Health Care and Social Status in the Middle Ages Research Paper

Health Care and Social Status in the Middle Ages - Research Paper Example erfs, promised to work hard and serve their lord in exchange for a small hut and food; those that were of aristocratic class promised to protect the serfs at all costs (Abels). With such promises in place, there was virtually no need for anyone to enforce feudalism, as everyone simply knew where they belonged and what their duties were to each other. Feudalism was not a new concept to Europe. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Germanic peoples, long considered a race of warriors, practiced a way of life in which the warrior class left all land holdings to the care and trust of others, while using their time to defend their lands or make war on others (Stephenson, 1956). Companions also traveled with the warriors, and in return for their service, expected little more than food, water, and a share of any winnings that may come from victorious conflicts (Stephenson, 1956). Though the beginnings were humble, feudalism soon rose to be a standard way of life throughout Europe in th e Middle Ages, complete with rigid, even unbreakable social structures that affected almost every aspect of life during that time. In many ways, feudalism was seen as a benefit to all. Regional landowners held the power to enforce any laws, as well as to settle disputes (Quigley, 2003). Those of lower class were given the benefit of protection by lords, as well as knights in the employ of landowners, and could run into the castles or manor houses if an invasion took place (Quigley, 2003). The disparities of feudalism, however, cannot be argued, particularly in the vast distinction from rich to poor. The rich, namely landowners and aristocracy, were catered to and could expect a life of health and privilege, while the poor serfs and commoners who constituted a majority of the population were... Through the use of books and the internet, this research paper examines not only feudalism in general and the social structure that depended upon it, but the various diseases and options that were available to the different classes based upon their status for medical treatment, alongside common problems that were widespread in the Middle Ages and gave no thought to the same status that those who lived during that era held dear. Feudalism was not a new concept to Europe. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Germanic peoples, long considered a race of warriors, practiced a way of life in which the warrior class left all land holdings to the care and trust of others, while using their time to defend their lands or make war on others. Feudalism soon rose to be a standard way of life throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, complete with rigid, even unbreakable social structures that affected almost every aspect of life during that time. The divisions between the wealthy, or nobility, and those of commoner status were vast in many ways, but none as great as when it came to the health care that was available. The researcher mentiones that given the hygienic and sanitation standards of the time, it is not surprising that disease spread freely and unchecked throughout the population, differing little from nobility to common serf. It is concluded that even those with doctors at their disposal, such as the aristocrats and wealthy landowners, were at a disadvantage due to the thoughts of the time.

MID TERM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MID TERM - Essay Example Pick 5. Fill in spaces i to v, using short answers. Name the source; then, identify the problem(s) and the recommended (or inferred) solution. i ii iii iv v In a According to a study done by New Jersey by Dr. John Lamberth of Temple University in 1994, while African American drivers and Caucasian drivers committed roughly the same percentage of traffic violations, a startling statistic of 73.25 of the drivers stopped were African American drivers, while only 13.5% were of a different race. In 1993 a Maryland lawsuit named the police department as a defendant against Robert Wilkins, a Harvard Law student who felt that when the police stopped he and his family, searched them, and brought in drug sniffing dogs that it had been done due to his race. His point was proven â€Å"When a State Police memo surfaced during discovery instructing troopers to look for drug couriers who were described as "predominantly black males and black females,". (Harris) The use of racial profiling has created an atmosphere of hostility towards law enforcement within the African American community. Security becomes less stable when it has been made clear that o ne can do nothing other than wear a color skin in order to be subject to interruption of daily responsibilities. The issue extends to the statistics regarding length of sentences, incarcerations, leaving â€Å"In 1995, about one in three black men between the ages of 20 and 29 were under the control of the criminal justice system--either in prison or jail, on probation, or on parole.† (Harris) Gathering statistics on traffic stops is one way bring about awareness to law enforcement officials. Traffic stops can serve as a microcosm of the legal system. As well, a more uniform system of incarceration would help to lead the way in reducing the inequality of sentencing. Social reformation is needed to undermine the criminal stereotyping of African