The Fathers of Sociology - 1550 Words

With reference to examples of their published works assess respectively the work of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. Write one thousand words on each. In the final section, critically assess which of the three theorists has the most contemporary relevance. The fathers of sociology are known as Karl Marx, Emilen Durkheim and Karl Weber they made profound contributions towards study of sociology. This essay will explore the key theoretical concepts for each theorist beginning with Marx thoughts on capitalism, class struggle, materialism, then followed by Weber’s †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ and Finally Durkheim ideas on †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Further, a critical evaluation will be carried out in order to establish which of the three theories has more significance in today’s†¦show more content†¦Division can save, improve and increase instruments of labour that segregates all stages of production but the production under the capitalist was directed towards ‘iron law of proportionality’ subjecting workmen to determine functions. The relationship that remains between persons can be viewed as a relation among things (reification) and converts to ‘inverted’ that money is valuable because it signifies an object of value but the object is also viewed in terms of value since it represents money (Evans, 1975,p 87). Marx refers to the term ‘commodity’ as to things that gratify human needs. According to Hegel, there cannot be unification among an individual and his world because the ‘essence of alienation’ is the cause of the separation among the object and subject and the man can feel restricted from the world as an unfavorable alien to his own urges and wishes (Rader,1979, p120) Class struggle Marx states that all history hitherto the current society is the history of class struggle, class conflict and can be an essential aspect of all class societies. He indicates that without conflict there would be no progress. Further Marx distinguishes between the two classes: the ‘bourgeoisies’ and the ‘proletariat’. The ‘bourgeoisies’ are the owners of land, labour power andShow MoreRelatedFounding Fathers of Sociology1417 Words   |  6 PagesSociology is the study of social behaviour. Our behaviour is patterned in certain ways and sociologists study these patterns and differences in a scientific manner. The study of modern sociology, the objective and systematic study of human behaviour and society, only began from the late 1700s onwards (Giddens, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001). The origins of this science can be linked to the two great revolutions that occurred in Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth century Ââ€" The French Revolution of 1789R ead Morefounding fathers of sociology1117 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Sociology can be defined as the scientific study of society and human behavior. It tries to acquire knowledge about society, and about how the humans making up these societies interact with each other. Auguste Comte was the first true father of sociology. He was the person who coined the term â€Å"sociology†. Other sociologist who can also be called the founding fathers of sociology include Weber, Marx, Engels and Durkheim. In this essay I will be looking at where these sociologists came from and theRead MoreHenri Saint Simon : The Father Of Sociology878 Words   |  4 PagesHenri Saint Simon, also known as the father of Sociology more so than Auguste Comte, also viewed society as a living organism. He coined the term social physiology, which was viewed as a new science and religion. His Sociology focused on the concept of social physiology, where reason, science, intelligence, and rationality would pr oduce a stable society. He did believe that in order to restore society and bring it back to its peaceful state that we had to back track to the boundaries of the eighteenthRead MoreEmile Durkheim, the Father of Sociology Essay2001 Words   |  9 Pagespeople were opening up to the ideals of how a society could be. Without Emile Durkheim, the father of sociology, sociology may not have ever reached the great attributes or been considered something worth pursuing. Durkheim was the change that people needed in order to make their society something worth changing and fighting for. Durkheim’s work had no limitations, he was able to explore every aspect of sociology that he wanted, and that is exactly what he set out to do. Durkheim realized several problemsRead MoreDavid emile Durkheim: Father of Sociology1797 Words   |  8 Pages Throughout his life David Emile Durkheim managed to write about many aspects of life, however his most influential work had to do with sociology. Today he is known as the father of sociology for the innovative and revolutionary work he did. However, his works are not always easily understandable, but once understood its reach is endless. One of the questions that comes from Durkheim’s works is how the individual developed a sense of autonomy, how the individual was able to break out of the moldRead MoreThe Founding Fathers Of Sociology, Emile Durkheim2373 Words   |  10 PagesThis is what one of the founding fathers of sociology , Emile Durkheim , meant when he wrote in 1895 that the establishment of a sense of community is facilitated by a class of actors who carry a stigma and sense of stigmatization and are termed ‘deviant’. Unity is provided to any collectivity by uniting against those who are seen as a common threat to the social order and morality of a group. Consequently, the stigma and the stigmatization of some persons demarcates a boundary that reinforcesRead MoreMax Weber was the Father of Modern Sociology807 Words   |  3 PagesMax Weber is considered by many the father of modern sociology. Born in Germany in 1864, he passed his bar exam in 1886 and completed his Ph.D. in 1889. He suffered a mental breakdown in 1897, after the death of his father, suffering from depression, anxiety and insomnia. He was unable to work for several years. His most famous work was published in 1905 entitled, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. He returned to teaching in 1918 and died in 1920, after contracting the SpanishRead MoreSociology Research into Father-Daughter Relationships Essay2188 Words   |  9 PagesStatement of the Problem: Research over the years has emphasized the role family has upon children within a family system. The role a mother plays for her children has been researched continuously for decades, often neglecting the impact of the father. With this lack of knowledge surrounding a fathers paternal responsibilities and implications as a nurturer, it is important to examine the consequences of their actions on their childrens future. Recently, research has begun to include the fathersRead MoreEmile Durkheim s Theory Of The Founding Fathers Of Modern Sociology841 Words   |  4 PagesEmile Durkheim, is known as one of the founding fathers of modern sociology. Durkheim has the theory that every individual in a community, is to born to live and then die. A Durkheimian definition of community is that it has propinquity, which means residential closeness. Also has a social network where everyone in the community all know each other. Finally, a Durkheimian community must include a collective consciou sness, which is when the people in the community share the same understanding of rightRead MoreSociology : A Sociological Perspective1292 Words   |  6 PagesOrigins of Sociology Ashley Drees Ivy Tech Community College Professor Brosmer April 10,2016 What is Sociology Sociology  is the  study of  social behavior or society, including its origins, development, organization, networks, and institutions. Sociology is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, disorder, and change. Three Main Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Functional Perspective

Toward the Terror - 1257 Words

The French Revolution began in 1789 aiming to transform France into a more liberal, equal society ruled by a constitutional monarchy. Yet by 1793 it had generated something else entirely— a system of repression and violence referred to as the Terror. While some insist that the Revolution’s culmination at this point was inevitable, others assert that key events between 1789 and 1793 set the Revolution on this particular trajectory. Siding with the latter, I argue that King Louis XVI’s attempted flight in 1791 was an incredibly significant turning point in the Revolution, as its social and political consequences played a vital role in placing the Revolution on the path toward the Terror. While it is impossible to definitively say that†¦show more content†¦From then on it was far harder for anyone to believe or have faith in Louis’ words, leaving the success of the constitutional monarchy in dire question. Though the National Assembly put out a story that Louis had been kidnapped and reinstated him as King upon his acceptance of the constitution, his number of allies dropped, and those who had already been in support of the Revolution were now far more opposed to him. Thus, this shift in opinion played a vital role in opening the way to more radical revolutionary aims and their fulfillment, conditions from which the Terror would later emerge. Further, while public opinion of Louis fell drastically, support for the constitution and National Assembly swelled. On June 23rd after a modified Corpus Christi ceremony in Paris, for example, guardsmen approached the National Assembly asking to take an oath to the constitution that had been ministered a day earlier to others. Soon after, somewhere between 15,000 and 50,000 common folks arrived wanting to take the oath as well. Similar oaths were taken spontaneously in rural areas, with citizens swearing their allegiance to the National Assembly in place of the King. Overall, in the wake of Louis’ flight, public support moved drastically away from the monarchy and toward the constitution, and people everywhere began to reconsider the basis of the new constitution itself. While this shift caused by Louis’s flight did not leadShow MoreRelatedThe Nazi Regime Depended More on Its Broad Popularity Than on Terror in the Years 1933-1939. How Far Do You Agree with This Statem ent?1233 Words   |  5 PagesThe Nazi Regime Depended More on its Broad Popularity than on Terror in the Years 1933-1939. How Far Do You Agree With This Statement? It can be argued that in order for the Nazi Regime to have stayed in power, it was essential that they maintain high popularity. On the other hand, though popularity is needed, it can be debated that the use of terror was a more important aspect to the regime as it ensured that the German people would not question or speak out against the regimes policy and actionsRead MoreEdgar Allen1258 Words   |  6 Pagespoe Edgar Allan Poe is one of those writers who try to horrify us about what is out there, as well as making us conscious of the terror within. He takes the readers to the exterior and gradually moves into the interior, as he talks about not what you are frightened off but the fear itself. These ideas are hindered upon through the short stories ‘The Murder in the Rue Morgue†, â€Å"The Man in the crowd† and â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† as these were one of the first detective stories. Through these shortRead MoreThe Greatest Threat Of The Middle East1032 Words   |  5 Pagesaggressive toward this growing threat and have taken them lightly. They are just growing and becoming more dangerous by the minute. Do innocent people in the us have to die for us to take action against the terror group or are they still a Jv Squad. If we are more aggressive towards the terror group it would create fear within them. That is something that we need to do because right now they don t fear us. If they don t fear us then they will continue their actions and rein of terror. If you didnRead MoreArticle: Terror Attacks against the United States1555 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Terror Attacks against the United States Date Submitted 1998 United States Embassy Bombings in East Africa: The bombings on the United States embassies in East Africa were several attacks that happened on August 7, 1998 in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These attacks occurred simultaneously and involved truck bomb explosions at the American embassies in these countries resulting in the death of hundreds of people and destruction of property. Moreover, these attacks happened onRead More Horror Versus Terror in Gothic Literature Essay example1421 Words   |  6 PagesHorror Versus Terror in Gothic Literature  Ã‚   Gothic literature can be described as literature that is used to terrify people by portraying situations that border between reality and unreality. The purpose of Gothic literature is to terrify people, not to horrify them. The definition of horror and terror is often misunderstood, many people think they have the same meaning. Devendra Varma, in the Gothic Flame described the difference between these words as an awful apprehension and sickeningRead MoreThe French Revolution1460 Words   |  6 Pagesrevolutionary leaders before or since, to totally transform human society in every way. (Supreme Being) Although Robespierre began with patriotic intent he still was the face of the Reign of Terror and was viewed as being a radical person. On February 5,1794 Robespierre wrote a speech justifying the use of terror in the French government. He talks about how if people themselves are corrupted then liberty is lost and you might as well start over. Robespierre would stop at nothing to get rid of anyoneRead MoreEssay on The War on Terror1493 Words   |  6 PagesWar on terror refers to the ongoing military campaign led by U.S and U.K against organizations identified as terrorists. Terrorism can be defined as an unlawful violence or war deliberately targeted to civilians. It can also be defined as a systematic use of terror to coerce or violent acts intended to create fear. This threat is normally perpetrated for religious, political or ideological goals. The conflict as also called by other names. They include World War III, The Long War, War on TerrorismRead MoreThe State Terror in Taiwan1566 Words   |  6 Pagesthe biggest sources of human suffering and destruction. It is stated that state terrorism leaves traces w hile state terror doesn’t, but this essay will argued that state terror might not be remembered by the general public but it still subconsciously has psychological effect on the citizens. This above theory will be discussed in this essay by a short introduction on both state terror and state terrorism, how they effects the minds of the victims, how they are perceived and remembered, and I will useRead MoreWhich Terror Is Greater: Secular or Religious? Essay1420 Words   |  6 PagesWhich Terror Is Greater: Secular or Religious? Alexandra C. Zuà ±iga CJ290/ Terrorism Mr. Scott Thompson Kaplan College 12/20/2012 Abstract Secular terror is anything that does not have to do with religion; however, religious tactics can be used to get ahead in secular terrorist organizations. Religious terror is based on the protecting, converging, and maintaining beliefs of a religion upheld by a religious terrorist group. Although different tactics are carried out by each different groupRead MoreTerror Management Theory1289 Words   |  6 Pagesself-preservation is a characteristic to both humans and animals, the understanding of one’s own mortality is uniquely human. How do we, as humans, deal with the terror that is associated with this knowledge? According to Terror Management Theory (TMT), developed by Jeff Greenberg, Sheldon Solomon, and Tom Pyszczynski (1989), the need for â€Å"terror management† is a fundamental function possessed by humans and cultural systems. Based on the writings of anthropologist Ernest Becker and inspired by Freud’s

Automobile Industry and Sustainability

Question: Discuss about the Automobile Industry and Sustainability. Answer: Introduction This report is basically describing about two big companies in terms of their social values. For the discussion, two big companies Toyota and BMW has been taken. This report will focus on the differences between the companies in terms of range of issues which the companies are dealing in their social reports (Orsato Wells., 2007). Report will also focus on the specific issues of the companies. The descriptions of the companies are as follows: Toyota is the famous automobile manufacturer company of Japan. The company was started in 1937. Headquarter of the company is in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. In the few years, Toyota has become one of the leading car manufacturing companies in the world. The company mainly targets low and medium income customers. The company has recently updated its brand cars for better customer services, reduction of carbon dioxide. The company has also changed its strategies for showing transparency to the general public. Like many other companies, Toyota has adopted unique set of values and principle that shape the business of the company in the market. The unique values of the company are the roots of formation in Japan. This is the most powerful and successful brand of Automobile manufacturer in the world. Headquarter of BMW is in Munich, Germany. The company manufactures and sells the passenger cars and motorcycles. The company has mainly three market segments and those are automobiles, financial services and motorcycles. BMW is basically a parent company of Mini and Rolls-Royce car brands. Along with this, the company also manufactures and sells a wide range of sporty cars and motorcycles. From starting, the company is always focused on the core values of business. The message of the values can be seen in its advertising such as television, press, media, motor shows, and trade shows etc (Toyota, 2015). Range of social issues dealt by the companies A business should not only b e accountable to the stakeholders but also it should be responsible for environment, society and towards a sustainable planet. Companies should use C RS activities in its business operations. Basically, CSR is the commitment in the business by the companies to give contribution in sustainable economic development by working with the employees, society and the local community to improve the quality of living standards. By analyzing the corporate social report of Toyota, it can be said that the report has little details related to the issues of its social responsibility but it is clearly providing the information about corporate social responsibility in the company. On the other hand, BMW has well-designed report of social responsibility in which the social issues are described clearly (Cool, and Schendel, 2010). According to the social responsibility report of Toyota, the company has concise, easy and simple strategy in the business operations which is appropriate for the stakeholders as well as customers. The strategy of the company shows that how technical staff of the company is responsible to manufacture better cars step by step. In the figure, the work of technical staff of the company is showing clearly. There is one weakness of Toyota that till 2015 that the Social responsibility Report of the company does not provide proper details of the social activities. It only tells about those things which have achieved by the company but it does not include important exiting social issues which are addressed by the managers and the potential customers. But, it should also be noted that Toyota is one of the leading company which have continuously done progress in improving and delivering the CSR to the society. The CSR of the company can be clearly seen in the fundamental changes to corporate principles and improved better cars (Zapata Nieuwenhuis, 2010) On the other hand, according to the social responsibility report of BMW, c0omoany wants to achieve highest level of sustainability by implementing relevant set of innovations and measures in teach stage of vehicle life cycle. The steps of vehicle life cycle in BMW are described in the given figure. The company releases sustainable value report every year. That report includes the description of CSR programs done by the company. There are various catagories of CSR activities adopted by the BMW such as supporting local communities, educating workers and employees, empowering labor and human rights, gender equality, environment concerns etc. basically, the CSR report of BMW focuses on the all the social issues that are addressed by the company (Zhu, Crotty Sarkis, 2008) Country differences By focusing on the CSR reports of both the companies, it can be analyze that there are lots of differences in the social reports of the companies. Toyota seems to be very practical and cautious while preparing its report. As compared to the BMWs report, it is even very humble. It can be said because the company is continuously working hard for providing efficient culture and adopting proper strategy for the society, government and stakeholders. By the report, it is clear that Toyota is very responsible to its shareholders, other stakeholders and suppliers. The company is also accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities for the local community, society and environment (Sturgeon, Biesebroeck Gereffi, 2008). So, responsibility category and stakeholder responsiveness of Toyota is higher than its competitors. According to the social responsibility report of Toyota, the company is highly responsive when it receives the complaints from the customers, especially senior people of the country. Toyota always tries to provide full customer satisfaction by the products and services. Along with this, Toyota has also achieved many awards i.e. The DJSJ Asian Pacific, The FTSE4 Good Index services and The MS-SRI. These awards prove that Toyota has implemented innovation and development in its products with the core values (Laasch, Conaway, 2015). On the other hand, the social report of BMW has deep information about the CSR activities of the company because the main of the report is to impress the shareholders and its customers. By its CSR report, BMW is successful in influencing its shareholders across the world. The social report of BMW describes how the company has implement ted the code of conducts for the business operations the report assures the general public that the company follows ethics standards in its business for the welfare of the society and environment. Company understands the impact of corporate operations on the society and environment. Company also understands that by investing in CSR products, company will be able to attract more and more customers (Jennifer, 2016) Apparent quality of the social accounting approach This factor will cover the qualities of both of the companies on the basis of Zadek et al.s (1997) eight criteria. This criterion will describe contribution of both companies in terms of best practices of the social accounting. There are mainly eight factors i.e. inclusivity, comparability, completeness, management policies and systems, evolution, disclosure, continuous improvement and external verification. The difference of BMW and Toyota is described in the tabular format: Criteria Toyota BMW Inclusivity Include how company gets feedback from shareholders by which company innovate and develops the cars throughout each process of producing. (Y) The company also includes stakeholders for every decision and for future activities. (Y) Comparability The reports of the company are compared to the past over time and listed standards in the report are well-matched. (Y) Standards are listed with the indicators comparing over the time. All the issues related to social and environment factors with CSR activities are described well. (Y) Disclosure The report is complete and showing the main accounts of the company and reported mainly positive factors. (Y) The report has described the procedure with the relevant sets of innovations. (Y) Management policies and systems In the report, social issues and the implementation of strategies are the important part. (Y) In the report, the procedures on then relevant issues are disclosed for the management. (Y) Completeness All the key activities with little details are described clearly. (Y) The CSR efforts of the company are described well. Report has benchmark and long term goals. (Y) Evolution The company has updated its report time to time with innovative ideas and strategies. (Y) BMW has updated its report annually with the code of conducts and ethics. (Y) External verification The report has been verified by an external organization. (Y) Also verified by external organization. (Y) Continuous Improvement Continuously improving the CSR activities and social performance. (Y) The efforts of the company has positive impact in terms of CSR activities and it is continuously growing (Y). Extent of values Then extents of the social reports by which their values can be reflected are as follows: Toyota BMW Core values Integrity and flourishing society. Integrity, respect for every person, responsibility for success and failure. Mission statements Sustainable growth, enrich lives of local community and always provide better cars (Toyota, 2015). To be most successful car manufacturer in the world and to come up with innovative products time to time. Business principles Contribute to economic and social development, and undertake open and fair business activities. Environment protection, educates workers, and support local community and environment. Toyota seems to very consistent in its report with what the company has done actually in the market. It can be seen by above described core values of the company. The company has the core value of integrity which is being followed by the company. Toyota has different approaches to solve the issues related to energy and resources. On the other hand, BMW always takes the responsibility of its success or failure. The company also has the integrity in its culture. The company is committed to responsible group and wants to provide best quality products to the entire world. The core values of company are demonstrated in the CSR report of the company. The core values can be seen in the quality and safety features in the car and in each product. On the other hand, in the CSR report of BMW, responsibility is one of the main values of the company. The company takes responsibility of every situation. The report demonstrated that the company gives respects to everyone and stands for all (GreenBi z, 2009). Conclusion Through the analysis it has been found about CSR that the report of the BMW is very simple but provides all the important information which is used to explain about the company. On the other hand, Toyota has less issues with more detailed diagrams which are important to know that how the company has achieved this. It is clear that BMW is more technical, well-informed and successful company in automobile industry. The content, design, and the format of the report of BMW are more complicated than Toyota. Toyota has simple format with little descriptions. It has been analyzed that Toyota is very responsible and devoted towards the sustainability in every aspect of the business. The company always creates better cars and focuses on the sustainability growth in the future. My group has both positive and negative sides for both the companies. No one can deny that there are many achievements for the companies and also failures to produce desirable cars. There can be failures due to many reasons such as carbon emission from electricity. It impacts the environment and companies business activities also. So, both of the companies have to understand the impact of natural situations and have to implement the CSR activities accordingly. References Toyota. (2015). Mission, Vision and Strategic Direction. Retrieved on 14th January 2017 from https://www.toyota.com.au/toyota/sustainability/cms/download/Mission_Values_Strategic_Direction_9-11.pdf Toyota. (2015). Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Retrieved on 14th January 2017 from https://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/content/en/sustainability_and_responsibility/CSR_worldwide.html Jennifer, G. (2016). Principles of Responsible Management. Retrieved on 14th January 2017 from https://www.toyota.com.au/toyota/sustainability/cms/download/Mission_Values_Strategic_Direction_9-11.pdf Laasch, O. Conaway, R. (2015). Principles of responsible management: global sustainability, responsibility, and ethics. Stanford, USA: Cengage Learning GreenBiz, (2009). BMW and Toyota Create Most 'Sustainable Value,' Report Finds; GM, Fiat Among Laggers. Retrieved on 14th January 2017 from https://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/11/02/bmw-and-toyota-create-most-sustainable-value-gm-fiat-lag Cool, K. and Schendel, D. (2010). 'Performance differences among strategic group members', Strategic Management Journal. 9(3). pp. 207-223 Zapata, C., Nieuwenhuis, P. (2010). Exploring innovation in the automotive industry: new technologies for cleaner cars: Journal of Cleaner Production. 18(1), pp. 14-20 Zhu, O., Crotty, J., Sarkis, J. (2008). A Cross-Country Empirical Comparison of Environmental Supply Chain Management Practices in the Automotive Industry: Asian Business Management. 7(4). pp. 467-489 Orsato, R.J., Wells., P. (2007). The Automobile Industry Sustainability: Introduction. Journal of Cleaner Production. 15(11-12). pp. 989-993 Sturgeon, T.J., Biesebroeck, J., Gereffi, G. (2008). Value chains, networks, and clusters: Reframing the global automotive industry: Journal of Economic Geography. 8(3). pp. 297-321

Relapse Prevention in Addiction free essay sample

Ideally, a treatment plan emerges from negotiations between the client and therapist to decide what problems are to be addressed in therapy, what goals are reasonable and worthwhile, what pathways and techniques are available, and what steps the client is willing and able to take toward those goals. Periodic review is built into the plan since treatment plans often change as new details come to light or as the client’s situation and the therapeutic relationship evolve. A plan for therapy gives both the therapist and client a sense of direction for their work together. A well articulated plan also potentially enhances treatment efficacy by providing a clear means for tracking progress toward established goals. The therapist has several purposes in developing a treatment plan for a client with a substance use disorder. First and foremost, the therapist wants to motivate and empower clients to make beneficial changes in their substance use behaviors. We will write a custom essay sample on Relapse Prevention in Addiction or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page To that end, the therapist structures the task at hand by helping the client identify a range of available options, and by encouraging the client to make informed choices from among those alternatives. In addition to increasing the client’s knowledge, the therapist also plans treatment to boost the client’s sense of self-efficacy, so that clients will have some confidence in their abilities to make good choices and to implement plans of action. Treatment plans that are negotiated directly with clients invite the client to share both initiative and responsibility for determining the course of therapy, including both end goals and the steps to take in striving to reach those goals. In sum, a workable treatment plan is responsive to the client’s stated interests, provides flexible structure, reinforces client choice, supports decision-making, and promotes responsibility for outcomes of client behaviors. Components of a Treatment Plan Once the therapist has a firm conception of the client’s definition of a problem and a sense of the client’s motivation to work on it, the therapist aims at articulating relevant goals and corresponding objectives, which can be explained as steps toward a goal. Beginning with the client’s conception of the problem and the work to be done means that the therapist attempts to pace the course of therapy to move only as far and as fast as the client is willing to go, testing that boundary by pushing gently against it and adjusting the approach according to the client’s reaction. At the outset of planning treatment, the client may report many troubles, a small number, or none at all. The therapist refines the focus by helping the client select a workable number of issues to target. For clients with clear ideas about personal goals and priorities, this part is not difficult. However, clients with diffuse or multitudinous problem statements can be reminded that setting and clarifying priorities makes more efficient use of the time available in sessions. The therapist can acknowledge the legitimacy of all the client’s expressed concerns and still encourage sharpening the focus of the treatment plan. When clients deny any problem or cannot think of a specific one, the therapist can create momentum by reflecting one complaint the client has mentioned already even if the client did not label it as a focus for therapy. A viable treatment plan requires only one goal that both (or all) parties agree to work on, although it certainly may consist of more goals depending on the client’s current understanding. The therapist who responds, â€Å"You’re telling me the main thing you want out of coming here is to get out of trouble by satisfying the judge’s order that you get therapy. I’d say that’s something we can work on together,† will often obtain the client’s willingness to continue the conversation. That one goal can become the basis for an initial treatment plan to satisfy all aspects of the court order by considering what steps the client would need o take in order to do so. Revising a treatment plan In addition to the client’s starting point, the therapist simultaneously entertains ideas about problem definitions and resolution strategies based on what the client has said and done in sessions. The therapist is devising plans as the therapist g ets to know the client. In negotiating a plan with the client, the therapist continually estimates how far the client’s ideas are from the therapist’s own, and how ready and willing the client seems to be to hear alternative perspectives the therapist has to offer. The therapist continually decides how and when to introduce the therapist’s private thoughts into the joint planning process. The therapist’s decisions will rest on an assessment of how far the client has come, how far the client is willing to go, and what resources the client has available to support taking the next step between those two points. The therapist can enhance opportunities for collaboration by telling the client up front that together they can review the treatment plan periodically to decide whether to stick to the game plan or go back to the drawing board. To facilitate collaboration in planning with clients, the therapist needs skills for balancing structure with flexibility. Planning treatment for substance abuse can involve negotiation with clients who are unfocused, skeptical, or resentful about treatment, or who may be trying to test or deceive the therapist. The therapist tries to give the client a framework to clarify expectations and guide progress, but also to remain open to modifying that framework as suggested by the client’s interests, needs, and attitudes. Conclusion I have described treatment planning as a continuous process of offering recommendations, negotiating strategies, and encouraging client choice. Through careful and collaborative planning, the therapist develops a meaningful structure for the course of treatment and promotes increased motivation and self-efficacy on the part of the client. This is accomplished by providing a rationale for goals and strategies tailored to the client’s degree of self-efficacy and readiness for change. Since clients with substance use disorders often embody insufficient senses of structure, motivation, or efficacy to promote change (if not all three), effective lanning establishes therapeutic conditions under which substance abuse can be potentially reduced and positive changes in behavior can be undertaken.