immediate maternal bond, which could make adoption a harder option. Mothers-to-be must love their babies enough to birth the but also enough to place them in a two-parent home. Adoption is not only giving the gift of a child to a family, it is also giving the child the gift of a family. In 1991, research showed that “46% of all pregnancies to unwed mothers ended in abortion, 44% were carried to term, 2% were placed for adoption,” (Mathewes-Green, 1996). This means that 44% of all babies born to single mothers have a high probability of deviant or criminal behavior, and will have a below average lifestyle. If these children were put up for adoption, it would be less of a drain on the economy because less people would be on welfare; there would be less poverty and unemployment, and less people in prison. In programs where adoption was mentioned to pregnant, unwed teens, they were seven times as likely to choose adoption (Mathewes-Green, 1996). When researching best business practices, it is important to remember that a problem that has occurred in one company is likely to have occurred in another. In finding the best business practices, it is good to note that there is no one best way to conduct the best business research. Each professional needs to find his/her own style of research. A good first step is to state the problem or goal. Then, think of issues that could contribute to the problem or lead to a solution. Next, it is good to gather information. Less expensive methods of information gathering should be used first, such as library searches, once a few good methods have been chosen, they should be followed up in depth with more expensive ones, like interviews. The interviews should be done with people who are knowledgeable in this particular area. Research is sterile and inconclusive if it does not have information from knowledgeable professionals. It is important to get an insiders view from people involved in the projects you are studying. The highest unplanned pregnancy rate showed up in unmarried, low-income, black or Hispanic women ages 18-24 (Henshaw, 1998). If CPCs want to have more business, they need to focus on these groups. If the pregnancy centers are only focused on middle class white women, they will miss a major group of unplanned pregnancies that could otherwise end in abortion. In order to find good business practices, a professional must know how do to best business research. Once found, the professional can implement the practices. Encouraging adoption is one of the best business practices, but CPCs must do it in a way that does not seem like it is being forced down someone’s throat. A CPC must also know which people to target. It would be good for CPCs to set up in an area with a high minority and low income population. If the business practices are studied, the differences that make some CPCs thrive and some fail can be seen. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande',helvetica,sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">__**Methods**__

The data was gathered by various members of the sociology class by way of telephone interviews, which were then posted for all members on the class’ website. Once all the interviews were posted, the group looked at the answers and analyzed them relative to our social conflict theory. We chose to analyze the interviews in terms of power relationships (who is oppressing others, and who is being oppressed) and the allocation of necessary resources.

Eglene, Ophelia. “Conducting Best and Current Practices Research: A Starter Kit.” Diss. Center for Technology in Government, 2000. This article describes how to conduct the best and current practices of today’s institutions in the views of Ophelia Eglene. It is research designed to help organizations learn from the experiences of others, as well as covering what has worked in the past and what doesn't (i.e. how to replicate successes and avoid making serious mistakes).
 * Main Question:**
 * Main Findings:**
 * What & Why?-**


 * Any problem facing an agency, no matter how complex it may seem, is likely to have occurred elsewhere. Identifying and evaluating the solutions developed by these other organizations is a crucial step in project planning.
 * Aim at effective best practices and look deeper into the characteristics that led to success.

**Different Conducting Practices-**


 * Each professional develops his or her own method for conducting current and best practices research (there is no “one” best way).
 * 1: Formulate the question-
 * Analyze the problem and/or goal
 * Think of issues typically associated with your particular topic. Specify things that are NOT part of your research goals. You will then gain a better.
 * 2: Gather preliminary information-
 * In this phase, use the most cost-effective methods early (like a library search) and the more expensive ones (like interviews) later when you have narrowed the field to a few good prospects.
 * 3: Interview selected people in-depth-
 * This kind of research is incomplete if it does not involve interviewing knowledgeable people identified during the information gathering stage.
 * It is very important to talk to people involved in the projects that interest you to get an insider's view.

**A staff member conducting the current and best practices research should-**


 * Feel comfortable talking to people, and asking for help and advice
 * Be able to describe your project accurately, but briefly
 * Identify the right person to talk to. If the person you are talking to does not seem knowledgeable enough, asking to be directed to someone who knows more about the issue will save time and frustration on both sides.
 * Ask targeted questions: "What do you know about...? Who in your organization knows about...? Can you tell me more about how you...?"
 * Know how and when to ask difficult questions (usually about problems and failures)
 * Have a standard method for documenting the interview results

**Conclusion:** This article has a lot to do with interviewing people and learning and taking good from their mistakes. The CPC’s can use this tool in hopes of raising up a strong institution. This article also encourages unique and new ideas which creates a sense of “self” within the company. A solid base is the most important aspect when trying to build a strong and stable institution.

__**Results**__ In looking at the various interviews with the Crisis Pregnancy Centers they all have similar goals: to provide overall education, care, and support. These goals are met most effectively through “word-of-mouth” advertising and networking. The social conflict theory would explain that these practices abuse those who subsidize the mothers seeking care. The tax payers are providing the means for the welfare provided, until the mothers are no longer eligible for the care. Once the mothers, families, or children no longer qualify for the services provided, they become the oppressed members of society. Depending upon what stage the people find themselves in -- either society is oppressing the mother, family, or child in need of care, or the needy are oppressing those that are providing the financial or material support. Those in need must find a way to help themselves, and “word-of-mouth” practices and networking are free for their benefit. These practices induce a series of events that start the mothers on a track of dependency, but the transition from being supported to supporting themselves needs to become less drastic. __**Annotated Bibliographies**__

How may Crisis Pregnancy centers alter their practices so that they are not only saving each child, but also each mother from a life on welfare?
 * Mathewes-Green, Frederica. "Pregnancy Centers and The Welfare Trap." Policy Review 78 (1996). Print. **
 * Main Question:**

**Main Findings:**

**Relate article to Atchison, KS** After reading this article, it is easy to see how these privately-funded organizations would have troubles staying open in small towns, let alone one that has a lower than average socioeconomic status like Atchison. This means a fair number of people in Atchison are supported by Welfare and according to this article, welfare may be encouraging births out of wedlock. They reason that since all single mothers are entitled to welfare, food stamps, etc, that most expectant mothers choose the single-mother life believing it will be enough to sustain them. But in reality it is not, and then they become a burden on our society’s economy. Adoption is a best practice that will lower the amount of welfare dependent single mothers.
 * Since CPCs are privately funded, most can only offer material and emotional support for up to a year after the birth of the child.
 * Most single mothers are supported by welfare: $225/month plus food stamps
 * People now argue that welfare causes more wedlock pregnancies because there seems to be no consequences.
 * “200,000 clients a year eventually set up single-parent households”
 * “Eventual outcomes for many of the children born into single parents households: poverty, low academic achievement, susceptibility to crime.”
 * Crisis Pregnancy centers must seek the best future for both the child and mother in order maintain healthy family structures within society.
 * CPCs must work towards ‘successful parenting’ not encourage an immediate maternal bond, which could make it harder for the mother to choose adoption.
 * “They must strike a delicate balance: Encourage mothers-to-be to love their babies enough to give them life, yet still be willing to place them with two-parent homes.”
 * You give the child a gift of a family, not just the family a gift of a child.
 * 1991: “46% of pregnancies to unwed mothers ended in abortion, 44% were carried to term, 2% were placed up for adoption.”
 * Practices must change in order to present adoption in a more attractive way; a way that does not cause the mother to feel like she was pressured into adoption.
 * “In 40% of counseling situations, adoption was not even mentioned to the client as an option.” They believe this is because the counselors’ own maternal instinct would allow them to choose adoption, should they be in the same position.
 * 1991: “pregnant, unmarried teens counseled in a program that mentioned adoption to every client were seven times more likely to choose it.”
 * LIGHT House maternity home in Kansas City, MO: 10% choose adoption; Higher rate than normal.
 * Expectant mothers can take care of electronic baby in order to aid in their decision; and there is a 20 week adoption program for those who chose it.

Henshaw, Stanley, K. “Unintended Pregnancy is the United States.” Family Planning Perspectives. 30.1 (1998): Print.
 * Main Questions**:

**Main Findings**: The main findings of this study showed first that 49% of pregnancies concluding in 1994 were unintended. Of those 54% concluded in abortion. They also found that between 1987 and 1994 the unintended pregnancy rate declined 16% from 54 to 45 per thousand women of reproductive age. The article suggests this decrease is due to increased contraceptive use and suggests that further reduction of this number should focus on reducing risky behaviors. 48% of women aged 15-44 in 1944 had at least one unplanned pregnancy in their lives, while 28% had one or more unplanned births and 30% had one or more abortions; 11% had both. The percentage of unplanned pregnancies that ended in abortion increased in women 20 or older but decreased in teenagers. Teenagers are more likely than older women to continue their unplanned pregnancies. The highest unintended pregnancy rate was in women aged 18-24, unmarried, low-income, and black or Hispanic. Of women at or above 200% of the poverty level the unintended pregnancy rate was 41.2% whereas among women earning the poverty level or less the rate was significantly higher at 61.3%. Among white women the unintended pregnancy rate was 42.9 whereas among black women the rate was 71.3%. The article shows exactly how widespread the experience of unintended pregnancy is, nearly half.
 * What are the rates of unintended pregnancies among women?
 * Why has the rate of unintended pregnancies declined?
 * How many unintended pregnancies end in abortions?

How it relates to the research The decrease of unintended pregnancies is attributed to more efficient use of contraceptive use and suggests further decrease can be achieved through a discouragement of risky behaviors. The wide disparity between the rates of unintended pregnancies among women in different socio-economic statuses suggests a lack of contraceptive use as well as a greater frequency of risky behaviors among both those in poverty and minorities. This suggests that crisis pregnancy centers should continue to focus on minorities as well as low income individuals. However there was also an observed trend that teenagers were more likely than women 20 or older to continue their unintended pregnancies. This suggests that crisis pregnancy centers would be right in effectively focusing on older women with unintended pregnancies. The research also suggests that unmarried women would, as common sense dictates, be far more likely to not only find themselves with an unintended pregnancy but also to terminate it through an abortion. However, there has seen an increase in the percentage of abortions among married women, suggesting crisis pregnancy centers could also effectively concentrate on this group of women.

Wiki 1: Obesity in the United States and Atchison, Kansas Obesity is a word that America has been struggling with more and more for the past few decades. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines obesity as “a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat on the body.” A word that sticks out to the eye is “condition.” Condition in this context means, “a state of being.” However, another definition of condition is “a restriction or modifying factor.” The latter definition clearly describes how obesity affects people. There are many risks involved with obesity, all of which are serious health problems affecting more and more people each year. A question that truly hits home for students at Benedictine College is “How can Atchison, Kansas address the growing obesity epidemic?” In order to address this question, one must look at many different aspects of obesity, think of possible solutions, research past experimentation, and use the scientific method to propose new experiments to help solve the obesity problem. In order to do this in a sociological perspective it is important to look at the different methods that sociologists use. The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on person to person interaction and holds direct experimentation in high regard. Obesity is a problem that will be most easily studied in a symbolic interactionist method. In sociology, the interactionist perspective -- also known as the symbolic interactionist perspective -- is defined by Jon Witt as, “a sociological approach that generalizes about everyday forms of social interaction in order to explain society as a whole” (Witt, 2009; 14). A symbolic interactionist believes that the society we live in today was created through individuals’ social interactions with others. All interactions that take place are negotiated by behaviors that we model after symbolic definitions or meanings of a situation. These meanings or definitions can be changed over time. An example of how a symbolic interactionist looks at the world is through sports. Relationships and interactions are defined by social positions such as team captain or official; along with performance based ratings. Regardless of cultural differences, people work together as a whole. The meanings of people’s prejudices can modify after interaction with one another proves different than previously thought. The interactionist perspective looks at obesity in two social contexts -- being defined as “a standard of behavior that cannot be broken” by sociologist Jon Witt -- and its acceptability based upon the way an individual interprets interactions, which then contribute to society as a whole. When obesity began to occur in America, it was extremely taboo by all means of social interaction. Now, as the obesity epidemic continues to spread, more people are becoming overweight and more individuals are accepting it as a part of everyday life. The symbolic interactionist perspective begs to ask, “How has the symbolic meaning of obesity changed?” How has America, as a nation, gone from condemning obesity to making it such a commonplace within just twenty years. Symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on changes; in this case: how has America’s opinion on obesity changed so rapidly? The obesity epidemic has been raging on in America for many years. “In adults, obesity has increased from 13% to 32% between the 1960s and 2004” ( Youfa Wang and May A. Beydoun, 2007; 1). Before the turn of the 1980s, obesity was a rare occurrence and not part of mainstream America. But times change, and now researches have examined every possible aspect of obesity, trying to discover the underlying causes with the hopes of decreasing the rate in the future. The research findings discussed in the following paragraphs include the economic causes and consequences due to the nation’s lack of prevention, followed by preventions methods to prohibit obesity from increasing in the future. Because of our lack of prevention over the past twenty years, our nation’s economy has begun to bear the burden of the heath costs. But as the article “Economic Causes and Consequences of Obesity” by Eric A Finkelstein, Christopher J. Ruhm, and Katherine M. Kosa says, changes in our economy over the past twenty years may have played a larger role in obesity’s spike than the lack of prevention. They argue that our nation’s technological advances have caused the population as a whole to expel less energy while remaining just as efficient. Due to the food-production industry acquiring this efficiency, “changes in food production technology…reduced the price of mass-produced, calorie-dense foods” (Finkelstein et al., 2005, 245). These less-than-healthy alternatives become more enticing for lower-income families than their fruit and vegetable counterparts. “Between 1985 and 2000, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy products increased [in price] by 118%, 77%, and 56% respectively. Sweets, fats and oils, and carbonated beverages increased at lower rates – 46%, 35% and 20%” (Finkelstein et al., 2005; 244-245). In addition to efficiency, America’s average portion size has greatly increased, especially pertaining to French fries and sweetened beverages, and so has the number of hours worked each week per household. More hours worked, means that families have less time at home to make healthy meals, forcing them to settle for the large-quantity, pre-packaged meals. Efficiency, portion size, and an increased work-week have all influenced the obesity epidemic. As research reports, “the average taxpayer spends approximately $175 per year to finance obesity-related medical expenditures among Medicare and Medicaid recipients” (Finkelstein, 2007; 248). Costs are not only monetary though, because obese people are more likely to miss work days due to illnesses, thus increasing their employer’s production costs. At the forefront in the fight against obesity, lies the desire to prevent the epidemic from becoming more prevalent in the future. This means that in order to get the obesity rate back to an acceptable level American citizens must be properly educated and the government must endorse accurate prevention methods. The article “Obesity – Halting the epidemic by making health easier,” compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contains their research-based solutions to the obesity epidemic. They show strong support for State - based programs, promoting an increase in physical activity and of eating more fruit and vegetables, as well as a decrease in television watching. Plans show that programs such as these are to be instituted within all fifty states. To supplement the state-based programs, the CDC also proposed the institution of national leadership conferences; road trips across the nation to discuss obesity prevention methods and how each person can do their part to combat the rising rate. Knowledge is power, and our country is going to have to combine all the power we’ve got if we want to avoid the prediction that, “by 2015 75% will be overweight and 40% will be obese” (Wang et al., 2007; 1) The previous article produced by the CDC contains prevention methods, but these prevention methods have more of a national application. According to the article by Youfa Wang et al., “16% of children and adolescents are overweight and 34% are at risk of overweight” (Wang et al., 2007; 1); showing that if we do not take preventative steps within our schools, the future is not going to be a pretty one. In the article, “Recommended Community Strategies and Measures to Prevent Obesity in the United States,” by Laura Kettle Khan et al., it is suggested that communities increase support for breast feeding. The evidence may be slim, but it has shown a possibility of reducing the likelihood of pediatric obesity. Also, it has become commonplace for schools, when competing to make Annual Yearly Progress, to cut out classes such as physical activity in order to have more time to teach subjects such as Math and Science. Yet, what Laura Kettle Khan et al. argues is that every school should be required to provide physical fitness classes. The article also argued for smaller portion sizes, and better quality foods to be supplied through the Public Service Venues. Schools pressed for cash, may try to cut their food costs; settling for prepackaged foods over farm-grown nutrients. But if children are not shown how to eat properly while in school, chances are they will not acquire healthy eating habits in the future. Even with all the prevention and knowledge that the government can possibly provide, research suggests that when given the option, people will still choose the weight-gaining lifestyle because it has lower all-around cost (monetary, time, and opportunity). Unhealthy foods are usually more appetizing, easier to acquire, and cheaper than foods that will ensure a long, healthy life. The odds that America can become healthy again, are against the nation. But if we are going to defeat the obesity epidemic, then we can not do it alone. Given the research that we were provided with, one experiment that could be conducted involves the relationship between knowledge of the content of processed foods and the likelihood that a person will consume the food, thus making them more likely to become more obese. The culture of food in Atchison, KS, is clearly related to the socioeconomic status of the citizens. People who can not afford to wine and dine themselves with highly organic and healthy foods, choose instead, those which are readily available, such as fast food and boxed dinners. Since the studies proved that low-income families are more likely to buy the cheaper, less healthy foods, then in order for them to change their eating habits, they be educated on what they are putting into their bodies. If these citizens of Atchison, KS, are educated on the content of processed and unhealthy foods, then they are more likely to choose healthy alternatives and are less likely to be obese. Independent variable in this study would be the education methods used across all schools in Atchison, both public and private, and the dependent variable would be the BMI of each individual. The control group is a sample of current residents of Atchison, KS, with no prior food education. The Experimental group would be the future adults of Atchison, otherwise dictated as the children being educated presently in the subject of food sciences. Eric A. Finkelstein; Ruhm, Christopher J.; Kosa, Katherine M. 2005. Economic Causes and Consequences of Obesity. // Annual Review of Public Health. 26. 239-57 // //** Main Question: **// // This journal article broke the obesity epidemic into three different sections. The first section discussed what economic factors played a significant role in America’s obesity rates. This was followed by the discussion of the economic burden placed on the government and economy because of obesity. And lastly the role of the government in fighting the rising obesity rates was researched. // //** Main Findings: **// After analyzing the causes of obesity rates, given Atchison’s high poverty rates, and low average economic income, it does not surprise me that Atchison has a high obesity rate. Lower income families will have both parents working, leaving less time for healthy lifestyles. Tight budgets will cause families to settle for the pre-packaged, cheaper, foods instead of the natural, healthy options. In order to decrease the obesity rate, since Atchison is a smaller town, walking to daily destination is more of a possibility.
 * Introduction **
 * Theory **
 * Literature Review **
 * Methods **
 * Bibliographic Information: Economic Causes and Consequences of Obesity **
 * Since the 1980’s, obesity rates in America have doubled.
 * Grade III obesity, BMI > 40.0 kg/m2 increased from 1.3% in 1970s to 4.7% in 2000.
 * Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various kinds of cancer have increased in popularity.
 * Some argue that the increase in obesity = technological advancements because they causes us to expend less energy, while still remain just as, if not more, efficient.
 * Manual labor was already in a decline before obesity rates spiked.
 * Statistics also show that “leisure-time activities have become more active”
 * “active” time rose from 7 to 24 minutes/day from 1965 to 1995
 * Adults to participate in no physical activity declined from 31% to 25% during the years of 1988 and 2002.
 * Number of calories consumed has risen at the same time as increase in obesity. “The growth in energy intake is of sufficient magnitude to explain the rise in body weight”
 * Majority of extra calories come from increased snacking, carbohydrates, and fruit and soft drinks, both in larger portions than recommended.
 * “Average daily energy intake rose 12%: grains, added fats, and added sugars accounted for 46%, 24%, and 23%, respectively, of the increase.
 * Basically when the price of “calorie-dense” foods rise slower than those of their healthy counterparts, consumers are more likely to choose the cheaper, less-healthy alternatives.
 * From 1960-1980 food prices rose, and there was no increase in obesity rates
 * Between 1985 and 2000, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy products increased by 118%, 77%, and 56% respectively. Sweets, fats and oils, and carbonated beverages increased at lower rates – 46%, 35% and 20%.
 * “changes in food production technology reduced the price of mass-produced, calorie-dense foods”
 * Serving sizes increased the most among French fries and sweetened drinks.
 * 1970-1990 average two-income family increased work by 600 hours. This means that parents have less time to cook healthy meals, and thus settle for eating out or pre-packaged dinners.
 * Mothers working accounts primarily for the cause of childhood obesity.
 * Television is the only one to increase snacking, but computers, video games, and other forms of media attribute to the rise in obesity rates.
 * 1988-1994 saw an 88% increase in the number of doctor visit attributed to obesity
 * Obese people are usually covered by Medicare: “the average taxpayer spends about $175/year to finance obesity-related medical expenditures.”
 * But people argue that lifetime cost for obese people are lower than average.
 * Obese people are also more likely to be gone from work
 * In the end technology has allowed us to become both more efficient within our homes and workplaces and also in our industries that package our food. Both burning fewer calories
 * Even with all the knowledge and motivation, a large quantity of people are going to choose the weight-gaining lifestyle because it has the lower costs for time, money, and opportunity.
 * Relate article to Atchison obesity: **


 * Youfa Wang and Beydoun, May A. 2007. The Obesity Epidemic in the United States – Gender, Age, Socioeconomic, Racial/Ethnic, and Geographic Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis. //Epidemiologic Reviews.// **

** Main Question: ** This article describes the obesity epidemic through means of the current situation, time trends, and disparities across gender, age, socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic groups, and geographic regions in the United States, based on national data. · Adult overweight and obesity are defined by using body mass index of 25 and 30; child at risk for being overweight were defined as the 85th and 95th percentiles of body mass index. · In adults, obesity has increased from 13% to 32% between the 1960s and 2004. Currently, 66% of adults are overweight or obese; 16% of children and adolescents are overweight and 34% are at risk of becoming overweight · By 2015, 75% of adults will be overweight, and 41% will be obese.. obesity has increased at an alarming rate in the United States over the past three decades. · “According to the World Health Organization, obesity is a disease and is defined as the condition of excess body fat to the extent that health is impaired. For practical purposes and among both children and adults, BMI is now widely used to assess obesity. BMI is closely correlated with body fat and obesity related health consequences.” · “The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/North American Association for the Study of Obesity committee also recommends using waist circumference cutpoints of 40 inches (102 cm) for men and 35 inches (88 cm) for women to define central obesity. Waist circumference may be equally or more useful than BMI because of its higher predictive value for future health risks, ease of measurement, and understanding by the general public.” · “In 2003–2004, among men and women aged 20 years or older, approximately two thirds (66.3 percent) were overweight or obese, 32.42 percent were obese, and 4.8 percent were extremely obese (BMI 40 kg/m2). The combined prevalence increased with age. Of persons in the United States aged 60 years or older, more than 70 percent were overweight or obese. Men were found to be more obese/overweight then women.” · Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest prevalence. Minority groups (i.e., non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican Americans) had a higher combined prevalence than non-Hispanic Whites by almost 10 percentage points. · “In 1999–2002, the combined prevalence and the prevalence of obesity among non-Hispanic Black women is 20 percentage points higher than among White women. Among non-Hispanic Black women aged 40 years or older, more than 80 percent were overweight or obese, and more than 50 percent were obese. During the same time, prevalence of extreme obesity among African-American women was more than twice that among White and Mexican-American women.” · Other studies also show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Asian Americans was much lower than the national average, but differences between different Asian groups were considerable. The prevalence was highest among Native Hawaiians and Samoans.
 * Main Findings: **
 * Conclusion: ** The majority of the Atchison community is either white or African American. From this article it states that African Americans have more of a prevalence to be obese as well as overweight. Therefore, Atchison is assumed to be only fifty percent as likely to be an obese city

** __Obesity-__ ** __Halting the epidemic by making health easier__ __Bibliography__ Centers for Disease control and Prevention. 2009. Obesity: Halting the Epidemic by making healthier Eating easier. __Introduction__ The Obesity epidemic starts with a very bold quote saying “More than one third of U.S. adults- more than 72 million people- and 16% of U.S. children are obese”. This is a very hard fact considering how many people are involved in this obesity issue. You also have to consider that 16% of children are obese; the next generation is not looking too bright. When you consider the size of America as a country and the way it affects the world, obesity has the potential become a global problem. __Main Questions ( Problems)__ According to the CDC (Center for disease control and prevention) they offer information about obesity in general and then CDC`S Division of Nutrition are working to reduce Obesity around the states of the U.S. in a variety of different ways including, Surveillance and research, partnership Development and many others. · There are many health concerns over Obesity. Eg: Heart Disease, Diabetes, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure. · Obesity is very expensive. “In 2000, Obesity- related health care cost totaled an estimated $117 billion. · Halting Obesity Requires Policy and Environmental Change Initiatives. Making policies affordable and Available will prove most effective, in places such as schools, work sites and communities.

__Main Findings__ · Supporting State- based Programs: Policy and environmental change, to increase eating more fruit and vegetables, and increasing Physical Activity, and decreasing watching television. This program is planning to be in all states of the U.S. · Providing Technical Assistance and training: CDC quotes “CDC provides technical assistance to all states to develop comprehensive state plans, community interventions, and leadership capacity to address obesity”. They also provide training for public health practitioners. · Convening National Leadership activities: This where they do road trips or big conference meetings to talk about Obesity prevention and actions that need to happen in order to stop the epidemic. · Surveillance and Epidemiologic Research: “CDC monitors Obesity trends and conducts and supports research on Obesity presentation and control strategies. · Developing Innovative partnerships which include: · Healthy Eating active living- transporting healthy food to active environments. · Common Community measures for Obesity prevention- which measures community’s obesity rates. · Policies to prevent Childhood Obesity- Targets low income children to eat better and do more physical activity. · Specific Interventions- creating obesity interventions at, work sites, communities and medical centers.

__Relating the article to Atchison obesity__ It seems that the people in Atchison are either at the rich end of the scale or the poor end. It seems richer people will buy food that they will enjoy and poorer people will struggle with money and buy cheap food that is not necessarily good for them, but available. From the findings that providing technical assistance and training would be the best action for Atchison`s Obesity problem. People in Atchison would eat healthier and exercise more with the right guidance and information.

This Article is the result of a CDC expert panel’s literature review of 270 articles on obesity prevention to identify 24 methods which would be used in an attempt to combat obesity. The methods examined either promote healthier eating or promote physical activity, with one strategy to encourage breastfeeding. ** Main Question: ** What are methods which could be implemented in communities to prevent obesity in the United States? Findings: In the article’s summary of methods which can be used to prevent obesity in the United States, it has given several main findings. First it suggests that communities should increase the availability and affordability of healthy food and beverage choices in public service venues. In order to improve obesity rates in underserved areas it suggests improving the geographic availability of supermarkets and providing incentives to offer healthier foods. It suggests communities should also restrict the availability of less healthy food and beverages as well as instituting smaller portion sizes in public service venues. Finally it suggests, for the encouragement of healthy eating, to discourage the consumption of less healthy food and beverages by discouraging sweetened beverages and limiting the advertisement of less healthy food and beverages. One study suggests encouraging breast feeding can help to reduce the pediatric obesity. Several other studies focused on encouraging physical activity in order to encourage greater physical fitness among the population. The first of these strategies aim to increase physical activity programs in schools. The article suggests requiring Physical Education in schools as well as increasing the physical activity contained within the PE classes, with strong evidence to support their findings. Another method would be to encourage the building of schools within walking distance of residential areas. It also suggests increasing the availability of extracurricular physical activities in schools. The next strategies focus on encourage a better mass transit system within the city’s infrastructure to encourage activities such as walking and bicycling with strong evidence supporting an increase of physical activity. One other method would be to increase the access to outdoor recreational facilities.
 * Khan, Laura K., et al. "Recommended Community Strategies and Measures to Prevent Obesity in the United States." **// Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report //** 58: RR-7 ** (2009).  1-32.

How it relates to the research: This study makes it clear that a powerful method towards combating obesity in the United States is to increase the affordability and availability of healthy food and beverage choices, especially in underserved areas. Because price is such an incentive in food and beverage purchases, especially with the steady increase in food prices, increasing the affordability of healthier food choices would be an added incentive towards people of a lower socioeconomic status to purchase healthier food. Although certain welfare programs encourage the purchase of healthier food choices, others may contribute towards obesity problems. For example the Woman, Infant and Children (WIC) program supports the purchases of baby formula for underprivileged mothers rather than supporting breastfeeding, which this study suggests is counterproductive towards preventing obesity. Other methods such as encouraging an improved public transportation system would benefit the underprivileged by allowing for less expensive transportation while also encouraging physical fitness.