Sunday, January 26, 2020
Sociology for social work
Sociology for social work Sociology offers some important social theories, which provide explanations and critiques of human behaviour, social actions and interactions as well as the institutions and the structures of society. The fact that social work is concerned with social change and problem solving is precisely why sociology is important to social work. Nowadays social workers are expected to write their reports in a coherent way, justifying it using theory and research. In this essay I am going to contrast two different sociological theories to the case study of Mrs. B. This will give me the chance to better understand the usefulness of the sociological theories to the Social work profession. For the purpose of this essay I have selected to apply Functionalism theory (macro) and Symbolic Interactionism (micro) approach the Labelling theory. In the first section of this essay I will discuss the Functionalist theory, its application to the case, the limits of this theory when looking at the case of Ms B a nd contrasting it to the other theory I will go on to the second part of this essay where I will be applying the Lebelling theory from the Symbolic Interactionism approach I will then go on and do the †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Functionalism views society made up from numerous interconnected parts which together form a system. The basic part of this breakdown is the society, and its variety of parts can be understood in terms of their collective relationship. In the initial stages of this theory Functionalism drew comparisons between society and the human body. Mainly this comparison existed since they viewed society operating in theoretically the same way as the organisms in the human body. Therefore, for one to understand the function of an organ, such as the heart or lungs, it is essential to understand its relationship with the other organs in the human body and especially its contribution towards the maintaining of the organism. Thus, they argued that for one to understand the function of society, an examination and analysis is required in order to determine its relationship with the other parts of society, and most importantly, its contribution to the maintenance of society. For example, in Mrs B case a functionalist analysis to her situation would consider the behaviour of Mrs B as deviant, because it is preventing her from participating in society. She is seen as unable to fulfil her role as a mother and her social interactions are affected. Supposing that she has permit to work it would be unable to find or maintain a job due to her deviant behaviour. Functionalists would consider this as a â€Å"faulty socialisation†. Further more functionalism would view this situation as costing to society therefore not contributing to the maintenance of the society functioning. According to Emile Durkheim (1895), the founder of Functionalism, crime and deviance are normal and necessary. Since they are found in all societies functionalists argue that it is a form of social change, as through deviance the society would learn about the accepted behaviour. However, too much crime can bring on a state of Anomie Anomie, which is a state of normlessness in society. This arises when cultural goals and structural means of achieving those goals is unbalanced. The anomie state would result in conflicting the agreement of the functioning of society. Durkheim described the state of anomie as (Giddens) ‘a feeling of aimlessness or despairtraditional moral controls and standards are largely broken downthis leaves many individuals in society feeling lack of meaning in their daily lives. (2007, P14) Durkheim (1895) suggested that the theory of Merton gives an idea of the individuals who have high expectations and are unable to fulfill them through structural means then ‘strain occurs. Robert Mertons (1938) ‘Strain theory modified the Durkheims ‘Anomie to refer to the strain put on individuals when accepted norms conflict with reality. Linking these to the case of Mrs B, her asspiration to enter paid employment does not coincide with her immigration status. Therefore this disparity between desires and fulfilment will be felt in deviant motivation. Therefore this could be the point where Mrs B feels the strain and as a result deviates from the societis norms. Agnew (1992) in Levinson (2002) shows how the strain theory can lead to other deviant adoptions. Agnew criticises the earlier strain theory and ‘generalises the concept to include all negative relations with others, rather than just the negative relations that are the result of striving from uneatable, but culturally mandated goals. (2002, P:1579). â€Å" It is not so much the unique quality no any single event but the cumulation of several stressful events within a relatively short time span that is consequential†(P:62-63) as cited in Levinson (2002). Mrs B has Agnew placed great importance to the feeling of ‘anger as he argued that ‘anger is the key emotion because it increases the individuals level of felt injury, creates a desire for retaliation/revenge, energizes the individual for action, and lowers inhibitions, in part because individuals believe that others will feel their aggression is justified (P:60) as cited in Levinson (2002)
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Man in the Mirror
The death of Michael Jackson has given many fans and critics cause to revisit his work. The controversies that surrounded his life in the last decade made Jackson the subject of many jokes and was threatened to end his career in shame and obscurity. But his untimely death provides an opportunity for us to look back at his musical career, and to celebrate his talents as a singer dancer and songwriter. Like other pop stars, Jackson wrote many songs about love and partying, but a number of his songs, such as Heal the World and We Are the World, showed a keen awareness of global issues such as poverty, hunger, and environmental conservation.This may seem contradictory to the questionable choices Jackson made in his personal life, so this is why Man in the Mirror may be his most personal and revealing work. With Man in the Mirror, Jackson reveals a deep inner-conflict and proposes a challenge to himself and to his listeners that in order to change the world, people must first change thems elves. There are many contrasts in the song that reveal the social issues that concerned Jackson. People without food, especially starving children, are mentioned in the song: â€Å"I see kids in the street, with not enough to eat†.The problem of homelessness and people with not enough money to borrow or loan is also discussed: â€Å"There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan†. This is in contrast to Jackson himself, who is of course wealthy enough to own: â€Å"Could it really be me pretending that they’re not alone†. Ironically, though the song is full of imagery of mirrors and reflections, it is Jackson who is unable to see. Early in the song, he sings: â€Å"Who am I to be blind, pretending not to see their needs†.Therefore, the journey he takes in the song is from blindness to being able to see the harsh realities of the world, as well as his own irresponsibility. The â€Å"mirror†in the song, or, more accurately, his own reflec tion, is a symbol of a part of himselfâ€â€the part of himself that is not aware of the problems in the world. Indeed, he even speaks to his reflection as if it were another person. â€Å"I’m asking him to change his ways†. Forces of nature and the changing seasons are also treated as human beings, personified to show that they also care little for people in need. They follow the pattern of the wind ya’ see, ‘Cause they got no place to be†. Other objects are also used to symbolize the pain that exists in the world, such as â€Å"A broken bottle top†and â€Å"willow†. By the end of the song, Jackson can no longer ignore what he sees in himself and in the world. He gives himself and his audience specific instructions on how to make the world a better place. â€Å"If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make that change†.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Global Warming Essay
Introduction            Speaking in simple terms, the environment basically means the immediate surroundings that human beings and other living things live in. Naturally speaking, the environment comprises animate and the inanimate, the flora and fauna, water bodies, land, vegetation, air and the composition thereof, and the atmosphere. This means that the need to conserve the environment is an issue very sacrosanct since, all the forces of nature that support both animal (human), and plant life exist and function under the aegis of the environment.            The importance of thereof is testified of by the fact that the world in its entirety has come together in one accord to ensure environmental safety. To this effect, sundry and almost all countries have come together to institute polices and frameworks that will ensure that matters touching on environmental safety are upheld. This means that there are stipulations that have also been placed so that any member state that breaches these policies can be punished. This international confederation of nation states makes up the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) as an umbrella body of the United Nations (UN). The UNEP organ has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. General concepts of the environment  The importance of the environment is reiterated by the fact that there are several underpinnings that the environment has on general life. This principle is referred to as environmental interrelationships. The principle has it that the manner in which the environment is managed and its subsequent quality is directly proportional to the quality of life of the organisms that live in and on it. The corollary to the above principle is that man, as the highest order of organisms in the environment, has seen not only the importance of conserving his environment, but has also come up with rules and policies to safeguard it, both at the national and international level. These rules are known and referred to by Cunningham and Cunningham (2008) as environmental ethics. The expedience of conserving the environment is supported by the fact that all lives are totally dependable on the environment. This means that the destruction of the environment is tantamount to the detriment of all sorts of life in the planet. The principle of interrelatedness of species and environmental ethics            Within the environment, there are two sets of relationships that living things have. The first relationship is that all living things are mutually and incorrigibly dependent on one another. It is because of this concept that elements such as food web and food chain are a reality. For this, relationships can be symbiotic or parasitic.            The second relationship has it that all species share from one central pool of environmental resources. This means that the destruction of one component in the environment even if there is no correct nexus between the destroyer and the victim, the former will be adversely affected also. For instance, the continual cutting away of trees and vegetation cover immediately exposes the lives of wild animals. In the long run, man is bound to loose in a double way as he is deprived of rain, and as such is in danger of becoming ensnared by famine due to drought. Secondly, because the habitat of the wild will have been destroyed, the animals will have to come out in the open to contend with man over the remaining resources. Environmental interactions and organisms            According to Weart (2004), ever since the appearance of man 200,000 years ago, man has tried to manipulate the environment so that it benefits him whereas other species have merely tried to rely on it. It is against this backdrop that technological development is quantified pegged on man’s capacity to harness forces of nature and nature itself so that the quality and longevity of life can be enhanced. Unfortunately, with the desire to make ameliorations on the longevity and quality of life, man has interrupted the course of the environment. These facts will be dealt on at length in the essay. Global warming            With the increase of technology and technological skills, there has sprung up machines and industries that are completely dependent on fuel. This means that these machines and industries have to release gaseous wastes which are normally toxic. Global warming occurs when there is the continual emission of carbon dioxide. In turn, the build up in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere causes the depletion of the ozone layer (O3) so that it is punctured. This leaves (tiny) gaps through which the ultraviolet rays of the sun can now penetrate to reach the earth.            Because of the above condition, there is the resultant rise in temperature on the earth. This rise in temperature leads to overheating of the earth, causing drought. At the same time, one of the rippling effects of this overheating is that it leads to the melting of the ice caps. The melting of the ice caps in the other end leads to the disappearance in the landmass.            From the above juncture, it can be easily and rightly surmised that a myriad of problems will kick in. For instance, the economic implications that man will face just because of the attenuated land mass, will be staggering. This will mean less space for economic production (industrial premises), domicile, among others. Again, the thought of man missing on enough space for agrarian activities is sobering, as this means that the concept of realizing food security is a matter that will be a mere mirage. Besides, the erratic weather patterns are bound to compromise crop farming. Species extinction            Among the issues that climatologists, geographers and biological scientists are worried about in relation to environmental degradation, is that the resultant global warming is responsible for the demise of different species. This happens as the resultant change in climate in the other end, having led to the disappearance of landmass, leaves other species with their habitats compromised.            For instance, in June 30th 2008, a study of species reveals that penguins that live in the arctic have having their numbers diminished because of their gradually disappearing habitat. This is because, on top of their vast numbers, these animals have to contend with the limited resources for the survival. The UN Climate Scientists Association pointed out that at the moment, the population of penguins has depreciated by 7.9 % from 2005 to 2007 alone. It is not surprising that this body accredited the above condition to the melting of the ice caps Overpopulation            It is estimated by the United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) that at the moment, the earth hosts 6.7 billion people. This UN umbrella body points out that the ideal number of world population should not exceed 6 billion meaning that the earth and her resources are inundated. The UNDP, in conjunction with the UNEP posits that there is no way in which the earth is able to replenish her resources that are being dispensed at a very high rate. It is on this premise that virtually all governments, together with UNEP are overtly concerned with diminishing forest reserves and natural resources. At the heart of the matter is that there lies an anthropocentric question and that of the environmental welfare. If it is proscribed of human beings by the UNEP to encroach on forest reserves, how shall he live? This question is going to be grappled with hard, in the near future, as melting ice caps is going to deprive man of an ideal land mass. Water and Air Pollution            Water and air pollution are concepts that Houghton (2004) touches in a comprehensive scope. This is because the two are highly concomitant and highly dictatorial on the quality of human life. Houghton (Ibid) postulates that the prevention of these forms of pollution is the starting point of the extirpation of global warming. Houghton elucidates his opinion, saying that the most tenable recourse will be to place international standards that will regulate the maximal volume of carbon dioxide that will have been released in the atmosphere. At the same time, this UN Climate Scientists continues that the UNEP should have more powers vested on it so that it can be able to sanction the countries that compromise these stipulations.            Houghton (2004) continues that the same principle should be ratified in all countries so that all UNEP member states must ensure that all their industries or factories are totally compliant with the UNEP Drainage of Industrial Wastes Act. To this effect, no UNEP member should at all tolerate factories that empty their wastes in water bodies. Similarly, Cunningham and Cunningham (Op ct) continues that it is an opportune time all countries followed the example of the US that has its Industrial Hazard Act totally in force. This means that all the factories in the US have pipes that transport wastes labeled. By reading the labeling, the reader is able to know the nature of the wastes whether liquid, solid, gaseous, flammable or toxic. At the same time, the manner and the place of disposal of the wastes will be predictable. This makes it easier to detect culprits who do not adhere to environmental ethics.            More light seems to be flickering at the end, due to the fact that the UNEP, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UNDP now requires that all its member states hand over, after every five years, their water and air management policies. The deployment of inspectors from these three UN bodies for the sake of carrying out impromptu inspections on factories and other corporate entities is also a measure that seems to be propelling international policies of water management and air quality issues into safe directions. Sustainable Development and Energy Sources            Gore (2006) says that while there is no problem with technological development, there is need for clear cut policies that regulate the sources of energy that are to be used in a country’s industrial base. To this effect, it is taken as important, the fact that there is to be the limitation set for the amount of carbon dioxide wastes that are to be released into the atmosphere. It is because of the above situation that developing economies are being encouraged to work towards speeding up of the electrification process.            This is because, it has been found that the ratio of atmospheric pollution to that of the industrial output in developing countries is not favorable compared to the developed economies. This situation is so since developed countries have comprehensive electric connections and tend therefore to use electric power that is environment friendly. Solid Waste Management The UNEP and WHO also continues to push its member states into ensuring that there are fine tuned policies on the solid wastes disposal regulations. In a very positive and encouraging move, the UNEP unearthed a program in which it was to release funds out of its financial gallery to ensure that the developing economies are all serviced with waste baskets. Since, 2003, the UNEP, WHO and other developed countries have been contributing funds to the developing economies so that the latter can realize decent toilets that have well drained sewage systems. Conclusion: If society is to act so as to forestall Global Warming            In order to catalyze the process of extirpating cases of global warming, it is incumbent that the rank and file of each society be involved in the war against environmental degradation. This may portend, apart from taking some of the above measures to forestall global warming, informing and educating the entire human society of the importance and the ways of taking care of the environment.            At the same time, it is needed that developing countries totally subject their activities and status to the UN member bodies, despite the fact that they settle over 90% of the UN budget. It is because of the above situation for instance that the US always blackmails the UN, by threatening to pull out of the UN, whenever policies that are anti-American are recalled. The US and Canada on April 1st 1965 refused to suspend heavy use of industrial coal. US threatened to pull out of the UN, since she knew clearly that the UN could not afford to loose her as she settles over 75% of the UN budget. This sets up a bad precedence for other member states in reneging UNEP environmental policies. Work Cited Cunningham, W. and Cunningham, M. (2008). The Principles of Environmental Science:         Their Inquiry and Applications (4th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Gore, A. (2006). Global Warming: Planetary Emergencies and Proposals. Colorado:    Bloomsbury. Houghton, T. (2004). A Complete Briefing on Global Warming. Cambridge: Cambridge            University Press. Weart, S. (2004). Global Warming. Harvard: Harvard University Press.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
The Lottery Symbolism And Symbolism - 973 Words
After reading The Lottery you might think about what you are actually winning in a lottery type setting. In the story which is enriched with irony and symbolism. As a reader interpreting the uses of each of these is crucial on discovering the full story. The shabby black box represents both the tradition of the lottery and the illogic of the villagers’ loyalty to it. The black box is nearly falling apart, hardly even black anymore after years of use and storage, but the villagers are unwilling to replace it. They base their attachment on nothing more than a story that claims that this black box was made from pieces of another, older black box. The lottery is filled with similar relics from the past that have supposedly been passed down from earlier days, such as the creation of family lists and use of stones. These are part of the tradition, from which no one wants to deviateâ€â€the lottery must take place in just this way because this is how it’s always been done. However, other lottery traditions have been changed or forgotten. The villagers use slips of paper instead of wood chips, for example. There is no reason why the villagers should be loyal to the black box yet disloyal to other relics and traditions, just as there is no logical reason why the villagers should continue holding the lottery at all. The lottery represents any action, behavior, or idea that is passed down from one generation to the next that’s accepted and followed unquestioningly, no matter howShow MoreRelatedSymbolism in the Lottery1391 Words  | 6 PagesShirley Jackson#8217;s, #8220;The Lottery#8221;, clearly expresses her feelings concerning traditional rituals through her story. It opens the eyes of readers to properly classify and question some of today#8217;s traditions as cruel, and allows room to foretell the outcome of these unusual traditions. #8220;The Lottery#8221; is a short story that records the annual sacrifice ceremony of a fictional small town. It is a detailed narrative of the selection of the person to be sacrificed, aRead MoreThe Lottery Symbolism649 Words  | 3 PagesIn Shirley Jacksons short story The Lottery, one of the main characters is Mr. Summers. The lottery was conducted--as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program--by Mr. Summers. Summers might be the busy body of the village, but he is not the protagonist of the story. Because he represents the status quo situation in the village, his presence in the story is one of the most significant symbols of The Lottery. Summers represents blind adherence to ritual, as he is in chargeRead MoreLottery Essay Symbolism1249 Words  | 5 PagesSymbolism Essay Symbolism is a sign that has been used by literary authors to represent a larger idea into another more specific concept or belief. Symbolism can be used to represent an action, an idea or a person’s archetype as well. The term symbolism is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing in things with a symbolic meaning or character (â€Å"Symbolism†). Examples of symbolism are: an eagle representing freedom, a dove representing peace, and the color green can symbolizeRead MoreSymbolism in The Lottery Essay802 Words  | 4 PagesTo a first time reader, Shirley Jacksons â€Å"The Lottery†seems simply as a curious tale with a shocking ending. After repetitive reading of Jacksons tale, it is clear that each sentence is written with a unique purpose often using symbolism. Her use of symbols not only foreshadow its surprise and disturbing ending but allows the reader to evaluate the communitys pervert traditional rituals. She may be commenting on the season of the year and the grass being â€Å"richly green†or the toying with theRead MoreThe Lottery Symbolism Essay804 Words  | 4 PagesThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a short story based on a fictional village that holds a macabre ritual. Although the regularity was not stated within the tale, the story speaks of a regular gathering of the village folk to conduct some form of lottery. In a disturbing twist of the tale, the winner of the lottery doesn’t get to receive a prize, but instead, suffer the indignity of being killed by getting stoned to death by friends, family, and neighbors. Mrs. Hutchinson is the unfortunate soul,Read MoreThe Lottery Symbolism Essay992 Words  | 4 Pagesof The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is simply trying to understand what the symbols in the story mean. These symbols included the lottery, the tools used in the lottery and even the people of the town. Within the first few lines of Shirley Jackson described a picture of a clear, sunny, fresh and warm summer day. She continues this sense of comfort by adding small children playing after being released from school for the summer, and the townspeople gathering calmly for the annual â€Å"Lottery†. JacksonRead MoreThe Lottery Symbolism Essay908 Words  | 4 PagesAll around the world today thousands of people die from murder and the numbers increase every year. Our world is filled with violence and tragedies that keep increasing, just like in, Shirley Jacksons story â€Å"The Lottery.†The characters in a small village choose someone to stone to death each year because of tradition. As this tradition continues, more and more people die as time passes. All of the towns folk grow more and more nervous, hoping not to get picked. They gather in the town square toRead MoreSymbolism In The Lottery, By Shirley Jackson869 Words  | 4 PagesSymbolism is used throughout The Lottery in the character names. Author, Shirley Jackson, uses the name of, Mr. Graves, to foreshadow the story and explain what â€Å"The Lottery†really is. Mr. Graves is the one who carries the three-legged stool which could indicate two things: the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or it could mean the past, present and future, saying that â€Å"The Lottery†will always be among the people of the village. In addition, he is also the owner of the post office andRead MoreSymbolism Of The Lottery By Shirley Jackson1577 Words  | 7 PagesShirley Jackson s The Lottery , is a story that is filled with symbolism. The author uses symbolism to help her represent human nature as tainted, no matter how pure one thinks of himself or herself, or how pure their environment may seem to be. The story is very effective in raising many questions about the pointless nature of humanity regarding tradition and violence. The Lottery clearly expresses Jackson s feelings co ncerning mankind?s evil nature hiding behind traditions and ritualsRead MoreSymbolism Of The Lottery By Shirley Jackson926 Words  | 4 PagesWhen incorporated well, symbolism enhances a story’s overall impact. Shirley Jackson’s short story â€Å"The Lottery†contains symbolism to affect the readers’ feelings as well as add interest. The story begins with the villagers gathering at the square to participate in the lottery. The villagers chat while waiting for the event to begin. After Mr. Summers comes with a black box, he stirs the pieces of paper in the box. The narrators describe the lottery as an old ritual that the community continues
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