Abstract
The paper examines the subject of school choice. After quantifying what school choice is, the paper discusses whether this should be accepted by the legislature, by schools and by parents and whether it is the best decision for children. The paper further analyses how it affects the way children learn. A further question of whether school choice will result in needy children or children from minorities being segregated, as this could mean they attend schools with little funding and few opportunities, is addressed.

From the Paper
"Choice is everywhere in American education" (School Choice Facts). When a person stops to think about school choice, he or she will realize that school choice is quite common to every parent. Parents decide where they want their children to go to school and move into the residential areas where those schools are located (School Choice Facts). Sometimes this means paying high costs of rent, but it is worth it to the parents. Some parents make the decision whether to send their children to private school. This means that parents decide the cost of the private school is worth paying fees, books, and other costs. Some parents decide to home school and mothers often decide not to work so they can teach their children at home. All of these involve school choice. School choice is not new. Different countries have tried programs similar to what the U.S. calls school choice."

Tags:schools, choice, segregation

Abstract
The development of Rational Choice Theory in the 20th century arose out of economic theory. Through such thinkers as Homans, Blau and Coleman it has emerged as an important school of thought. The theory focuses upon the rational calculations carried out by individuals guided by self-interest. Post-modernism, another contemporary theory, is in many ways in friction with rational choice theory, for the fundamental capitalist drive espoused by rational choice is seen as nothing but a social construct by the post-modern tradition. Alfred Schutz, a twentieth century phenomenologist, reconciles these two strains of thought to some degree by bringing up the notion of individual perception which encompasses both the social constructs and the drive for self-interest.

Tags:rational, choice, theory

Abstract
This paper reviews the concept of rational choice which suggests that the individual has the ability to make decisions after contemplation of all areas of concern, and that choice is based on free will. Kant's view in relation to Adam and Eve supports this notion. However, Freud's interpretation of rationality in relation to mankind suggests that natural forces lead man to make decisions and that he is compelled by these forces which involve no rationalization whatsoever. This paper discusses how these contrasting views provide theories on human existence and what leads man to make choices that will affect his life and the lives of others.

Tags:kant, rational, choice

Abstract
This paper addresses the question of whether globalization is destiny or a choice and argues in favor of choice, pointing out that there are areas over which individuals and corporations can make choices and exercise control.

From the Paper
"The rampant globalization of communication tastes and world markets has descended upon our modern era much like a steamroller flattening out everything that stands in its way. Every business around the world, from major corporations to handweaving cooperatives in third world countries, are potentially affected by globalization. Companies are realigning themselves with global initiatives, adopting a change at a moment's notice paradigm, that includes boundaryless organizations and change management directives to enable them to respond to global challenges and opportunities immediately as they..."

Tags:destiny, choice, inevitable, globalization, policy, consumer, corporate, response, accountability

Abstract
The paper identifies how one of the most significant problems facing public education in the West is a simple lack of choice. In the United States, especially, educational standardization is restricting and destroys the spirit of freedom on which educational inquiry must be based. The paper contends that a concerted effort to develop school choice programs would be the best means by which the educational system could be reformed.

From the Paper
"How can educators expect students to actively engage in the process of learning when they're behavior is strictly monitored and controlled, their ability to question and probe outside of the curriculum severely limited? There are students who simply do not want to learn algebra but would leap out of bed everyday to work in a wood shop. Some students are drawn to the study of language or arts but can only engage this study so much before they are ushered into another classroom where students throw balls at one another."

Tags:education, school, choice

Abstract
In this paper, three different article about work choice initiatives in Australia are reviewed. These include 'Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Workplace Relations Amendment (WorkChoices) Bill 2005', "Business Council of Australia ," "Workchoices: Myth Making At
Work." as it appeared in "Journal of Australian Political Economy" and finally "Workchoices and Women Workers." from the "Journal
of Australian Political Economy." The major ideas presented in each article are then compared and contrasted in a chart. The issues analyzed in the chart include the stand of work choice initiatives, views on external involvement in business processes, primary objectives, management reforms, and reform agenda. The paper gives a concise and well-organized review of the articles.

From the Paper
"The authors primary focus is suggesting that national workplace relations systems should be developed that make modern workplace relations simpler to achieve. The authors suggest that industrial relations policies are often complex and that many arguments for changing policies bypass various complications associated with change including difficulties arising from change itself and industrial relations. It is important that government agents pay attention more to legislative factors including economic changes or changes in the structure of various markets and the role these factors have in shaping relations outcomes in the work environment. This study is also significant in that it enforces the need to introduce a single national industrial relations system, supports the removal of the Australian Fair Standards from inclusion in legislation, which include minimum standards for annual leave, sick leave and unpaid parental leave among others, suggests that a fair pay commission be established and works to reduce the total number of allowable matters with the intent of limiting the complexity of the award review process. "

Tags:work, choice, management, business

Abstract
This paper critiques an article by John Scott about Rational Choice Theory. It gives an overview of the theory and points out some of the areas where people have difficulty with the theory. The paper also looks at how the theory applies to the Criminal Justice System in the U.S.

From the Paper
"John Scott's article on Rational Choice Theory gives a good overview and historical perspective of the theory and how psychologists from differing backgrounds have supported or criticized the theory..."

Tags:rational choice theory, criminal jsutice

Abstract
This paper examines some of the historical events, which are known as landmarks in American abortion history, and which have reshaped the pro-choice movements.

Tags:pro-choice, movement, abortion

Abstract
This paper focuses on New Institutionalism and Rational Choice Theory as applied to public policy-making in the developed and developing world. The United States, the UK, and the Caribbean region are explored when most of the assumptions of the two theories are implemented in the respective policy environments. This paper is excellent for those wanting to understand fully the two approaches and the various ways the behavior of policy factors in society can be explained and appraised. The paper shows how the force of the ideas and arguments behind these theories create opportunities and constraints for public policy-making in both the developed and developing world.

From the Paper
"Central to the existence of any policy-making process must be the role of ideas and arguments. Rational Choice Theory and New Institutionalism both attempt to assess, appraise, and even distinguish between types of decision-making occurring within differing settings, circumstances, situations and among individuals, groups or institutional frameworks as the case may be. Interestingly though paradoxically, ideas and arguments are quite critical to policy-making from the point of view of both New Institutionalism and Rational Choice Theory, despite attempts in certain parts or variations of both Theories, to dismantle or downplay the role of both ideas and arguments, respectively, in selecting policy methods."

Tags:assurance, bureau, bureaucrats, choice, economic, game, ideas

Abstract
This paper hypothesizes that the mosaic "The Parting of Lot and Abraham" not only represents an important event in history but also explores the symbolism of the division between good and evil. The author first summarizes the biblical accounting to get a deeper appreciative of the figures involved in this event. The paper relates that the very direct and powerful composition of the mosaic is dominated by the foreground figures Lot and Abraham placed with a considerable gap between them, which emphasizes the irreversible decision for them to part: Abraham on the left moving towards Canaan and Lot in the opposite way, towards Sodom with his two daughters.

From the Paper
"The mass behind the two figures which are placed in foreground is shown using dark contrasting colors and tones which have faded considerably over time. In fact, the mass of heads in the background is a common Roman art device suggesting that the division is not only between Lot and Abraham, but between two peoples, and ultimately, two moral categories, i.e. good and evil. The shading also gives a three dimensional effect to the mosaic, this being a highly characteristic quality of Roman art. Nonetheless, the illusion of spatial depth is reduced by the strong outline of the figures."

Tags:division forefather, glass tesserae, choice foreground