Cultural Sensitivity

Culture is the general experience according to the society and how the experience affects our relations, reactions, and the general decision-making process. Cultural sensitivity is very important when it comes to a personal level while doing business. Culture is very important to all communities and it is very crucial to think about the cultures of a certain community when it comes to interaction. Different communities have different cultures and it is very important to regard their view when interacting to prevent any misunderstandings in the process (Samaha et al., 2014). Culture is what influences the values, hopes, loyalties, fears, and worries of every community. When one is having an understanding of the different cultural setting, it helps them interact in the right manner with the clients.

Being sensitive to the culture of different communities prevents developing ethnic and racial divisions with the involved community. Divisions based on race and ethnicity in most cases leads to violence, opportunities get lost, misunderstandings erupts, hatred and this leads to no progress and to some point death. Conflicts based on the race and ethnicity usually bring down a business, community, human and financial resources as they tend to cause a distant to the different cultural groups from making any progress. Equity and just is created when one considers the cultures of the other person (Moran et al., 2014). In terms of job performance, a person who belongs to a different cultural background compared to others will perform better and in a way feel comfortable in the midst of the other communities.

Cultural sensitivity can create a pool of resources which can be very helpful for the continuity of the business. Many people and firms have lost value through developing and promoting either products or services which are against the cultural setting of the other communities (Samaha et al., 2014). In such a case, the progress which would have made the company or business setting very successful is hindered as the cultural sensitivity is not observed. Being culturally sensitive can enhance the relationship between individuals and this will eventually lead to the improved harmony.

Economic development in every sense will always depend and be defined by the ability to succeed internationally. Developing a strategic method of incorporating the different cultures in the world assists in ensuring that the business is integrated culturally and competently, therefore, eliminating the chances of losing the business into cultural conflicts. During decision making, the international client can be intimidated if the decision made is not culturally sensitive and in the case, the client is not happy and convinced enough there might be consequences like the client opting out of the relationship. Clients who consider certain acts as being insensitive and not in line with the particular culture can be discouraged in the business and consider having alternatives (Moran et al., 2014). International dependency is very important as it creates more revenue which similarly expands the possible outcome of the coalition. Individuals who consider going international with their businesses are likely to be more successful as in the international levels; businesses can do well than when they remain local and therefore important to be culturally sensitive.

Different cultures require different strategies for their success. Cultural awareness creates a certain level of understanding that basically influences the next stage of a business. International levels involve the use of literate levels of understanding and in many cases diversification is important. Appealing strategies and considerations will develop an interest in terms of growth and many will want to associate with the person and this can only happen when cultures are observed.

References

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences. Routledge.

Samaha, S. A., Beck, J. T., & Palmatier, R. W. (2014). The role of culture in international relationship marketing. Journal of Marketing, 78(5), 78-98.

Caring for a Multicultural Society

Me: How are you?

Patient: Am fine, thank you.

Me: From which country are you? What is the climatic condition of your hometown? How is the economy, political and social life of your country? Is the level of education in your country good, and why did you migrate?

Patient: I come from Oslo, Norway. Oslo is a highland area, with an average temperature of 64⁰F, and it experiences cold seasons in January at the temperatures of 27⁰F. Norway’s economy is outstanding, since it is a developed country. The levels of education are good, and people enjoy making friends with one another. I migrated because I enjoy exploring different parts of the world, and seeking new opportunities.

Me: What is the national language of your home country, and what non-verbal cues are mostly used in the country?

Patient: Norwegian is the national language of Norway, and is spoken by 95% of the total population. There are very many non-verbal cues used in my country, but the most common one is maintaining an eye contact with the speaker. People are also supposed to maintain the sound of their voice while speaking, since shouting is not tolerated.

Me: What is the composition of a family in your home country? What are the gender roles of a family? Are there issues of divorce or single parent families?

Patient:  A family is composed of a father, a mother and children, nuclear families are dominant, while some people tend to cohabit but do not end up getting married. A father is the head of the family, while the mother is tasked with the mandate of taking good care of the family. Mothers are also supposed to advice their children, particularly adolescents. Divorce and single parent families exist, due to family issues.

Me: What are the gender roles, ethnic communication styles and types of healthcare from your home country?

Patient: Men are tasked with the mandate of providing for the family, while women are supposed to take care of their families. However, gender roles may change depending on whether one is a single parent. People are not supposed to greet each other with words like, ‘how are you?’ instead one is supposed to say ‘hello’ without body contact. There are different modes of healthcare ranging from primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare.

Me: What type of Bio-cultural ecology exists in your home country?

Patient: There are people of different races who exist in Norway, with Norwegians leading, followed by Germans, Jews and African Norwegians. Germans’ body stature is similar to that of the Norwegians. Jews are a bit short, and they are also a bit darker as compared to Norwegians, and they have a middle-sized body. African Norwegians are tall, dark and they have a big body stature.

Me: What are the rates of high risk behaviour?

Patient: High risk behaviours are very high, with the abuse of drugs and alcohol being at 45% among the youths, and the rates of divorce being at 67%. Norwegians tend to abuse drugs and alcohol while at their early teenage ages. This consequently leads to addiction in their youth ages, and adult ages too. The rates of divorce in the country are very high, due to the tendency of married people having more than a single sexual partner. The youths do not also abide by the law, hence going against simple rules.

Me: What types of nutritional beliefs does your country have? What nutritional supplements are used for healthcare?

Patient: According to our cultural beliefs, we are supposed to take balanced diets, in order to improve our health. Healthcare practitioners’ advice people to take certain foods in order to improve their health.

Me: What are the child bearing practices in your country?

Patient: Child bearing practices in Norway are very low, since most women use contraceptive and birth control pills. The government pays one for giving birth, in order to encourage most people to give birth.

Me: Which death rituals exist in your country?

Patient: We believe in life after death, where the deceased tends to live another life in a different world. The dead are buried or cremated, after a church service.

Me: Tell us about spirituality in your country.

Patient: The Evangelical Lutheran Christianity dominates in Norway, hence most people are Christians in the country. Most people believe in God, and abide by the dictates of the bible.

Me: What are the healthcare practices in your country?

Patient: Due to high educational levels in the country, most people tend to treat themselves, through getting prescription medication over the counter. In addition, due to high rates of drug addiction among the youths, there are very many rehabilitation facilities in the country.

Me: What are the healthcare practitioners’ concepts in your country?

Patient: The government sponsors healthcare activities in the country, thus access to medical care is free in the country. The gender of the healthcare providers does not matter, since all genders are highly respected in the country.

Reference

Larry, P. (20005). The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence: The Journal of Multicultural Nursing and Health.

CAUSES OF MY HAPPINESS

Most of the time , life can be quote stressful and it can be difficult when trying to get happy but there seems to be nothing at all to be happy about . At times, l get absorbed into fear of direction life may take and I end up not even thinking about the good in my surrounding. We sometimes seem to take for granted what is positive and good in our lives and therefore, finding genuine happiness becomes quite difficult. However, looking around, I have come to appreciate that my life is filled with wonderful people and things that brings about happiness amidst all the life challenges. Researchers have in the past attributed a large percent of variance in happiness to the life experiences including what we see, activities we do and how we perceive our world on every day. Happiness stems from making a choice to be happy with our situations, strengthening and appreciating closest relationships and being content without what we have.

 Family is a great source of happiness for me since it is a place where I get the closet relationship and emotional support. During my stressful and roughest days, I usually turn to my family and especially my siblings with whom we have built a strong and open friendship. My family members are the ones who know exactly what to tell me to remind me of various great things going in my life. It is a place where I am free to speak up when faced with different challenges and where I obtain the best consolation especially from my parents. When my mind tells me that I cannot be happy, it is easy to forget that it is only in my family that I can get hope and determination to press hard towards my set goals and avoid negative attitudes. Therefore, whenever I am feeling down, I normally remind myself that I have a family that is ready to provide the right support and uplift my spirits. This is something that always makes me happy.  I remember one day asking my grandfather what kept him going amidst the hard times she was going through due to a chronic illness and family was first on his list. I have come to appreciate the role plays in the life of a person, regardless of whether one is near or a distance away. I believe that to a human being m family is the major source of happiness, and such happiness makes one to desire to become a better person each day. Family members, blood or no blood relation, create a good foundation for a person’s health, economically, socially and emotionally if this institution was to offer the best. Without the kind of fulfillment that this institution provides for me, it would be difficult to work hard towards achieving my goals and dreams in life.

Pursuing my goals in life plays a major role in providing happiness. The feeling that I am working towards a bright future is important, including pursuing a career that I like. Everyone needs goals that can motivate them and they have to be posing a challenge big enough to induce excitement. I consider that my career goals , even though wrought with various challenges are achievable and trying to accomplish things that are impossible will bring a lot of stress that is uncalled for. For humans, choosing goals that are realistic but ambitious provides a direction in my and the potential to achieve them brings a sense of happiness (Bradt, 2015). Being in college is a way that directs my attention and efforts towards achieving my career goals and the satisfaction that comes with a movement from level to another in academic acts as a sources of happiness. Education is a major way of achieving my life goals, since studying I consider studying to be a way of turning my dreams and values into a reality. Happiness comes from planning, thinking and pursuing various things that are essential to us. It has been showing through research that setting goals and working towards their achievement is a big contributor to happiness in different ways. This includes goals being a person interests, pleasure and engagement which give life a sense of purpose and more so meaning (Bradt, 2015). My hard work in education brings the sense that I am strivings towards the achievement of the career milestone that is set and this builds my confidence in facing the future with a lot of potential. The formal education is a way of focusing my attention and working actively towards life goals. This seems to be important for my well-being since every time I make a step forward in my career, I feel greatly happy and satisfied.

 In conclusion, my happiness comes from things that drift my attention from various stressful situations including my family, college and life goals. These aspects help in my endeavors to find self –actualization in life.

References

Bradt, G., (2015).The Secret of Happiness Revealed By Harvard Study. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2015/05/27/the-secret-of-happiness-revealed-by-harvard-study/#61941a386786

            Drunk Driving

Introduction

Each and every hour hundreds of lives are lost globally caused by drunk driving. Substance abuse is a major issue in today which affects every member in a way or another. One of the most abused drugs is alcohol and its effects are rather severe and dangerous. Drunk driving has grown to be amongst the leading death causes globally. Thousands of lives are lost or acquire severe injuries because of the careless driving by drunk individuals and a significant number of the affected persons are innocent road users (Taylor 445). When the alcohol content in the blood exceeds a given legal limit this implies that the individual’s judgment ability is impaired thus increasing risks of hurting themselves as well as others. Drunk driving can best be described as an illogical and careless driving based on the incapability to make right judgments of the surrounding. Based on the recent statistics it is apparent that the most deadly DUI cases are derived from young individuals of between 17 and 25 years. Despite the implementation of a number of control strategies, drunk driving is still a significant society evil that is growing at a drastic level (Taylor 445). The paper will, therefore, seek to analyze drunk drinking problem, its causes, and effects as well as propose viable solutions.

Drunk driving has been established to be amongst the leading forces in road mortalities given that they occupy about 45 percent of all traffic accidents. Driving necessitates a massive collection of skills which changes continuously. In this context a driver is required to retain alert consistency and react effectively to hazards swifts, hold a vivid vision as well as the capability to judging distance and speed. However, when one is intoxicated most of these particular skills that are required for adequate driving are usually affected which results in increased accidents risks. This results in high numbers of alcohol associated mortalities. Drunk driving is a complex issue but it can be effectively prevented with the application of countermeasures with the objective of transforming individual’s behaviors who might engage in drunk driving as well as uphold the conduct of those that adhere to driving while not drunk.

Drunk driving which is on the rise among the young people can be categorized as a choice that individuals opt for not on the basis of morals but because they are completely ignorant of the resulting consequences (Fairfield 1). Drunk driving is a community problem has a number of causes and implications. One of the prime cause is curiosity and peer pressure. It is universally believed that driving while drunk is okay for shorter distances and in non-complex and not busy roads. The original drunk driving accidents causes are due to carelessness and distraction. Some roads necessitate carefulness given that most locations have been labeled as probable danger spots.  Alertness lack may result in accidents leading to fatal injuries and deaths. When an individual is intoxicated this, therefore, implies that they ability to judge the appropriate speed and reaction is affected thus settling on high speeds. It is without a doubt that over speeding on the roads is harmful to self and others (Fairfield 1). Drunk driving is an act that impairs one's capability to settle for sound choices and additionally affects vision which is a necessity in regard to driving. The unethical choices might not always lead to arrests but they, in turn, result in irreversible and undesirable effects.

In reference to the youth, the leading drunk driving cause is peer pressure. For a number of the youths, they can confirm that they arrived safely at their destinations despite driving while intoxicated (Klaas 1). This is perceived as a form of competence which should be held by peers. Most will try to copy the habit because they want to be better as those that they relate with. It is, however, wrong to believe that drunk driving is a form of expertise. Intoxication affects everyone’s ability and regardless of the driving experience accidents can still result. Drunk driving is dangerous because it eliminates concentration thus creating distraction. In that, it impairs an individual’s senses which includes both hearing and sight and results in reduced muscles coordination and slowed reaction rate which is not an appropriate driving combination (Klaas 1). Annual thousands of vehicle accidents driven by drunk’s results in grief and tragedy which makes drunk driving to be the top most automobile accidents causes.

Drunk driving mainly occurs by the influence of environmental as well as the social surrounding. This refers to the surrounding in which one is raised. Growing up in families where drinking is not a major issue tends to instill the thought that drunk driving is not harmful. Young individuals normally engage in experimental things based on curiosity and in this context drunk driving is no exemption (McPhate 1). The society wants everyone to fit in modernity and thus this pressure forces most individuals to engage in such unlawful behaviors. Based on the recent statistics individuals with drinking issues are the probable drunk drivers. This is because the lack of adequate control on alcohol urge also affects the capability of not opting to drive after intoxication. The social surrounding can shape an individual’s belief given that most have engaged in such acts and there is not a single accident that has occurred (Klaas 1). This, therefore, generates the perception that drunk driving is never wrong after all. However, driving skills can never be categorized as competent to permit one to engage in drunk driving.

Drunk driving is linked to both economic as well as social effects. To start with, drunk driving leads to emotional destruction. Fatal accidents take lives of beloved individuals which then denies them any opportunity of retaining their connection with families. This normally results to grieving by the society in general for the loss that has occurred (McPhate 1). In addition, it turns to be highly expensive for the society given that the injured individuals necessitate expensive medical treatments which strain families financially. A number of these family members are also forced to abandon their income generating operations and focus on offering care based on the high dependency level (McPhate 1). Most of those that are affected are the providers in this families thus they are affected are then subjected to poverty due to the loss of financial sources.

An additional economic effect of drunk driving is that it accidents occurrences leads to reduced productivity within the working institutions. In that, the organizations lose some of the most products persons in mortalities or injuries that hinder their capabilities to be operative (Leonhardt 1). In this context families and employers are the most affected one given that they are required to be participative in health expenses for the affected group. Productivity loss is a prime strain to the economic sector given that the entire performance is negatively affected and the loss additionally creates emotional trauma among workers (Leonhardt 1). Low economic production decreases the state’s developmental authority given that the government is forced to spend most of the acquired revenue towards health services and health campaigns that seek to enlighten the public of the general effects of drunk driving. Rather than utilizing taxpayers funds in activities that seek to create public progress the funds are distributed amid the affected persons which affect the communities in general.

In short, the tendency to drive whereas drunk might lead to various undesirable and devastating consequences. For one, it has been established to be the leading accidents cause. A driver under alcohol influence has the highest probability of causing accidents when compared to the sober ones. Death and injuries are the highest reported effects in most cases globally additional to financial and emotional destruction caused by drunk driving accidents (Leonhardt 1). For the ones that are lucky to escape death they are bound to suffer injuries that might include total or fractional disability. An additional effect of this conduct is that factually,  when one is caught engaging in drunk driving this then creates a negative legal record and consequently, their repute is destroyed which might hinder them some important economic opportunities (Leonhardt 1). They are thus forced to exist with guilt of their action and the harm that they caused to self and to others.

Based on the devastating effects that are caused by drunk driving, it is essential to account for a number of solutions to effectively eliminate drunk driving incidents which will in turn lower traffic accidents. The existing laws and control measures should be changed given that they have not attained efficiency despite lowering accidents rate in the recent years (AIC 1). The first feasible solution being projected is the provision of education. There is a growing need for educating citizens on the consequences, the causes and the need for driving under zero or low intoxication. This will help in the creation of better understanding on the fact that drunk driving is never to be utilized as a travel option because it can be fatal and dangerous for the road utilizers (AIC 1). Drinking is something that is hard to control given that individuals are subjected to privileges on making decisions regarding their drinking. However, through education the public can understand that drinking is not the issue rather they should opt for designated drivers in guarding their own safety and that of others.

Having a nominated driver is useful as this individuals is willing to safely ensure that everyone is driven to their home location. Designated drivers normally prevents impaired driving that might have potentially resulted in accidents despite their significance being highly ignored amongst individuals (Lerner 1). This is achieved at zero costs given that the selected drivers understands his or her friends better. In this case, the most suitable decision that drank individuals should make is to take a taxi that will take them home thus guaranteeing more traffic safety (CDC 1). In addition, individuals can opt to spend some hours or nights in the nearest location to their drinking spot to travel on a later period. However, education is argued by most as being ineffective given that most of those that practices drunk driving are educated persons (Lerner 1). In this context they hold a clear visual of the consequences but are ignorant of the results. In reality education plays a crucial part in informing and asserting a number of crucial aspects such as the effects which can never be achieved via the implementation of strict regulation measures (McPhate 1).

In addition, to education alcohol consumption limit and higher age for drinking which should be set in the quest of discouraging drunk driving. The prime drinking controversy lies on when individuals should engage in drinking (Wald 1). Most of the individuals that engage in drunk driving are between 17 and 25 years (FFAAR 1). Given that individuals below 21 years are still involved in both physical as well as emotional development the age can be increased. Drunk driving effects are higher on younger individuals based on their inability to make sound decision on the grounds of peer pressure and the need to fit in modernity. The belief that drinking is not an issue because abusive drinking is the prime issue is not true given that just a single drink can result in severe damages (Hunter and O’Connor 1).

Drunk drinking is an issue that resist the general application of simplified and strict regulation measures. Most of those caught drunk driving are repetitive offenders and despite the heavy penalties implementation the act is still on the rise (Lerner 1). Training programs and awareness campaigns should be created on the implications of such actions and measures fairness should be distributed equally to ensure that individual’s rights are guarded as a violation may encourage repeated behavior. Promoting education social programs and limiting alcohol intake is an effective approach which can be implemented in relation to accidents reduction. Education is an effective approach given that it seeks to eradicate the misassumptions that it is interesting and skillful to engage in driving under alcohol influence. This is a measure that has in the past demonstrated effective progress among young individuals as they tend to understand more practical and assertive practices (Klaas 1). This is because education is more convincing and persuasive given that it addresses their needs and those of the public in general.

Conclusion

Drunk driving remains to be a significant community issue in the contemporary society. It is apparent that most of the road fatalities accounting to about forty five percent are a result of intoxicated driving. Despite that that been achieved by governmental and non-governmental institutions in the recent years drunk driving is affecting individuals lives. Drunk driving does not just hold health and financial effects given that it has emotional and mental effects as well. More families are affected financially and psychologically every year due to drunk driving. Environmental, education and social forces are the major causes of the rising rate of drunk driving accidents. There is no single individual that is competent to drive while drunk given that alcohol affects concentration, eye sight, hearing, coordination and the rate of reaction. Most of the prior strategies to curb the practices have mainly been grounded on strict legislation. However, it is clear that education and limiting alcohol consumption rate are some feasible solutions that are cost efficient, convenient, fast to implement, flexible and effective in changing individual’s behavior and perception.

Work Cited

AIC. Effective Drink Driving Prevention and Enforcement Strategies: Approaches To Improving Practice. 2014. Retrieved from http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/tandi/461-480/tandi472.html

CDC. What Works: Strategies To Reduce Or Prevent Drunk Driving? 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/strategies.html

Fairfield, Hannah. Young Drivers and Alcohol: A Deadly Mix. 2013. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/28/science/young-drivers-and-alcohol-a-deadly-mix.html

FFAAR. Stop impaired Driving. 2017. Retrieved from https://responsibility.org/stop-impaired-driving/

Hunter Adam and O’Connor Kevin. Sask. Doesn’t See Drunk Driving As A Problem Until Someone Actually Dies’: MADD. 2016. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/one-in-five-ok-drinking-driving-over-short-distances-1.3739462

Klaas, Perri. When Teenagers Drink, Avoiding The Risks From Driving.2017. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/27/well/family/when-teenagers-drink-avoiding-the-risks-from-driving.html

Leonhardt, David. A Public-Health Crisis That We Can Fix. 2017. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/07/opinion/a-public-health-crisis-that-we-can-fix.html

Lerner, Barron. Friends Still Let Friends Drive Drunk. 2011. Retrieved from https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/friends-still-let-friends-drive-drunk/

Lerner, Berron. Cracking Down On Drinking And Driving. 2013. Retrieved from https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/cracking-down-on-drinking-and-driving/

McPhate, Mike. Fewer Young People Are Drinking And Driving, Study Says. 2015. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/12/health/teen-drinking-and-driving-cdc.html

Taylor, Lawrence, and Steven Oberman. Drunk Driving Defense: [hauptbd.]. New York, NY: Aspen Publishers, 2006. Print.

Wald, Matthew. States Urged To Cut Limit on Alcohol for Drivers. 2013. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/us/legal-limit-drunken-driving-safety-board.html

Becoming deviant

Internalization is a significant part in which we understand part of our culture being part of us especially when we relate it to our values and the norms. Internalization of the social norms is specifically important since it allows us to get acquainted with the cultures and the norms of our traditions. This helps the society to behave in accordance with the values that are expected and not relying on being monitored all the times (Traxler, 2010). Social interaction is also very important as it allows the society or individuals to build according to the social roles and responsibilities. A person may feel very comfortable doing certain acts in a particular group compared to another group where he or she is not a member. People have varying choices and this leads to different ideologies. Both social controls are very important as they allow a person to behave according to the expected values in regards to the societal expectations this being a group.

The biological theory identifies that a person can have the deviance behavior due to the biological makeup of the person. Some people are identified to have the biological makeup of being criminals and they remain that way for long (Rock, 2014). Inherited type of deviance is basically the behavior one gets from either the family or from the society. Certain characters develop such behaviors at a tender age and this leads to the person behaving in that manner. Inherited type of deviance behavior can be corrected to ensure that the person does according to the majority accepted behaviors. This can be done through initiating new behaviors and changing the characters of the person completely. Having a good mentor can help develop good behaviors accordingly.

References

Rock, P. (2014). Deviant Behaviour (Routledge Revivals). Routledge.

Traxler, C. (2010). Social norms and conditional cooperative taxpayers. European Journal of Political Economy, 26(1), 89-103.

Nurture vs Nature

Deviant is the type of a manner or an action that is undesirable and which is unusual of the social and civilizing norms. A person with this kind of a behavior deviates from the expected and what is truly right in the society. Deviance can be termed as a violation of what is expected the society whereas a crime can be termed as an act that violates the laws of the land. Deviance in most cases can be a criminal act or a noncriminal act but crime will remain to be a criminal offense. The society has no jurisdiction on dealing with deviance but the government of the land has the power and authority to deal with crime. Earlier on, prostitution and indecent wearing were considered to be a crime but with the change in time, they are now considered to be deviance but not a crime (Akers, 2011). Rape, murder and illicit relationships are crimes and certain laws have been formulated to ensure that people follow them strictly.

An example of a case that involves deviant behaviors is an occasion where an individual was caught by the authorities having dyed his hair in a particular style that was assumed to signify hatred to a certain community. This character was picked up on the streets by the police for questioning since he looked suspicious only to be found very innocent from the records (Goode & Ben-Yehuda, 2010). In the real sense dyeing, the hair is not a criminal offense and no laws forbid a person from having any hair styles but remain a deviant behavior to the society. Having a particular coded hair style is a behavior that is culturally wrong and therefore not a criminal offense since no laws forbid such acts.

References

Akers, R. L. (2011). Social learning and social structure: A general theory of crime and   deviance. Transaction Publishers.

Goode, E., & Ben-Yehuda, N. (2010). Moral panics: The social construction of deviance. John    Wiley & Sons.

Gender

1. The reproductive policies adopted in U.S do not appear to be driven by a sincere concern for the welfare of children both physical and emotional but by an attempt to define the qualities of a good mother. However , the punitive measures put in place by some states in regard to substance abuse in pregnancy period seem to be aimed at protect the child and not targeting women. The measures cannot be said to be biased against women of color since they are not the only target.
2. The sentiments by Kathleen Garson describes those of many fathers with a wish to be involves but cannot since their value is placed more on their success at work and provision for the families. My family and background involves fathers who have been trying to get involved even if the family cannot be complete egalitarian. With attitude of many parents seems to have embraced more involvement of fathers as the market is becoming more gender sensitive in employment (Gerson, 2009). “House hubbies” cannot fully describe fatherhood involvement whose sentiment basically considers having a balance between work and family.
3. Graff interpretation of contemporary marriage depicts how the current society views marriage. Marriage is no longer about families but two individuals who have come together driven by love and decided to live together and experienced an ultimate expression of love. They form a union that is basically recognized by law that describes protections, rights and obligations of the parties involved.
4. I agree with cultural feminism since it calls for inclusion of women in the process of decision making while at the same time recognizing the difference between gender - where women are inherently more nurturing and caring especially in terms of bringing up children (Gill, 2006). The definitions of the three kinds of feminisms have enhanced my understanding that feminisms involves a belief that women should be provided with equal opportunities, rights and even treatment. This is in contrast to my previous understanding the feminism involve women wanting to be self-sufficient.
5. The media has made feminism to be viewed as a bodily property instead of a social and psychological structural aspect. Women are normally exposed to higher cultural pressures than men in regard to possessing a sexy body mostly due to objectification if their bodies (Gill, 2006). Expecting that a woman should fit into a cultural standard of having a ‘sexy’ body is a quite narrow perception of attractiveness since personality plays a big role in defining someone. Even so, diversity in types of body exists and should not be the only measure of attractiveness.
6. The existing pay gap between childless women and mothers and men and women calls for concerted efforts to ensure that gender equality is achieved in the workplace. Policies should be adopted requiring that employers show clearly how employees are paid so that the gap in payment seen well. Though I haven’t experienced discrimination on the basis of gender, I have seen it being manifested where men get promoted more than women.
7. Neoliberalism is driven by the aspect of competition as part of human relations and which has seen the privatization of many public services (Monbiot, 2016). Despite its benefits, it has led to collapse of social pillars such as poverty, public education and poverty and such crises. The government through policies should get more involved in regulation of discriminations by employers against parents to avoid increase in salary gaps. The Scandinavian model of offering funded family programs would be better than existing neoliberal environment if there would be an increase in taxes and improvement in social benefits that would enable parents to spend more times with their young children.

References

Gerson, K. (2009, December). Changing lives, resistant institutions: A new generation negotiates gender, work, and family change. In Sociological Forum (Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 735-753). Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Gill, R. (2006). Gender and the media. Cambridge [u.a.: Polity.25-27

Bosworth, M., & Flavin, J. (2007). Race, gender, and punishment: From colonialism to the war on terror. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press.

Monbiot, G. (2016). Neoliberalism–the ideology at the root of all our problems. The Guardian, 15(04).

Social change

Social change is one of the most important factors to consider in an organization that wants to be successful in terms of offering services and having a good relationship with the staff. In the public sector, managers can be agents of social change by developing a clear vision with the staff. Having a clear vision is important as it allows the staff members be involved in formulating plans and successful deals for an organization. Leaders can also embrace social change through involving other people in the decision-making process to show everyone that they all matter in functions to do with the business (Page, 2007).  In cases of showing authority, leaders can be patient and enquire in a simple and precise way that indicates humbleness and willing to help in any way they can. In the public sector, during offering services they should show concern for their junior partners in order to create an environment of harmony.

An example is one of the managers in the public sector who has lead to the social change of the organization. He has been on the front line in fighting for the collaboration of the members of the various departments he heads. Being committed to the work and the duties of allocated to each personnel has enabled other people to emulate his actions (Kelly & Lewis, 2009). Having some conscious about other people is important as it makes work easier and comfortable for others to associate with. Values of other people have increased accordingly when leaders show some social change. In this environment, working has been comfortable and friendly as all have embraced the culture of social change in every sector that a person works.

References

Kelly, D., & Lewis, A. (2009). Human service sector nonprofit organization’s social impact. Business Strategy Series, 10(6), 374–382.

Page, S. E. (2007). Making the difference: Applying a logic of diversity. Academy of Management Perspectives, 21(4), 6–20. 

Title: Poverty Eradication Project in Atlanta

Program Duration: Approximately 8months

Problem Statement: Per capita income decrease is a contributing factor to the poverty which has increased the cost of living in the community through lack of proper infrastructure caused by poor governance.

Goal: Eradicate poverty at all levels through education and proper infrastructure.

Objective 1: The objective is to implement a strategy where there will be an equal distribution of resources in order to level the population and the kind of workforce opportunities available.

Objective 2: To improve the learning facilities in the suburbs as this will allow the community to get educated and even start their own businesses instead of depending on the government and foreign aid to provide them with jobs or food.

Inputs:

• Establishing a site for the commencement of the project.
• Government funding and the dedication of the community to grow.
• Financial aid from the well-wishers and the general society.
• Establish a working schedule for the community.

Output:

• Actions required in this project include the dedication and contribution of every concerned party to meet the goals of the projects.
• Encourage the community to get involved in making the best of the project such as using the available resources to create a living.
• Encouraging through working together the need for having children who attend school.
• Through having a work schedule, there is a controlled working condition making it easier for the project to be a success.  

Outcome:

• Quality education for the children.
• Job opportunities for the society.
• A reduction in the number of school dropouts.
• A reduction in the area being overpopulated.
• Good governance in terms of the resources injected into the society.

Gender

Introduction

‘Male’ is a gender identity which is socially constructed and masculinity are behaviors and culture which creates a gap between male and female gender identity. Gender socialization arises when men have their masculine expectations and gender roles in the society. Kimmel asserts  that  in the hierarchy of manhood, all men  embraces a  hegemonic masculinity  which is characterized with elements such as  being aggressive, not socializing with femininity, being highly sexual and showing heterosexuality. In addition, men have hegemonic standards as they believe that women have a low social ladder in the society and so they perform heroic deeds to show off their manhood.  The point to understand is that hegemonic masculinity promotes heterosexuality and homophobia since heterosexual men use perception and puts culture pressure than gay men are unacceptable in the society as they do not possess gender masculine attributes.

Kimmel asserts that American masculinity is characterized with aggression, anxiety and more and these traits are apparent in public sphere. Given that manhood is tested and weighed in marketplace, this means that culture definition of different groups is valued with power relations. In the society, masculinity is unequal in that white and middle class masculinity have the standards which are used to measure and weigh other forms of manhood (Kimmel, N.D). For example, Erving Goffman defines American manhood by focusing on a scenario where all American men are expected to look like a certain young, white and heterosexual man with college education level and fully employed (Kimmel, N.D). Failure to adhere to these qualification mean  that  there is no manhood but rather the person is defined as inferior and unworthy or in  other words, this is a hegemonic masculinity where manhood or ‘real men’  are those who have power, strong and capability. Since this is a culture defining, all men are required to embrace these culture symbols (Kimmel, N.D).

  In order to understand how masculinity is associated with homophobia and sexism, the author asserts that it is important to understand that men present a homosocial enactment. This means that in the realm of manhood, men scrutinize other men to measure the success and achievement. It is common that men like boasting to other men to show their wealth, authority, status and power. The author states that ‘what men need is men’s approval’ (Kimmel, N.D). However, sexism is a key element which forces men to prove their manhood since in this case, they undervalue women only to be granted the manhood. The author introduces homophobia by asserting that the homosocial enactment creates fear. This means that in hegemonic masculinity, men understand the social hierarchy and the social nature of masculinity. In addition, men must show dominance in the patriarchal gender society. Gay men develop the fear of being afraid of other men and fear of being labeled as ‘unreal men’. By being ashamed, gay men remain silent to make their system run smoothly. However, gay men experience gender boundaries and are being unmasked and experience stereotype (Kimmel, N.D). They struggle to prove they are ‘real men’ and go through hardships such as health risk and social humiliation. These men often do not get access to power in the real world. The appalling is that they end up committing suicide due to the shame of humiliation and personal failure. Men fear being laughed at regardless of their struggle to show masculine behaviors (Kimmel, N.D).

 Note that in 19^thcentury, gender difference was apparent between Europeans and American men where the latter was viewed as vigorous and manly while Europeans were seen as corrupt, helpless men and less than manly. Native Americans were also excluded from manhood since they were foolish and naïve. In other words, immigrants who were unreal men were called ‘hyphenated and since this period, gay men have been described as sexually insatiable and they developed fear of other men (Kimmel, N.D). Other important point is that gay men are entitled to feel that they are powerful but they do not feel the power simply because they are labeled as powerless. It is true that masculinity is defined by homophobia and sexism because, in American society, there are manhood rules which make gay men to be discriminated and to become victims of sexism (Kimmel, N.D). Gay men struggle with fear by breaking the social power over women. In addition, they struggle with the politics of exclusion by trying to show their gender identity. However, their masculinity is characterized with homophobia and sexism they live an insecure life full of threats, exclusion, sexual harassment and more. The author tries to show that there is a gender stereotype between gay men and other men. This means in American society, gender is culturally and constructed and the social construction creates the hegemonic masculinity and gives men the power and authority (Kimmel, N.D). In modern American society, heterosexual individuals enjoy the benefit of hegemonic masculinity than gay men. In addition, gay men or homosexuals experience negative attitudes or homophobia such as prejudices and stereotypes. Gender difference is apparent in that men like committing assaults to gay men than women (Kimmel, N.D). Gay men experience both personal and institutional hostility and they experience stigmatization in their life. In American society, heterosexism is a principle which is used to identify fear and uneasiness in measuring manhood. This principle creates gender difference and hierarchy system where heterosexism is strengthened in all institutions (Kimmel, N.D). Given that masculinity is defined by homophobia and sexism, it is important to note that heterosexism alienates power and promotes sexism in homosexual. Heterosexual men believe that the role of gender hegemony is to control the women’s’ body and to exert power and control over their lives (Kimmel, N.D). In addition, men should show sexual activities toward women in order to maintain the patriarchal power relations.

 I agree with  Kimmel’s definition of masculinity because, first  it is important to understand that gay men in American society are less accepted and are seen as less masculine.  To reinforce the heterosexual dominance, gay men experience homophobia and sexism and they are excluded in all institutions (Kimmel, N.D). Second,  to identify  real men, certain  trains  such as appearance, activity  and  more are expected and failure to  present these quality  indicates that certain groups is not  adhering to the gender norms  and in this case gay men  appears to be unreal men. In American society, homophobia and sexism affect gay men especially when are they forced to adhere to rules which are against their nature (Kimmel, N.D).  As a result of homophobia and sexism, gay men feel ashamed, hopeless, voiceless, socially rejected and powerless which diminished their role a ‘real men’. The fear of humiliation creates the gender difference since homophobia in American society labels gay men as unreal men (Kimmel, N.D). The society views real men with the perspective of behaviors and failure to present behaviors that the society expects creates sexism and insecurity. To be a real man, men are expected to embrace power and authority and gay men in this case are victims of ‘oppressive male socialization’ and they are develops a self-fulfilling victimization.

 Conclusion

 In American society, masculinity is defined with respect to the behaviors. In addition, there are some qualities which society expects to define individual as ‘real men’. For example, men are expected to have power and authority over women and in all institution, men expresses the power so that their manhood can approved. Hyper masculinity contributes to homophobia and sexism since gay men do not show characters such as toughness which are expected by the society. In American society, there are male stereotypical gender roles which define homosexuals as unreal men. For manhood to be approved, men compete with others men political power and acting in certain manner. This competition helps to identify unreal men in that gay men will have the ability and power to compete with man and they often express fear.

Reference

Kimmel S. Michael. MASCULINITY AS HOMOPHOBIA Fear Shame and Silence in the Construction of Gender Identity.  Retrieved from: http://sites.middlebury.edu/soan191/files/2013/08/KimmelMasculinityasHomophobia.pdf

Damned Human Race

The reading is basically speaking about the human race, which is thought to be a higher animal, whereas it is the lowest animal. According to the author, human beings tend to do the opposite of what they are thought to actually be. When all animal are combined, human beings become the only animals which can turn against each other, for their own self-interests. This consequently shows how human beings have turned against each other, in order to be able to enrich themselves (Mark, (n.p)). The author has consequently provided solid evidence, which explains why he regards human beings as the lower animals.

The author has used descriptive style of writing, in order to provide clear evidence to back his claims. This has therefore seen the author providing examples between human beings and other animals, whereby he compares the actions of human beings to that of the animals (Mark, (n.p)). For instance, the story whereby hunters killed seventy two buffaloes, only to eat one living the seventy one buffaloes to rot. In a different scenario, the other forced seven calves into an anaconda cage, and the anaconda attacked and killed one calf before slipping away. In the two scenarios, the author therefore shows how animals reason as compared to human beings, making human beings to be the lower animals. Throughout the reading, the author has used lots of scenarios in order to explain his claims.

The introduction and the conclusion of the reading is very clear, in that the introduction introduces the reader to the discussion. The introduction hooks the reader, simply because it begins with a sentence where the author asks if today’s newspaper feature information about people fighting in any part of the world (Mark, (n.p)). This line hooks the reader, through making the reader to be very curious about such information. The conclusion has summarised the discussions of the paper, thus showing how the author was able to back up his claims.

Work Cited

Mark Twain. The Damned Human Race.

Introduction to Sociology

Culture refers to all the shared society products both material and immaterial, and includes the totality of behavior that is learnt and passed on to others. Normally, culture defines values and norms that exist within a given society and it’s rare for any society to exist without an established culture. In the past, culture in society defined the traditions such as religion and rituals that guided human behavior and co-existence with one another. Human beliefs formed part of the past culture guided the actions taken by people, with an aim obtaining basic needs like food and shelter and in withstanding challenges from the environment (Macionis,2017). Taboos and religious believes placed limit on human behavior and actions in relation to how to relate to the others and the environment. The established traditions in any culture could help in enhancing choices while preventing undermining negative life choices.

 Presently, culture defines the identity of a given society, nation and even organizations in regard to human association. It serves as a basic root in a given community and it plays an important role in determining successful human relations and even performance of organizations (Macionis, 2017). In a world where human connection and relations is seen to open up opportunities in the current society, culture is seen as an important driving force.

 Culture offers solutions to various critical problems facing individuals, communities and even organizations. It conditions human to think beyond oneself at a time when people are drawn towards individualism. Like in the past, culture is currently seen as determining human behavior and actions and setting limits for the same depending on the situation and place

Reference

Macionis, J.  (2017). Society the basics. Hoboken. NJ:  Pearson Education.4 Ed.