IS MODERN SOCIETY RATIONAL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

IS MODERN SOCIETY RATIONAL - Essay Example Evidence of their influence may be found in many features of modernization theory: the frequent use of dichotomous type constructions and concepts such as "social differentiation" and "social system"; an emphasis upon the ability to adapt to gradual, "continual change as the normal condition of stability; the attribution of causal priority to immanent sources of change; and the analysis of social change as a directional" process (Tipps, 1973, p 199-226). Tipps also notes that modernization has been employed mainly as an inclusive rather than discriminating concept. It is used to summarize a great many phenomena rather than to discriminate what is modern from other conditions. The level of analysis which is of crucial theoretical significance is that of society and culture--the national state is normally the focus of interest. Finally, Tipps classified modernization theories into two types, the "critical variable" and the "dichotomous" theories. The first type in volves a single kind of change, such as rationalization or industrialization, and the term modernization becomes virtually synonymous with the critical variable. The second type is more common, and involves the process of transformation of traditional societies into modern ones. The process, then, is defined in terms of the end goal, and the end goal is "often a nation very similar to those in the contemporary West" (Lauer, 1977, pp 304-310). The empirical critique argues that modernization theory contains empirical errors or lacunae. Thus, Tipps points out that the theories tend to ignore the impact of forces external to the changing society; to stereotype the meaning of "traditional"; to ignore the diverse kinds and diverse experiences of so-called traditional societies; and to overemphasize the dichotomous nature of tradition and modernity. Parkin states: "a recent critical shift has been away from explanation to description, while this is a matter of degree, the movement away from functionalism has lessened our preparedness to explain how the 'other' works in favor of describing it." (1982, pg. xiii). Finally, the metatheoretical critique offered by Tipps involves the choices made by the theorists in building their systems of thought. We have already noted the tendency to make modernization an inclusive rather than a discriminating concept. This choice toward inclusiveness, argues Tipps, has led the theorists to make the concept "unparsimonious and vague." The concept has lost contact with the empirical reality to which it supposedly refers, and at the same time it is used to refer to "an incredible number of changes at virtually all levels of social reality" (Lauer, 1977, pp 304-310). Thus, Tipps call for a redirection of modernization theory. There are, of course, some efforts in that direction. Frank himself, along with a number of other scholars, is viewing the process of modernization in Marxist terms. There have been other efforts to look at modernization at the individual level in terms of cognitive transformation. No theory has yet been

Doing History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Doing History - Essay Example It has reached the 20th century only in one interpretation, which was available for those who were interested in the â€Å"Arrest Memorable du parlement de Tolose† of Jean de Coras, the French jurist who became the participant in the trial of  Martin Guerre. Only after four centuries, the story has received a new, almost opposite, light considering its features from another angle. So our goal is to explore the different versions of the story of Martin Guerre realizing their meaning for the history. To begin with, let’s see who are the authors of new research works about the mentioned French peasant, and what their main ideas can be useful for. The thing is that the work itself "The Return of Martin Guerre" of   Natalie Zemon Davis, the history professor, is followed by critical article "The Refashioning of Martin Guerre" of Robert Finlay, the historian, whose perspectives of the same story contradict each other in many points. It must be mentioned that Davis has her main interests in the socio-cultural history with the emphasis on the occasions which are ignorable by historians. Naturally the case of Martin Guerre is of a great importance for researcher’s further progress in clarifying of little studied historical themes. So with the help of all appropriate scientific approaches she conducts the study, treating all sorts of evidence, such as village archives in question, judicial records, letters, and after reevaluation all of them she concludes that the case o f  imposture of the French peasant, as it is enlightened in the materials of the trial by Coras, probably may have another interpretation, that is, Bertrande de Rols, Martin Guerre’s wife, is the accomplice of Arnaud de Tilh, the impostor. One of the main reasons for such a consideration for Davis is the law estimation of women’s intelligence in Europe of that period of time. Furthermore,

Social Construction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Social Construction - Essay Example On the other hand, contemporary post structuralist perspective even goes to the extent to deny the very possibility of such an agency or authorship as it was clearly asserted in the famous assertion by Rolland Barthes that 'The Author is Dead'. Rather than posing the arguments on the agency of the social construction of reality by contesting schools against each other, the paper intends to examine the postulate of each school based on its own 'internal validity'. Here, it is important to note that social constructionism as an academic school is much diverse in itself. In other words, considering the internal stratifications within the social constructionist 'movement', it is particularly impossible to delineate a single essential position of social constructionism. Berger and Luckmann (1967) are of the view that consciousness of human beings is always intentional. They argue that it is nothing but intentionality makes the human consciousness so distinct. Therefore, in their analysis, a well-construed notion of intentionality remains central. Here, consciousness is not necessarily considered as being part of either "an external physical world or an inward subjective reality" (Berger and Luckmann, 1967, p.26). Reality is diverse in itself. What is deemed as reality involves different spheres. The different spheres of reality are constituted by different objects. The existence of multiple realities is the defining characteristic of the conscious of the world. To exemplify, the reality of people in dreams and the reality of people in the factories are equally realities. It is believed to be normal and self-evident. The reality of everyday life is the only reality that is of par excellence. The tensions at the level of consciousness are fully expre ssed only at this level of reality. The reality of everyday life is ordered in specific ways. The style of ordering of a particular reality would determine its essence. Reality is nothing but objectification events in day to day life in a structured manner. In the social construction of reality, Berger and Luckmann (1967) see the important role of language as the supreme co-ordinates of life. Common sense too is a constituent factor of reality as based on it people generally interact with each other in everyday life situations. In other words, everyday life has normal and self-evident routines which are shared by people from the standpoint of commonsense knowledge. The reality of everyday life is not only constituted but also constructed by social interactions. Face-to-face is the most real form of the construct of social interactions. One's subjectivity is particular to oneself. Social relations are highly flexible. The better knowledge of multiple social realities could be achieve d through reflection. Therefore, Berger and Luckmann (1967) refer at the social construction of reality as a process through which individuals produce and reproduce the world through social interactions.The very existence of human beings, for Berger and Luckmann, is essentially linked to language. They forcefully argue that the social world and its complexities cannot be understood

Pocahontas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Pocahontas - Essay Example In addition, a link for the Morrisville book is provided at the homepage. Most importantly, the site provides contact information for Powhatan Renape Nation. The site depicts numerous interactive features that make it easier to access all the information contained in it. Firstly, the font used to write the information accommodates all individuals within different visibility levels. The background color make the site appear attractive and intriguing, increasing the chances that people may be concerned with the information contained in it. Furthermore, the font and the background color make the reading enjoyable by different age groups. The site menu is located at the bottom of the page. Its location is strategic to ensure that the reader can access more information to know more about the topics examined. The site successfully discusses the Pocahontas story from the beginning to the end; elaborating the origin of the Pocahontas myth. Information is arranged in a succinct manner to make the reading enjoyable. In addition, the website gives a comprehensive account of the Powhatan history. It is interesting to note that Disney produced a movie to explain the Pocahontas myth in an animated version. In addition, the site provides information about upcoming events in relation to the Rankokus Indian festivals. It would be interesting to attend the festivals and visit the American Indian museums to know more about the Powhatan

Organizational Plan for Dr. McDougalls Right Food Asian Entres Essay

Organizational Plan for Dr. McDougalls Right Food Asian Entres - Essay Example Further, a McKinsey 7-S Assessment would be applied, as required. For Dr. McDougall’s Right Food, the management team is comprised of the founder, Dr. John McDougall as chairman of the board of directors; Karen Alden, the CEO and board member; a Vice President and Operations Manager with expertise in natural foods production; a Finance Manager who takes care of accounting and finance; and a Human Resources Manager who takes care the administrative and personnel resources’ needs for the organization. All of the management team are members of the board of directors. The success of the team lies with Karen Alden, reported to have extensive expertise in the areas of strategic planning and marketing (Full Circle Fund, 2011, par. 1). Under the governance of Dr. John McDougall, known as an expert in healthy eating, his qualifications, as noted are â€Å"one of the founders of natural, or organic, wellness and is a board-certified internist. He is also a best-selling author who has been writing about the effects and benefits of good nutrition to health† (Grocery.com, N.D., par. 2). The rest of the team address production, finance and human resources requirements, as needed. The elements of the McKinsey 7S model are: strategy, structure, systems, shared values, style, staff, and skills (Mind Tools, 2011). Applying this model in Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Asian Entrà ©e, the following are revealed: Strategy: To produce and market Asian Entrees entirely on all natural ingredients to be targeted to health conscious people who are always on the go. Despite its premium price strategy, an extensive promotional campaign would assist to enhance product awareness to consumers and therefore, it would be available in all major supermarkets and groceries. Structure: The management team is structured as a lean and flat structure with limited members

Articles Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Articles Summary - Essay Example The chapter, however, argues that these traditional distinctions do not properly investigate international migration. Instead, the chapter indicates that international migration should be investigated comprehensively, involving the impact that the migratory patterns have on both the host country and the country the person came from. The chapter then goes on to examine economic theories of migration. The first theory examined is the neoclassical theory. The text argues that neoclassical theory positions migration as occurring because of push and pull factors. Namely, economic conditions push some people out of their regional areas and pull them to different geographical areas. A notable aspect of this theory is that it assumes that people maximize all available opportunities presented to them. One considers that this may be an overly idealistic portrayal of the motivation behind international migration movements. Another theory examined is dual labor market theory. This theory expands some of the neoclassical elements by including the importance of race and gender in motivating migration. The third approach is the new economics of labor migration model. This perspective argues that rather than rooting migration behavior in a single individual, migration must be examined in terms of larger social units; specifica lly, these social units involve families, households, and communities. These varying theories of migration are recognized as significant because they influence a variety of policy decisions that are regarding immigration. Adding to this complexity is the recognition that these varying economic theories may operate at identifying different levels of immigration. This complexity leads the chapter to consider that rather than imagining a singular type of migration, it may be more productive to consider a large array of migrations. As a means

Apocalypse Now Analysis Essay Example for Free

Apocalypse Now Analysis Essay The line â€Å"Mistah Kurtz – he dead† from T. S. Elliot’s poem ‘The Hollow Men’ refers to one of the movie’s main characters: Mr. Kurtz, a European trader who had gone into â€Å"the heart of darkness† ie the middle of the vast Vietnamese jungle with European standards of life and behavior. Because he’s alienated from the morals and spiritual strengths he cannot maintain his sanity and soon turns into a barbarian. â€Å"Eyes they dare not meet in dreams† – in my mind, these are the eyes of the innocent Vietnamese whose death they ordered. They’ being the American soldiers who, throughout the duration of their journey through the jungle lost their sanity and were brainwashed because of the weapons they were given. What I was particularly fascinated by in the film ‘Apocalypse Now’ was the way the good can somehow turn into the evil, not on their own, but because of their surroundings. â€Å"[.. ] We were in the jungle, there were too many of us, we had access to too much money, too much equipment and little by little we went insane –said by director and producer, Coppola at the Cannes film festival in 1979. Even the director had, little by little, gone insane being exposed to the Vietnamese jungle for so many years. The making of the film had taken more than 10 years and $30million to create which had brought Coppola to attempted suicide a couple of times. The film is based on the novella ‘Heart of Darkness’ which took place during the Vietnam War, where the American and the Vietnamese soldiers showed no mercy when it came to a matter of life and death. Throughout the film, I realized that the main character, Captain Willard, sent to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, began to be more and more captivated by Kurtz’s achievements and was beginning to think like him as he was exposed to immoral atrocities of the Great War. When General Corman described Willard’s mission to him he told him â€Å"In this war, things get confused out there, power, ideals, the old morality, and practical military necessity. Out there with these natives it must be a temptation to be god. Because theres a conflict in every human heart between the rational and the irrational, between good and evil. The good does not always triumph. Sometimes the dark side overcomes what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature. Every man has got a breaking point. You and I have. Walter Kurtz has reached his. And very obviously, he has gone insane. † This quote reminds me of Dante’s Inferno mentioned in the poem â€Å"The Hollow Men† – a journey through the different circles of hell depending on the type of person one was and the type of crime they had committed during their lifetime. The man is clear in his mind but his soul is mad. † Like Alberto Giacometti, Kurtz and Willard develop two faces during the time of the war. The only difference is that Giacometti didn’t need a war to show this, his dual personality was natural in criticizing himself, his paintings and his sculptures. Whilst watching the film I found it mainly disturbing how these men, men with families, men who had peaceful souls, could casually blow off the head of a Vietnamese person without feeling just a tiny bit of hurt in their hearts. They could â€Å"kill without feeling without passion without judgment without judgment! Because its judgement that defeats us. † The fact that these characters, sent out on mission through the rivers of a foreign place, were simple men, one a chef, the other a surfer, and the other a sailor gives the audience the feeling that this could happen to anyone. Being placed in the jungles of Vietnam with nothing but weapons would turn us into these animalistic beings with only one instinct: kill to survive. Do you know that if is the middle word in life? If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you This film is, in fact, all about losing one’s mind, being brainwashed by the immoralities of society, to be converted into an emotionless killer. It’s about the delusion of what an evil man is in the normal person’s eyes compared to what an evil man is in the brainwashed personâ €™s eyes.