Marketing Mix Recommendations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing Mix Recommendations - Essay Example Hygiene is one of the important factors within the food industry and consumers give highest priority to it. Therefore it is highly recommended that the company should only sell hygienic and fresh foods. The pricing should be done on the basis of cost plus pricing method and market penetration strategy can be followed to grab more market share. Regarding the promotional aspect, the company can effectively use television and newspaper advertisement as both the media have mass reach. Finally regarding the distribution, the company can appoint distributors and target food marts to distribute and sell their products. Memorandum Date: 18th October, 2012. Subject: Organic Food for the family Unit To: The Big Boss From: Consumer Research Department To maintain sustainability of a business, it is extremely important to keep hold on the present market share. However after a certain point of time it becomes essential to focus on the ways by which market share can be increased. Greater market sh are helps in increasing the brand recognition. There are some interesting facts about increasing market share. Increasing market share is important only when the company is earning more profits. However it does not have any importance when the market share has increased but the company is losing money. Now in the context of project, Mintel can increase the market share for organic foods and drinks market by considering modifications in their marketing mix. Hence following are the recommendations to Mintel for the primary rationale of attaining more market share. Product Recommendation For an organization to get success in the market place it is imperative to give highest priority to its product stagey (Mcgrath 1-5). Similarly for food industry product is the ultimate element for which a customer pays to the company. Study reveals that among 2000 people, 30 % of the respondents are highly concerned about the safety of foods. Hence for Mintel product strategy should be considered as t he central business strategy. Also the product strategy of an organic food company plays an important role in managing and handling the competition. Furthermore a sound product strategy will be responsible for exemplifying the path of success for Mintel. Now in the context of the study the target group of the company is the family unit, thus in order to cater to that segment the product strategy is vital. The study also reveals that among 181 people, who are living with a partner, 33 % respondents are highly aware of food security. Similarly among the married people 31% of them have high concerns and 47 % have average concern over the food hygiene. Therefore based on the available data, it is highly recommended that the company should only sell hygiene and fresh foods, which will also help them to build an unique selling proposition (USP). Price Recommendation In simple words price is the amount paid by the customer for gaining the ownership of a product from the seller (Kotler and Armstrong 282). Although the concept of price is very simple, but when it comes to actually value a product or service the notion does not exactly remain the same. A pricing strategy is defined as a course of action or an approach in order to achieve the marketing objectives of the company (Pride and Ferrell 318). Hence pricing strategy is crucial towards the acceptance of the product or service in the market plac

Psychology and Personality Essay Example for Free

Psychology and Personality Essay The study of personality has a broad and varied history in psychology with an abundance of theoretical traditions. The major theories include dispositional trait perspective, psychodynamic, humanistic, biological, behaviorist, and social learning perspective. However, many researchers and psychologists do not explicitly identify themselves with a certain perspective and instead take an eclectic approach. Research in this area is empirically driven, such as dimensional models, based on multivariate statistics, such as factor analysis, or emphasizes theory development, such as that of the psychodynamic theory. There is also a substantial emphasis on the applied field of personality testing. In psychological education and training, the study of the nature of personality and its psychological development is usually reviewed as a prerequisite to courses in abnormal psychology or clinical psychology. Personality Paper Personality is connected with Darwins Theory of Evolution. It generally explains why there are personality differences between individuals.[ Schacter, Daniel; Gilbert, Daniel; Wegner, Daniel (2011).] Personality also refers to the pattern of thoughts, feelings, social adjustments, and behaviors consistently exhibited over time that strongly influences ones expectations, self-perceptions, values, and attitudes. It also predicts human reactions to other people, problems, and stress.[ Winnie, J.F. Gittinger, J.W. (1973)][ Krauskopf, C.J. Saunders, D.R, (1994)] There is still no universal consensus on the definition of personality in psychology. Gordon Allport described two major ways to study personality: the nomothetic and the idiographic. Nomothetic psychology seeks general laws that can be applied to many different people, such as the principle of self-actualization or the trait of extraversion. Idiographic psychology is an attempt to understand the unique aspects of a particular individual. The study of personality has a broad and varied history in psychology with an abundance of theoretical traditions. The major theories include dispositional trait perspective, psychodynamic, humanistic, biological, behaviorist, and social learning perspective. However, many researchers and psychologists do not explicitly identify themselves with a certain perspective and instead take an eclectic approach. Research in this area is empirically driven, such as dimensional models, based on multivariate statistics, such as factor analysis, or emphasizes theory development, such as that of the psychodynamic theory. There is also a substantial emphasis on the applied field of personality testing. In psychological education and training, the study of the nature of personality and its psychological development is usually reviewed as a prerequisite to courses in abnormal psychology or clinical psychology. Perspectives of Personality Many of the ideas developed by historical and modern personality theorists stem from the basic philosophical assumptions they hold. The study of personality is not a purely empirical discipline, as it brings in elements of art, science, and philosophy to draw general conclusions. Freedom versus determinism This idea seeks to answer whether humans have control over their own behavior and understand the motives behind it or our behavior is causally determined by forces beyond our control. Behavior is categorized as being unconscious, environmental, or biological by various theories. [Engler, Barbara (2008)]. Heredity versus environment Personality is thought to be determined largely by genetics and biology, by environment and experiences, or by some combination resulting thereof. Contemporary research suggests that most personality traits are based on the joint influence of genetics and environment. One of the forerunners in this arena is C. Robert Cloninger, who pioneered the Temperament and Character model.[ Engler, Barbara (2008).] Uniqueness versus universality This is the argument discussing the extent of each humans individuality Uniqueness or similarity in nature Universality. Gordon Allport, Abraham Maslow, and Carl Rogers were all advocates of the uniqueness of individuals. Behaviorists and cognitive theorists, in contrast, emphasize the importance of universal principles, such as reinforcement and self-efficacy.[ Engler, Barbara (2008).] Optimistic versus pessimistic Personality theories differ with regard to whether humans are integral in the changing of their own personalities. Theories that place a great deal of emphasis on learning are often more optimistic than those that do not. [Engler, Barbara (2008)]. Three Theories of Personality Development The study of personality is based on the essential insight that all people are similar in some ways, yet different in others.[ Phares, E.J.; Chaplin, W.F. (1997).] There have been many different definitions of personality proposed. However, many contemporary psychologists agree on the following definition: Personality is that pattern of characteristic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that distinguishes one person from another and that persists over time and situations. [Phares, E.J.; Chaplin, W.F. (1997)]. Trait theories According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, personality traits are enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself that are exhibited in a wide range of social and personal contexts. Theorists generally assume that a) traits are relatively stable over time, b) traits differ among individuals, and c) traits influence behavior. They consistently are used in order to help define people as a whole. Traits are relatively constant; they do not usually change. Traits are also bipolar; they vary along a continuum between one extreme and the other (e.g. friendly vs. unfriendly).[ Feist, Jess Feist, Gregory J. (2009).] Behaviorist theories Behaviorists explain personality in terms of the effects external stimuli have on behavior. The approaches used to analyze the behavioral aspect of personality are known as behavioral theories or learning-conditioning theories. These approaches were a radical shift away from Freudian philosophy. One of the major tenets of this concentration of personality psychology is a strong emphasis on scientific thinking and experimentation. Humanistic theories Humanistic psychology emphasizes that people have free will and that this plays an active role in determining how they behave. Humanistic therapy typically relies on the client for information of the past and its effect on the present, therefore the client dictates the type of guidance the therapist may initiate. This allows for an individualized approach to therapy. Personality Tests There are two major types of personality tests, projective and objective. Projective tests assume personality is primarily unconscious and assess an individual by how he or she responds to an ambiguous stimulus, such as an ink blot. Projective tests have been in use for about 60 years and continue to be used today. Objective tests assume personality is consciously accessible and measure it by self-report questionnaires. Research on psychological assessment has generally found objective tests are more valid and reliable than projective tests. Critics have pointed to the Forer effect to suggest some of these appear to be more accurate and discriminating than they really are. Issues within Testing Issues with these tests include, false reporting because there is no way to tell if an individual is answering a question honestly or accurately. Conclusion There are many theories on how a person develops a certain type of personality. A person’s personality is what defines them in all aspects of their life. People believe that you are molded into what you are today, but theories have proven that some people lead by example and some learn by example. If anyone is curious as to what type of personality they have, there are my types of assessments available to take that can tell you.

Stem Cell Research Advantages and Disadvantages

Stem Cell Research Advantages and Disadvantages JOSHUA REED ‘Do the potential benefits of stem cell research outweigh the risks and negative ethical implications associated with it?’ 1.  INTRODUCTION Stem cell research is currently one of the biggest fields in modern day science. It has numerous benefits currently, and it is only the beginning. The possibilities are endless, but there are many ethical implications associated with it, as well as many risks. Do the potential benefits outweigh these risks and negative ethical implications? 2. OVERVIEW OF STEM CELLS 2.1  DEFINITION OF STEM CELLS Stem cells are unspecialised cells which are able to become any type of cell in the body. They have the ability to divide and renew themselves for very long periods before they are specialised. The process in which they are changed into a specific type of cell is called differentiation. They can become cells of the heart, bones, muscles, brain, blood, skin, or any other type of cell. There are different types and sources of stem cells, but they all have the ability to develop into different types of cells. 2.2  TYPES OF STEM CELLS 2.2.1  EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS Embryonic stem cells are cells found in embryos during the blastocyst stage. They are obtained from the eggs of an infertile couple, that are fertilised in vitro, rather than in the woman’s body. 2.2.2  ADULT STEM CELLS Adult stem cells, also known as somatic stem cells, are found in certain tissue of fully developed humans. They can produce only certain types of cells. In the body they maintain and repair tissue. They can be found in bone marrow. They can also be found in the brain, skin, liver, skeletal muscle and in blood vessels, but in small amounts. 2.2.3  AMNIOTIC STEM CELLS Amniotic stem cells are found within the amniotic fluid. They are extremely active and can multiply without a food source. They have a limited number of cells into which they can form, but, unlike embryonic stem cells, they are unable to cause tumours. 2.2.4  INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEMS CELLS These stem cells are formed by genetically programming adult skin cells to become stem cells. (i) 2.3 HARVESTING OF STEM CELLS There are different procedures followed to collect and harvest the different types of stem cells from their different sources. Embryonic stems cells are found in embryos. Specifically, they are obtained from eggs cells from an infertile couple, that have been fertilised in vitro, rather than within the woman’s body. The embryo is in the stage of blastocyst when they are able to produce embryonic stem cells. Usually about 30 stem cells can be taken from the blastocyst. These cells are then grown in laboratories by a process known as cell culture. The inner cell mass of the cells are removed and placed into a laboratory culture dish that contains a broth or nutrient medium, off which the stem cells will survive. The dish is often coated in mouse embryonic skin cells, known as a feeder layer, which allows the human stem cells to have a sticky surface to which they can attach. They also release nutrients into the medium within the culture dish. The dish is stored at a suitable temperature and humidity level which allows the cells to divide. The cells divide and fill the dish over several days. They are then removed and placed into several new culture dishes. This is repeated numerous times over several months and is known as subculturing. After several months, millions of stem cells can be formed from the first 30. They are then frozen in batches and sent to other laboratories for further experimentation. Another type of stem cell harvest procedure is the removal of peripheral blood stem cells. Typically, the donor is given large doses of chemotherapy, which causes a lot of white blood cells to die. The bone marrow is then forced to try and replace it. There is not enough space in your bones for all the extra blood, so the bone marrow forces large amounts of stem cells into the blood where they are able to mature. The donor, if they do not require chemotherapy, could be given a white blood cell growth factor known as G-CSF, which has the same effect. If the donor is the same person as the patient, they will use both methods to increase the harvest. When the stem cells are being harvested, the donor has an IV in both arms. The one extracts blood which contains the stem cells. The stem cells are extracted from the blood, and the blood is returned to the donor through the other IV. This can be used in the treatment of leukaemia. In a study involving around 38000 people, people who received treatment showed an increase survival rate from 48 to 63 percent one year after treatment. (ii) 2.4 HOW STEM CELLS WORK Stem cells have the ability to become any type of cell in the body. They can be used in treating several types of diseases. Stem cells work by being a source of new cells to replace defective, damaged or diseased cells. Stem cells are unspecialised cells, which form into specialised cells during a process called differentiation. Internal as well as external signals can cause stem cell differentiation. Internal signals come from within the nucleus, while external signals are caused by things such as contact with chemicals or other cells, as well as the presence of certain things in the environment. Stem cells in culture dishes are stimulated to differentiate into differentiated cells by changing the culture broth or medium, as well as the coating of the dish. Genes are also inserted. The differentiated cells can then be used as they are needed, or used for experimental purposes. 2.5 BENEFITS OF STEM CELLS 2.5.1  USE OF STEM CELLS AT PRESENT TRANSPLANTING BONE MARROW TO TREAT LEUKAEMIA HEALING BURNS WITH SKIN GRAFTS REPLACING DAMAGED CELLS AND TREATING DISEASES TO STUDY THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANISMS AND DISEASES TESTING NEW MEDICAL TREATMENTS MAKING INSULIN FOR DIABETICS TO INJECT 2.5.2  USE OF STEM CELLS IN THE FUTURE TO TREAT THINGS SUCH AS: DIABETES PARKINSONS LIVER FAILURE HEART DAMAGE CANCER BRAIN DAMAGE DEAFNESS BLINDNESS HAIRLOSS MISSING TEETH INFERTILITY 2.6 ETHICAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE USE OF STEM CELLS There are several ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells and their research. The biggest issue is the use of an embryo. Although the embryo is fertilised in vitro and come from willing couples, there are still issues regarding the debate of whether the embryo is human or not, and whether it has rights. Some people believe that human life begins at conception, or even before this, so the embryos are human and deserve rights and protection; while others believe that life begins when you are born, when your heart first beats, or a few months after development. Some groups see the use of embryos as a form of abortion. The debate depends on one’s own personal view as to whether the embryo is human or not. Another ethical issue many people have regards the use and creation of Human-Animal Chimeras. Chimeras are organisms that contain cells or tissues from multiple organisms. Some believe that it is ethically wrong to combine human and animal stem cells to form chimeras. They are separate organisms which should not be combined. Despite these issues, chimeras are important in forming actual therapeutic methods. Law prohibits the breeding of human-animal chimeras. The debate between preventing and reducing human suffering versus respecting the value of human life is another issue. Stem cells have the ability to cure numerous issues, and have the potential to prevent and treat several other things; but if embryonic stem cells are used, it can be seen as destroying one human life to save another. There are also several risks involved in stem cell research and use. It is relatively new, so the long term side effects of its use in humans is so far unknown, but they could be horrific. In tests done with rats, 20% that were injected with embryonic stem cells died of some form of tumour. (chem445stemcell, 2011) 3. MY PERSONAL VIEW Stem cell research is one of the most important fields of science in modern times. It is able to, and has the potential to cure numerous diseases, illnesses and problems found in humans. Despite this many people see it as unethical and full of risks. I believe that the potential benefits outweigh the risks and negative ethical implications associated with it. Stem cells are unspecialised cells which are able to become any type of cell in the body. They have many current uses, and they have the potential for numerous future uses. Scientists and doctors are able to do stem cell transplants from bone marrow to treat leukaemia. Thousands of patients over the globe have successfully received this treatment which has prolonged their lives. Stem cells are also able to heal burns through skin grafts, as well as replace damaged cells and treat diseases. Stem cells allow scientists to study the growth and development patterns of both organisms and diseases, as well as provide new ways of treating the diseases. Another important feature of stem cells is their use in the production of insulin for diabetics. The insulin produced is indistinguishable from human insulin. It is not only the current uses of stem cells that are important, but also the potential that they have. Scientists are experimenting and finding ways to use stem cells to cure diseases that were once seen as incurable, such as diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. They believe that they can find ways to cure liver failure, heart damage, cancer, brain damage, deafness, blindness, hair loss, missing teeth, and even infertility. Scientist believe that they will be able to use a patient’s own stem cells to grow new organs for transplant, which would be guaranteed to not be rejected. The possibilities are endless. Despite their potential, stem cells raise many ethical issues, and have many risks that surround them. The use of an embryo is questioned by many people. It is believed by many that human life begins at conception, or even before this. They believe that the use of an embryo is a form of abortion, or an exploitation of their human rights. Others believe that life only begins later in pregnancy, or at birth, so they disagree with this viewpoint. The embryos are donated willingly by couples, and are fertilised in vitro. Another issue that people have is that human tissue is combined with animal tissue to form chimeras. They are separate organisms and should not be combined to create new creatures. Additional, there is an ethical issue raised on the debate between preventing and reducing human suffering versus respecting the value of human life. Stem cells have the ability to cure numerous issues, and have the potential to prevent and treat several other things; but if embryonic stem cells are used, it can be seen as destroying one human life to save another. Some of the risks involved in stem cell research and use include that it is relatively new, so the long term side effects of its use in humans is so far unknown, but they could be horrific. In tests done with rats, 20% that were injected with embryonic stem cells died of some form of tumour. There are numerous ethical issues raised through stem cell research, but the potential that it has in curing and preventing diseases and issues in humans greatly outweighs them. Scientists must continue researching stem cells, and finding exciting ways in which they can be used. 4. EVALUATION AS TO WHAT INFLUENCED MY DECISION I visited numerous sources with different viewpoints to allow myself to make an informed decision as to where I stand regarding stem cell research. Regarding the use of embryonic stem cells, I believe that human life begins at conception, but the fact that the couples who donate the embryos are sterile and already have children, and that the embryos are fertilised in vitro, influenced me to believe that the use of embryonic stem cells is acceptable. In 2005, guidelines regarding the use of embryonic stem cells were laid. They urge scientists to work ethically, responsibly and sensitive in their work. They are not laws, yet they still lay the basis on which most laboratories work. There is more than one source of stem cells, so not all stem cell related topics are surrounded by numerous ethical issues. The numerous benefits and the potential that stem cells have also influenced my decision into supporting the study and research of stem cells. Stem cell research has the potential to save thousands of lives, and through research scientists will be able to discover and test the ways in which they can be used. 5. CONCLUSION Although there are many ethical issues surrounding the use of them cells, the potential benefits of their research greatly outweighs these issues. They have the potential to save the lives of those who thought they were unsaveable, as well as treat the untreatable. Through the right research and funding, the possibilities regarding stem cell research are endless. 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES REFERENCES Manda, D. A. (2014). Stem Cell Types. Retrieved from News Medical: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Types.aspx [23-02-2014] Institute, R. P. (2013, May 28). Significantly improved survival rates for stem cell transplant recipients. Retrieved from ScienceDaily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130528180857.htm [05-03-2014] chem445stemcell. (2011). Risks and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research. Retrieved from Stem Cell Research: http://chem445stemcell.webs.com/risksanddisadvantages.htm [10-03-2014] BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS: Goldstein, L Schneider, M. 2010. Stem Cells for Dummies. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wiley Publishing Inc. WEBSITES: Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.What are Stem Cells? [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Stem-Cells.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.Stem Cell Properties. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Properties.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.What are Embryonic Stem Cells? [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Embryonic-Stem-Cells.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.Stem Cell Lineage. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Lineage.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.Stem Cell Controversy. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Controversy.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Jon Entine. 11 March 2013. Should the government loosen ethical oversight of stem cell research? Genetic Literacy Project. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2013/03/11/should-the-government-loosen-ethical-oversight-of-stem-cell-research/#.UvNVv_mSwSk [Accessed 02 March 2014] Kristina Hug  23 Mar 2011.Embryonic stem cell research: an ethical dilemma | Europes stem cell hub | EuroStemCell. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.eurostemcell.org/factsheet/embryonic-stem-cell-research-ethical-dilemma. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Lawrence S.B. Goldstein  and  Meg Schneider. 2014.Explore Current Stem Cell Treatments For Dummies. [ONLINE] Available at:  http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/explore-current-stem-cell-treatments.html. [Accessed 10 March 2014]. Stem Cells for Blood Transfusion? 2014.Stem Cells for Blood Transfusion? [ONLINE] Available at:  http://www.stemcellsforblood.org/useinfuture.htm. [Accessed 10 March 2014]. Stem cell harvest. 2014.Stem cell harvest. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nhlcyberfamily.org/treatments/collection.htm. [Accessed 08 March 2014]. Stem Cell Transplant | Mind Even More. 2012.Stem Cell Transplant | Mind Even More. [ONLINE] Available at:  http://mindevenmore.com/?page_id=22. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Wikipedia contributors. Stem cell therapy. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 27 February 2014, Available at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stem_cell_therapyoldid=597353183. [Accessed 02 March 2014].

Single Parents on Television Essay -- Televison Media TV Essays

Single Parents on Television When we think about television families, it is usually the happy nuclear families with a Mom, Dad, and a couple children. What if that family is not a full family and there is a parental figure missing? Would missing a parent really affect the way a child is raised? The realization of single parent families in everyday households is becoming more and more a reality in the United States, and television shows are relating to this fact. The new trend in television is to have a single Mom or Dad facing the odds of single parenthood, while raising two-to-three kids, working at a full-time job, and still taking care of the household. The Parents Television Council reviewed every original series airing during prime time (8:00-11:00 p.m.) on the broadcast networks during the 2001-2002 television season. The analysis encompassed 119 shows depicting 150 children. Key findings include: 47% live in a traditional family with their married biological parents, 14% are raised by single fathers, and 90% of TV single fathers are widowers. Of the 97 televis...

The Door by E.B. White Essay -- E. B. White Literature Essays

The Door by E.B. White (1) As humans search for meaning and purpose in their lives, the constant changes of everyday life that they encounter can be overwhelming and frustrating. E. B. White gives us an example of this in his story "The Door." The theme of this story is that too much awareness and analysis of life’s frustrations can drive human kind insane and render them powerless. (2) The protagonist of this story is sucked in by his need to understand the frustrations of life. He is always seeking relief from his awareness of these frustrations; just when he thinks he has picked the correct path or door, ("the one with the circle on it"), the professor "changes that door on [him]." Consequently, the protagonist repeatedly encounters obstacles that block his ability to gain relief from his dissatisfaction. The insanity of never being satisfied with his lot in life, is prevalent in the protagonist's persistent refusal to give up his search for fulfillment ("jumping at the door"), much like the junkie's persistent refusal to give up that last fix. Finally, as his very life spins out of control, he finally succumbs to his frustrations the only way he can; through a lobotomy, he becomes willing to "meet the soft ground." (3) One way that White draws out his theme is through conflict. The main conflict in this story is powerlessness versus control. The protagonist continuously compares himself with the rats in a maze (like the Skinner box). The rats, which have no control over their environment, are being driven crazy by the Professor, who demands that they "deal with problems which are beyond the scope of rats." In an attempt to control their actions, the Professor first rewards the rats with food. Ho... ...m. White's fragmented wording here punctuates the protagonist's confusion and establishes a crazed or disturbed tone. The contradictions and retractions in sentences such as "...and the thing that you touched was rubber, only it wasn't quite rubber and you didn't quite touch it but almost" also suggest confusion and inner conflict, in addition to reinforcing the protagonist's obsession with analyzing. (8) From the start of the very first paragraph, by using words such as "duroid," "duro," and "flexsand," White forces the reader to join the protagonist in his insanity and his need to analyze. By immersing the reader into the story, White further brings out the theme by allowing the reader to identify with the protagonist's frustration, powerlessness, need to analyze. The reader then becomes enmeshed in the protagonist's journey on the road to insanity.

Sociology Essay -- Sociology Essays

Sociology is a field which developed over a millennia ago, but it was not until the nineteenth century that it came into the fore as a bona fide social science, in need of its own classification apart from other social sciences. Sociology, 'the study of the process of companionship';(pg.396, Ambercrombie,Hill,Turner), is a discipline, which is not exclusively independent in and of its self, yet borrows from many other disciplines such as: history, geography, and anthropology. 'American sociology is fundamentally analytical and empirical; it proposes to examine the way of life of individuals in the societies … prefers to explain institutions and structures in terms of the behavior of individuals and the goals, mental states, and motives which determine the behavior of members of various social groups (pg.5,Aron).'; A specialization within Sociology is social stratification. This segment of sociology attempts to deal with the structures of any given society and ones' relationship with the institution. 'Social stratification means that inequality has been hardened or institutionalized, and there is a system of social relationships that determines who gets what, and why (pg.11, Kerbo).'; Through various paradigms, and theories we are able to come to a better understanding of social stratification. The paradigm that is most rational to my understanding of social stratification is the critical-conflict. In this paradigm the state embodies the interests of the "common citizen," and mediates between primitive human desires and the rational need for freedom and well being. Conflict theorists view that definitions of norms and values are also a source of conflict over who has the right to create laws and justice. As a consequence, not only behavior but also power relationships become important topics to study. Unlike the structural-functionalist view of society, which views harmony as the basis of order, conflict theorists see conflict as the natural state of social existence. Despite their critical examination of power relations, conflict theorists tend to accept the fundamental existing social arrangements, and instead of arguing for new social systems tend to argue for rearrangement of existing relations. 'This paradigm (critical-conflict) shares with the uncritical-conflict paradigm an image or model of society that considers conflict and... ...ack the essential tools such as: family name, wealth, and networking opportunities. These tools are utilized to gain access to the training necessary to achieve in a meritocracy like the United States. As the Upper Class and the Corporate Class wonder why those on the bottom are not able to 'pull themselves up by their boot straps'; and find solutions to their social, political, and economic predicament. The people on the bottom are screaming the solutions yet the Upper Class and Corporate Class are turning a deaf ear. Bibliography 1.) Abercrombie, Nicholas; Hill, Stephen; and Turner, Bryan S. The Penguin Dictionary of Sociology. Penguin Books.London: 1984 2.) Aron, Raymond, Main Currents In Sociological Thought. Anchor Books: 1968. 3.) Campbell, Ken. Http://cst.colorado.edu/psn/Marx/bio/Marx-karl/Granat/z.Html March 1,1999. 4.) Kerbo, Harold R., Social Stratification and Inequality: Class Conflict in Historical and Comparative Perspective. McGraw-Hill Companies,Inc. New York: 1996. 5.) McLellan, David., Karl Marx: Selected Writings. Oxford University Press: 1979. 6.) Tumin, M.,'; Some principles of stratification: A critical analysis.'; American Sociological Review, New York:1954

Ethnic Drinking Subcultures Essay

Says : Cultures have been able to integrate drinking into a religious and symbolic context. Irish tend to have a serious drinking problem with drinking; Jews and Italians do not. There are two psychological explanations to be found for alcoholism-cultural and psychological. In a culture in which the demands for male supportiveness are high and there is low support for assertiveness in the male role, the author argues that drinking increases in men at least. The author also discuss the influence of drinking socialization on drinking patterns. Does : It provides the background knowledge required to understand the contents of the book. It introduces the proposition through specialized, concrete and qualitative premises. Chapter Three (Page 36-52) Says : Different cultures are evaluated on the he characteristics of power and support. The Irish and Italians are high on power and support, while the Swedes and Jews are low. Italians and Jews are high on support than are Irish and Swedes. On this basis, it can expected that the groups would rank themselves in terms of alcohol consumption in the following order : irish, Swedes, Italians, Jews. Thus, there is a striking difference in the drinking environment of each drinking group. Does : It provides reasons in support of the proposition. It provides concrete and qualitative examples. It also provides several descriptive examples and qualitative evidence. Chapter Six (Page 83-89) Says : The chapter examines whether the different ethnic groups may have different ‘addiction’ subcultures. The Irish may drink more because they have an ‘oral dependency’ subculture. While various groups do not differ enormously in their adolescent years in their levels of drug consumption, young people from the different groups seem to find their way into peer-group environments where the propensity to abuse alcohol and drugs is high. Does : It provides several specialized and concrete research findings. It introduces several implications of the proposition. Chapter Eight (Page 95-101) Says : There are different drinking subcultures among ethnic groups studied, which influence the drinking behavior and ones propensity to have drinking problems. These cultures are remarkably durable, persisting across generations. Does : It provides a conclusion for the book, and highlights the most important facts related to drinking and ethnicity.