Abstract The status and position of women living within Amazonian communities has been widely researched over the past forty years, with the majority of earlier studies reporting that woman were controlled through a division of labor that served as a socialization process. This essay reviewsS. L. Heckler's article, "Tedium and Creativity: The Valorization of Manioc Cultivation and Piaroa Women", in which Heckler contends that current research suggests, "that division of labor enforces and underscores the complementarities of gender roles and that this complementarity is the basis of Amazonian social life".
Outline:
Introduction
Gender Issues and Socialization
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Heckler reported that all four women considered manioc, which they all cultivated to a greater or lesser extent, as being a vital element of their lives, while individual success, or lack of it, significantly contributed to both personal and corporal status. Laura, for example, was highly respected in the community because of her profound agricultural skill and knowledge, and because she was the daughter-in-law of the group's most powerful shaman. Maria, who like Laura was a middle-aged woman, was also highly respected because of agricultural skills. The third woman, Marie Gloria, who was ten years younger than Laura and Maria, although not particularly recognized for her agricultural knowledge, was valued for her processing skills. The final subject used was a younger woman, Antonia, (around thirty years old), who spent a limited amount of time growing manioc due to having to provide a wage. This, as Heckler states, causes women, such as Antonia, "obvious discomfort at having to admit ... that they did not work in the garden every day" (2004). This indicates that women who do not, or are seen as not, fulfilling their 'feminine obligations' are considered as being inferior. This, as seen in the case of Antonia produces feelings of inadequacy, personal failure, shame, and guilt, for the 'failure' to comply with local tradition."
Tags: women tradition amazonian, gender roles, male domination, community respect recognitionstatuscultureroles
Abstract This paper analyzes Sut Jhally's article, "Advertising at the Edge of the Apocalypse," in which he tackles the issue of the culturalrole of advertising. It discusses his arguments regarding the influence of ads on society and the power of advertising as a global phenomenon. The paper also looks at Karl Marx' definition of western societies and how it relates to Jhally's arguments.
From the Paper "The definition provided by Margaret Thatcher to the concept of 'society' can help elucidate the ways in which advertising relates to society. Thatcher said, "There is no such thing as 'society'. There are just individuals and their families." This definition means that society is not to be perceived as an entity made up of its members, but as a large group of individuals who follow their own interests. This is, in fact, how advertising relates to the idea of society. Ads do not address this idealistic united body of people, but individuals. This capitalist view of society opposes Marx's view which holds that society is not a collection of separate individuals with competing interests, but of competing classes which are determined and defined in terms of their relationship to production. I believe that the definition provided by Margaret Thatcher is better suited to the issue of advertising, and it accurately reflects the world we live in. In this sense, I argue in favor of Thatcher's view on society because I think that in society we operate as individuals. This could also account for the ways in which advertising talks to us; as Jhally points out, advertising does not address our collective concerns such as healthcare or poverty, but our individual values which in turn, determine our pattern of consumption."
Abstract This paper analyzes Deborah Tannen's theory that men and women communicate differently based on the different ways men and women perceive things, from her book "You Just Don't Understand". For men, communication is a way of maintaining status, developing a hierarchy and giving orders. In contrast, women communicate for interpersonal connections, to achieve a sense of community and to maintain equal status. This paper evaluates the possibility that such a complex subject like communication can be separated into two distinct categories so easily and whether this approach shows a stereotype that can be applied to all people.
From the Paper "There may be an overall trend towards women preferring to communicate for a certain reason, but this does not mean that every woman is the same. Accepting this view and believing that men and women can be understood so easily is a major error in judgment. It is also worth noting that in most communications it is not one person communicating with the other gender as a whole. It is one person communicating with one individual. For this communication to be most effective, the people need to make an effort to understand the perspective of each other. Attaching generalized meanings to the communication does not help with this. Another area overlooked is other characteristics that impact on a person's perspective."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that in today's world, the mass media has an impact in almost all we do as people. The writer notes that media affects everything from what clothes we wear to what television programs we watch. The writer discusses that James Lull, in his book 'Media, Communication, Culture' explains how media interacts and affects the communication among people and how culture changes with advances in media and technology. The writer concludes that 'Media, Communication, and Culture' informs an audience of how the mass media and modern forms of communication have affected the development of culture and the ways of society. Further, the writer maintains that James Lull uses a distinctive style and a logical structure in order to properly educate his audience about the influence mass media has on today's world.
From the Paper "Within each chapter, he inserts an article on a real life example of events where mass media, human communication, and culture were involved and had an effect. Such events as the Chinese student rebellion at Tiananmen Square in 1989 and the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal in the mid-1990's are included along with explanations of how media, communication, and culture had an effect on these historical events. Along with modern events, Lull includes historical changes in media and communication to emphasize his argument that mass media and technological advances have had major effects on societies across the world. His structure also allows for any member of his audience to follow and understand what he puts forth. Lull avoids implication and instead tells the audience what he wants them to know to avoid letting them infer it on their own. An informed audience will also understand an author's purpose more readily than an audience which inferred the author's intentions. Lull also tends to end discussions by putting more emphasis on his own ideas and support of others that follows what he believes about media, communication, and culture."
Abstract This paper discusses theories of cross culturalcommunication and applies them to Arab business communication. It uses a study of Kuwaiti businessmen's attitudes toward Western communication styles and activities. The paper reviews relevant literature on the subject.
From the Paper This report first examined the professional and scholarly literature on cross-cultural communication and its underpinning theory. The report contains ..."
Tags: crosscultural communication, Arab culture, Arab communication, Western communiction, Western Culture
Abstract This paper discusses nonverbal communication and states that people like to be treated in a polite manner, and are comfortable with the customs with which they have been taught. The paper continues and relates that people are not always comfortable with customs from other cultures, however, and may be offended because of cultural misunderstandings. The paper relates how nonverbal communication which affect other cultures, can be of help to a business person, no matter who he or she deals with, and concludes with a discussion on smiles and handshakes, two common gestures that are universal.
Outline:
Introduction and Background - The Importance of Nonverbal Communication The Problem - Ongoing Cultural Misunderstandings
Conclusion - Interpersonal and Communication Recommendations
From the Paper "Some of the most serious and important contests in the land, Presidential debates, begin with handshakes. The purpose there is not to equalize the opponents, but is more of a face-off acknowledgment, such as boxers do when they touch gloves before and after a fight. The candidates acknowledge one another, but they do not try to be equal. After the debate they shake hands again to show that they still have goodwill toward one another after the debate is over (Andrew, 2002). Business handshakes are an offshoot of this, but in recent years they have been reduced severely from what they used to mean. In older times, a handshake was a person's pledge and contract, showing that someone was honorable and intended to do what he or she said would be done. Now it is merely a formality when someone interviews with a prospective employer, when a person makes a purchase, or sometimes just when two people meet. Years ago, in the banking industry, people could borrow money based on their handshake. Nowadays there is much more to it than that. A handshake is no longer someone's word of honor."
This paper discusses that non-verbal communication in the workplace not only affects the transfer of information, but also affects the whole emotional atmosphere of a workplace.
Abstract This paper explains that studying the effects of non-verbal communication in the workplace is more important than ever in today's multicultural world because each ethnic group brings their own culture into the workplace. The paper points out that one of the most common uses of non-verbal communication in the workplace is by supervisors and others with high status, who use non-verbal symbols of their status and authority, either consciously or not, to remind those below them of their high position. The paper relates that, in some workplaces, because non-verbal communication can differ so greatly between cultures, management has introduced cultural sensitivity training.
From the Paper "Latinos are one of the fastest growing cultural groups in American workplaces today. Therefore, it is of particular importance for both Anglos and Latinos to each understand the others' nonverbal communication styles. Latinos have several nonverbal communication devises particular to their culture that Anglos do not use. For example, Latinos have a much smaller realm of what is considered personal space. In Anglo cultures, this personal space is between eighteen and thirty inches, while in Latino cultures it is between eight and eighteen inches. This sharp difference in acceptable personal space can cause huge discomfort and misunderstanding for both parties if it is not understood and acknowledged on both sides."
Abstract In a globalized world, there is a growing need for understanding different types and forms of interaction between people in intercultural environments, i.e. working places, cities, etc. This implies that people refer more and more to various communication models and practices to master communication across cultures. These models ultimately lead to applying best practices in intercultural communication. One of the most popular models is the 7D Cultural Dimensions Model developed by Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner. First, this paper reviews the concept of culture as is related to the model. Second, it presents the seven dimensions of the model. Finally, the paper compares and contrasts the United States and Singapore within the context of the 7D Cultural Dimensions Model. The paper includes tables.
From the Paper "First, there is Recognition, whereby organizations and individuals develop cultural awareness, i.e. knowing who they are on the intercultural world map, to what culture they belong, of what culture they are a product. It is also the stage in which one must recognize and become aware of the fact that there are cultural differences in the world of international cooperation. A common attitude of defense it to ignore the differences, with all the related risks when things go wrong. Recognizing the differences with the culture or context involved is also important in this stage."
Abstract This paper attempts to explain voice recognition technology by describing the components of a voice recognition system and by explaining what the functions of a computer with speech capabilities are supposed to be. The paper explains that the goal of voice recognition technology is to have effective speech communication that is hands free, allowing the user to use a computer without a keyboard. Furthermore, the paper also looks at the disadvantages of voice recognition technology, the future of the technology in business and voice recognition technology developments in the future.
From the Paper "Computer science is continually changing and growing, with new technologies being added to it on a regular basis. There are also some technologies that have been on board for many years, but have not been a high priority on the development front. Voice recognition is one technology that has been in use for many years, but on a limited basis. As the end of the 20th century approaches, voice recognition is now a technology that is seen as a promising and exciting useful tool for computer science. Voice technology is a valuable tool for individuals as a time saver, a necessary tool for the disabled, and has several practical uses in business."
Tags:communicate, hardware, software, type, operating, system, file, click, object, language
This paper discuses the work of Albert K. Cohen and his theory of status frustration, which maintains that the proverbial "Man" (stereotypical black man) is essentially a function of sub-culture.
Abstract This paper explains that Cohen's theory of status frustration, which explains that lower class boys are failures at bourgeois roles because they do not fit the bourgeois mold physically or through their learned mindset and thus tend to invert defensively the dominant norms, viewing them in a negative manner. The author relates that, although Cohen's' notion of status deprivation and the middle class measuring rod help to answer questions that remain unresolved by strain and cultural deviance theories, his theory fails to explain why some delinquent subcultures eventually become law-abiding, even when this social class position is fixed. The paper states that Cohen's theory also fails by standards of economists, who explain criminality, in particularly theft and robbery by gangs, by economic standards.
From the Paper "In 1955, Cohen wrote "Delinquent Boys" to examine how a subculture emerged. He noted that delinquency among young men was more prevalent among the lower classes, and most commonly took the form of a juvenile gang. Cohen found that the values of delinquent subcultures are adverse to those of the dominant culture. The subcultures emerged in the slums of the nation's largest cities and are rooted in class differentials, parental aspirations and school standards, indicating that the root problem was a desire for recognition and respect, and the search for an accepted place in society."
Abstract This paper analyzes the mission and core values of Starbucks Corporation, one of the most well-known U.S. companies. The paper analyzes Starbuck's value statement's role in giving direction for the organization operations, the contribution of its success and compares the espoused values with actual values lived by the company and its employees. The writer also discusses the interaction of communication with corporate culture: how the organization's values impact the communication style and how communication affects the corporate culture. The paper also explains how conflicts can be used to improve communication and build a successful business organization. The writer concludes that core values and communication of those values are important contributors to an organization's success; however, unprecedented changes might require revision of the values and corporate culture.
Outline:
Abstract
Starbucks and its Core Values
Organizational Behavior and Communication Paper
Communication and Corporate Culture Conflict's Role in Communication Conclusions and Recommendations
References
From the Paper "Starbucks' rapid expansion, mixed record of being socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen is constant source of discussions within senior management, individual shops, fan and hate sites alike. As a truly global organization, Starbucks is also facing with diverse perception of the values it represents. Opening up a dialogue with interested parties at local and global level, leveraging on the interest it spurs and the vast human resources can result in collision of very different views on the path the company should take in the future to preserve its core values and address practices criticized by many. Listening to constructive criticism from various stakeholders will allows Starbucks to consider various course of options, ensure wider acceptance and find means to retain the small company feeling even as it gets bigger."
Abstract This paper talks about the communal identity of the blacks that helped them become stronger and more powerful during the hardships of the 1930s. The picture of ?Mrs. Mary Willis,? by Jack Delano, represents a strong and determined black woman, not needing any type of help or support, and able to deal with the adversities of the economic crash and the natural disaster of the Dust Bowl. On the other hand, Richard Wright's article, ?Joe Louis Uncovers Dynamite,? represents the communal identity of the blacks, and how unstoppable and overpowering they can be once they come together as a collective group. The paper discusses how the blacks were represented differently by different people, why Delano portrayed blacks as powerful individuals, while Wright portrayed blacks as having a potential identity as a community that could have an impact in their social status during the 1930s.
Abstract This paper shows a complete view of the life of early women in Roman and Greek cultures. First the life of Greek women and Roman women are discussed and then they are compared to a man's life.
From the Paper "Since the beginning of our knowledge of classical antiquity, women have had many different social statuses. From goddesses to slaves and everything in between; women have been it all. The status of women generally improved in time as women gained power over their own lives. This is true of two comparable societies; that of the women of Hellenistic Greek culture and women of the early Roman Empire. Both had many similarities while they also had some very important differences. Men on the other hand, have had a relatively powerful and dominate role over women in this period of time."
Abstract This paper examines the status of women in the U.S. and Middle East. Their role in the political, economic and social world are explored. The climates that are the most favorable to women's emancipation and the factors that hinder their progress are outlined.
From the Paper "Since the early 1970?s, the types of activism such as consciousness raising groups, have evolved into a wider public acceptance of feminist values. Also prevalent are national women's organizations skilled at influencing government policy, as well as an array of individuals and local groups, from musicians to women's studies programs, celebrating women's uniqueness (Banaszak pg). Although, perhaps the character and definition of the women's movement has changed significantly from its origins in the 1960's to the present day, the women's movement continues to be highly relevant, not only in the United States, but globally as well. Debates about women's roles and status in reference to politics, the economy and society are constantly occurring at the international level and within other nation states (Banaszak pg). This global context of women's issues is important for understanding the women's movement in the United States. Political activism in other countries can affect the discourse, activism and policy outcomes, as well as the overall vitality of the women's movement in the U.S (Banaszak pg)."
Abstract This research examines the human-rights status of young people and women in the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.). The research sets forth the historical and cultural background in which human-rights issue fronts have emerged in the P.R.C., particularly with respect to conditions faced by women and children in the country. The paper then discusses the prospect of improvement of those conditions.
From the Paper "The history of the P.R.C. since the 1949 revolution has been marked by patterns of human-rights violations that have been associated with the ideological revolutionary posture assumed by Mao Zedong. Mao's ideology was predicated of the concept of permanent revolution, which by implication meant permanent violence internal to Chinese experience. The human-rights implications of this may be derived from a 1969 report by Time on the content of the Cultural Revolution, which noted that "the Chinese made a practice of marching prisoners to the center of the river, accusing them of being pro-Soviet traitors, and then beheading them."
