Poverty Dilemmas that Canadians are Facing Today Essay

Abstract In this paper, it will be arguing how Canada hasn’t begun to fix the poverty situation that many Canadians deal with in a daily bases. Structural Functionalism Theory, Conflict Theory and the Feminist Perspective are going to be used in for this argument in this paper. This will give reader a better understanding and depth of the country’s Poverty issues that are currently taken place. It describes a brief history of poverty to today’s current issues in our communities, and what are some of the solutions we could do to fix poverty in Canada. This issue of poverty is very important to the writer, as she went through it with her family many years ago. Poverty Effect in Canada Canada is known for helping other countries when in need. However in reality Canada neglects to fix their own dilemmas, such as the poverty issues that many Canadians are facing today. Although it is a good deed helping other people in need across the world, then again Canada should focus on finding solutions, and planning how to help those in need in our homeland first. It is like the saying you cannot help anyone unless you help yourself out first. Canada’s main focuses should be the population that is affected by poverty, what exactly is causing this situation and how could the fix the one of big problems Canadians are dealing with. Since the time of the great depression poverty had gradually increased and with families growing, Canada began to look at their Welfare State and implemented social programs the citizen for a better quality of life. By the 1960’s Jenny Podoluk measurement technique was use by Statistics Canada to estimate the number of Canadians living in poverty. Results showed by 1961 approximately by 25% were living in poverty and by the 1969 population was 18% (Statistics Canada). Although there had been improvements by the 1980’s, it slowly grew from bad to worse in the 1990’s. Due to the growth of unreliable job and the cuts of social programs , the poverty rate were much higher and long –term poverty for many vulnerable groups such as; visible minorities, immigrants, newcomers, aboriginals, and people with disabilities. Canada currently does not have any official definition of poverty, not even proper steps or precautions are being put in place to  prevent or supp ort people in poverty. Canada has no official measure of poverty because Statistics Canada states, that unless politicians express social concern for the issues at hand, nothing will be done in order to solve and deal with poverty in Canada. In 2005 child and family poverty rate were much higher than in 1989. It was estimated about 3.4 million of the population live in poverty. In recent years Canada falls in 7th place out of 17 countries rating for poverty and inequality, graded a â€Å"B†, and given a good job but Canada is still not good enough (Conference Board, 2013). Since 1989 the House of Commons decided to resolve and eliminate the Children poverty rate by the year 2000. However despite the decision to eliminate Child poverty, no actual plan was design or progress reports were done. Throughout this period, rates of poverty both decrease and increase, currently the rates are still considered to be high, although Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. When analyzing through a conflict perspective theory, poverty can be seen and understood, by the following example; a worker who is exploited by the employer of a big company, by when the worker does all the work and effort the Bourgeoisie profits and benefits from the labour of the proletariat (Mooney, Holmes, Knox, Schacht, 333). This is one of the many theories that can be used in the Canadian of Poverty. Other view on how society perceives poverty is Structural Functionalist Perspective Theory. This view describes poverty as positive aspects for the dominant groups of society. Poor people are often viewed as the lazy, unskilled, and a burden to society. They are often stuck doing the dirty, dangerous, and difficult work, the other individuals will refuse to do. Many have debated this theory to be that the dominant group exploits with power and inequality, towards those in poverty. Another view of poverty is that is gender bias, that women are mostly like to live in poverty then m en are, for this approach we going to discuss the Feminist Perspective. In 2006, 54 % of women lived in poverty ages 18 and over (NAPO 2006). This perspective uses the gender-based analysis, which works to understand the structures that contribute to women in poverty. Another interesting factor about this perspective is that it using the narrative analysis which focuses on women’s experiences with a symbolic approach which is put into data interpretation. These are few of the many issues of poverty we face today in our communities; food banks are crisis because of the high  in demand of people in need. Housing is another important factor as millions of people worry about being able to make rent payments, and finding affordable living places where they do not have to worry about living paycheck to paycheck. A study was conducted from t McMaster University in 2010 for the City of Hamilton, Ontario it showed that people living in poverty are most likely to die rather than those who are not living in poverty. It showed a 21 year difference of life expectancy, which were outrages and unacceptable facts that we must be aware of, in order to make a change. What we as a community could do to help those dealing with poverty crisis. First we must create awareness through education, media (i.e.; radio, internet, television), government, fundraiser, and through our communities. By doing so we increase the knowledge, of society, to help eliminate poverty in Canada, this country is known for its strong, free, and sustainable living. However not many know about Canada poverty crisis. We must also conduct research, to study in depth the cause and effects of poverty. Only then can we implement programs, or support gear towards the individuals in need. Other factor to consider and should be changed is to increase the minimum wage for those in need of support and basic necessities. By creating more employment and benefits is another way government officials can assist these individuals. In addition it is important to provide skill workshops and employment training for people in dealing with difficulties in obtaining employment. Things must be done In order to help those in poverty, to develop a better living for all in the present and for the future generations to come. Furthermore through history as discussed above we seen and understood that not all social programs, which the government had put in place to deal with this issue, have not worked out. Due to the lack of commitment and study of this subject, government continues to disregard and not care about the dilemmas of poverty. Government officials must pay attention to people and focus on how they could help. In order to do so a good starting point would be to listen to what the people need, and their challenges they are dealing with. As a community everyone should make an ideal and attainable goal, to reduced or end poverty. Imagine if we were to eliminate poverty, what would the effects on crime, health problems, drug  abuse, family problems, prejudice and racism and international conflict would be like. Picture everyone living in peace and harmon y wouldn’t that be a dream or goal worth wanting. If Canadian government continues to neglect the issue at hand, without support and commitment, poverty will not only become a bigger devastating problem, and it will endure to mass destruction of our country. References Mooney, L. A., Holmes, M. M., Knox, D. & Schacht, C. (2012). Understanding social problems. Nelson. (4th ed). Canada without poverty > poverty . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cwp-csp.ca/poverty/ Collin, C. Political and Social Affairs Division, (2007). Poverty reduction in Canada – the federal role (PRB 07-22E). Retrieved from website: http://www.parl.gc.ca/content Hoeppner, C. (2010). house of commons Canada federal poverty reduction plan: Working in partnership towards reducing poverty in Canada . Retrieved from website: www.parl.gc.ca/content Guest, D. (2012). Social security. In Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/social-security (2008). How is poverty measured in Canada?. Retrieved from website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/coms/department/backgrounders/poverty/Poverty_Stats-May2008.pdf Annual report 2012. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/getmedia/46650005-3c7f-4637-ae7e-43f5f1464f05/FBC_AR12_ENG_FINAL.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf Ross, D., & Lochhead, C. (2012). Poverty. In K. Scott (Ed.), Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/poverty Canada falling behind on poverty, inequality, says report. (2013, February 4). CBC News Canada. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/02/01/business-canada-society-report-card.html Poverty. (2011, 11 3). Retrieved from http://senatorarteggleton.ca/Issues/Poverty/PovertyFactSheet.aspx Poverty in Canada. (2008, April 29). Retrieved from http://www.cpj.ca/en/content/poverty-canada

George Orwell and William Golding Essay

Orwell and Golding use vastly different writing styles, but their message is the same – that mankind is hopeless. Discuss this statement with reference to both â€Å"Animal Farm† and â€Å"Lord of the Flies†. Since the beginning of time man has struggled to comprehend the difference between good and evil. Our ancestors spent their lives looking for truth, yet none could be found. Is there indeed a good of all goods and an evil of all evils? The two are so similar, and yet so different. The truth is, no one being is perfect, nor were we created to be. No one thing can be the source of all evil, or the source of all good. Yet man battles with himself, to determine what is right. But what, then, is truly right? If there is an evil, then Humans should be deemed to be the most evil of all creatures. We are manipulative, egotistic and dominating. We have the urge to be the dominating force in the universe. We strive for superiority and aim for domination. Yet are such feelings to be considered wrong? Cannot they just be classified as instincts, which many other animals have? No, for we are indeed intelligent creatures and instead of exercising our superiority we should be learning of others greatness. We, as indeed intelligent beings should stray from the common selfishness and anger. Yet, they seem to be much easier to arouse, harder to abolish. In his novel â€Å"Animal Farm†, George Orwell portrays the animals with human-like feelings and emotions. He uses satire to demonstrate the full extent of human emotion. Though the story is about animals, there are very few who think it is just that. The satire gives the story enough appeal to readers, but the message rings as solemn as ever. George Orwell uses little dialogue, but describes the characters and situations with great detail, paying attention to their characters and emotions. It is easier to understand all the happenings, because the characters are animals. At the same time, when one compares them to humans, a striking similarity can be found. The book makes one think, and it hurts when one realizes that the story in the book is not far from our reality. It is a sad reality; however, it is necessary to acknowledge this for one to be able to  overcome it. George Orwell’s message is that humankind is hopeless. Perhaps we are, but a lost cause, we are not. For it is books like these, which help one to understand our faults so that one can correct them as best as one can. We were not created to be perfect, but we were also not created to be dominating and superior. All beings on this planet are created to be equals. Humans have forgotten such principles of nature. Humans battle to overcome cruelty. However, while we believe we have done so, the cruel, dominating and never ending cycle begins again. The truth is we are prisoners of our own characters, and perhaps that can never change. William Golding, the author of â€Å"Lord of the Flies† uses fictional portrayal of human emotional conflict to reach the reader. He takes a situation, which could quite realistically occur in life, and elaborates upon it. He uses complex vocabulary and original sentence structure to show the complexity and variation of human emotions. He uses the little boys as characters in the story to prove a very valid point. The fact that such small children can turn on each other so rapidly is a sobering thought. Golding shows, that no matter how good the intentions are at first, our inner feelings of selfishness can overcome us very easily, especially in a critical situation The book makes the reader contemplate their own actions in such a situation. Whereas as no one can be brutally honest with themselves, it is possible to relate to others. That is what Golding is trying to create. Regardless of whether they planned to do so or not, they will think, and perhaps that may bring us one step closer to understanding a very important character – ourselves. Although their writing styles are prominently different, both George Orwell and William Golding show similar views on the human character. Their honest portrayal of humans as we are by nature leaves the reader thoughtful. So, are we then indeed bound for eternal struggle? Are we indeed as hopeless are the authors suggest? That is one question, which will not be answered with the advance in technology or by new scientific discoveries. We are our own  judges, but can we trust ourselves?

Quality Programs Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quality Programs - Coursework Example For attaining an appropriate development within the children, it can be considered as a mandate to make them familiar with the academic and learning aspects from their early childhood stages. Pre-reading can be considered as one of such skills that would prove to be helpful in terms of improving the vocabulary and the speaking power of the children. Multiple child specialists often recommend the parents to read interactive books along with their children to teach them about the procedure based on which data from the books should be accumulated. The intention of such suggestions also aims towards enhancing the learning abilities of the children. Enhancement within communication and inter-child bonding also considered beneficial for basic pre-academic skill (Sandvik Publishing, 2014). The second crucial skill that needs to be taught to the children is regarding basic pre-writing. This skill is the starting phase through which a child expresses his / her understanding and knowledge before entering into the competitive market of education. Pre-school activities such as writing help children in understanding new words on daily basis. It can also be considered a support for the language learning procedure (Sandvik Publishing, 2014). Writing can also be considered as a form of recording knowledgeable facts, so that they can be analyzed on later basis. Thus, small children should be made familiar with this skill to help them adapt to the academic experiences of taking down notes, once they are subjected to such situations (Sandvik Publishing, 2014). In addition, attaining positive skill within the areas of spelling check also categorized under the basic pre-writing skills. As has been already discussed above, this skill generally proves to be highly beneficial in terms of improvising the quality of the knowledge being attained by

The War on Terror Has Led To Greater Violence Essay

The War on Terror Has Led To Greater Violence - Essay Example However, all the countries the US has strategic control over, do not seem to be able to overcome insurgents and troublemakers. The underlying argument that attributes the causality of events is that the surge in violence caused by insurgents and ‘terrorists’ is a consequence of the continued interruption of the US, NATO and its allies in the affairs of foreign countries. The argument is further strengthened by the fact that the loss of civilians as a result of misdirected and poor strategic and military decisions on the part of the US and NATO has been colossal. Think of it this way, how would the American public react if a rival state such as China, invaded Texas. It then went on to establish military bases, strategic air bases, and firm control over the region. Furthermore, it carried out searches in houses of all residents on the premise of suspected terrorist activity. The reaction would be that of anger, contempt and frustration and would lead to an uprising against the foreign occupants. The situation in Iraq and Afghanistan is strikingly similar to the one presented above, except that it is happening for real with the occupation of the US and NATO forces. ... That proposition however, could turn out to be extremely challenging for the developed world amid one of the worst economic crises of history. The rationalization that leads to the establishment of insurgent groups and ‘terrorist’ organizations stems from the basic argument of right of freedom and independence. These organizations are often termed as freedom fighters or warriors by their supporters and the zeal and purpose with which they fight goes far beyond economic incentives. Furthermore the strongest insurgent groups that are participants on the other side of the War on terror, including Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, are driven by the extra zeal of religious extremism, whereby they seek to establish the principles of their version of Islam and do not tolerate anyone who does not follow their interpretations of the religious scriptures of Islam (Riedel). Their perception of death and its consequences is starkly different from a common American citizen. Through war they seek to achieve martyrdom, and through martyrdom, heaven. Their faith in their religion is far stronger than their love for this life and their purpose of existence hinges on a better afterlife (Crews and Tarzi). To further their cause they often misinterpret or quote religious scriptures out of contexts, bringing in vulnerable youngsters to join their struggle and broadening their horizon of influence and power. Hence, it is important to realize that bringing such groups down is not a statistical battle in terms of number of men; rather it is a war against a specific faith that is strong. The invasion and occupation of these nations gives this faith extra life and

Early Childhood Education Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Early Childhood Education - Assignment Example A teacher who does not appreciate children of these ages may not have the patience to be effective and efficient. I do not think there were questions I would have worded differently. The questions were very direct. Based on her answers, the interviewee showed a very clear understanding of what was asked. She was able to tell me about her experience in teaching young children, how she coped up with their social and emotional needs, how she would manage a class smoothly and how she would incorporate cultural diversity in her classroom. I found her answers appropriate to the questions and informative about the type of educator she is. In this assignment, I was to act as a director who had to find suitable teachers for my very young impressionable students. As early childhood educators, I wanted to ensure the applicants were up to the task of shaping children at the most crucial stage of learning. The assignment was very rewarding because it made me realize how important our work is.

Much Ado About Nothing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Much Ado About Nothing - Assignment Example As Boggs and Dennis (46) said â€Å"Much Ado about Nothing† is an interesting film that mirrors Shakespeare’s poetic and an all-encompassing entertaining prowess. I would recommend the film to any individual who wants to have a view of the 16th century literature redone with modern aesthetics and presented as film. As Landrum (751) said, Dogberry  is the constable manning the Watch. The chief law enforcement officer of Messina is relatively honest and demonstrates a high level of seriousness in executing his policing tasks. However, his habit of employing incorrect terms to communicate is what differentiates his portrayal in the script and in the film. In the text his actions are not well defined, but with Nathan Fillion acting as Dogberry, viewers are effectively treated to a great drama surrounding the character’s â€Å"wrongful† choice of words. The film actor is known for turning his rather distracting approach (in the text) to an elaborate sense of parody in the film. In Act II, Scene III, the garden scene features the practice of a new ploy that can only be captured in film and not any other forms of art. Don Pedro, Leonato and Claudio persuade Benedick that Beatrice loves him. The romanticist trickery seems to be bearing a fruit when Benedick buys the idea. The character is of the opinion that he is spying on his comrades, but, because his presence is no longer a secret, they intentionally raise their voices to be heard. The romanticist drama created by Leonato, Don Pedro, and Claudio as they attempt to suppress their laughter about the possibility of Beatrice breaking down under the weight of her emotional attachment to Benedick depicts blind romance between the two characters, which unlike other forms of art, filmic trickery helps to connect (Landrum 785). In the subsequent Act III, scene I, Hero and Ursula pull a trick upon Beatrice, which surprisingly blinds her just the same way as Claudio and Don

The Reluctant Workers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Reluctant Workers - Essay Example In any institution, there must be administrators who oversee day-to-day operations of the organizations and ensuring that things go on smoothly. Therefore, administrators perform very useful roles by ensuring that institutions achieve set goals. In the case study, Aston claims that the accounting department manager does not want an employee in that section to shift to project management section (Kerzner, 2010). This is despite confession of the employee of his interest in project management. The manager seems interested in achieving his departmental goals at the expense of the overall goal for the company. Thus, the boss of the worker who had interest in project management kills his interest and dream, and this might lower morale and appreciation of the employee. There is also poor communication between the workers and the managers. Moreover, Phil Davis, the director of project management seems not interested in solving issues raised by the project manager, and this constitutes poor administration (Kerzner, 2010). Therefore, effective administration and communication is vital for the success of any organization.... Thus, the boss of the worker who had interest in project management kills his interest and dream, and this might lower morale and appreciation of the employee. There is also poor communication between the workers and the managers. Moreover, Phil Davis, the director of project management seems not interested in solving issues raised by the project manager, and this constitutes poor administration (Kerzner, 2010). Therefore, effective administration and communication is vital for the success of any organization. Proper planning Planning entails the process of thinking as well as organizing activities necessary for the achievement of a given goal. Proper planning is required in carrying out and implementing activities that lead to the attainment of the goal. In the case study of reluctant workers, planning is a challenge. For instance, Aston asserts that in the week that the test was scheduled, some departments and individual workers planned different activities. The customer’s t op management planned on flying specifically for firsthand observations. Moreover, two members of his team had planned program vacation for the week and could not participate in the test (Kerzner, 2010). The scenario clearly indicates poor planning of events and activities in the company. Poor planning can lead to underachievement of the set goals and targets. 2 .Analyze the way in which Tim Aston, the young project manager, was exercising his skills with respect to his project staff and the functional managers. Discuss Tim Aston's effectiveness in light of the three core skills you identified. Tim Aston was exercising his skills quite properly with regard to project staff as well as with functional managers. First, he organizes a meeting with

Archeology Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Archeology Research Paper - Essay Example Gertrude Bell was a prominent explorer and traveller and became one of the first mountain or rock climbers of her time (Morell 3). Bell went to Jerusalem to study Arabic, and developed an obsession for archaeology in her travels there. Kathleen Kenyon, on the other hand, was one of the most celebrated female archaeologists of the 20th century and is well-known for her cautious excavation of the earliest city of Jericho. Kenyon was full of learning, a careful and precise recorder and wrote well (Morell 3). The Leakey family finally, made of Louis, Richard and Mary, was a family of archaeologists, as well as anthropologists (Morell 3). This family is considered to have made the main strides in people’s understanding and interpretation of the development of man, or otherwise early man, in Africa (Morell 4). They all resided in Kenya where they carried out their archaeological roles. For this reason, this paper has picked Louis Leakey as its subject and will discuss his contributi ons to the field of archaeology. Louis Seymour Leakey lived from 7th August, 1903 to 1st October, 1972. He was an English archaeologist and paleoanthropologist whose career was significant in creating human evolutionary growth, in Africa, especially through his findings in Olduvai Gorge (Bowman 15). Leakey also played a vital role in developing firms for future study in Africa, as well as for advocating for wildlife protection in Africa (Bowman 15). Having been the main mover in developing a custom of palaeoanthropological inquiry, Leakey motivated the following generation to carry on with it, particularly in his own family, most of whom became famous, as well. He took part in nationwide activities of British East Africa in addition to Kenya in the 50s. In the Philosophy of Nature, Leakey affirmed Darwins evolution theory solidly and set about to establish

In botany, a tree is a plant with an elongated stem Essay Example for Free

In botany, a tree is a plant with an elongated stem Essay In some usages, the definition of a tree may be narrower, including only woody plants, only plants that are usable as lumber, only plants above a specified height or only perennial species. At its broadest, trees include the taller palms, the tree ferns, bananas and bamboo. A tree typically has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground by the trunk. This trunk typically contains woody tissue for strength, and vascular tissue to carry materials from one part of the tree to another. For most trees it is surrounded by a layer of bark which serves as a protective barrier. Below the ground, the roots branch and spread out widely; they serve to anchor the tree and extract moisture and nutrients from the soil. Above ground, the branches divide into smaller branches and shoots. The shoots typically bear leaves, which capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy by photosynthesis, providing the food needed by the tree for its growth and development. Flowers and fruit may also be present, but some trees such as conifers instead have pollen cones and seed cones, and others such as tree ferns produce spores instead. Trees tend to be long-lived,[1] some reaching several thousand years old. The tallest known specimen on Earth is 115.6 m (379 ft) and they have a theoretical maximum height of 130 m (426 ft).[2] Trees have been in existence on the Earth for 370 million years. Trees are not a taxonomic group but are a number of plant species that have independently evolved a woody trunk and branches as a way to tower above other plants and make full use of the sunlight. Trees play a significant role in reducing erosion and moderating the climate. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store large quantities of carbon in their tissues. Trees and forests provide a habitat for many species of animals and plants. Tropical rainforests are one of the most biodiverse habitats in the world. Trees provide shade and shelter, timber for construction, fuel for cooking and heating, and fruit for food as well as having many other uses. In parts of the world, forests are shrinking as trees are cleared to increase the amount of land available for agriculture. Because of their longevity and usefulness, trees have always been revered and they play a role in many of the worlds mythologies.

What Was Eurosclerosis and How Was It Overcome?

What Was Eurosclerosis and How Was It Overcome? During the early-1970s to the mid-1980s period, the doldrums era or the ‘Dark Ages’ for the community has often been characterized in Europe. This same period is also known as ‘Eurosclerosis’ or ‘Europessimism’. Eurosclerosis is a term used to describe slow economic growth combined with political institutional deadlock. The causes of this ‘doldrums’ era is caused by a set of political and economic factors that were seen as a setback as it left European integration stagnant and weak in the same decade. The slowdown in political integration combined with an economic stagflation was seen by some historians as crucial period in the future of the European Economic Community (ECC) – The era is depicted as a hardening of the arteries that could ultimately prove fatal, as member states appeared hesitant and unwilling to take further steps to deepen process of integration (Dinan , 2006, p. 166). This essay will discuss the varied rang e of factors starting from the mid-1960s towards early 1970s that are believed to have led to up to the period of ‘eurosclerosis’. These ranges of factors are paralleled to early political differences by the ECC members as well as economic downturn that affected the organization’s structure. The early Gaullist policies and the empty chair crisis in the 1960s, the disintegration of the international monetary system in the early 1970s, the oil crisis of 1973 and the ensuing stagflation (combined stagnation and inflation) presented to the ECC governments while trying to reach a common ground on the Common Agriculture policy (CAP). This essay will also discuss how the European Community overcame the eurosclerosis period in the mid-1980s when the economy slowly recovered through revitalized programmes of a single liberalized market by the community. Moreover, these set of programmes encouraged multiple efforts to integrate Western Europe more closely. EEC’s successful start in creating the a customs union between the six member states was followed by early setbacks in 1963 and 1965; the first when De Gaulle unilaterally vetoed against the British application for membership, this same period is known as the 1963 crisis and the second was more serious setback when he withdrew his minsters from council of Ministers meetings known as the 1965 crisis. De Gaulle’s reasons for rejecting British membership were mainly based on his fear that Britain could undermine France’s supremacy as he saw the EEC as platform reassertion of French greatness in international affairs (Dinan , 2006, p. 152). The second crisis evolved through disagreement from member states over funding of the EEC and also a proposal by the commission to systematically finance the CAP which would have given the EEC its own financial resources and more powers to the European Parliamentary Assembly. Having rejected this proposal and not being able to rea ch an agreement, De Gaulle responded by a boycott in which he withdrew France from participation in the work of the Council of Ministers and this was known as the ‘empty chair crises’. Thus, the 1965 dispute over funding of the budget certainly illustrated the continued ability of national governments, to stop the process of European integration in its tracks and was also the first signs of political deadlock and discord (Bache, et al., 2011, p. 130). In 1966, the Luxembourg compromise agreement resolved the empty chair crisis. First there was agreement not to proceed with the Commission’s proposals: funding of the budget would be continued to be by national contributions. Second, France demanded that there be no transition to majority voting in the Council of Ministers. This move had been envisaged in the original Treaties once the customs union was complete, and completion was on schedule for January 1966. Under the terms of the Luxembourg compromise, governmen ts would retain their right to veto proposals where they deemed a vital national interest to be at stake. This agreement was a serious blow to the hope of the Commission that brokering agreement on further integrative moves would be easier in the future. The terms of the deal also precipitated a collapse of morale in the Commission; in particular, the authority of the German and Dutch diplomats Hallstein and Mansholt was undermined by the episode (Bache, et al., 2011). Some Commissioners had warned against a confrontation with de Gaulle on supranationality, but Hallstein and Mansholt overruled them. Hallstein withdrew his name of the ECSC, EEC and Euratom in 1966. Mansholt stayed in the commission but did not put his name forward for presidency. In 1969, the creation of the Economic Monetary Union (EMU) at The Hague Summit required Within the EC itself, the transfer form national to supranational control. Countries agreed on a first stage of the EMU which was limited to regular economic coordination meetings and scheme to bind the dollar values of the six EEC currencies more tightly to each other. Thus, the 1973 arrangement was known as the ‘snake in the tunnel’ whereby they agreed to float their currencies against the dollar and keep the six currencies fluctuations between each other to a small margin. However, the EMU was created at the time of uncertainty as states were not prepared to risk the experimentation of launching a supranational systemic scheme. Confronted by a recurrent international monetary crises and financial turbulence of the late 1960s meant that the EMU could not conceal the wider problems of integration process appeared to be facing. The demise of the 1970s EMU initiative is usually first e xplained by the oil price shock of the 1973-75 in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), when the price quadrupled from $2 to $12 a barrel, leading to global economic recession, the worst world slump since the 1930s and rising unemployment with inflation at the same time (Dedman , 2010, p. 111). Governments, unsure of what to do, were not prepared to experiment the problems in the EMU. Another setback in to the EMU was caused by an international monetary crisis that completely destroyed the first stage of the EMU and ended the convertibility of the dollar in 1971. This period severely damaged the Europe’s economy especially those of the EEC members when the time of stagnation became inevitable. Poor performance was registered as the average GDP growth in the European Community declined from 4.8% in 1960-73 to 2.1% in 1973-83 (Giersch, 1984, p. 1). Due to poor economic performance, the labour market suffered immensely. Unemployment rate in the community increased from 5.5% in 1978 to 11.5% in 1985 whereas in the United States it fell to about 7% in 1982. Furthermore inflation meant that trade with members of the European community fell drastically. Consequently, limited and stagnant expansion of the EEC was a result as countries became very sceptical of the community. This added to the EEC’s failure to act together as a community. For example, during t he oil crisis itself The EEC did nothing to help defend Holland, a member state, when subjected to an Arab oil embargo (because it was considered pro-Israeli). Instead EEC members, notably France and Britain, moved quickly to make bilateral deals for oil supplies. The major oil companies helped Holland more than the EEC through supplying them by the clandestine diversion of oil shipments. The energy crises revealed the inability of the EEC to act collectively as a community with a common strategy towards OPEC’s oil price increases 1973-75 and a shameful unwillingness to defend the Dutch and so jeopardise Anglo-Arab and Franco-Arab relations. The EEC looked like a community where economic integration and co-operation worked well in the commercially buoyant 1950s and 1960s but as soon as economic conditions got rough in the 1970s it was every member for itself (Dedman , 2010, p. 112). By early 1980s, Europe’s socio-economic and financial problems had become acute. The much-vaunted ‘Common Market’, supposedly in existence since the late 1960s, was in fact broken up into numerous national markets, all with somewhat different norms and regulations obstructing the entry of products from other member states known as Non-trade barriers (NTBs). NTBs are legal or administrative arrangements ostensibly designed for innocent purposes (health and safety, equal rights, financial transparency) but in reality often intended to make it harder for European rivals to sell products or to do business at the expense of home-grown companies or firms. In deciding, to spearhead a campaign aimed at the abolition of Non-tariff barriers, Jacques Delors newly elected president of the European Community by 1985, chose a target that was likely to capture the enthusiasm of a new breed of European leaders eager to break away from the protectionist practices of the recent pas t. Delors oversaw important budgetary reforms and laid the groundwork for the introduction of a single market within the community that required Europe to rid from tariffs, quotas and other protectionist policies. With most of Western Europe ruled by centre right parties in early 1980s, the idea for a liberalized Europe was became a serious possible reality to solve Europe’s economy. Christian Democrats in Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark and the Conservatives and Britain believed that European recovery needed to start with an ambitious programme designed to free up both individual national economies and the European market, which was far too weighed down national barriers; furthermore, they were largely in agreement that the EC should pursue the key economic virtues that had seen Germany through the 1970s, namely low inflation, sound government finances, a strong currency, and export-led growth (Dinan , 2006, p. 225). Thus, this growing consensus led to t he European Community to signing of the Schengen Agreement which later created a free movement of labour, capital, goods and services, followed by the signing of the Single European Act (SEA) in 1986 which aimed in establishing a single market and later reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy in the 1990s. The launch of the SEA meant that barriers to trade were lifted as most products were covered by a mutual recognition by members under legislation. Investment also slowly rose, as the single slowly captured considerable attention from by national businesses and small investors. It also captured attention outside of the community as this applied to the Americans, who had seemingly lost interest in the process of European integration they had earlier supported. It was also true also for the Japanese and for multiple remaining West European states that had earlier chosen not join the EC. The re-launch of the mid-1980s therefore became an important factor in the decisions of Austria, Finland and Sweden to seek EC membership (they finally joined the EU in January 1995). To conclude, Western Europe’s sluggish economic performance could be seen as a direct rebuke to the European Communuty, which having taken credit for the remarkable economic advance of the 1960s, could not escape some of the blame for limping performance of the 1970s and early 1980s. Indeed, sluggish economic performance threatened to erode the EC’s early accomplishments as governments and industries looked for salvation through protectionism, state subsidies, and other measures designed to favour domestic producers over and above outsiders. Also, the European Community’s institutional system seemed especially hard hit. The optimism surrounding the first enlargement of the early 1970s, when Britain, Denmark, and Ireland joined had given way to irritation, with the newcomers angry at their relative failure shape the EC in their own image, and the founder members cross with the way in which the new arrivals appeared to slow progress and the founder members cross wi th the way in which the new arrivals appeared to slow progress; for example, the British abstention from the European Monetary System which had been the community’s most exciting project. Finally, by the mid-1980s, there was a realization within national governments which openly spoke of the dismal that Europe was in. Had it not been for a change in the course of economic policies and the innovative liberal visions of a single market, the European community could achieve harder stages of political stagnation economic under-performance as the GDP annual growth rate hit its lowest (1.1%) in 1985 (Giersch, 1984, p. 1). The single market is thus seen as salvation to the community integrity as it revived integration and gave more power to supranationalism within the European Community. It is also worth pointing out that the signing of the SEA were seen as laying to the foundation of the Maastricht Treaty in the 1990s that brought about a Common Union with the creation of a common currency. Bibliography Bache, I., George , S. Bulmer, S., 2011. Politics in the European Union. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press. Dedman , M., 2010. Development: EMU, the first stage (1973) to the EU (1991). In: The origins and development of the European Union, 1945-2008. Oxford : Routledge, pp. 109-119. Dinan , D., 2006. Origins and Evolutions of the European Union. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press . Giersch, H., 1984. Eurosclerosis. Working paper series no.112. Kiel: Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Available at: http://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/48070/1/025296167.pdf