Advocacy Assignment

(Two-Part Assignment: Due by Oct 9 & Dec 4)

In a representative democracy form of government like we have in the United States, citizens elect policymakers at the local, state and federal level to represent their interests. As such, elected officials have a duty to be responsive to the needs of their constituents.

This semester, you will step into the role of an “unofficial actor” in the public policy making process at the local, state or federal level of government and evaluate the responsiveness of one of your elected officials. The first part of the assignment requires you to prepare a letter to one of your *elected representatives. It can be about a current policy/bill under consideration or a general policy concern that is specifically within that elected official’s jurisdiction (i.e. you would contact your city council representative or Mayor regarding concerns with homelessness, public safety or issues about a local park/street etc., but would not contact a city councilmember regarding immigration issues as those are policy decisions under the jurisdiction of Congress). Please email me if you want to ensure your policy issue is being addressed to the correct representative.

Part I: Draft a letter to one of your elected officials (city, county, state or federal) about a current policy/bill under consideration OR a policy concern that is in that government’s jurisdiction. See the attachments for a template (writing guide) and a writing sample. The assignment will be graded on your ability to choose the appropriate elected official and policy issue and writing quality (clarity and persuasiveness). Part I of the assignment is due by Sunday, Oct 9. As soon as you receive my feedback when the assignment is graded (and edit if major changes are suggested) you will email the correspondence to that elected official’s office or use the submission feature on that elected official’s website.

Part II: After (hopefully) receiving a response from that elected official’s office, you will provide a copy of the response and prepare a one or two paragraph (informal) analysis which includes: 1) Your critical review of the *elected official’s responsiveness to your concern – both in timeliness and addressing your specific concern; and 2) Any takeaways you want to share from the experience (i.e. convenience of a feature to contact an official directly through his/her website, observations that you started receiving unsolicited correspondence from the office; future opportunities you may take to get involved in the policymaking process etc). Part II can be turned in anytime during the semester after you are contacted by the elected official but no later than Sunday, Dec 4, 11:59 pm.

*NOTE: If you do not receive a response by the due date, you will not be penalized. For the second half of the assignment, please substitute the above instructions with a one paragraph critique of the elected official’s action in not responding to a constituent’s concern in a timely manner and how you believe this reflects on the elected official and his/her office.

*If you are not from San Diego, you could contact a representative from your hometown. If contacting a federal or state representative, you should use your permanent address and contact the appropriate official or they will likely not respond or refer the correspondence out of “legislative courtesy” to your representative. If you need help finding your elected representative, try your Registrar of Voters website. For San Diego County residents, go to sdvote.com. Click on “I want to.” Look for the “Find” Column and click on “My Districts/Representatives.” Insert the address of your residents and each of your elected representatives will be identified.

Advocacy for the Rights of the LGBTQ Community as a Marginalized Group in Society

Name

Institution

Date

Writer’s name

Address

State

Date

Legislative board member’s name

Legislative board member address

State

Dear Sir/ Madam

I’m writing this letter to you regarding the advocacy of marginalized groups in society, particularly the LGBTQ team. For years now, individuals who identify themselves as homosexual, bisexual or lesbian have been condemned for their stance and made to feel inferior and abnormal. As a marriage and family therapist and a member of the professional association, I have witnessed firsthand some of the challenges that marginalized people experience due to prejudice and the stereotypical nature of society. Discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community has adverse effects on their mental health and general wellness (Taylor, 2020). Some countries already have inclusive policies that cater to marginalized groups’ needs and ensure they are treated equally as heterosexual citizens. On the other hand, other countries still lag as far as the LGBTQ matter is concerned and still subject members of this group to mental and physical torture to conform them.

My fieldwork as a family and marriage therapist has enhanced my knowledge and experience to understand the significance of listening and considering the LGBTQ community. As an expert, it is my responsibility to view the issue from a personal and systemic view and advocate for their rights as diligent citizens. This marginalized group is likely to develop somatic symptoms, anxiety, suicidal behavior, and depressive effect compared to heterosexual individuals (Ali,2017). My ethical codes compel me to speak up on behalf of this marginalized group, condemn their discrimination and ill-treatment, and create awareness on inclusivity and unified society. Affirmative therapy has proved essential and influential in combatting the adverse effects of discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. It validates the experiences and identities of different LGBTQ members in society by creating a safe space to express themselves and feel a sense of belonging altogether.

The primary objective of the advocacy for the rights of the LGBTQ family is to eliminate the conversion policy adopted by different cultures in the country that believe physical and mental torture will turn gay people heterosexual. This initiative also targets the discrimination of LGBTQ members in the employment sector and society in general. Subjecting these individuals to mental and physical torture because of their identities and sexual orientation is unfair, outdated, and shameful in the modern world. It disturbs their mental health, self-esteem, and ability to express themselves freely like the rest of the citizens (Lewis & Kern, 2018). Additionally, it causes physical injuries that hinder their productivity and ability to support their families and carry out their daily routines. For this reason, legislative protection must be employed to condemn and ban it from society henceforth.

The government working hand in hand with various LGBTQ programs has established strategies to eradicate the discrimination of marginalized groups in society. Human rights for LGBTQ people should be heightened and mandated to protect this vulnerable group. Additionally, the government needs to develop and implement policies that pin perpetrators and ensure they are punished accordingly. This plan will warn people from harassing, discriminating, or inflicting physical pain on gay individuals (Hull,2016). There is a need to create awareness in society regarding inclusivity significance and a unified front in all aspects of the country. Stakeholders should also monitor human rights violation patterns linked to the marginalized group and devise techniques to curb such practices. These policies will bring forth a society that works together for its betterment and focuses on much more significant issues affecting the nation. These policies create a sense of belonging to the LGBTQ community and allow them to tap into their potential and express themselves freely. Failure to take legislative action against prejudice on marginalized groups will see many cultures continue to practice the conversion culture and treat such sexual orientations as disorders.

It is undeniable that the discrimination of marginalized groups causes more harm than good. Since the government has the best interest of its citizens at heart, it should consider working hand in hand with experts like family and marriage therapists to ease the mental illness burden on the LGBTQ group. It is high time the government and stakeholders became serious and worked towards achieving a neutral community where everybody is somebody. People can look beyond gender or sexual orientation during interactions, especially in social settings.

I look forward to receiving your feedback and approval regarding the issue tabled. If you have any questions about the advocacy of the rights of the marginalized groups, feel free to communicate via email Email address@gmail.comYours Sincerely,

Name

Sign

References

Ali, D. (2017). Safe spaces and brave spaces. NASPA Research and Policy Institute, 2, 1-13.

Hull, K. E. (2016). Legal consciousness in marginalized groups: the case of LGBT people. Law & Social Inquiry, 41(3), 551-572.

Lewis, M. M., & Kern, S. (2018). Using education law as a tool to empower social justice leaders to promote LGBTQ inclusion. Educational administration quarterly, 54(5), 723-746.

Taylor, C. J. (2020). Health consequences of laws and public policies that target or protect marginalized populations. Sociology Compass, 14(2), e12753.

Advocacy in Clinical Health researchNameCourseCourse instructorDate of submissionIn history, cases have occurred where human subjects of research have been, willingly or through criminal negligence, either infected with disease pathogens and not given medical care or left to be infected by a certain pathogen while a cure or preventive substance was available (Talley, 2012). This has led to the need of advocates to supervise all aspects of clinical health research to ensure that researchers don’t abuse the privileges enjoyed by virtue of the charter to conduct research.

An advocate in health care research means someone well placed to protect the rights of patients are adhered to. They can be considered as educators, representatives, ombudsmen, patient navigators, care managers or health advisers. Their role is to ensure that researchers adhere to best practices and help in mediating any conflicts that may arise. Advocates in research are used ensure that fair practices are adhered to and to breakdown information to the target groups. In clinical health researches, advocates have the primary duty of protecting the medical research’s human specimen (Bourgeault, 2010)

.Major issues that the advocates are concerned with include but are not limited to:

-What or who drives the research question. This implies learning of the motivation of researchers and where funding for the research comes from (De Chesney , 2008).

-Analyzing how the researchs results will be disseminated to various relevant individuals.

-That the research is carried out in the context of consent under full disclosure. This means that the subjects understand wholly what type of research they are consenting to and the possible implications.

-In recent times, clinical research has benefitted from lobbying by research advocates for funding of certain areas of medicine. This has seen a changing trend where more and more research funding is being pooled into organised advocacy lobby groups than into the research firms’ coffers (Talley, 2012)

. A most notable sector that has a beneficially of this trend is the research on breast cancer through the pink ribbon initiative.

-That the right to confidentiality has been thoroughly covered by the researchers and no derogatory, or abusive titles have been assigned to the subjects.

-That the researchers will not use any products or methods that have not been approved as fit for humans in their research.

-That special attention has been given to the prevention of any destructive effects that may arise as a from the research.

Most countries have established ombudsman offices for clinical medicine research which serve as advocates for the rights of subjects. These are mostly concerned with ethical issues from research by departments of health. Other groups involved are the United Nations through and local institutions. Mostly the last two conduct initial reviews of the research proposals, ensure that subject will not be exposed to any unreasonable or unnecessary risks and continually and periodically review approved researches to ensure the firewalls established for subjects remain intact (Farley, 2007)

. They also get involved in the approval process to ensure only the most valid proposals go through.

Health clinical research advocacy has come a long way and is yet to attain its full potential. This notwithstanding, the benefits accrued by researchers (in terms of no lost revenue in litigation) and subjects (less exposure to risks) cannot be gainsaid.

References

Top of FormBOURGEAULT, I. L., DINGWALL, R., & DE VRIES, R. (2010). The SAGE Handbook of qualitative methods in health research. Los Angeles, SAGE.

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

COSTELLO-NICKITAS, D. M., MIDDAUGH, D. J., & ARIES, N. (2011). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professions: advocacy and action. Sudbury, Mass, Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

DE CHESNAY, M., & ANDERSON, B. A. (2008). Caring for the vulnerable: perspectives in nursing theory, practice, and research. Sudbury, Mass, Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

EARP, J. A. L., FRENCH, E. A., & GILKEY, M. B. (2008). Patient advocacy for health care quality: strategies for achieving patient-centered care. Sudbury, Mass, Jones and Bartlett Pub.

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

FARLEY, D. (2007). Assessment of the AHRQ patient safety initiative: moving from research to practice evaluation report II (2003-2004). Santa Monica, CA, RAND Health.

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

MCMULLIN, J. M., & WEINER, D. (2009). Confronting cancer: metaphors, advocacy, and anthropology. Santa Fe, School for Advanced Research Press.

Top of Form

TALLEY, R. C., & CREWS, J. E. (2012). Multiple Dimensions of Caregiving and Disability Research, Practice, Policy. Dordrecht, Springer. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=971589.

Bottom of Form

Bottom of Form

1

Advocate interview project

Name: David Robinson

Intuition: Miami University

I chose to interview a Social worker whom deals with Veterans only. This was in the office of chemical dependency at the Dayton Ohio Veterans Hospital. The person I spoke with asked that I not use her name. She felt that some things she might say would come back to harm her. That her, and many others feel that more should be done for our veterans. Her time at the V.A. hospitals over her ten years has seen many things. She has worked at two other hospitals in different states. She said that because the V.A. has devised a plan that is used at all the hospitals throughout the world. That there is very little lead way on the use of different plans fixed to help individuals rather than large groups.

As we went into our talk, she seemed very happy that more veterans are interested in social work. This she said was only due to her Veterans has a connection within their own group that helps extend to other veterans. She was concerned with having making a large difference in the lives of Veterans. This she said was mostly due to the reasons why many veterans have fallen into dependency of drugs and alcohol. Which was vastly different than most of society, and the reason they have been gripped by these devices. She did seem that while many are not helped, there is a group that is helped by these meetings in large groups. Many just take in the information and try to apply this to their lives. Trying to escape the drugs holds, some prescription from V.A. physicians. Many have tried to self-medicate from the many emotional pains they feel. Her thoughts on this were many would slide onto the cracks and find themselves with little to no help. Some larger programs do help the general population with issues of dependency. Veterans are not only a diverse, but also a disproportionate group that has many issues that are twined in their lives. When asked about the present obstacles she and other social workers face daily helping group with its large problems. Most of the problems seen are the huge amount of paper work the V.A. requires from them. They have fund that they must keep daily logs, and other forms that are required to be complete accurately. The program often changes which means that they have to attend new training that may require ether more paper work, or changes in styles of group meetings.

For the most part, they work with each other’s and their superiors when changes need completed. While they can advocate for changes in this system when they attended off site meetings they feel many times changes are slow to happen, if they do happen. They have to work within the V.A. systems that are in place by the congress. One area allowed to help is the veteran is recommended to groups that are smaller if openings are available. Many of the forms required for the veteran to complete, they help the veteran.

She said, “That because all the papers reviewed daily, as they are used in the veteran’s compensation claims”. Veteran’s papers are recorded electronically for future use. This helps in preserving them; it helps in retrieving these in the future. Veterans that may move to other areas each V.A. worker can retrieve these for any needed use. Most do like this system enabling them to use some of their time more wisely. Enabling more time with the veteran’s needs. They write local representatives with concerns about process that might help the veterans receive the promise made to them.

As personally working with each other, notes left on the log as to how they feel about s certain subject, or area the veterans may be addressing. She went on to say that due to the huge amount of veterans each social worker sees in different areas it is very difficult for them to communicate with one another. Social workers find it difficult to remember each veteran on personal bases making this process not one used. In her opinion, “many may use this process if asked about a certain item or question that may have been asked”. Can add an additional problem if this is not answered correctly. This problem is why she personally does not do this. Even little changes in wording or documentation can cause delays in benefits, or compensation they may be entited.

Working with the many physicians in the system, can at times strain relationships. Learning how or what a physician’s concern is can be difficult. This adds to the frustration to meet the veterans has needs, and obtain the best outcomes. The way in the paper work must be filled out is very detailed and wording is checked by superiors. Her superiors feel that wording can reflect poorly on the system and the treatment of veterans. This does not always reflect the real needs of any one person and delivering to that person the best possible treatments they may need. This is not to say all do this practice at all places. Some areas she has worked is vastly different on the way reporting is completed. They like keeping the documents as close as possible to the reporting the social worker does.

When asked about her job and responsibilities she had maintained she was very happy to be working for men and women that have served our country. It brings a sense of accomplishment every day she is able to help someone find help, or his or her needs are meet. She reflected a bit and said, “That when she looks at a veteran she has no idea what they have been through in their time. To her they are not just another client to deal with. It is her honor to help with all the resources she has at her disposal.” Every day has different problems that may come into her office. Not every problem may have the one size fits all. Therefore, the importance of listing to the person having needs is very important. Repeating many times what the clients says so she may be able to help the best she can. This makes her feel good at night. Her job is not how she feels at night, but did the veteran get his, or her need meet.

There was not much other than the paper work. With many rules that make working at the V.A. little more stress. Even knowing that these rules can allow modified depending on the circumstances. She said that in any area there are circumstances that may not follow the rules precisely. This insures that social workers may present to the supervisor those circumstances.

She said she would like to see more ideas that help veterans with problems in areas not covered by the V.A. Humanitarian work is used, but very little. She and others would like to see the expansion of the health care, and dependency care when needed. This area would help homeless vets, them on Drugs, alcohol. One big area is the ability to launch teams for veterans in rural areas. They seem to fall into the cracks not receiving any care. This creates a great concern within the social workers role. Seeing and not being able to help in an area of need. Trying to start up a new role within the V.A. is very hard with so many processes to enter into. Sometimes it can take years for the process to work for veterans. Causing veterans to think there is no one that cares about them. When this is not the truth at all, it is so hard to explain to veterans many times about this process. When they hear how the V.A. cares for them. This puts us in spot of trying to explain that process put into place by congress. These processes, as unrealistic as they may seem have to follow the laws.

Most policies are changed at many levels. Creating sometimes many problems for the staff, and they cases are handled. While some enhance the process for veterans, some do not. The social workers are asked about the process with respect to outcomes. Her personal feelings sometimes along with others may cause them not to speak out. The disappointment with the system does concern many of the social workers that want to help. They many times feel they have their hands tied behind their back with truly helping the veterans.

Building a relationship with men and women that have very little trust to begin with is quite hard. Her idea is veterans only remember the promises made to them about care after their time in the Military serves. Many veterans never told about the many obstacles that may lay ahead for them to reach their goal. This becomes a difficult movement for the veterans to trust, and wait for answerers they to receive help. The system, built with many seemly deadfalls to hold up that help. While we, “social workers” keep veterans waiting and interested waiting for that help. veteran’s loose interest of become very disappointed in the system. A percentage does stop waiting for this process to fulfill its obligations. She wishes the process could move much faster, or at least have a way providing temporary help till the longer systems does it process. We should never have a process in place that keeps veterans from help when they come seeking this. One veteran that falls through the cracks is one to many. With the fear of PTSD in many of these lives, they do not need to be felt that no one cares. Every little change that may seem no significant to us is a major change in their lives.

Policies that could help are the ones she mentioned above could also include fast tracking some cases. A social worker needs more latitudinal movement when veterans came in for help. To try to separate the environmental concern’s from a life is very difficult when needs immediate. Trying to put yourself into the life of veteran many times is difficult. Her mention of not getting involved in the client’s life was something that is very hard for someone dealing with veterans. We cannot look at a veterans as the same as the general population. These groups have many different hardships, with added pressures.

Her closing words and ideas referred to a system that not closed to new ideas. Ideas are like ways the ground troops can share how the ideas and polices of management are truly working. Collaboration sometimes lacks at that point. Some just look at numbers and cost rather than lives affected by decisions. She hope that in the ten years things can change form the policy makers in extending more help, and flexibility to the social workers to make decisions.

AE4 Extended essay planner

Content

Click the links below to jump to the relevant part of the document.

PlanNotes3.Grouping notes4.Outline

Planning Procedure

Select a topic for your extended essay.

Choose a question for your essay.

Identify the instruction, topic and limiting words in your question.  

Make notes of what you need to include in the content of your essay. 

Extended essay question 

Assess the importance of GDP in measuring Australia’s economic wellbeing.

Instruction words: 

Assess Plan:

What is GDP

What are the alternative definitions of GDP?

How do you determine the GDP of a country?

Identify the various uses of GDP

Why would a nation choose to use GDP as a measure of wellbeing?

What options are available?

What is the strongest among the alternatives to determining wellbeing of Australia?

Define happiness index

Does the GDP really measure wellbeing?

Are the drawbacks to using it?

Advantages?

Final conclusion?

Topic words:  Importance, GDP Limiting words: 

Assessment, importance, Measuring, Australia’s economic wellbeing Notes

Reference:

Joseph E. Stiglitz. (2020，August 1). GDP Is the Wrong Tool for Measuring What Matters. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gdp-is-the-wrong-tool-for-measuring-what-matters/

Questions or prompts based on your plan:

Other measurements of economic-wellness Notes from the source:

Evaluation:

The article takes a negative tone on the use of GDP as a measure of public welfare.

Summary:

Dissects the reasons why its use should be stopped or improved to include other indicators beyond market activities

Useful on GDP importance

A very useful source in understand what GDP is and how it is used as a measure of economic and societal welfare all over the world.

The article is also very relevant to the study questions as it highlights the use of GDP and provides an insight into why it should be improved or supplemented to ensure that total welfare of a society is well captured.

Reference:

Aitken, A. (2019). Measuring welfare beyond GDP. National Institute economic review, 249, R3-R16. https://doi.org/10.1177/002795011924900110Questions or prompts based on your plan

Other measurements of economic-wellness Notes from the source:

Summary:

The article provides a very detailed review of GDP as a measure of economic welfare, asserting how it is misused in that regard. It sheds light on the proper use of GDP and why it should not be used without the inclusion of other critical indicators that reflect overall progress of a society.

Evaluation:

The style used to present the article is very difficult to follow. However, the explanation and discussions are very rich and informative. The content is relevant and up to date and will be critical in providing a starting point to answer the research question

Reference:

Kenny, D. C., Costanza, R., Dowsley, T., Jackson, N., Josol, J., Kubiszewski, I., … & Thompson, J. (2019). Australia’s genuine progress indicator revisited (1962–2013). Ecological Economics, 158, 1-10 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.11.025 Questions or prompts based on your plan

GDP and Australia Notes from the source:

Summary:

The authors look at how Australia has continued to measure progress and wellbeing from the mid-20th century up to 2013. It then proceeds to attempt to provide a genuine progress indicator by combining other measures to supplement the use of GDP. It mentions the long term use of Measures of Australia’s Progress (MAP) in Australia including a collection of alternative indicators. It then discusses the GDP and its pros and cons in measuring public welfare.

Evaluation:

This article not only discusses the importance of GDP as an indicator of progress and wellbeing in Australia but also looks at alternatives including the inclusion of ecological factors and other relevant concepts.

Reference:

Trewin, D. (2001). Measuring wellbeing. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.governanceinstitute.edu.au/magma/media/upload/ckeditor/files/Well-being%20presentation.pdf

Questions or prompts based on your plan

Other measurements of economic-wellness Notes from the source:

Summary:

This article discusses approaches to measuring progress and wellbeing. It also looks at the modalities foe developing measures of wellbeing and focuses its case on Australia. It compares the use of GDP in Australia with the Australian National Development Index. For comparative purposes it briefly looks at how New Zealand measures progress and provides recommendations for the future. This source is important because it focuses on Australia’s perspective of the GDP against other measures.

Evaluation:

The article looks at the measures of wellbeing relevant to Australia and attempts to introduce measures outside of financial and economic status. Defines GDP and its application in Australia and compares wellbeing of the country with New Zealand in terms of GDP, and finally looks at a suite of indicators and other subject measures of wellbeing.

Grouping notes

Plan question:

Sources

Themes Trewin (2001) Aitken (2019) Kenny et al. (2019) Joseph (2020)

GDP and eco wellbeing Not measuring eco wellbeing Not measuring eco wellbeing Not measuring eco wellbeing Not measuring eco wellbeing

Other measurements GDP is superior to other measures Mentions WHR as a better indicator GDO is better indicator Australian National Development Index

Use of GDP Use of GDP is practical Use of GDP is not practical Use of GDP is impractical Use of GDP is practical but requires complementary measures

My position: GDP is not an adequate measure of economic wellbeing in Australia

Plan question:

Sources

Themes My position:

Plan question:

Sources

Themes My position:

Outline

Introduction

(Draft)

Body 1 T E E L Body 2

T E E L Body 3 T E E L Body 4

T E E L Body 5 T E E L Body 6

T E E L Body 7 T E E L Conclusion

(Draft)

AE4 Research tracker

Student details

Name:

Student ID:

Contents:

Key topic wordsExampleExtended essay sourcesGroup presentation sources

Key topic words

Extended essay:

Australia, GDP, Economic welfare, progress, wellbeing indicators

Group presentation:

Essay sources

Essay question:

Assess the importance of GDP in measuring Australia’s economic wellbeing

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Joseph E. Stiglitz. (2020，August 1). GDP Is the Wrong Tool for Measuring What Matters. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gdp-is-the-wrong-tool-for-measuring-what-matters/ Online publication/news article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

The article takes a negative tone on the use of GDP as a measure of public welfare and goes ahead to dissect the reasons why its use should be stopped or improved to include other indicators beyond market activities.

Evaluation:

A very useful source in understand what GDP is and how it is used as a measure of economic and societal welfare all over the world.

The article is also very relevant to the study questions as it highlights the use of GDP and provides an insight into why it should be improved or supplemented to ensure that total welfare of a society is well captured.

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Aitken, A. (2019). Measuring welfare beyond GDP. National Institute economic review, 249, R3-R16. https://doi.org/10.1177/002795011924900110Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

The article provides a very detailed review of GDP as a measure of economic welfare, asserting how it is misused in that regard. It sheds light on the proper use of GDP and why it should not be used without the inclusion of other critical indicators that reflect overall progress of a society.

Evaluation:

The style used to present the article is very difficult to follow. However, the explanation and discussions are very rich and informative. The content is relevant and up to date and will be critical in providing a starting point to answer the research question.

AE4 Research tracker

Student details

Name:

Student ID:

Contents:

Key topic wordsExampleExtended essay sourcesGroup presentation sources

Key topic words

Extended essay:

Group presentation:

Essay sources

Essay question:

Assess the importance of GDP in measuring a selected country’s economic wellbeing

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Joseph E. Stiglitz. (2020，August 1). GDP Is the Wrong Tool for Measuring What Matters. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gdp-is-the-wrong-tool-for-measuring-what-matters/ Online publication/news article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

The article takes a negative tone on the use of GDP as a measure of public welfare and goes ahead to dissect the reasons why its use should be stopped or improved to include other indicators beyond market activities.

Evaluation:

A very useful source in understand what GDP is and how it is used as a measure of economic and societal welfare all over the world.

The article is also very relevant to the study questions as it highlights the use of GDP and provides an insight into why it should be improved or supplemented to ensure that total welfare of a society is well captured.

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Aitken, A. (2019). Measuring welfare beyond GDP. National Institute economic review, 249, R3-R16. https://doi.org/10.1177/002795011924900110Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

The article provides a very detailed review of GDP as a measure of economic welfare, asserting how it is misused in that regard. It sheds light on the proper use of GDP and why it should not be used without the inclusion of other critical indicators that reflect overall progress of a society.

Evaluation:

The style used to present the article is very difficult to follow. However, the explanation and discussions are very rich and informative. The content is relevant and up to date and will be critical in providing a starting point to answer the research question.

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Kenny, D. C., Costanza, R., Dowsley, T., Jackson, N., Josol, J., Kubiszewski, I., … & Thompson, J. (2019). Australia’s genuine progress indicator revisited (1962–2013). Ecological Economics, 158, 1-10 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.11.025 Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

The authors look at how Australia has continued to measure progress and wellbeing from the mid-20th century up to 2013. It then proceeds to attempt to provide a genuine progress indicator by combining other measures to supplement the use of GDP. It mentions the long term use of Measures of Australia’s Progress (MAP) in Australia including a collection of alternative indicators. It then discusses the GDP and its pros and cons in measuring public welfare.

Evaluation:

This article not only discusses the importance of GDP as an indicator of progress and wellbeing in Australia but also looks at alternatives including the inclusion of ecological factors and other relevant concepts.

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Group presentation sources

Presentation topic:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

AE4 Research tracker

Student details

Name:

Student ID:

Contents:

Key topic wordsExampleExtended essay sourcesGroup presentation sourcesKey topic words

Extended essay:

GDP, Australia, welfare, economic wellbeing, indicators,

Group presentation:

Essay sources

Essay question:

Assess the importance of GDP in measuring a selected country’s economic wellbeing

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Joseph E. Stiglitz. (2020，August 1). GDP Is the Wrong Tool for Measuring What Matters. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gdp-is-the-wrong-tool-for-measuring-what-matters/ Online publication/news article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

Useful information on the use of GDP as a measure of public welfare and goes ahead to dissect the reasons why its use should be stopped or improved to include other indicators beyond market activities.

Measures of economic wellbeing

Useful information on strategies:

Defining GDP

Understanding it is used as a measure of economic and societal welfare all over the world

Use of GDP

Why it should be improved or supplemented to ensure that total welfare of a society is well captured

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Aitken, A. (2019). Measuring welfare beyond GDP. National Institute economic review, 249, R3-R16. https://doi.org/10.1177/002795011924900110Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

A useful review of GDP as a measure of economic welfare, asserting how it is misused in that regard (R11)

It sheds light on the proper use of GDP (R4-R7)

Presents reasons why it should not be used without the inclusion of other critical indicators that reflect overall progress of a society (R4-R9)

Useful information:

Rich and informative explanations on the GDP as a measure of economic health

Relevant and up to date content

Provides a starting point to answer the question on GDP as an economic health measure

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Kenny, D. C., Costanza, R., Dowsley, T., Jackson, N., Josol, J., Kubiszewski, I., … & Thompson, J. (2019). Australia’s genuine progress indicator revisited (1962–2013). Ecological Economics, 158, 1-10 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.11.025 Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Evaluation:

This article not only discusses the importance of GDP as an indicator of progress and wellbeing in Australia but also looks at alternatives including the inclusion of ecological factors and other relevant concepts.

Summary:

Looks at how Australia has continued to measure progress and wellbeing from the mid-20th century up to 2013 (p2-p4)

Provides a genuine progress indicator by combining other measures to supplement the use of GDP (p3-p4)

Mentions the long term use of Measures of Australia’s Progress (MAP) in Australia including a collection of alternative indicators (p4-p7)

Discusses the GDP and its pros and cons in measuring public welfare (p4-p6)

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Group presentation sources

Presentation topic:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

AE4 Research tracker

Student details

Name:

Student ID:

Contents:

Key topic wordsExampleExtended essay sourcesGroup presentation sourcesKey topic words

Extended essay:

GDP, Australia, welfare, economic wellbeing, indicators,

Group presentation:

Essay sources

Essay question:

Assess the importance of GDP in measuring a selected country’s economic wellbeing

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Joseph E. Stiglitz. (2020，August 1). GDP Is the Wrong Tool for Measuring What Matters. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gdp-is-the-wrong-tool-for-measuring-what-matters/ Online publication/news article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

Useful information on the use of GDP as a measure of public welfare and goes ahead to dissect the reasons why its use should be stopped or improved to include other indicators beyond market activities.

Measures of economic wellbeing

Useful information on strategies:

Defining GDP

Understanding it is used as a measure of economic and societal welfare all over the world

Use of GDP

Why it should be improved or supplemented to ensure that total welfare of a society is well captured

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Aitken, A. (2019). Measuring welfare beyond GDP. National Institute economic review, 249, R3-R16. https://doi.org/10.1177/002795011924900110Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Summary:

A useful review of GDP as a measure of economic welfare, asserting how it is misused in that regard (R11)

It sheds light on the proper use of GDP (R4-R7)

Presents reasons why it should not be used without the inclusion of other critical indicators that reflect overall progress of a society (R4-R9)

Useful information:

Rich and informative explanations on the GDP as a measure of economic health

Relevant and up to date content

Provides a starting point to answer the question on GDP as an economic health measure

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Kenny, D. C., Costanza, R., Dowsley, T., Jackson, N., Josol, J., Kubiszewski, I., … & Thompson, J. (2019). Australia’s genuine progress indicator revisited (1962–2013). Ecological Economics, 158, 1-10 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.11.025 Journal Article 20.08.2021

Comments

Evaluation:

This article not only discusses the importance of GDP as an indicator of progress and wellbeing in Australia but also looks at alternatives including the inclusion of ecological factors and other relevant concepts.

Summary:

Looks at how Australia has continued to measure progress and wellbeing from the mid-20th century up to 2013 (p2-p4)

Provides a genuine progress indicator by combining other measures to supplement the use of GDP (p3-p4)

Mentions the long term use of Measures of Australia’s Progress (MAP) in Australia including a collection of alternative indicators (p4-p7)

Discusses the GDP and its pros and cons in measuring public welfare (p4-p6)

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Trewin, D. (2001). Measuring wellbeing. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.governanceinstitute.edu.au/magma/media/upload/ckeditor/files/Well-being%20presentation.pdfJournal 20.08.2021

Comments

Evaluation:

The article looks at the measures of wellbeing relevant to Australia and attempts to introduce measures outside of financial and economic status. Defines GDP and its application in Australia and compares wellbeing of the country with New Zealand in terms of GDP, and finally looks at a suite of indicators and other subject measures of wellbeing.

Summary:

Discusses approaches to measuring progress and wellbeing including types of indicators (P9)

Looks at the modalities foe developing measures of wellbeing and focuses its case on Australia (p8)

Specifically looks at the measures of Australia’s progress (p10)

Compares the use of GDP in Australia with the Australian National Development Index (p13)

For comparative purposes it briefly looks at how New Zealand measures progress and provides recommendations for the future (p26)

Important because it focuses on Australia’s perspective of the GDP against other measures (p15-p20)

Group presentation sources

Presentation topic:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

Full APA reference Source type Date accessed

Comments

Summary:

Evaluation:

AE4 Source evaluation template

Instructions

1. Click the link to download the AE4 source evaluation template.

2. Upload the document to the OneDrive folder you have shared with your teacher.

3. Rename the file: name.studentnumber.source_evaluation e.g. jimmy.wong.3143223.source_evaluation

4. Complete the first source evaluation for your extended essay by week 3.

5. Complete the second source evaluation for your group presentation by week 6.

6. Make notes next to each of the CRAP criteria headings in the table. Use the questions to help you.

7. Write your evaluative summary paragraph at the end of your notes in the space provided. You should write 180-200 words.

8. Save and upload to Canvas by the due date.

9.Share a copy of your source text with your teacher, by uploading a copy of the text to the shared OneDrive folder. Name your source text file with your name and student number in the file name, e.g. Jimmy.Wong.3143233.source_text.docx

Source evaluation: Extended essay (Week 3)

Topic /question Assess the importance of GDP in measuring a selected country’s economic wellbeing

Reference details

(author, date, title etc.) Trewin, D. (2001). Measuring wellbeing. Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Type of source journal article news article

report other ___________________________

C.R.A.P. criteria Your response (in note form)

Currency

Why the date of publication of the source is appropriate. 2001. While the article is almost two decades old, it still retains relevance as it discusses the issue of determining the wellbeing gof Australia.

Relevance

How this source is relevant to your assessment task. Looks at the measures of wellbeing relevant to Australia

Attempts to introduce measures outside of financial and economic status

Defines GDP and its application in Australia

Compares wellbeing of the country with New Zealand in terms of GDP

Looks at a suite of indicators and other subject measures of wellbeing

Authority

What expertise the author has or uses. Article approved by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Chair, Advisory Board of Australia’s National Development Index

Purpose

Why the text was written, and who it was written for. Written for the scholarly community as a contribution to literature

Summary of why this source is suitable for your extended essay/presentation:

This article discusses approaches to measuring progress and wellbeing. It also looks at he modalities foe developing measures of wellbeing and focuses its case on Australia. It compares the use of GDP in Australia with the Australian National Development Index. For comparative purposes it briefly looks at how New Zealand measures progress and provides recommendations for the future. This source is important because it focuses on Australia’s perspective of the GDP against other measures.

Source evaluation: Group presentation (Week 6)

Topic /question Assess the importance of GDP in measuring a selected country’s economic wellbeing

Reference details

(author, date, title etc.) Kenny, D. C., Costanza, R., Dowsley, T., Jackson, N., Josol, J., Kubiszewski, I., … & Thompson, J. (2019). Australia’s genuine progress indicator revisited (1962–2013). Ecological Economics, 158, 1-10.

Type of source journal article news article

report other ___________________________

C.R.A.P. criteria Your response (in note form)

Currency

Why the date of publication of the source is appropriate. 2019- Up to date and relevant

Relevance

How this source is relevant to your assessment task. This article not only discusses the importance of GDP as an indicator of progress and wellbeing in Australia but also looks at alternatives including the inclusion of ecological factors and other relevant concepts.

Authority

What expertise the author has or uses. Published under Australian National University

Endorsed by the journal of Ecological Economics

Purpose

Why the text was written, and who it was written for. Written for the Australian scholarly audience

Summary of why this source is suitable for your extended essay/presentation:

The authors look at how Australia has continued to measure progress and wellbeing from the mid-20th century up to 2013. It then proceeds to attempt to provide a genuine progress indicator by combining other measures to supplement the use of GDP. It mentions the long term use of Measures of Australia’s Progress (MAP) in Australia including a collection of alternative indicators. It then discusses the GDP and its pros and cons in measuring public welfare.