The Effect Of Sleep On Undergraduate Academic Performance

The Effect of Sleep on Undergraduate Academic Performance There are only a few needs of humans that are essential for survival. These include food, water, oxygen, and sleep (Gilbert Weaver, 2010). A lack of any of these fundamental needs can be detrimental to human functioning (Orzel-Gryglewska, 2010). The effects of sleep deprivation are numerous. Without sleep humans can be irritable, distracted, forgetful, and even experience hallucinations. There are even diseases associated with continual sleep deficiency such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes (Orzel-Gryglewska, 2010). In more recent studies, it has been hypothesized that sleep has a profound effect on learning (Roth, 2008). Information learned in the day is processed and consolidated during sleep at night. It was also discovered that sleep is required for memory construction the following day (Roth, 2008). For these reasons, sleep in a very important for college students. This group of individuals’ mai n job is to learn new information. Even though sleep is very important for college students, this group of individuals has one of the highest rates of sleep deprivation compared to any other age group (Lund, Reider, Whiting, Prichard, 2010). Many students have trouble getting an adequate amount of sleep due to their course load, extracurricular activities, work, and social activities (Engle-Friedman Riela, 2004). Some of these busy students then stay up the night before an assignment is due toShow MoreRelatedCollege Students Minds Are Getting Enough Sleep1618 Words   |  7 Pagesstudents’ minds is getting enough sleep. Many college students may not think sleep is an integral part of life, when in fact many researchers have found how truly important it is. College is a time when students are transitioning into young adulthood, with increasing amounts of personal responsibility (Brown, Soper, Buboltz , 2001). This increase in responsibility, that at one point didn’ t exist because of familial support, can lead to an interference in student sleep patterns (Pilcher, Ginter, SadowskyRead MoreEffect of Caffeine Consumption on Academic Performance in College Undergraduates1728 Words   |  7 Pages Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Academic Performance in College Undergraduates Morgan Bolen, Maria Naula-Quintero, and Carlin Wright Michigan State University Abstract In this study we are interested in assessing the relationship between average amount of caffeine consumed per day and academic performance. We hypothesized that an increase in average caffeine consumed per day would result in increased academic success. A short survey was composed based on average amount of caffeineRead MoreSleep And Academic Performance For Undergraduates : A Multi Measure, Multi Predictor Approach1244 Words   |  5 Pages II. Body 1: Cognitive Domain A. Sleep effects cognitive domain in these areas: Thinking, learning, understanding, gaining knowledge, perceiving, ideas, beliefs, attitudes, identity formation, etc B. Study 1: i. Sleep and academic performance in undergraduates: A multi-measure, multi-predictor approach: ii. Sleep affects academic performance C. Summarize Study 1: i. Grades suffer based on sleep deprivation D. Study 1 Results: III. Body 2: Emotional domain A. Self esteem, pride, shame, sympathyRead MoreSleep Quality And Academic Performance890 Words   |  4 Pages Sleep Quality Affecting College Student’s Academic Performance Sleep is one of the few necessities that are needed for humans to function and overall survive. People, generally adults, fail to realize the need for sleep when they are constantly working around the clock. This sort of deficiency leads to a common sleep disorder called sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can affect teens and working adults but is seen predominately among college students. College students are succumbed to dedicatingRead MoreSleep Deprivation And Academic Performance1430 Words   |  6 PagesSleep Deprivation and Academic Performance in Adolescents Sleep deprivation is an increasing issue with adolescents. Statistics show that 60% of high schoolers report extreme daytime sleepiness. 20% to 33% of those high schools report falling asleep in class at least once during the week. Daytime sleepiness is only a small issue about sleep deprivation in students. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts school performance adolescent students because it interferes with brain development, create moodRead MoreSleep Quality And Academic Performance Essay1510 Words   |  7 Pagesfirst fundamental routine of sleep changes dramatically. College students rarely find themselves getting about eight hours of sleep every day. Thus started the idea of how a student’s academic performance can be affected by the amount of sleep they get. The research article, â€Å"Sleep Quality and Academic Performance in University Students: A Wake-Up Call for College Psychologists† written by Steven P. Gilbert and Cameron C. Weaver, represents the perfect study on how sleep quality and quantity can affectRead MoreEffects Of Sleep On College Students1481 Words   |  6 Pagesin College: Consequences of a decline sleep in College Students Everyone knows a movie, where college students are out all night and they are not in their room sleeping. That one movie, where the students come back late and realize they have class at seven in the morning. There are several reasons why students are not getting the recommended hours of sleep; some examples are being out all night, studying the whole night, and being unable to sleep at night. Sleep is essential to live a healthy life;Read MoreAnnotated Bibliography on Stress1762 Words   |  7 Pagesthe working and even in the academic environment which is why the aim of this annotated bibliography will advise on how to manage and cope with stress in an academic environment from different authors and researchers with the conclusion of whether it is a useful advice and tool for reducing and relieving stress symptoms. Importance of Stress Management It is important to know how to manage stress in academic life as it is learning about how to balance work and academic life. It is also importantRead MoreAlcohol Behaviors Among First Year Students Essay1484 Words   |  6 Pages Alcohol Behaviors amongst First Year Students In Correlation to their Health and Academic Success Mohammed Yusuf University of Ontario Institute of Technology Alcohol Behaviors amongst First Year Students In Correlation to their Mental Health and Academic Success Every year students enrol themselves into an institution of higher education, whether it be college or university. Students of different backgrounds and their varying reasons all place importance in getting an educationRead MoreDoes Limited Duration Of Sleep Affect Academic Performance?1673 Words   |  7 Pagesduration of sleep affect academic performance? Academic performance is utilized worldwide in order to determine an individual’s career success and in some instances intelligence. The United States utilizes academic performance as an indicator of character and potential; often individuals are defined by how well they perform in academic areas. The United States measures academic performance through grade point averages, exam results and standardized tests. The education system is based on academic performance;

Christianity, the True Religion Essay examples - 1726 Words

Christianity, the True Religion I was raised Catholic, at the insistance of my parents. After many years of drinking and partying, I got very bored and thought, Is this ALL there is to life?!?! I thought, If there really IS any truth to a life after death, I should at least TRY to find the answer. I started to do some research on science and religion to see if I could come up with any TRUTH about the meaning of life. In school, I was taught that mankind was evolving and getting better, but it didnt appear that way to me. It SEEMED as though modern science had proven that God didnt exist. As I did more research on my own, I found out that this just isnt the case. I learned that the Universe and ALL matter have a DEFINITE beginning.†¦show more content†¦Islam was founded by the MAN Mohammed, who was born as late as 570 AD. He had visions that he had ASSUMED were from his god, Allah. After being convinced by his WIFE that the visions really WERE from Allah, he recorded these in his book The Koran before his d eath in 632. The books of the Bible have been completed about 450 years before Mohammed was even BORN! There are also MANY prophecies written about Jesus before he was born, which are recorded in the Bibles Old Testament, but NONE were ever recorded about Mohammed. Look at Isaiah 7:14 Chap. 53 in the O.T. for just a couple. I used to think that the Bible was a myth or only an outdated book that was written by superstitious men. I tried to read it, but I couldnt make any sense out of it. I doubted that ANYONE could really understand it or REALLY know if it was the TRUTH. Then I found out that there are A LOT of books that explain the Bible and give good, historical, scientific, archaeological, and logical reasons to believe it. These types of books are called APOLOGETICS. I was VERY skeptical, but I did a TON of reading! I figured that the chance that I may spend eternity in hell and NOT in Heaven was a subject worthy of my further investigation. Here are some more of the questions that I had, and the answers that I found. Who wrote the Bible? The Bible contains 66 different books that were recorded by about 40 different people across a 1600-year time span. The Bible contains an AMAZING consistency,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Schleiermacher s On Religion1495 Words   |  6 Pagesextract from Schleiermacher s ‘On Religion; speeches to its cultured despisers’’, which comes from the fifth speech within the text. Schleiermacher’s fifth and final speech explores the range of religions presentations viewed across the world and how this impacts the idea of the plurality of God. not only this by in his conclusion Schleiermacher puts forward the idea that Christianity can be viewed as separate from all other religions as the most accurate form of religion. Within the given extract Schleiermacher’sRead MoreAnalysis Of Schleiermacher s On Religion1499 Words   |  6 Pagesshall consider the given extract from Schleiermacher’s â€Å"On Religion; Speeches to its Cultured Despisers†. Schleiermacher’s fifth and final speech explores the range of religions presentations viewed across the world and how this impacts the idea of the plurality of God. Not only this but in his conclusion, Schleiermacher puts forward the idea that Christianity can be viewed as separate from all other religions as the most accurate form of religion, and his reasons for this will take up the majority ofRead MoreSimilarities Between Christianity And Christianity903 Words   |  4 PagesThe introduction of Christianity brought forth an abrupt change to the ancient Roman Empire between 100 CE to 500 CE. Ancient Roman society before this time period was religiously devoted to polytheistic deities. The birth of Jesus and the eventual spread of Christianity brought forth many social and political changes to this society. Christianity was at first persecuted by other religions, and later it would persecute them. Although Christianity in ancient Rome shared some similarities to traditionalRead More What Is Religion Essay1653 Words   |  7 Pages What Is Religion nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;What is religion? According to an Oxford dictionary, religion is the belief in the existence of a supernatural ruling power, the creator and controller of the universe, who has given to man a spirtual nature which continues to exist after the death of the body. Religion appears to be a simple idea on the surface, but in reality it is a very complex system of ideas that many base their lives upon. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;There are many religionsRead More Religion1576 Words   |  7 Pages(4). Many people perceived Christianity as the only true religion; however, Lessing challenges these notions of Christian superiority throughout his play. One way he does this is by not portraying the Christian characters as any better or worse than the characters of different religions; in fact, the Patriarch is characterized as a despot, similar to how eighteenth-century writers portrayed Muslims. Furthermore, he tries to illustrate that not one religion be it Christianity, Islam, or Judaism is greaterRead MoreThe Spread of Christianity Throughout Europe Essay1184 Words   |  5 PagesEuropean empires, beginning just prior to the fall of Rome, is the spread of Christianity to all areas of the continent in as little as a few hundred years. Many theologians state that Christianities spread is the indirect influence of God and the adoration of people to one true faith. Though it is true t hat Christianity has brought about people that even atheists could call saints, it is unquestionable that Christianity was so monumental because it united larger groups of people and its spreadRead MoreThe World Views Of Islam And Christianity1115 Words   |  5 PagesIslam and Christianity This term we have covered a reasonable amount of materials based on the different types of religions in the world. There are many religions that have strong views and principles, and in order to understand them we must have an open mind and a true understanding of their beliefs. For the purpose of this essay, I will focus on the world views of Islam and compare it to Christianity. Part I Islam is a traditional monotheistic religion that urbanized in the Middle East, CommonRead MoreNarrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave1552 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself Theme: False versus True Christianity In this theme, Fredrick Douglass contrasts the both forms of Christianity to show the underlying hypocrisy in slavery. The results show that slavery is not religious as it exposes the evils in human bondage. These ideals however can be distorted so as to fit in the society. Two forms of Christianity are presented in â€Å"The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass and each of them describesRead MoreUnderstanding Of Religion And Its Association Of Christianity Essay1518 Words   |  7 Pageson the nature of religious experience from the viewpoint of the individual and human nature itself (Marià ±a 3). Influenced by German Romanticism, Schleiermacher attempted to settle the criticisms of the Enlightenment with conventional Protestant Christianity (Crouter 261). By doing so, he abandoned the pietistic Moravian theology that had neglected to gratify his growing reservations and he embraced the sensible outlook of Christian Wolff and Johann Salomo Semler. He then became accustomed with theRead MoreFrederick Douglass is Recognized as an Implausible Abolitionist707 Words   |  3 PagesWhen slavery had become societal, Christianity was the preeminent religion in America. Frederick Douglass is recognized as an implausible abolitionist. He has worked i ncredibly hard to abolish slavery and everything it stood for. He portrays the ways religion and its literature had a repugnant effect on slavery and the slave owners. Christianity had more of a jaundiced effect on the slave owners than it did unmitigated. Throughout the novel we find that Frederick’s friends were all religious

Strategic Management for Crypto Currency Market - myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theStrategic Management for Crypto Currency Market. Answer: Introduction The case study deals with investigating the growing use of crypto currency by providing an analysis of this growing world industry (Zhang et al. 2015). The study discuss on at least three crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, ethereum and darkcoin. The current segment properly presents data of crypto currency trends and values over past few years. The study clearly compares the resources and capabilities that are needed to mine crypto currency by small house users as well as large commercial factories. It even highlights the costs and viability of mining Bitcoin. The threat of crypto currencies becomes difficult to handle by the currency banks. Discussion had been done on criminal usage of crypto currencies. Lastly, the interest of the Chinese Government in crypto currency as well as implications of this interest is noted in and across the world (Tschorsch and Scheuermann 2016). Strategic background The Crypto Currency market is growing at rapid pace in recent years. Major crypto currencies used in the market are Bitcoin, ethereum and darkcoin. Among these three crypto currencies, Bitcoin dominates over other currencies recently but the data highlights the market share will eventually drop down significantly by next few years (Tarasiewicz and Newman 2015). There is growing trend of crypto currencies that are playing major role in the current market. On analysis, it is even noted that crypto currencies are more complex by nature as compared to public lexicon. There had been several studies that examine the role and future of Bitcoin but few actually explore the broader crypto currency market. Figure: Trend line of Crypto Currencies (2014 to 2017) (Source: Rabah 2017) One of the biggest challenges with digital currency is to prevent unauthorized copying. In addition, crypto currencies mainly use two mechanisms for preventing it. The first mechanism is to publish each transaction in a public record as well as storing numerous copies of ledger online as it allows them to be automatically compared as well as updated. Therefore, these currencies prevent double spending that uses same Bitcoin in purchasing two different things. The second mechanism used will be to protect ledger cryptographically (Osterrieder, Strika and Lorenz 2017). Here, every updates is collected together with wide range of new transactions as well as add to the existing ledger. Bitcoin, Ethereum and Darkcoin The difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin lies in the fact where Bitcoin is nothing more than a currency while Ethereum is a ledger technology where companies are using for building new programs. In addition, both these crypto currencies operates in Blockchain technology where the version used by Bitcoin is 1.0 and for Ethereum is 2.0 as it allows for building decentralized applications (Ong et al. 2015). Bitcoin can be termed as digital dollar where anyone can create an account for either purchasing or selling the digital currency. The price of digital currency fluctuations as it is based on supply as well as demand (Nakamoto 2016). On the other hand, Ethereum has the potential to overtaking Bitcoin as the dominant coin in the current marketplace. Crypto currency Market Capitalization Bitcoin $ 72018984613 Ethereum $ 29125807759 Darkcoin was developed and uses X11 algorithm as it claims to be immune that attacks other crypto currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Darkcoin provides users with security in a way where it blurs the transaction paths and to that users feel confident in knowing ways for moving their finances (Morabito 2017). Strategic environment Political factors The crypto currencies are not controlled by any of the government body. Banks in China and Russia are not accepting these crypto currencies especially Bitcoin. Countries such as United States, Canada and European Union consider Pro-Bitcoin. These crypto Currencies are allows between the private entities (Mandjee 2015). Economical factors It is noted that market capitalization of crypto currencies exceed $6,000 billion. There are more than 21 million Bitcoins that exist till date and 15,359,800 are in circulation. Bitcoin are too small that can affect Federal Government as it has the ability to conduct monetary policy. More than 88,000 merchants use Bitcoin (Low and Teo 2017). Social factors These crypto currencies drive forces such as anonymity, savings as well as reach. There is low-level of awareness as well as usage of these crypto currencies among the public. It is noted that merchants today are adopting the payment technology as it increase adoption among the consumers (Lansky 2016). Technological factors Bitcoin public ledger is being leveraged in a smooth ways. Technology Life Cycle is presented below where time is taken in the x-axis and adoption rate is taken in the y-axis. Figure: New Technology Life Cycle (Source: Halaburda and Sarvary 2016) Environmental factors If there is growth in demand, there is more need of computational power. It is noted that miners need to find an alternative source of electricity that are mostly cheap in old plants. Therefore, Carbon footprint associates with 1.5 tons of carbon gas emissions (Osterrieder, Strika and Lorenz 2017). Legal Factors There is decentralized nature of the coin that mainly restricts any type of regulatory effort. Countries like Canada, USA and EU are putting regulations in given form. For instance, Obama Administration partners with private companies such as Blockchain alliance (Folkinshteyn and Lennon 2016). Threat of crypto currencies that are handled by currency banks As there is growth of crypto currencies, it is expected that more central bankers are looking crimping their use. There are few issues in central banking that provokes anxiety as compared to fear of losing control of ones currency. The Chinese Central bank actually had banned initial coin offerings of digital currencies such as Bitcoin that lead to fall in the value of some crypto currencies by 20% (Chodorow 2017). On analysis, it is noted that there is growing uneasiness regarding how disruptive technology act to the whole banking as well as payments system. Firstly, banks spend time to remain safe and restrict new entrants. The bankers mainly think of regulation that makes financial services less appealing for the new entrants. Recently, the penny is dropping where the non-bank rivals can target more profitable areas that leave regulated banks less profitable (Chan et al. 2017). Secondly, more than $600 billion has been raised for funding private debt as shown in the market data. The policymakers are spending too much time for analyzing the non-banking sector. In addition, the growing dependence of bank on large technology firms helps in running their infrastructure in systematic way (Osterrieder, Strika and Lorenz 2017). Thirdly, the central banks actually had lost control over payments when individuals are privately issuing Bitcoin currencies. Here, issue of currencies considered as lucrative business just like Central bank but it varies with the cost of issuing a coin or bank note as well as its face value (Bashir, Strickland and Bohr 2016). Competitive environment Bargaining power of suppliers Low supplier switching costs positively affect crypto currencies. There is less bargaining power of the suppliers. Intensity of existing rivalry When exit barrier are low then weak firms likely to enter the market as it increase profit levels for the remaining business. Low exit barriers have positive impact for Bitcoin (Tschorsch and Scheuermann 2016). Bargaining power of customers When customers have limited choices and the choices are made available. In addition, limited buyer choices have positive impact for Bitcoin. Threat from substitute products There is limited number of substitutes where customers find other products or services as it fulfill their needs. Limited substitutes have positive impact for usage of Bitcoin. Threat of new entrants There is high threat from new entrants who shows willingness to enter the market. High entry barriers have positive impact for usage of Bitcoin. Cost and viability of mining Bitcoin The cost of Bitcoin value has been on a free fall from last few months. The coin now costs slightly prompts for every Bitcoin exchange for registering extreme lows. Cryptocoin does not have long life year ahead that is a clear indication (Tschorsch and Scheuermann 2016). The longevity of Bitcoin relies mainly on the direct support from the community in case of mining activities. There is specific cost that is required to sustain this activity and turns to be detrimental to growth of mining in the industry. Mining considers as an investment that offer rewards to those who actually render service in solving mathematical problems (Osterrieder, Strika and Lorenz 2017). Here, the computation is needed for approving the transactions as well as keeping the public ledger healthy that shows updated and aligned data. In addition, laws of economics highlights that any rational investor will engage in production when return exceed the effort in the short-term and long-term. It is not different from Bitcoin cloud mining or in that case regular crypto mining. Strategic analysis There are different start-up companies such as Coinbase, Blockchain as well as Circle and BitPay uses Bitcoin in their operations. It is essential that the miners such as individuals and business enterprise as it form the core backbone of Bitcoin as it ensures the integrity of digital currency. Bitcoin runs on a Blockchain as it is decentralized as well as public ledger on every transaction made on the network. The users shows interest in winning Bitcoin as it creates an arms race of miners that scrambles for assembling ever-more sophisticated as well as powerful equipment to mine new Bitcoin (Osterrieder, Strika and Lorenz 2017). Criminal usage of crypto currencies Crypto currencies are considered to be one of the new technology-driven virtual currencies that had existed from the year 2009. Because of the nature of this digital currency, they are used by the criminal organizations (Tschorsch and Scheuermann 2016). It is important for law enforcement organizations as well as regulations to understand about how these digital currencies work and their use by criminal organizations. Crypto-currencies are a group of virtual currencies that relays upon peer-to-peer system that gets disconnected from central issuing authority as it allows users an anonymous or near-anonymous method for conducting transactions. Bitcoin, Ethereum as well as DogeCoin are some of the existing crypto currencies that have combined market capitalization of $ 90 billion. The interest of the Chinese Government in crypto currency as well as implications of this interest in and across the world Chinese Authorities have mainly ordered crypto currency exchanges for ceasing trading as well as notify users of their closure that signals a widening crackdown by authorities on the industry as it contain financial risks. Here, the exchanges actually stopped users to register for overseeing internet finance risks as it circulates online as well as verified by a government. China is cracking down on the crypto currency business as it tries to limit risks where consumers pile into a highly speculative market. Digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum do not have sovereign endorsement as it is not legal currencies (Osterrieder, Strika and Lorenz 2017). Conclusion At the end of the study, it is concluded that crypto currencies are widely used current but has some limitations as well. More than 3 million people are estimated to be actively using crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Darkcoin. Crypto currency exchanges render on-off ramps for the systems by providing services to users either to buy or sell crypto currency. Central banks are in tension where they feel that their ability to monitor the payment system would fall in the near future. The central bank may even lose control of the money supply and this is an acute concern. The cost of mining is not fixed and decreases and expensive. It is noted that the modern software as well as hardware continues to make the process less costly. Here, miners have the option to hold onto their Bitcoins till there is improvement in the pricing. Therefore, Bitcoin is selling at what it is told as under the cost of mining where the overall system had become unsustainable. There are various fact ors that need to be considered that mining cost of each of the Bitcoin will have adverse effects on the performance of crypto currencies in different industries even in the Bitcoin gambling market. Reference List Bashir, M., Strickland, B. and Bohr, J., 2016, November. What Motivates People to Use Bitcoin?. InInternational Conference on Social Informatics(pp. 347-367). Springer International Publishing. Chan, S., Chu, J., Nadarajah, S. and Osterrieder, J., 2017. A statistical analysis of cryptocurrencies.Journal of Risk and Financial Management,10(2), p.12. Chodorow, A., 2017. Rethinking Basis in the Age of Virtual Currencies.Va. Tax Rev.,36, p.371. Folkinshteyn, D. and Lennon, M., 2016. Braving Bitcoin: A technology acceptance model (TAM) analysis.Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research,18(4), pp.220-249. Halaburda, H. and Sarvary, M., 2016. Cryptocurrencies. InBeyond Bitcoin(pp. 97-163). Palgrave Macmillan US. Lansky, J., 2016. Analysis of Cryptocurrencies Price Development.Acta Informatica Pragensia,5(2), pp.118-137. Low, K.F. and Teo, E.G., 2017. Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies as property?.Law, Innovation and Technology, pp.1-34. Mandjee, T., 2015. Bitcoin, its legal classification and its regulatory framework.J. Bus. Sec. L.,15, pp.157-219. Morabito, V., 2017. Digital Currencies. InBusiness Innovation Through Blockchain(pp. 81-100). Springer International Publishing. Nakamoto, S., 2016. Changing the Dominant Monetary Regime, Bit by Bitcoin.The Evolution of Money, p.196. Ong, B., Lee, T.M., Li, G. and Chuen, D.L.K., 2015. Evaluating the potential of alternative cryptocurrencies.Handbook of digital currency. Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp.81-135. Osterrieder, J., Strika, M. and Lorenz, J., 2017. Bitcoin and cryptocurrenciesnot for the faint-hearted.International Finance and Banking,4(1), p.56. Rabah, K., 2017. Digital Cryptoeconomics Powered by Digital Cryptocurrency.Mara Research Journal of Computer Science Security,1(1), pp.107-131. Tarasiewicz, M. and Newman, A., 2015. Cryptocurrencies as distributed community experiments.Handbook of digital currency, pp.201-222. Tschorsch, F. and Scheuermann, B., 2016. Bitcoin and beyond: A technical survey on decentralized digital currencies.IEEE Communications Surveys Tutorials,18(3), pp.2084-2123. Zhang, B., Wardrop, R., Rau, R. and Gray, M., 2015. Moving mainstream: benchmarking the European alternative finance market.Journal of Financial Perspectives,3(3), pp.60-76.

Intolerance in Nigeria free essay sample

ABSTRACT This paper examines the relationship between religion and sustainable development, as well as the role of Nigerian intellectuals in ameliorating religious crisis in the country. Religion, as a system of faith is based on belief in the existence of a particular God or gods, to some extent, influences or contributes in developing and coordinating the expression of the capacities latent in human nature for the progress of the society. All the elements that made up the resources originating from human are expressed in their actions, behaviour and daily activities, either in positive and constructive ways, or in a negative and destructive ways, especially with respect to their inherent power to generate value by leveraging other production variables for economic growth and development. Empirical results obtained, using descriptive analysis approach, indicate that religion plays an important role in shaping the moral and social values necessary for development. Based on these findings, some recommendations are offered which include: Re-examine education policies in the light of its contribution to individual growth and to bring about fundamental structural changes in society, changes which are necessary for the creation of a just, peaceful, and harmonious environment, hence teachers and other intellectuals must be a model of nobility, selfactualization and discipline, since sound character is ultimately more important than intellectual brilliance. We will write a custom essay sample on Intolerance in Nigeria or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page . Keywords: Religion, Economic growth, Amelioration, Tolerance and Intellectuals. INTRODUCTION A religion can be broadly described as a set of common belief and practices generally held by a group of people. Oxford Learner Dictionary described religion as a system of faith that is based on belief in the existence of a particular God or gods. According to Oke, Oloruntimehin and Akinola (1996), it is generally accepted by social scientists that people’s religious beliefs and their social organizations are closely interrelated. They quoted Emile, as noted that religion is a social artifact symbolizing what a society considers sacred and the most sacred thing to any society is the society itself. In view of this, religion provides an organized picture of the universe and establishes a more or less orderly relationship between man and his surroundings. Early economists and other researchers have paid little attention to any link between religion and economic development, rather it is seen as something personal between man and his God. The early relationship between religion and economic was established by Marx, who was of the opinion that the strength of an economy would influenced a religion or belief. However, the like of Max Weber, an eminent sociologist of early 20th century was of contra opinion. According to him, the source of the growth of the western economy is religion, especially the reformation of protestant and its doctrine about 40 Religion and Economic Development: the Role of Nigerian Intellectuals Saheed, Zakaree S. and Alofun, G. O. O. simplicity and moral responsibility to work (Skousen, 2007). Weber Marx (1930), believe that capitalism originated from religious ideals and not historical materialism. Specifically, the protestant reformation teachings changed the western culture, and led to the rise of capitalism, which in turn led to the growth and development of their economy. Islam as a religion also played a positive role in the development of the Arab society and transformed it to such a remarkable extent that it not only overcame its own handicaps but also brought about a revolutionary change in the societies that came under its influence (Charpra, 1998). Barro and McCleary (2003) suggested that higher rates of religious beliefs stimulate growth because they help to sustain the aspect of individual behaviour that enhances productivity. The higher number of church or mosque attendance, for instance, tends to depressed growth because it signifies a greater use of esources including land, buildings and other capital, by the religious sector. However, that suppression of growth is tempered by the extent to which church or mosque attendance leads to greater religion beliefs, which in turn encourages economic growth. In Nigeria, traditional communities are essentially religious. In these communities, religion is kinship based because it governs the peopleâ⠂¬â„¢s lineage or family relationships; it governs the doctrine of collective responsibility and forms the basis of the family, which in turn is the basic unit of social control. Indeed, religion is so important in the society as a form of social control because of people’s adherence to religion, whether traditional, Christian or Islam (Ikporukpo, 2001), which are the recognized religions in Nigeria, though the last two are more pronounced. Christianity and Islam, especially have a great influence on the daily lives of Nigerians, and plays a significant role in the socio-political and economic development. According to Nwite and Wilson (2010), churches in Nigeria has contributed immensely to the economic development of the country through investment in different sectors of the economy like real estate, capital market, shopping complex and schools. The essence of economic and human development embodied health, for which life expectancy is taken as a reasonable gauge; knowledge, which is expressed as a combination of literacy rates and average years of schoolings; and per capital income (Lynn, 2001). Any effort put forward towards the development of these determining factors would amount to stirring the economy towards development. Given the foregoing, the paper proposes to critically examine/analyses: i. The contribution of religion to the education sector in Nigeria. ii. The role of religion in the development of health sector in Nigeria. iii. The role of religion towards creation of job opportunities in Nigeria. iv. The role of religion and Nigerian Intellectuals in socio-ethnic crisis in Nigeria. To this end, the paper is organized into five sections. Following this introduction is section II, which focuses on conceptual issues. Section III discusses the role of religion on economic development in Nigeria. Section IV analyses the role of religion on socio-ethnic crisis in Nigeria, while section V summarises the findings and offer policy recommendation. 41 Journal of Social Science and Public Policy Volume 3, December 2011 CONCEPTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT There are different conceptions of development. First, it could be viewed as the development of the mind in which case the humanity of man is no longer subjugated to nature, but has transcended the confines of nature to progressively understand the whole of the world in order to be able to develop from it an environment which is most suitable for him. Moreso, economic development means sustained and sustainable growth per capita income, accompanied by diversification of production, reduction in absolute poverty, and expanding economic opportunities for all citizens (Lynn, 2003). The definition implies an economic growth which can be maintained over a long period of time. Moreso it requires diversification of economic activities so that the nation can be producing variety of goods and services, with the economy gradually progressing from primary, to secondary and then to tertiary economy. This should be able to create an expanding opportunities for people to make a choice of work and earn income through which they can improve their lives and able to participate in the social life of the community. Most importantly, there should be reduction in the level of absolute poverty in the country. The conception of development also connote growth with changes, which usually demands significant structural transformation within a country, and that includes the reorganization and reorientation of the economic and social systems, radical arrangements in installations and administrative structures, as well as reorientations in popular attitudes, customs and belief (Ogunkola and Egwaikhide, 2001). In contemplating development, more than access to goods and services is at stake. As such, in measuring level of development, the Physical Quality of Life (PQL) is considered, and it is equal weighting of an infant mortality rate, life expectancy, and basic literacy. However the United Nations Development’s version of development measurement refers to as Human Development Index (HDI) incorporates an income measure. All these elements considered in measuring the level of development of a nation are subject of level of development of the health and educational sectors, where the eligious sectors in Nigeria has contributed, as can be seen in the Holy Scriptures. For instance: Both religions in Nigeria, that is, Christianity and Islam recognize that the created universe is subjected to man for the enrichment and fulfillment of his life (Quran 45:12-13, 14:32-34 and Genesis 1:26-28). More so, contrary to the view that religion only emphasis faith and not works, the Bible and Qur’an invite men to labour and action (Qur’an 13: 11, 2:275 and Exodus 20 :9, Proverbs 16:3, 2. Thessalonians 3:10). All the elements that made up the resources originating from human are expressed in their actions, behaviour and daily activities, either in positive and constructive ways, or in a negative and destructive ways (Zainun, 2006), especially with respect to their inherent power to generate value by leveraging other production variables for economic growth development. In carrying out development activities, religion provides some code of norms and obligations which subject man to regulations necessary for the progress of the society. 2 Religion and Economic Development: the Role of Nigerian Intellectuals Saheed, Zakaree S. and Alofun, G. O. O. The Role of Religion in Nigerian Economic Development Religion has contributed much to development of human race, and it will be totally absurd to ignore the contributions of religion, especially Christianity and Islam. Both religious communities have become the key determinants of history and destiny of the nation, and its vast population, as well as deciding the course of development and building of the nation. Religion is given a reasonable degree of recognition by governments of Nigeria and some other countries as a major factor determining the stability of a nation. The roles of religion in economic development are more pronounced in the educational and health sectors, as well as creation of job opportunities. The Role of Religion in Educational Sector in Nigeria Education is a continuous and creative process which aimed at developing the capacities latent in human nature, and coordinate their expression for the enrichment and progress of ociety, by equipping students with spiritual, moral and material knowledge. Education in terms of the knowledge, qualities, skills, attitudes and capacities that enable individuals to become conscious subjects of their growth and active responsible participants in a systemic process of building a new world order. In Nigeria, Christian missions pioneered the establishment of primary and secondary schools, and ever since then the two religions, that is, C hristianity and Islam, have played a significant role in the establishment of schools in Nigeria. As the primary schools and their products multiplied, secondary schools were established to satisfy the demand for higher education. The Catholic Missionary Society (CMS) established the C. M. S. Grammar School in Lagos in 1859, followed by the Methodist Boys’ High School in 1879 and St. Gregory’s College, established by the Catholic in 1881. It is on this foundation that secondary schools education has rested in Nigeria (Olurode, 1999). Many other religion based secondary schools later emerged. These include, Ahmadiyya Grammar School, Anwar-Ul-Islam Grammar School, St. Theresa College, Islamic High School, Ebira Muslim Community College among many. The religious sector in Nigeria is also involved in establishment of higher institutions, to enhance government effort towards educational development. Among the religion based private higher institutions in Nigeria are listed in table 1. 0 below: Table 1. 0 Some religion based private higher institutions in Nigeria S/N Institution 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. Bowen University, Iwo-Osun State Fountain University, Osogbo- Ondo state Founder/Sponsor The Baptist NASFAT Islam Bishop Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo – Anglican Churches Oyo state Al-Hikama University, Ilorin – Kwara State Islamic Foundation (AROIF) and Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) Redeemer University, Lagos state The Redeemed Churches Wesley University of Technology, Ondo The Methodist churches State. Covenant University, Lagos state Living Faith Church World 43 Journal of Social Science and Public Policy Volume 3, December 2011 . 10. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun state Christ Apostolic Church VERITAS University (Catholic University of The Catholic Churches Nigeria), Abuja. Source: Culled by the authors from lists of private universities in Nigeria The Contribution of Religion to the Health Sector in Nigeria The spread of western ideas including medicine and social welfare also owed much to the advent of religion in Nigeria. According to Olurode (1997), by the end of the nineteen century, the hospital; was as effective as the school. By 1914, various missions had established hospitals such as the C. M. S. Iyi Enu Hospital near Onitsha, the Wesley Guide Hospital in Ilesha, the Baptist Hospital in Ogbomosho and the Sacred Heart Hospital of the Society for African Missions in Abeokuta. Missionary involvement had, as its aim, the eradication of superstitious beliefs about such diseases as smallpox. In Yoruba land, for instance, the god of smallpox shoponna had a strong hold on the people which took western medicine, specifically vaccines to break. Even where orthodox medicine failed, some religion has been playing a significant role to proffer spiritual solution to cure illness. The Role of Religion and Nigerian Intellectuals on Socio-ethnic Crisis in Nigeria According to UNHCR (2008) as quoted by Saheed and Alofun (2010), since 1999, more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed and more properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed in sectarian and communal attacks and reprisals between Muslims and Christians. The most serious of these clashes occurred in Kaduna state in February and May 2000, and November 2002; Jos, Plateau state in September 2001; Kano state and Yelwa, Plateau state between February and May, 2004; and in the northern and southeastern Nigeria in the wake of the controversy over depictions of the Prophet Muhammad in the Danish press in February 2006. Table 2. 0. Some of the Religious Crises in Nigeria in the last one decade Date Events Victims Sept. 2001 July, 2007 Sept. 2007 Dec. 2007 Dec. 2008 July, 2009 Violent clashes between Muslims and Christians in 3,000 people killed Jos, Plateau state. Violent clashes between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims over 5 people killed the murder of a Sunni cleric in Sokoto Rioting in the northern state of Kano 19 people killed Three churches burned in the northern state of 10 people killed Bauchi Violent clashes over disputed election result which 400 people killed degenerated into religion crisis in Jos, Plateau state Two days battle with radical Islamists in two northern 150 people killed cities of Yobe and Bauchi Source: Culled by the Authors from the records of UNHCR, GlobalSecurity. org and Mail and Guardian online, 2009 44 Religion and Economic Development: the Role of Nigerian Intellectuals Saheed, Zakaree S. and Alofun, G. O. O. All these events, as shown in table 2. 0 above, have a negative effect on Nigerian economy in terms of capital and loss of lives, especially manpower or human resources with high productivity potentials. In each of these events the role of Nigerian intellectuals calls for question. In the two widely acknowledged religions in Nigeria, that is, the Christianity and Islam, the leaders are intellectuals who are well educated, many of whom are holders of various degrees ranging from bachelor, to masters and even doctorate. They are very influential among their followers and the congregations. Their words are like policy within that congregation. They are leaders who are supposed to articulate an ideological vision congruent with deeply held value of the country. They are supposed to engage in alignment, with interpretive orientations such that the country’s interest, value and belief as well as these religions activities, goals and ideology becomes congruent and complementary. Universal education must be relevant to he true needs of a community and contribute to the unification of mankind, in such a way that it will enable the people to move in the direction of their own chosen field and help them appreciate those universal qualities that distinguish the human race (Saheed, 2008). However, a situation where misunderstanding between two people in a community degenerated into communal clashes that claimed several lives, or members of congregation dispersed from their places of worship and created anarchy in the street, then the impact of the message of such religion leader becomes questionable. Is it a sermon of peace or hatred? CONCLUSION AND POLICY ISSUES Religion, especially Christianity and Islam, to some extent, has contributed to economic development either indirectly, by influencing and coordinate the expression of the capacities latent in human nature for the progress of the society, and by shaping the moral and social values necessary for development, or directly by its contribution to the growth of the educational and health sectors in Nigeria. However, religious intolerance among the people which often lead to crisis claiming several lives and destruction of properties has a negative impact on Nigerian economy. Adherents of the religious communities, to some extent, have lost focus of their responsibility towards nation building, and are embraced vices such religious fanaticism or intolerance and its attendant problems such as unending intensive strives, fight of superiority, loss of human and material resources. To promote religious tolerance towards national development, the religious communities in Nigeria must wake up to their responsibilities in home so that the problem of moral decadence plaguing the nation will radically reduced. Since many Nigerian families are facing the pangs of unemployment, inability to pay their children and wards school fees among other hardships, the religious bodies should resume their pioneering work in the area of health, education, industry and vocational training to assist the nation, especially in the area of human development. Education should be examined in the light of its contribution to individual growth and to bring about fundamental structural changes in society, changes which are necessary for the creation of a just, peaceful, and harmonious environment, hence teachers and other intellectuals must be a model of nobility, self-actualisation and discipline, since sound character is ultimately more important than intellectual brilliance. A well educated community 45 Journal of Social Science and Public Policy Volume 3, December 2011 ember is a determined yet humble participant, who helps overcome conflict and division thereby contributing to a spirit of unity and collaboration. Therefore, Nigerian education, like a universal education, must be relevant to the needs of the Nigerian communities and contribute to the unification of the people of Nigeria, regardless of their religion and race. It must enable the people both to move in the direction of their choice and help them appreciate those universal q ualities that distinguish the entire human race. REFERENCE Barro, J. B. and McClear, R. M. 2003), Religion and Growth, Havard University Press, U. S. A Ikporukpo, C. O. (2001). Government, Society and Economy. Ibadan: Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nig. ) Ltd. Lynn, S. R. (2003). Development Economics: World. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River Theory and Practice for a Divided Nwite, S. C. and Wilson, A. (2010). 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