| Papers [1-12] of 2075 :: [Page 1 of 173] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
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Robert Merton and Social Structure, 2008.
This paper looks at Robert K. Merton's theories regarding social structure and anomie.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that according to the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, without social controls, because of humanity's biological impulses, life would be nasty, brutish and short. Although we as a society now reject Hobbes' mode of governance, many theorists of crime seem to adopt a similar line of analysis. The writer points out that they see crime as a product of the individual rather than society, and crime as having biological rather than sociological origins. However, the writer discusses that Robert K. Merton's theories of social controls and anomie give a persuasive example of how there is considerable evidence that some social structures exert a definite pressure upon certain persons in the society to engage in nonconformist rather than conformist conduct. The writer discusses how the social structure of a society, in this case, American society, sets certain norms, such as the norm of success. The writer concludes that it creates institutional norms, like the ideal that capitalist firms must quickly show a profit.
From the Paper
"Those who doubt the truth of this statement need look no farther than a college campus to see it in action. College students who might never have drank before attending school, or perhaps only had a glass of wine in private at family dinners and functions may feel pressured to drink to fit into the dominant social milieu. These students may not even enjoy drinking, and very likely know the logical consequences of drinking to excess, including sickness, the dangers of alcoholism, failing grades, and even overdosing. There is also the chance of engaging in foolish and regrettable behavior, and even putting one's self at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
"The students have been made aware of the fact, by the school's administration, that it is illegal to drink until they are over the age of 21, and that alcohol is not permitted on campus."
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Moche Irrigation and Food Production, 2008.
An examination of how Moche irrigation and food production provided leaders with the opportunities to expand their political power base.
3,862 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 33 sources, APA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Moche political organizations and their key attributes. It specifically focuses on their irrigation systems and how they provided leaders with the opportunity to expand their political power base and economy. The paper also looks at how expansion of political control over food production and distribution may have led to an increased reliance on agricultural and terrestrial faunal resources in later periods.
From the Paper
"If it is assumed that "in societies organized around a regional political economy, there is differential access to goods, wealth, power and the means of production" (Gumerman 1997), it can probably also be assumed that high-ranking individuals controlled the degree and social organization of labor, tribute, redistribution and trade of foods, and possibly, as Goody (1982) notes, the technology, land, and water required for producing or procuring foods. In addition, the elite should have had the greatest degree of food choice and set themselves apart symbolically by consuming foods valued either for ideological reasons or for rarity. An increased dietary divergence between class groups might even offer indirect evidence of a foundation for political unrest. (Christine White, et. al, 2001)"
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Culture in Human Relations, 2008.
This paper discusses the theories of Geer Hofstede, Franz Boas and Harry Triandis on culture in human relations.
1,694 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses theories of culture in human relations, focusing on Geer Hofstede, Franz Boas, and Harry Triandis. The paper explains Hofstede's belief that culture creates a pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting that is acquired in early childhood and later shaped by interacting with family members, neighbors or colleagues. The paper also looks at Hofstede's surveys that characterized cultures but notes the criticisms of his work. The paper then looks at Franz Boas' theory of cultural relativism and its criticisms and Harry Triandis' individualism - collectivism theories and their limitations. The paper concludes that given the significant role that culture plays in human relations, its understanding should be seen as a top priority when in a multicultural environment.
From the Paper
"Consequently, Hofstede (2005) makes use of the fragment from Rose's play for building his theory of culture as mental programming. According to him, every individual subscribes to a "pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting" that is acquired in early childhood and later shaped by interacting with family members, neighbors or colleagues (i.e. the social environment to which he/she belongs). Moreover, the Dutch sociologist asserts that once acquired, such patterns become solid 'programs' that dictate humans' behavior, emotions and thoughts and, therefore, must be 'unlearned' in order to make room for learning new things."
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Gender and Culture, 2008.
This paper discusses and compares gender roles within American and African cultures.
1,291 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that culture plays an important part in defining gender and gender roles in society. In fact, even within the same culture there may be considerable differences that occur due to the cleavage between urban and rural settings. The writer discusses that generally speaking, a rural environment usually follows tradition rather than modernization which is equal to traditional gender roles. The traditional gender role in the case of women implies taking care of the household and offspring, which is eventually conducive to a certain degree of confinement and isolation primarily due to being unemployed. This paper looks at the situation as far as gender roles in two dramatically different cultures, i.e. American and African cultures, and consequently provides an assessment of the impact of these differences on society as a whole, and on the individual.
From the Paper
"An immensely culturally rich society as the American one offers a very interesting model of gender roles. Moreover, one must also consider the economic character and opportunities that have contributed to shaping this particular gender role pattern. The biggest influence on gender roles can be found in the 1960s when the wave of student protests, civil rights movement, and sexual revolution was very strong generating an incredible shift in values which ultimately led to a change in mentalities. The advent of birth control, along with economic recession led to a decrease in birthrates and a considerable increase in the rate of women entering the labor force. Another important factor was that more and more jobs that had been traditionally reserved for men became available to women. In fact, there was a higher degree of openness between genders in the sense that more women were getting access to previously male-dominated fields while more and more men turned to traditionally 'women's professions' such as nursing and teaching."
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Environmental Determinism and Probabilism, 2008.
Defines the theories of environmental determinism and probalilism and their application to understanding mankind.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that environmental probabilism states that almost all or any behaviors may be probable within one or in any environment; whereas, determinism states that it is the physical environment and not social conditions, which shape a person's character and behaviors. The author points out that the concept environmental probabilism has emerged as a direct result of reactions to the supposed shortcomings and inadequacies of environmental determinism. Although these environmental theories today are being used in anthropological research to better understand the exact role human beings play in nature, the paper concludes that hopefully more theories related to these theories will emerge soon, which will explain human behavior in a more succinct and terse manner.
From the Paper
"Reportedly, Winston Churchill made the statement that a human being shapes a building, and thereafter, the building shapes him. He meant to say that there exists a subtle relationship between one's building and one's behavior; environmental psychologists have found this to be true after extensive research on the subject. The relationship is viewed through a list of possibilities and probabilities, and this then is the principle upon which 'probabilism' is based. This concept has given rise to the idea that there is a probability of the built environment playing a positive or a negative role on organizations and campus environments."
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Pittsburgh, 2008.
This paper discusses the city of Pittsburgh and looks at its history, society and dialect.
3,288 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the city of Pittsburgh has long been known as a 'steel' tough city filled with a variety of individuals who are as rough and coarse as the city itself. The writer points out that this perception of Pittsburgh and its inhabitants began to change in the early 1980s with the decline of the steel production for which the city was famous. Pittsburgh, from the time of the Civil War until those early 1980s, was a city filled with steel mills and other factories whose sole purpose was to provide America and the world with the steel it needed to fuel unprecedented growth. The writer then looks at the dialect that developed in Pittsburgh. The writer discusses that with competition and a decline in the need for steel, Pittsburgh had to transform itself from a city of steel mills to a city that provides (primarily) services such as healthcare and medical expertise.
From the Paper
"Another important factor in this continued use of Pittsburghese is the media's use of the same words and pronunciations. Many of the immigrants were poor and uneducated and easily fell into the same patterns of language usage as those around them, both at work and at home. Many of them were unable to read, but importantly, they wanted more for their children and because of the available work, they were able to provide the children with the opportunity to become educated. Because the media continued to use the same phrases as they had used earlier, even the now educated offspring spoke in the same manner."
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Oral History and Historiography, 2008.
A research study that provides insight as to the development of the oral history of the September 11, 2001 bombings.
3,100 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
Academic perspectives on how we view oral history changed drastically after the advent of recording devices, the television, and movie cameras. It is much easier to reconstruct history accurately using pictures, rather than line drawings or descriptions. This research explores the hypothesis that oral history needs to be given greater historical credibility than it currently receives. The paper stresses the value of oral history as a key to getting the "big picture" surrounding an event. The literature review for this study examines journal articles that relate the events of September 11, 2001 from a number of political and social perspectives. The paper explains that its purpose is not to draw a consensus of the events, but rather to examine the effects of attitude and perspective on what will become the eventual "oral history" of this period in time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Thesis
Literature Review
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The inclusion or omission of personal accounts into the historical record depends on the type of work that one wishes to produce. It is certainly easy to argue against their inclusion if one if looking for indisputable accuracy. However, this level of certainty of events is a fallacy from an academic perspective. Secondary historical accounts are often the "average" of the information that is available regarding a certain event. However, this does not necessarily make it accurate. History is influenced by many sociological, political and psychological forces surrounding it."
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Ancient Cultures and Human Life, 2008.
This paper looks at ancient cultures and discusses the purpose of human life.
1,188 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer notes that in ancient cultures human life was the center of interest for everything. The writer maintains that the entire construction of civilization was based on the human as the main preoccupation and the most important element in the world. The writer points out that modern concerns about the environment, animals and other conflicts that place humans on an equal position with the rest of the planet were weak or nonexistent many centuries back, when the sole interest that captured the attention of common people was to understand how their own society worked. The writer discusses that in every culture, from the very beginning of the civilized world, humans have tried to achieve control over their lives, to understand how it functions and to dominate it. The writer concludes that the concept of human life has changed dramatically during the past centuries and society has started to develop based on practical progress, material achievements and palpable ideas that appear from the same curiosity that inspired the ancient societies to develop.
From the Paper
"The human was the main subject for all the forms of expression in ancient societies, from art forms like poetry and theatre, to practical activities like politics. Their humanist vision left messages about their way of living and thinking, their spirit and preoccupations, ideas and feelings. The human life itself is the very subject they reflect in all of their artistic and intellectual expression.
"Roman and Greek society had almost the same vision about human life and manifested their ideas almost in parallel ways, due to the great influence that the Greek society had over the Roman world. They valued their leisure and commodities in a way that modern civilization would never understand. For them time was relaxed and positive feelings cultivated. In the ancient conception human life was created to enjoy and grow spiritually, not to constrain and suffer as it was conceived in later centuries. They worshipped leisure and inner peace in the same way that modern society worships hard work and effort."
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The Father, 2008.
A review of Bharati Mukherjee's story about generational and cultural clash between a father and daughter, entitled "The Father".
914 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Bharati Mukiherjee's story, "The Father" and how it portrays a culture clash between two related Indians, a father and daughter. The paper relates that both characters in the story have two very different ethical standards about procreation and the meaning of fatherhood and that the cultural clash between the father and daughter exists on several levels - generational, gender-based, ethical, and personal.
From the Paper
"Babli's father comes from a culture that is a patriarchal culture in terms of its explicitly stated values, for, as Mr. Bhowmick sees it, male authority and wisdom should rule the household. Now the father's daughter will raise her child in a household with no male presence. Of course, this sense of patriarchal dominance is fictional to some degree. Mr. Bhowmick came to the U.S. from Ranchi because his wife, a professional in her own right insisted upon this move. But he still believes the pretence of male dominance should be protected in principle. In fact, because he feels forced to stay in the U.S. due to his wife, seeing his daughter flagrantly deny her need for a man even to father a child, makes him feel more powerless in the face of women in America. According to anthropologist Lalervo Oberg, culture shock arises when suddenly one's sense of certainty is destroyed when one enters a foreign environment. A person undergoing culture shock experiences it as a series of "upsets--breaks in reality because people behave differently" in a new culture and because the shocked individual finds him or herself in unfamiliar circumstances."
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Intercultural Communication, 2008.
This paper discusses the interaction between people from different cultures.
3,300 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the topic of intercultural communication and discusses that this is an academic field of study that aims to look at how people from different cultures interact with each other. The writer notes that culture can simply be considered as the basic values, attitudes and behaviors of a certain group of people most of the time. The writer maintains that as there is a significant influence of the different cultures on human interaction, it is no longer affordable for the ordinary American to remain ignorant of these cultural diversities. Therefore the motivation to learn more about global cultures was never greater than it is today. The writer concludes that for this very purpose many universities in America and elsewhere are today offering inter cultural communication programs whose objective is to enable people, groups, and organizations to function effectively across borders and cultures, to respect other cultures, and to be more sensitive to the values and attitudes that they hold dear, and at the same time, to be better able to communicate with each other.
From the Paper
"There are various examples of cultural filters in the corporate environment and beyond. Attitudes to the labor market form an important cultural filter. Some cultures prefer lower pyramids of management, where the employees are prepared to take more responsibility for their own work, and management is considered to be a facilitating, rather than imposing presence. In other cultures, relatively higher pyramids of management are acceptable, thus resulting in the employee giving less importance to self-responsibility. Taking the example of employee training, it would be essential for the trainer to be aware of the cultural leanings of the groups in question in order for the training to achieve its objectives. The trainer can elicit reactions such as unwillingness or disinterest if his training methods assume a personal responsibility towards the learning process, whereas the employee is used to being "managed". This confrontation can be avoided through better cultural understanding."
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The Raramuri's Observance of Holy Week, 2008.
An examination of the Raramuri's observance of semana santa, otherwise known as Holy Week.
854 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Raramuri, who are the second largest group of indigenous people living in Mexico today. The paper specifically analyzes their unique blending of indigenous and Mexican/Spanish rituals, most notably exhibited during semana santa, otherwise known as Holy Week. The paper suggests that preserving the Holy Week ritual provides an expression of the community's uniqueness and ability to survive in a world that the community has long rejected.
From the Paper
"The Easter Holy Week celebration today has become a great draw for tourists, and provided much-needed income for the Raramuri. The outsiders "marvel" as the Raramuri wear their traditional, colored clothing and play drums and flutes ("Tarahumara," 2007, Mexico Online). However, not all encroachments by modernity have produced such positive results. As more and more Raramuri have been driven to look for work in the cities, the centrality of drink in their culture, removed from its native context has meant that many have sought solace getting drunk "on a couple of beers or a bottle of tequila" rather than make tesguino and "share it with everyone" (Burnett, 2007). This further illustrates how preserving the Holy Week ritual provides an expression of the community's uniqueness and ability to survive in a world that the community has long rejected, and also how presence of beer in religious rituals provides an important sense of release of emotions in a contained format, that is lost outside of the confines of the ritual space and time of the Easter week celebration."
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The Hopi, 2008.
Examines the agriculture of the Hopi.
810 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, as a collective endeavor, agriculture required that the Hopi work together under the guidance of ancestral wisdom. The author describes that the cultivation of corn and other crops was no small feat in the desert especially during summer months when rainfall was scarce. The paper concludes that, with life so intimately connected with land, the sacred aspects of agriculture permeated the everyday Hopi life.
From the Paper
"Rains and moisture are integral to the survival of the corn and of the clan. Thus, Hopi venerated clouds as ancestral spirits and created kachinas (O'mau kachinato) honor them. Cloud figures pepper Hopi iconography and the Hopi distinguished between different types of clouds to distinguish those that deliver the blessing of rain from those that simply flank the sky. Cloud kachinas essentially "wear" the clouds on their headdress, and cloud imagery also decorates their sash and garment."
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