A paper which discuses different theoretical definitions of popular culture and explores their relevance to today's society.
Essay # 45270 |
1,061 words (
approx. 4.2 pages ) |
12 sources |
MLA | 2003
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$ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at a variety of theories and ideologies including culturist and Marxist. It also considers theoriests like Storey, Gramsci and Fiske for example, while drawing upon their relevence within a post modern society.
From the Paper
"Popular culture is an area of great discussion and debate. Raymond Williams claimed "culture" was "one of the two or three most complicated words in the English language." This essay seeks to discuss issues and theories surrounding its definition, as listed by Williams (but cited in Storey 2001) , whilst bringing in its position within society as defined through different ideologies."
Tags:communication, culturist, hagemony, ideology, journalism, marxism, media, modern, post, social
The paper discusses how the study of crime opens the door to an examination of how social order is maintained.
Essay # 48952 |
2,161 words (
approx. 8.6 pages ) |
18 sources |
MLA | 2004
|
$ 49.95
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This paper discusses the point of view of different schools and presents different case studies of social order maintenance. It describes recent developments in many fields and focuses on terrorism and white collar crimes. It also examines how military power can be used to maintain social order. The issues of censorship during Vietnam and other wars is discussed, as well as media representation and its effect on social order.
From the Paper
"In a model society each individual would strive selflessly for the common good. In reality, various tactics need be employed on behalf of those granted power and by the majority in order to maintain such social order, against deviants that threaten to undermine it. How social order is possible and how it is maintained has been one of the most fundamental questions of sociology since its beginning (Dittrich et al., 2003). The same, however, cannot be said for the study of crime since crime and criminology have not always raised concerns for the maintenance of social order, but rather looked at what individual aspects make some people deviant from the norms set by society."
Tags:collar, control, criminological, criminology, power, thories, white
A comparative analysis of post-modernist theories with post-war critical theory.
Comparison Essay # 52783 |
3,148 words (
approx. 12.6 pages ) |
12 sources |
MLA | 2003
|
$ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper embarks on an examination of the work of post-war critical theorists Adorno, Horkheimer and Marcuse who capture the dominant themes of post-war Critical Theory well. It proceeds to show how many parallels are evident between post-war Critical Theory and the more recently formulated postmodernist theories. An examination of postmodernist theories then ensues, taking as exemplars the work of Baudrillard, Jameson and Harvey. It concludes by arguing that postmodernist theories do indeed revisit the critique of modern culture, which post-war Critical Theory began and they do so without the political commitment to Marxism. An explanation for this follows, discussing the events which "shattered a whole generation of French intellectual's beliefs in the moral supremacy of Marxism" and sheds light on the climate which ultimately paved way for the emergence of postmodernism.
From the Paper
"Advertising encourages individuals to view themselves primarily as consumers, and under the guise of entertainment, audiences are manipulated into accepting and conforming to existing society. Kellner captures this sentiment well claiming "advertising progressively fuses in style and technique with the entertainment of the culture industry, which in turn can be read as a series of advertisements for existing society and the established way of life" (1989:33). The culture industry is designed to discourage individuals from challenging the given order, to think critically and indeed, think for themselves. "The need, which might resist control, has already been suppressed by the control of individual consciousness" (1995: 121). Adorno and Horkheimer show how the products of the culture industry are similar to those produced in a factory, sharing their belief that "under monopoly all mass culture is identical". (1995: 121)."
Tags:adorno, baudrillard, capitalism, horkheimer, jameson, marcuse
A discussion on whether the theories of Marxism are more relevant than ever before in an age of global capitalism.
Research Paper # 53610 |
3,008 words (
approx. 12 pages ) |
8 sources |
APA | 2003
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$ 59.95
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This paper embarks on an examination of the theories of Marxism and argues that a specific engagement with "The Communist Manifesto" should prove to be fruitful in fulfilling this task. It points out that the theories of Marxism were based on the notion that the degeneration of capitalism would contribute to its eventual downfall, however the antithesis of degeneration has occurred. Hence, one could argue that the theories of Marxism carry no more relevance in an age of global capitalism. Despite this, this paper goes on to contend that to leave ones analysis at this would make it incomplete. One needs to go below the surface and back to "The Communist Manifesto" where amongst the passages one will find Marx and Engels anticipating and providing a vivid account of the global capitalism the world is now experiencing and a number of examples to support this are cited. Further evidence is cited which explains the reasons why the proletariat have not revolted. It concludes by noting that countless changes have occurred in the world since "The Communist Manifesto" was written which may well have led to a decline in the "fashion" and significance of Marxist theories.
From the Paper
"Central to Mar's views on the capitalist system lies his notion of "surplus value" which is the difference between the value of capital at the start of the capitalist production process and the additional value of commodities, which are produced. Surplus value only occurs in capitalist societies. The critical point that Marx makes is that the bourgeoisie or the minority of individuals appropriate surplus value or profit, which is in reality, produced by the rest of society namely the proletariat. Someone else reaps the product of their labor, they have invested their time and efforts in it, yet it is taken away from them. The profits of capitalist depend on the exploitation of the worker."
Tags:bourgeoisie, communism, engels, manifesto, proletariat, revolution
This paper looks at the extent to which the concept of a nation is an "imagined community". It debates whether our national identity is a figment of the imagination or an objective reality.
Essay # 24006 |
2,150 words (
approx. 8.6 pages ) |
18 sources |
MLA | 2002
|
$ 49.95
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By exploring the idea of a nation state as an 'imagined community' this study tackles the difficult issue of national identity. It explores the cultural characteristics that contribute to the boundary construction of collective ideologies - territory, race, language and others. Drawing from a wide range of sources, the paper considers how crucial the feelings and perceptions of nationalism are to the objective existence of the state.
From the Paper
"Anyone can declare a nation into existence." (Beissinger 1988: 173). There are many different definitions of a "nation". This essay aims to weigh up Benedict Anderson's definition of a nation as an "imagined community" and explore its claims. Criticisms of subjective definitions are investigated, in a brave attempt to consider other perspectives. A "nation-state" is separate from the "nation" under discussion; it refers to a political set-up with appropriate institutions involved in governance over a spatially bounded territory and the policing of it.
Tags:anderson, benedict, gellner, nationalism, state
This paper looks at Victorian moral values and how they were applied differently in different sections of society.
Term Paper # 107199 |
823 words (
approx. 3.3 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2008
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$ 19.95
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In this article, the writer assesses the nature and characteristics of Victorian moral values. The primary values are highlighted and examined in turn. The work specifically shows, however, the extent to which such values were not equally applicable to all. The writer discusses that differing social, economic and legal conditions dictated that certain sections of Victorian society were removed from this system of values. As such, the writer maintains that it was the unequal nature of Victorian society that guided the extent to which individuals would adhere to the fundamental values of the day.
From the Paper
"However, although in principle such moral values were intended to equally apply to the full cross-section of Victorian society, practically this was impossible due to the extreme social, economic and legal conditions in which many people were forced to exist. On the one hand there existed a sincere willingness to instil a common public morality, but this was often contradicted by the very real poverty and statutory discrimination that was engrained into certain sections of Victorian society. A clear example of this disparity is provided with the issue of women. The two primary texts of analysis used here are Henry Mayhew's observations about the plight of London's needlewomen, published in the Morning Chronicle, 1849 and John Stuart Mill's work on The Subjugation of Women, 1869. Both provide validation to the claim that in many cases; economic, social and legal limitations dictated that Victorian women were simply unable to pursue the moral societal aims of their male counterparts. Each work is discussed individually."
Tags:social, conditions, poverty, discrimination
A discussion on the main assumptions of models of policy implementation.
Term Paper # 45456 |
1,807 words (
approx. 7.2 pages ) |
7 sources |
MLA | 2003
|
$ 39.95
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This paper looks at how once a decision is made with regard to a policy, a method of putting it into effect is required. It examines how implementation is a complex process whereby the means must make the goals achievable and how the process of implementation can be approached in two ways the "top-down" (also known as "the rational model" or "forward mapping") or "bottom-up" (also known as "backward mapping". It shows how British policy is stuck with with the "top-down" approach and how in order to make the best of it, each policy needs to come with clearly defined objectives, an implementation plan, sufficient support and resources and a system of communication and monitoring to ensure minimal deviation.
From the Paper
"The way things are interpreted by each individual can affect the implementation process. For example, a hospital manager may tell a G.P. that he needs to reduce waiting times for operations. The G.P. may interpret from that that he should perform some of the more minor operations at his surgery as he is qualified to do so. Alternatively, he could interpret that he simply needs to put people off operations if they are not an absolute emergency. The first interpretation would mean patients who have minor operations will be seen sooner and by reducing the number of people he is sending to hospital he is reducing the waiting times for those who are having operations there."
Tags:bureaucracy, mapping, government, maker
An examination of the validity of Naomi Klein's book, "No Logo" as it applies to the post-Fordian word.
Book Review # 3175 |
1,530 words (
approx. 6.1 pages ) |
4 sources |
2001
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$ 39.95
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This paper is about the underlying themes of Naomi Klein's best-selling "No Logo" (2000), the "book that became a movement," a passionate anti-globalization manifesto. The paper looks at the underlying themes of Fordism and post-Fordism, consumer culture and globalization, and analyzes Klein's arguments while drawing on a variety of sources, both literary, -- William Gibson, Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, and academic --Kennedy & Cohen plus contrasting Klein's socialist agenda with libertarian principles.
From the Paper
"In No Logo, Naomi Klein analyzes the effects of modern advertising on Western society and culture in the late 90s. She argues, for the most part, against its far-reaching effects on everyday life, as well as on the ethical issues associated with the move to a post-Fordist society, where production takes place in third world countries under what is, in effect, 19th century conditions."
Tags:anti, fordism, post, fordism, advertising, globalization, Keynsian, naomi, klein, libertarian, economics, post-socialism, third, world
This paper provides a reflective summary of interpersonal skills - counselling skills.
Term Paper # 103158 |
761 words (
approx. 3 pages ) |
4 sources |
APA | 2007
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$ 19.95
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In this article, the writer notes that counselling is a critical part of the social worker's professional weaponry not least because it forms a core skill used to communicate and build relationships among those involved in care. The writer points out that of course, it is possible for the social worker to utilize his or her own personal experiences as a guide which would have accumulated, as any citizen would, through the process of socialization. But the kind of people a normal citizen would commonly have dealings with would necessarily be selective - it would merely encompass a relatively narrow circle of family, relatives and friends from similar social and ethnic backgrounds. The writer maintains that what sets professional social workers apart is that they are forced to confront a diversity of people from all walks of life who bring with them their own sets of distinctive problems, beliefs and cultures, for which even the most experienced individual might be ill-equipped.
From the Paper
"At its most basic, counselling takes into serious consideration verbal and non-verbal speech as well as listening skills. Impressions that clients take away from even the most fleeting of encounters matter: if the speed at which counselling is provided is either too fast or too slow; if the nature of conversation is formal or informal; if the tone of voice, pitch and loudness differ - all this can lead to divergent experiences that leave a more indelible mark rather than the contents of what is said. Equally important would be the skill to listen, providing reassurances to the speaker to express themselves freely and openly. Resisting the temptation to interrupt, avoid misunderstanding, using body language, choosing the right environment in which to talk would be some key skills, while non-verbal skills, such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, orientation, touch and proximity to the speaker are important ways in which social workers can engage in fruitful communication."
Tags:socialization, social, worker, relationships
Laslett and the History of Family Structure
A look at the reconstruction of family composition in Europe during the early modern period of the 17th and 18th centuries by historians such as P. Laslett.
Term Paper # 17016 |
2,304 words (
approx. 9.2 pages ) |
6 sources |
MLA | 2001
|
$ 49.95
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The paper examines the reconstruction of family composition in 17th and 18th centuries by historian, P. Laslett in his book "The World We Have Lost". It explores why some theories such as the late age of first marriage that was apparently unique to pre-modern Europe, have not been challenged, while others, such as the notion of a stable nuclear pattern, have been disputed at length.
From the Paper
"Because early modern Europe was principally a rural and class-based society, the family structure during this era was highly reliant upon on social rank. When there was land and money at stake, marriage within the same social class was paramount. The poor were also limited to marrying within their social class, but had a larger pool of potential mates from which to choose. This was a time in history in which two-generation households, rather than three-generation households, were customary. The oldest members of the household traditionally bestowed any holdings they had to the next generation upon retirement, and remained in close proximity to the family. The close support that existed between relatives living in separate but neighboring homes makes it difficult to distinguish whether the independent nuclear family was the basic family unit during this time, or whether it was actually the extended family (Laslett, 1984)."
Tags:18th, 19th, Weber, Karl, Marx, Western