Abstract This paper presents an in depth examination of the death penalty and the racial influences on the matter. The author argues that the death penalty is administered in a racially disproportionate manner and provides proof of this accusation. Included is a brief overview of other debates around the topic such as moral grounding and fairness.
From the Paper "It is hard to understand how anyone could not view the death penalty as morally problematic, although clearly many Americans do not view the practice as morally objectionable or there would not be so many advocates of the practice. One of the most problematic of all aspects of the death penalty as it is imposed in the United States is that is administered in a racially disproportionate manner. "
This paper shows why Elvis Presley rose to fame so quickly. It examines the social, race, political and youth issues of the time and explains how each one of these factors had a major influence on his success as a rock star.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 9 sources, 2001, $ 72.95
Abstract This paper shows why Elvis Presley rose to fame so quickly. It examines the social, race, political and youth issues of the time and explains how each one of these factors had a major influence on his success as a rock star.
From the paper:
"Though some like to recall it as a time of innocence, it was in 1956 that the U.S. Supreme Court declared segregation on buses and trains unconstitutional, and the year of the Montgomery boycotts. Elvis, as he once told an interviewer, did not just happen to ?come along at the right time.? There is a social and cultural context to his success. Elvis mirrored the contradictions of the South. According to John Reed of the University of North Carolina, ?Aside from the way he moved his lower body, hell, he was a gospel-singing mama's boy.? Perhaps he also mirrored the contractions of post-war American youth seeking an identity apart from their parents."
Tags: rock, n, roll, music, social, war, expression
Abstract This paper examines the enduring causes of poverty among single mothers in the United States. It discusses many of the social factors; including social stigma, paid work and parental time constraints, the cost of daycare and the perceived need for children to have a paternal input. It also details the governmental attempts to alleviate some of the problems and the differences in the problems faced by ethnic minority single mothers. The paper contains a lot of statistics and is well researched.
From the paper:
"They make the covers of news magazines and get to appear on the local news. We hear about them endlessly from public officials and during daytime talk shows. IN fact, if you were not careful you might begin to think that all of the problems in society today are caused by them.
"Single mothers.
But why should this group be so generally vilified" Why should so much blame for so many social ills be placed upon them? The answer is twofold. The first is that they violate conventional social ideals about what a family should be, which (even in our postmodern) age is still deeply imbued with ideas about the importance of a patriarchal figure. And, on a more pragmatic level, they require society to help them, for single mothers ? along with their children ? are in general amongst the poorest of Americans.?
Abstract This paper looks at the realities behind the remarkable success story of the U.S. Welfare Reforms. The statistics show huge gains in employment and standard of living, but this paper shows that many of the improvements are temporary and not always correct in real terms i.e. U.S. median wage same as it was 27 years ago. Also discussed are race issues, how it is easier for whites to move out of welfare, whilst for ethnic minorities it can be seen as punitive. The paper contains many governmental figures and independent statistics showing alternative realities.
From the paper:
?The Welfare Reform Act of 1996 looks like a smashing success: it has successfully reduced welfare rolls by more than half, and cut the number of welfare recipients from 4.6 million to 2.4 million in 1999. Many welfare recipients have left the system. Instead of receiving cash grants, parents had to learn skill sand enter the labor force. They also faced a five-year lifetime limit for welfare assistance.
"But numbers are never simple. The truth is that few are thriving in this new system. The numbers show success, but if one looks beneath the surface to find out if women have truly become self-sufficient, a different story emerges. In many ways, the welfare reform act is a broken promise. Women have not truly received help to access decent jobs, and have not gained economic independence.?
Abstract This paper takes a look at George Ritzer's theory of McDonaldization to describe a sociological incident that is occurring in our culture. McDonaldization, according to Ritzer, is, "The process by which the principles of the fast food business are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world."
From the paper:
"Ritzer has broken down this phenomenon into four characteristics that include:
1. Efficiency - The optimum method of completing a task. The rational determination of the best mode of production. Individuality is not allowed.
2. Calculability - Assessment of outcomes based on quantifiable rather than subjective criteria. Easily said as quantity over quality.
3. Predictability - The production process is organized to guarantee uniformity of product and standardized outcomes.
4. Control - The substitution of more predictable non-human labor for human labor through automation or the deskilling of the work force."
Abstract This paper gives explores the issue of transracial adoption in America. It outlines the cultural and family aspects of adoption and more specifically transracial adoption. It points to individual and broad surveys that conclude there are high success rates in both family continuity and preservation of racial/ethnic identity.
From the paper:
"Transracial adoption means adopting children of various races, color, religion, that is, from all parts of the world. Transracial adoption has been spoken for and spoken against and my argument is based on ?choosing a positive view point, that is pro transracial.?
"Here we will discuss that transracial adoption proves to be very beneficial for the adoptee and they do not face any racial discrimination problem, nor do they lack self-esteem."
An in-depth assessment of the causes of gang formation and underlying attraction of street gangs in order to determine priorities for intervention programs.
Abstract The paper looks at youth gangs: the scope of the problem, statistics, risk factors and prevention strategies. Much focus is placed upon young African-American males and the extent of their gang membership. The author believes that a combination of social opportunities, community organization, and organizational change can be most beneficial in addressing the problem of African-American male youth gangs.
From the Paper "Estimates of the magnitude of youth gang problems in the United States had steadily increased over the last decades of the twentieth century. Once considered largely an urban phenomenon, gangs have increasingly emerged in smaller communities, presenting a challenge that severely strains local resources. Today's gangs are best characterized by their diversity in ethnic composition, geographical location, organization, and the nature and extent of members' involvement in delinquent or criminal activities. Hispanics have the highest percentage of youth gang membership in the US, however, adolescent African-American males represent a large proportion of the gangs, especially those established in the inner city. Causal risk factors must be explored in order to prioritize prevention and intervention programs to reduce youth gang activity among those communities most affected by adolescent black male gang activity."
Abstract The writer explores the welfare reform laws and takes the reader on a journey through various statistics and reports on how well that law is working. In addition this paper looks at why some people have a harder time than others leaving the system behind.
From the Paper "For the last few years the public has cheered the welfare reform law supporters. Americans were tired of the increasing numbers of welfare recipients. Welfare was originally developed to be a temporary stopgap measure until one could get back on their feet. In recent decades it has become a way of life for many."
Abstract Gives a critical analysis of "the war on drugs". Through examination of the history and present motivations of drug laws, this paper argues that the reasons behind drug criminalization are invalid. The paper also shows that the current law enforcement approaches are ineffective in dealing with the drug problem.
From the Paper "The illicit drug problem is seen as a paramount concern within all western communities and is clearly the source of some of society's most major public health issues. The so-called "War on Drugs" is given unprecedented resources in the area of law enforcement and often headlines our major media outlets. The reasons for our community seeking to criminalize drug use will be explored in the following essay by tracing drugs laws to the original sources of public concern and exploring how community concern has evolved since. It will be shown that the original notions that are the basis of drug criminalization have been flawed from their inception. Furthermore it will be illustrated how current and past drug laws have been completely ineffective in achieving the aims that society has sought to achieve through drug criminalization."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of divorce in our society. The author looks at the affect of divorce on different aspects of the children and their lives, at home and at school. It also looks at the affect on the child's health and well-being. Another area examined is the couple getting divorced, and the different factors that played into their decision, and the affect it has on them as individuals.
From the Paper "Children of divorced parents have a higher risk of mental, emotional, and physical problems. This does not mean that every child from divorced parents will have each and every one of these negative effects. It simply means that they have a higher risk. They may not develop any problems, but then again they may develop numerous problems. It all depends on the individual himself and how he/she deals with the difficult situation. The parents have a lot to do with the effects their divorce will have on their child. They have to deal with it like adults and keep the child in mind. The parents are also greatly affected by their divorce, even if it was in their best interest."
Abstract The paper examines spousal abuse from the point of view of the victim, focusing on abused women. The paper relates cases that received much media coverage as well as lesser-known cases. Finally, the paper examines the role of society in maintaining the rate of spousal abuse, as well as what can be done to reduce it.
Contents:
Introduction: What is Spousal Abuse?
How Common is Spousal Abuse?
Who are Battered Women?
Why do Battered Women Stay with their Abusers?
A Brief Historical Overview of Spousal Abuse
What is to be Done about Spousal Abuse?
From the Paper "The term "spousal abuse" may seem self-explanatory. In the purely definitional sense it refers to the abuse of one of the individuals in an intimate relationship. Usually the relationship is that of a marriage, other times that of a domestic partnership. Slapping, hitting, kicking, burning, punching, choking, shoving, beating, throwing things, locking out, restraining, and other acts designed to ?injure, hurt, endanger, or cause physical pain,? to one's spouse would come under the definition of abuse. (Berry, 1996, p.3) The term also encompasses emotional abuse, such as a spouse's consistently doing things to ridicule or demean their partner, refusing to let their spouse seek work outside the home, see friends or handle money, or threatening to hurt or abscond with the children. The term can also refer to sexual abuse (rape) or stalking, which often occurs when the abused partner attempts to leave the abusive relationship. Ninety-five percent of the victims of battering are estimated to be female under this definition of spousal abuse. However, men can abused as well, most commonly in a verbal fashion, or in regards to the custody of children."
Abstract This paper studies the phenomenon of interracial adoption in general and specifically adoption through the internet. It states that children of different races are priced differently on adoption sites whereas black children are the cheapest. It gives examples of several psychological studies done on transracial adoption and their various conclusions. It explains the reasons for interracial adoption and the part that governments play in this phenomenon.
From the Paper "Adoption between same-race children and parents is a difficult task. Filling the emotional needs of a child who has lost one or both parents presents a multitude of adjustment problems for both the child and adoptive parents. People who choose to adopt are compassionate and caring, or they would not want to adopt in the first place. The child is coming from place of familiarity into the unknown?and frightening. The support of the adoptive parents will help the child overcome this difficult time; at least that is the theory. In addition to changing lifestyles, sets of rules, friends, and everyone they ever knew, let us now add the change of who you are. Let us change your culture and beliefs as well. This is the problem that a child adopted into a family of a different cultural background must face. Inter-racial adoption is a form of genocide and hurts the child most of all."
Tags: race, interracial, adoption, psychology, child, parents, culture, money, United, States, Government
Abstract This paper explores studies that research the influence on children of violence in the media: television, movies and video games. The author discusses how although such violence affects youngsters, entertainment violence is not the sole factor contributing to youth aggression, anti-social attitudes and violence. Family breakdown, peer influences, the availability of weapons and numerous other factors may all play a part.
From the Paper "The effect of media violence on our children is no longer open to debate. The exceedingly violent portrayals on the media in form of films, documentaries and even cartoons have firmly placed the media in the midst of a controversy with far reaching effects. Researchers have determined that exposure to media portrayals of violence increases aggressive behavior in children and arguing against this link is useless. America's youngsters are being exposed to increasing amounts of media violence through television, movies, video games, and popular music. Video game violence, children's cartoons, and music lyrics have become increasingly graphic. Action films depict anatomically precise murder, rapes and assaults and video games detail bodies being blown apart, splattering blood and body parts on walls and floor."
Abstract The following paper examines arguments around the issue of the death penalty which involve cultural, economic, environmental, ethical, legal, moral, philosophical, political, practical, religious, social and sociological theories.
From the Paper "Traditional historical methods of execution included: (1) beheading or decapitation; (2) breaking on the wheel; (3) burning; (4) crucifixion; (5) drawing and quartering; (6) garroting; (7) hanging; (8) peine forte et dure; (8) shooting; and (9) stoning. Such forms of capital punishment are now regarded today as barbaric, cruel and unusual, ghastly, and unthinkable. In the United States, the death penalty is now carried out in one of five ways: (1) electrocution; (2) firing squad (rarely used, yet the law remains on the books in certain states); (3) gas chamber; (4) hanging; and (5) lethal injection. The two most commonly accepted and implemented forms of capital punishment are the gas chamber or lethal injection."
Abstract The paper discusses how the process of aging has changed. It shows how the media has influenced this change by portraying negative stereotypes of the elderly and how people are trying to stay young as long as possible by having surgery performed on them, staying active in their old age, and retiring later on in life.
From the Paper "Today, it is seen as a crime to grow old. When we think of the elderly, we no longer see the heroic image of George Washington or Ben Franklin. Instead, we see the image of a frail and weak person. "Other cultures value age and the wisdom of experience; we disparage and mock it, viewing it as a weakness, a personal misfortune" (Ross). This image is in part due to negative stereotypes of the elderly being portrayed in the media. People are afraid of becoming like this image and to prevent it, they are investing in the many anti-aging products on the market, like hair-dye and anti-aging cream. They are also being more productive in their old age. Today, men and women alike are participating in a fight against time and they are refusing to grow old."
