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Suicide: The Social Context, 2008.
This paper explores how suicide is viewed in the context of cultural boundary transgressions.
2,517 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how suicide is imagined to be a transgression of cultural boundaries and the sanctity of life. The paper then questions if there can be a suicide that does not transgress cultural boundaries. The paper also considers how suicide is situated within the cultural definitions and constructions of death that dominate various cultural settings. The paper reviews the relevant literature and concludes that a suicide must always be a transgression of cultural boundaries since it has only as much cultural importance as is granted to the act by the norms and prescriptions of the larger social context.
From the Paper
"Suicide speaks to the nature of our cultural boundaries and our implicitly agreed upon notions of death and dying. Implicitly, there seems to be a common thread that runs through diverse cultures condemning the practice of suicide. When openly discussed, few non-reflexive cultural texts consider suicide to be a laudable act. There are, of course, exceptions. Kelleher provides Biblical examples of military suicides that are presented in a positive light after the shame of defeat, and all but praises the use of suicide--via hunger strikes--for political purposes (Kelleher 9-11). But outside of fairly narrow exceptions, suicide is imagined to be a transgression of cultural boundaries and the sanctity of life."
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The Mafia and Immigration, 2008.
This paper explores immigrants and their potential social connections to the mafia within the United States.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that large formal organized networks of criminals that operate within a single city or a larger geographic region are often outcomes of immigration. The paper looks at the historical, immigrant background of the mafia within the United States. The paper shows how the defining characteristics of organized crime stem from exclusion from processes that are found within a normal social order.
From the Paper
"Immigration within the United States has tended to be regional and community-specific, where immigrants from specific ethnic populations are more likely to take up residence within the same region and form communities comprised of their native ethnic groups. These processes are used to help provide a sense of collective purpose within the immigrant population as these persons face a new and unfamiliar environment. The close community environment also helps the immigrants to maintain unique cultural traits and customs that may not exist within the new territory or within the cultures of the native population."
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Hermaphroditism, 2008.
This paper discusses the history of the approach to intersexuality cases, an unusual physiological condition in which the genitalia are ambiguous, also known as hermaphroditism.
2,125 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, as hermaphroditism became an established issue in science, two major concerns were raised by sociologists and scientists: How is sex defined and who has the authority or legal right to decide the sex of intersexed infants? The author points out that, in most cases, the patient is assigned as male or female because society is so conditioned to accept only a binary gender system. The paper stresses that it is not always possible for gender assignment to be purely the patient's decision, especially in the case of a new-born infant. The author underscores that selecting the "true" sex or "brain sex" demonstrates the difficulty in distinguishing between the physical and the psychological factors of intersexuality. The paper concludes that gender cannot be changed by social conditioning.
From the Paper
"However, this has caused some critics to complain that people might want to go through sex reassignment surgery for inadequate or frivolous reasons, such as a male who wants to speak in a high voice and walk in heels undergoing sex reassignment surgery to become a "female". At a more fundamental level, critics charge that all the surgery does is merely alter the biological sex of that particular male. However, it cannot change the psychological sex, and in fact it is the psychological sex that drives this "male" to undergo surgery."
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Gatsby and Wealth, 2008.
This paper analyzes the premise of social class status in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
888 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this literary study, the writer examines the premise of social class in relation to F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. The writer notes that by understanding the lower class aspirations of Jay Gatsby for the upper class Daisy Buchanan, Fitzgerald creates a polarization of class that dooms their love affair. Further, the writer points out that by realizing the lengths that Gatsby will go to as a member of the upper classes, he invariably cannot ever attain Daisy through materialistic means. In essence, the writer concludes that the premise of social class in 'The Great Gatsby' dooms the love affair between Daisy and Jay within this capitalistic novel of greed and excess during the roaring 20s.
From the Paper
"The rise of Jay Gatsby's fortunes relied on illegal bootlegging to acquire his house, and the other materialistic pleasures that he has gained in his activities. The central focus of the novel, however, does not merely focus on his wealth, but focuses on his dream of having Daisy Buchanan. All of the accumulated wealth revolves around this particular woman, as she represents Gatsby's obsession with her as a symbol of the American Dream as a materialist object. One interesting aspect of the novel is that Gatsby feels that he must provide wealth and security to Daisy if he is to be able to 'have' her, as a social class status symbol of newfound wealth. In this manner, he is at once a possession, but Fitzgerald does indeed make sure to reveal that he does truly love her on a deeper level."
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Self-Identity and Cultural Inheritance, 2008.
This paper is a personal essay reviewing the intersection between an individual's cultural inheritance and the formulation of his personal identity and persona.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the curious intersection between our cultural inheritance and the formulation of our personal identities and personas. Specifically, the next several pages look at the defining features of the cultural group of which the author is a part, and then looks at how the author's native language (and a few others) and his cultural inheritance have both shaped his self-identity. The author concludes that, in the final analysis, we are most often the product of sociological (or socio-linguistic) factors and less so intrinsic or biological ones.
From the Paper
"In an interesting study on language learning within different social and cultural contexts, Mei-Yu Lu (1998) illustrated a number of differences between various groups of children with regards to how each group used language to communicate. For instance, a study conducted by Wong-Fillmore (1989) found that Chinese-speaking children tended to be more adult-oriented insofar as they interacted more frequently with adults than with peers; it is also worth noting that these children (in contrast with other minority children) focused chiefly upon meeting the expectations of adults.", Wong-Fillmore found that Hispanic-speaking children were more peer-oriented and turned to peers first when confronted with problems they could not resolve on their own (for another study that corroborates these findings, please see Heath, 1986). Given my own observations, I would expect that Anglo-Saxon children, especially if they found themselves in the minority within any classroom or social setting, would turn first to the adults around them than to their peers - largely because the retiring nature of Anglo-Saxons (on balance, of course, for generalizations are always a dangerous thing) would make them gravitate towards formal and predictable modes of discourse
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"Code of the Street", 2008.
A critical review of Elijah Anderson's " Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City".
1,252 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the text, "Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City" by Elijah Anderson. The book is analyzed based on how it reflects four major tenets of strain theory, social learning theory, control theory, and labeling theory.
From the Paper
"The first of these social theories that is demonstrated within Anderson's text is that of Strain Theory. In strain theory, it is argued that social structures that are constructed and adopted by society can cause the society's citizens to commit crime. First of all, Anderson does not demean or belittle the actions that many "criminals" in the inner-city perform during their daily lives. He argues that in this sector of society, there is a "code" and a decency that its citizens live by, not arguing that this is morally right, but showing that it is a code and manner of life, nonetheless. These are not merely subhumans going about criminal lives; this is a living, working society that adheres to its own standards and rules."
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The Social Sciences and Youth Violence, 2008.
This paper discusses the causality of youth violence from the perspective of the social sciences disciplines of anthropology, psychology and sociology
935 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that this anthropological study of youth violence takes an ethnographic approach. The paper then points out that psychology looks at youth violence in terms of cause and effect and how those related issues can determine methods of prevention through intervention with human behavior. In addition, the paper relates that sociology studies the culture of youth violence seeking ways to change the manner in which society functions to correct the problem. The author concludes that these social sciences need to reexamine themselves and make efforts to bring their methodologies into the twenty-first century; however, there is room for all of the current disciplines to co-exist in today's world.
From the Paper
"Judging by recent events, the questions asked by Courtney (1999) are as relevant today as they were when the article was written. Courtney asks why do boys and men commit 95% of the violent crimes in the United States? Why do teen homicides frequently have the common denominator of boys killing boys with guns? Why do one in 10 high school boys carry guns to school, in contrast to one in 70 girls? The answer, Courtney explains, has roots in today's society. Although we tell boys to solve things peacefully, boys are often represented in the media as resolving issues by fighting."
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The Social Worker Counselor, 2008.
A look at the delicate and complex balance of power between a social worker and her client.
1,795 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that there is a delicate and complex balance between the social worker's power and the right to self-determination of the client. The paper then discusses and examines this power imbalance and looks at how such power imbalance between the social work and client implies certain responsibilities on the part of the social worker. The paper also demonstrates that the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ethical Standard 1.02, i.e. Self Determination, implies that the social worker has some responsibility to empower the client so that the client is able to achieve self-determination. In addition, this essay also discusses a situation in which the social worker may be relatively powerless, as well as situations in which it might be prudent for the social worker to restrict the client's right to self-determination.
From the Paper
"For example, the social worker should not try to dissuade a woman from becoming involved with a particular man on the basis that the social worker believes this man is not a good influence and should not be around the woman's children. In particular, if the social worker implies to the client that the social worker will withhold certain benefits from her if she does become involved with this man, this would constitute abuse of the social worker's power over the vulnerable client."
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The Cyberculture Revolution, 2008.
This paper discusses the influences and problems created by the cyberculture revolution.
1,865 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that a salient feature of cyberculture as a cultural revolution is its sharp turn away from the concrete and tangible to the abstract and intangible. The author points out that, with the cyberculture revolution, the physical environment is no longer a dominant factor in people's livelihoods. Rather, emphasis is now placed on the power of information. The paper further relates that, in education, students are more dependent than ever on computers to accomplish their educational goals; however, educational institutions ironically seem to be lagging behind the Information Age. In addition, the author points out that businesses not only use the information superhighway to make transactions with other businesses and consumers and to exchange information and ideas in such a way that geographic location is no longer a factor, but have also encountered gray areas and contentious issues regarding the security of individuals as well as the integrity of industries.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Education
Businesses
Society and Future Implications
From the Paper
"While some blame western cultural imperialism as a potential threat to the new ground cyberculture is covering, others are not so concerned. The First Amendment became the haven for most propagators of pornography and hate websites especially threats towards targeted groups. The Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996 attempted to thwart "indecent transmissions" and "patently offensive display," using the community as the standard. The problem lied in the variable relativity between communities regarding what was and was not "indecent" or "patently offensive"."
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Who is the Captive in 'Captivity'?, 2008.
This paper discusses who is the captive in Sherman Alexie's world, focusing on his work "Captivity'.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines "Captivity," a stream-of-consciousness piece by Sherman Alexie. The writer points out that this work explores Alexie's reaction as a Native-American who grew up on a reservation, amid squalor, alcoholism, poverty, and hopelessness, to one of the classic narratives of a brave white woman enduring the grim experience of being held captive by Native-Americans. The writer discusses that Sherman Alexie, in touch with his tribal past and all of the imagery that it entails, also steps out to do his own dancing, the prolific author of novels, stories, poetry and pieces such as "Captivity," as well as the director of the movie versions of his books.
From the Paper
"In "Captivity," Mary Rowlandson is a recurring image: the white, especially the white girl, alone on the reservation. One version of Mary Rowlandson is the daughter of a white reservation worker. Stepping into her first classroom filled with young tribal members, she carries with her a "memory" distilled from the captivity her namesake endured three centuries earlier, at a time when the Wampanoags might well have thought that they had a chance to clear their traditional lands of the grasping colonists. Terrified, the modern Mary Rowlandson flees the school, envisioning each boy as her would-be captor."
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The Head Start Program, 2008.
An analysis of the legislation and social effectiveness of the Head Start Program of 1965.
1,039 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper critiques the 40-year-old Head Start Program that is attributed to President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" of 1965. It discusses the legislation of the program and analyzes its effectiveness. The paper discusses whether the program is still managing to combat the widespread child poverty that still exists today in the United States.
From the Paper
"Koball Et Al explained that 7.2 million American children in low-income families had parents without high school diplomas, 10.2 million had parents with high school education only, and another 10.2 children in low income households had parents with some or considerable college education. (2006) One wonders if Education is the panacea argued. Reading between the lines, Head Start has brought untold help to under-privileged children and their families across the United States and in states such as California inspiring remarkable local level projects. Since 1965, Head Start has become institutionalized as a familiar adjunct in under-privileged areas, urban and rural, that reflects change in how children at risk are identified. However, since the creation of the federal agenda of 1965, immense numbers of children and families continue to need support and attention in detailed programs addressing teen mothers, adult illiteracy, the detection of learning disabilities; inadequate basic needs in working homes, and new need for services for Hispanic or other non-English first language groups. Some states show a focus on home visit or outreach services to children and adults in environments perhaps more trying, in different ways than during the 1930s Global Depression."
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The Family Life Cycle, 2008.
This paper discusses the life cycle of a family, with reference to Ross J. Eshleman's textbook, "The Family".
789 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the family life cycle as discussed in a textbook penned by Ross J. Eshleman titled "The Family". The paper first reviews the birth of a child into a family unit, the socializing processes that occur and the transition to adolescence. From there, the paper looks at the socializing factors that shape young adults and then some time is devoted to looking at middle-aged parents and the final years of life.
From the Paper
"The life cycle of a family is quite intriguing. We are all born, experience the helplessness of infancy, the possibilities of childhood, the rebelliousness of adolescence, the burgeoning responsibilities of young adulthood, become parents of our own (in most instances) and then, after having reared and socialized our children, come to rely upon them in old age. To begin this paper, there are many theories for the socialization process. For instance, there are conditioning theories or behavioral theories that emphasize stimulus/response interactions."
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