Abstract Scientific studies and conventional knowledge both suggest that as the rich get richer, the poor in American society are getting poorer. This essay explores the ways in which class is recreated in each generation using the works of Shellee Colen, Carol Stack and Barbara Ehrenreich. It focuses on the roles of gender and race in America.
From the Paper "These economic responsibilities in addition to legal restraints prevent West Indian women from being able to bring their own children to the United States when they first arrive (Colen 1995: 80). Instead, children are left with extended foster families in the women's home countries. Consequently, West Indian immigrants commonly mother the children of wealthy American families instead of mothering their own. Meanwhile, cultural assumptions about the value of reproductive labor degrade the perceived importance of this role, resulting in exceptionally low wages (Colen 1995: 87). Many Americans see West Indian women as ideal candidates for this position due to weaknesses derived from their poverty and immigrant status (Colen 1995:81, 88)."
Abstract This report examines a specific aspect of the sociology of emotions, that of dealing with love, where elements of power and status are omnipresent. The paper explores the idea that emotions are physiological and biological and thus part of the study of anthropology. The writer includes many events as examples including love, sexuality, marriage, divorce and family values, among others. The paper concludes that there is a biological basis for emotional expression and the development of the normative influences which shape emotion is one of the most important contributions of social scientists working in this particular field.
From the Paper "Perrucci and Knudsen (1990) have noted that the changes which are now being observed in the composition of the traditional American family began in the nineteenth century, when institutions other than the family itself became significant in the lives and shaping of individuals and their attitudes. Schools, which emphasized individual achievement, jobs in industry which were individual rather than family positions, and courtship shifts in which the interest of the individual became paramount - each of these factors was somewhat instrumental in eliminating the power, authority and influence of the family unit."
Abstract This paper examines the book "Hungry for Trade, How the Poor Pay for Free Trade" by John Madeley which discusses free trade and its negative affect on poor countries. It shows that how the poor pay for free trade is a fitting analogy for what has happened to the balance of power in the years following the advent of free trade and how highlighted in the story of exploitation are the many methods in which the rich attempt to take advantage of the poor. It shows how in order to understand the impact of free trade has on the third world it is necessary to discover the organizations on both sides of the battle, the ones that are against trade and the ones that are for it. It is also analyzes together with other literary citations, how the third world could benefit from changes to free trade agreements or changes to the structures and organizations that control it.
From the Paper "Many studies of how women contribute to the farming household, do not take into account the decisions that women help to make about the farm. A study of the methodological difficulties of accounting for women's contribution to farming in the third world by Agnes Quisumbing found that it was very difficult to distinguish where to draw the line as to who contributes more and to what activities in a farming family. At the same time the study acknowledges that it is important to mark the contributions of women to the farming family. Most of the studies reviewed by Quisumbing found no difference at all between the contributions of men and women after you controlled for individual characteristics. This supports the idea of the FAO in Madeley's book that women will be a necessary part of the equation to solve world hunger through agriculture."
Tags: debt, exploitation, starvation, third, world
An exploration of existing literature, including peer-review journals and professional publications, regarding the impact of aging baby boomers on future healthcare.
Abstract This paper examines how the baby boom generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is reported to be the largest generation in U.S. history. It looks at how this group is very diversified and characterized by their disease prevention and wellness values and how, as the group becomes older there are concerns for the future of healthcare. It analyzes how as the boomers become aged 85 and older, there will be a dramatic change in the numbers of elderly and needs for long-term care services. It looks at how the baby boomers were followed by a group with an exceptionally low birth rate and how as a result healthcare for the pending group of elderly boomers will be supported by a smaller population.
Outline
The Problem
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope or Delimitations of the Study
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Overview
Future of Healthcare Funding
Access to Services
Quality of Care
Summary
Conclusion
Implication of the Study
Position of the Author
From the Paper "The year 2010 will bring the time when the first baby boomers begin to turn age 65; by then one in five Americans will be over 65 (Friedman, p. 36). In 1990, the oldest baby boomers were 44 years old, and concerns for old age were upon them. Butler (1990) reports that this generation will need to take matters into their own hands if they are to end the fragmented health care system that currently exists. New alternatives need to be sought that include a single-payer approach rather than various prices for identical procedures and services, clinical autonomy and opportunity, collaboration within health-care providers, and goals that meet the needs of all Americans (p. 13). New principles need to include the whole being with its connection to the environment, empowerment which enables internal and external healing resources to be utilized, and views of all involved (Meleis, 1992, p. 117)."
Abstract This paper examines the link between Asian Art and anthropology through the study of a figure from the T?ang Dynasty (618-907) entitled ?Figure: Tomb-guardian creature (zhenmushou) and dates circa 700-740?S1997.25?. It looks at how the figure gives an insight into the way of life during the T?ang Dynasty (618-907). It demonstrates how the art of China's earliest dynastic periods focused on the cult of the dead and the afterlife and how kings and their officers constructed and decorated lavish tombs which needed to be safeguarded from evil spirits. It shows how the figure in the gallery is obviously a depiction of one of these these warlike figures who stood to protect the dead.
From the Paper "There are some ways in which this relic is not representative of the later T?ang dynasty. "By the time China was unified under the T"ang"in the seventh century, the subject matter of art had become more cosmopolitan and worldly. Secular architecture reached unprecedented grandeur, landscape painting and portraiture flourished, and technological advances in ceramics led to the development of fine porcelain"? (Nelson 2000 p.1) This tomb guardian, while ascribed to the later T?ang dynasty, does not seem to match Dr. Nelson's description, because this is somewhat primitive in its execution."
This paper challenges the theories of Frederick Jackson Turner as presented in his essay, "The Significance of the Frontier on American History", by using the example of the development of California.
Abstract This paper explains that Turner's theory of social evolution, which states that the development of America took place in six distinct stages, which Turner applies to Wisconsin as an example. This paper, then, outlines the development of California as a whole and discuss the events in the development of Southern California that diverge from Turner's model.The author reports that rather than experiencing an agricultural period according to Turner's ?timeline,? California, especially Southern California, went right to the establishment of manufacturing and industry.
From the Paper "Granted, the expansion and development of California, especially as it pertained to the movements from west to east or from south to north (as in the case of Mexican expansion), was not exclusively American development per se. There was exploration and conquest on the part of the British, the Spanish, the Mexicans, and the French. However, this supports the contention that Turner's thesis was not an accurate model for California. Turner's primary focus was on the expansion of Western European peoples (in particular, those peoples of Germanic stock) from east to west. California was a state whose development was strongly influenced by Spanish, Mexican, French, and even Chinese cultures."
Abstract Ancient Egypt had a significant impact on early Greek culture, as can be evidenced by enduring artifacts. Egyptian sculptures, primarily created for the pharaohs or high-ranking officials and essentially religious in function, significantly influenced the form and style of statues of the early Archaic Age. Poses were rather rigid and very conventional and facial expression was confined to the typical Egyptian half smile. The paper shows that over time, Greek artisans began developing their own approach. By the late Archaic and definitely prior to the beginning of the Golden Age or Classical Period, artwork started to reflect evolving philosophies and ideals and to celebrate the human figure. Sculptures portrayed more elaborate features and less static stances.
From the Paper "The statues also represented the society's hierarchy. At the bottom of the rung were the slaves, tomb builders and farmers. Further up came the craftspeople, educators, doctors, noblemen and priests. The pharaoh filled more than the role of king and ruler. He was considered a god on earth. (Grant 1990, 23) Egyptians used the size of their statues to illustrate the social order. The pharaoh was larger then life size, scribes and court officials life size and workers and peasants always shown working. The images of the pharaoh, always larger than life, made him appear all the more god-like. The large works of sculpture were often displayed at temples that were built for the pharaoh's chosen deity."
This paper reviews the "The Maya," by Michael D. Coe, published in 1966, which is a detailed look into the history and civilization of the Maya Indians, who lived in ancient Mexico and Central America.
Abstract This paper discusses the anthropological book "The Maya," by Michael D. Coe which presents a detailed analysis of the Mayan people who survive to this day in the area of Central America and a small part of Southern Mexico. The author appreciates Coe's style as he moves the civilization through time and includes drawing of the people's pottery and craftware, which clearly illustrates their cultural growth. The author feels that the ending was a major letdown because the book just seemed to end at a point where much more could have been said.
From the Paper "Reading this book makes the reader extremely aware of the many details of culture that can be discovered by looking at the results of an archeological dig. Because of the findings, scientists know the Mayas kept dogs and bees, hunted wild animals near their homes, fished, (included the ways they fished), and grew many crops, including corn, beans, and squash. They also know they produced salt, and traded a variety of other goods (Coe 140-141). It is amazing to think all this information rests beneath the ground, and it can be found relatively easily once a particular archeological area is discovered and established. It cannot help but make the reader wonder what our civilization is leaving behind, and what future archeologists will think about our own civilization."
Analytical research paper that reviews the historical as well as a highly political event pertaining to the September 11 in the light of the "Thick Description" analysis as explained by Clifford Geertz.
Abstract This paper attempts to provide a brief analysis of September 11, 2002 in the light of thick description. It uses a semiotic approach to cultural analysis to facilitate a better understanding of cultural differences and their impact on the world today.
From the Paper "Since, the "cultural theory is not a master of itself, it is not heavily predictive or a mere post facto" (Geertz, p. 26) therefore the thick description vehemently opposes considering the theoretical context of the cultural similarities and dissimilarities. Thus as an ethnographer, I have applied thick description to this new interpretive political event of September 11, 2002 thereby basically focusing on the symbolic signs either dormant or apparent in the process of the review and research as well as interpretation. "The aim is to draw large conclusions from small but very densely textured texts; to support broad assertions about the role of culture in the construction of collective life" (Geertz, p. 28)."
Abstract The Neanderthals were an early race who lived in Europe and probably West Asia between 120,000 and 35,000 years ago. This paper looks at the fossils found from 1856 who tell the story of the Neanderthal's travelling through Europe and Asia. It looks at the three conflicting theories between scientists who disagree over their interpretations about what constitutes the characteristics of a Neanderthal. Other aspects discussed in the paper include anatomical characteristics, tool-making techniques and cultural rituals.
From the Paper "Scientists who examined the fossils disagreed in their interpretations. German anatomist Rudolf Virchow was the first to study these fossils and believed that they decidedly belonged to a homo sapiens with rickets, a physical condition that results from the lack of Vitamin D (Browning). Virchow also suggested that the Neanderthal man's flattened head was the outcome of powerful blows. As more fossils got discovered, the belief that they belonged to a sub-human species developed.
After many skeletons were dug out, French paleontologist Marcellin Boule advanced the theory that Neanderthals could not fully extend their legs, walked in stooped posture, and with their heads thrust forward. The concept was popularly accepted for approximately 50 years, after which Boule's theory was appraised by researchers. They concluded that Neanderthals did not walk in stoop posture but rather upright but stooped because of arthritis (Browning). Some scientists considered them a subspecies of homo sapiens, to which contemporary human beings belong today. This assumption was based on the differences in anatomy between the Neanderthals and the homo sapiens."
Abstract With their dramatic increase in population and the racial unrest that resulted in the destruction of Korean businesses during the Los Angeles civil unrest, Korean Americans have emerged as one of the visible ethnic groups in the country. This paper uses a series of interviews with a typical Korean-American family to evaluate its perceptions of their ethnicity. It compares and contrasts how Father Park and Mother Park's definitions differ from the experiences of their daughter Sunny. It gives particular focus on how the members of the two generations accord a different importance to learning the Korean language. In the conclusion, the paper evaluates how the Park family uses language to shore up their definitions of ethnicity. By looking at the role language plays in the Park's definitions of being "Korean" or being ?American,? this paper contributes to the larger literature on the different methods people employ to construct their ethnic identities.
From the Paper "The Parks would like Sunny to ?remember where she came from,? and for them, remembering is strongly connected with language and with an acceptance of Korean-ness. While they recognize that Sunny was born and raised in the United States and cannot help but be a product of this social and cultural environment, they also express doubts on whether Sunny can truly classify herself as "American" or be accepted by others as an American.
Part of the Parks? stand is understandable, since they are naturally projecting their experiences of marginalization onto their daughter. Since language was an important foundation in the construction of social identity in their host country, they assume this will be the same for Sunny."
Abstract This paper explains the anthropological significance of "Ramayana", "The Epic of Gilgamesh", and "The Art of War" and points out the contribution these works have had toward a better understanding of complicated social, moral, and military aspects of human nature.
From the Paper "Literature has always served the purpose of connecting the reader with the time period in which it was written. This is why the writings of the distant past, even in translation, are among the most fascinating to modern scholars. Anthropologists such as Saussure, Joseph Campbell and others were seminal in uncovering mythological themes in ancient texts. As archeology supplemented legend, the literary world found evidence that the mythical worlds evidenced by the works of antiquity was in some cases based in fact. Three of the most intriguing works of antiquity are Ramayana, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and The Art of War. Each provides the reviewer with insight as to the origins of a particular culture or geographic region."
Abstract This is a paper on the topic of traditions and transitions in life. We all rely upon the wisdom of our families as we encounter different passages in adulthood. Most young people are helped and at times hindered with family or tribal traditions.
Argues that the concept of multiculturalism should not accept discrimination and oppression within itself, focusing on the subject from a feminist viewpoint.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 71.95
Abstract Acknowledging that there are a variety of legitimate positions on this issue, this essay will nonetheless argue - as per Will Kymlicka - that while multiculturalism is, by definition, inclusive, it cannot and must not accept discrimination and oppression within itself. Of course, it must be admitted that there is no society in the world that is free from discrimination. However, as will be demonstrated with particular reference to the rights of women, to accept any form of oppression within a multicultural society is to invite a fatal virus into the body politic. However, it will also be argued that this absolute response can only legitimately be maintained within the boundaries of Western societies. To extend this rule on a global level represents a form of cultural imperialism that may, in fact, do more harm than good.
Abstract As will be seen, while the two buildings were projects of Roman emperors designed to serve a spiritual purpose as well as to reflect the values of their respective communities, the buildings are radically different in design and function. It will be argued that these differences are due to both the different architectural periods in which these buildings were constructed, as well as the differences in the functions that they were intended to serve.
