Identity in contemporary society Essay

How does class influence identity in contemporary society?The class structure involves some degree of shaping our identities. Income and paid work are important sources of individual and collective identity. Social class is a means of classifying the economic and social divisions of a society, which involve some degree of inequality. For example classifying some people as poor, working class or middle class. We may adopt or contest these representations. People define their economic position through ideas about the incomes and opportunities of others, therefore identities are influenced by income, whether we imagine peoples incomes to be in the middle or if we see it as between the rich and poor. There are two main traditions within the concept of social class and its effect on identity. These traditions are in the works of Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Max Weber (1864-1920). While they differ in the understanding of class and society, they share views on classes structured out of economic relationships. The Marxist theory of class shows that the class a person belongs to is a fundamental part of their identity. For Marx, society generated two main classes, a capital-owning class and a property less class. They called these the ruling class and the working class or the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Class is rooted in the economic organization of production i.e. those groups who own factories, farms, coal mines or raw materials. These groups look after their own interests, live in similar surroundings and send their children to similar schools. Marx believed that class consciousness is particularly important to our understanding of identity. This is an awareness of a shared class interest and the existence of classes with opposing interests. Class consciousness would emerge through solidarity and collective action. For Marx, the key factor is private ownership of economic resources. Max Webers theory saw class as important when forming an identity. Weber saw class as a group of individuals who have certain interests in common; this  is known as market position, for example having similar opportunities for earning income through work or trade. Weber recognised that status is also important within social groups. Status is the different amounts of prestige, honour or social standing that is attached to different social groups. So where we live, manner of speech, our schooling and leisure habits decide our social class. This would suggest maybe status could have as much influence on identity as class. Webers theories would suggest that although, like Marx, agreed that different classes exist, Status was the key factor in deciding our identities and which group we belong to. Class is becoming more diverse with wider reference points within the structures. Some sociologists have gone as far as to say class is dead; (Pakulski and Waters, 1996), although a survey in 1996 showed that two thirds of those interviewed felt that there is one law for the rich and one for the poor (Adonis and Pollard, 1998, p.11)Sociologists and political scientists have argued that there has been a shift from collective to individual identities and also a shift from occupation to consumption patterns. It was argued that well paid working class were adopting middle class values, therefore eroding class identity. A study at Vauxhalls Luton car plant (Goldthorpe et al., 1969), on car workers attitudes and class identity showed signs of a fragmenting working-class identity and a new one developing. This would suggest that work based identities are becoming less important. The change in employment structures as well as job stability has maybe caused this shift. Peter Saunders put forward that consumption and lifestyle are now more important in shaping identities than occupation-based class. He argued that there was a growing division between those who could satisfy their consumption needs, through housing, cars and private health care and those who relied on public transport and state provided housing and health care. Saunders was criticized for being unable to prove that consumption influences peoples identities. To conclude, social class can provide us with a sense of belonging and how we can relate to the world around us. Who we are and what we do and have, change over time and economic structures such as inequality have an effect on our ideas of who we are and can be. However, although societies exist and function within class structures it does not mean that all members of that society identify with a class. It seems as class is becoming more diverse, it is becoming less important within identity as individuality becomes more valued and encouraged. REFERENCE Adonis, A. and Pollard, S. (1998) A Class Act, Harmondsworth, Penguin. Goldthorpe, J., Lockwood, D., Bechhoffer, F. and Platt, J. (1969) The Affluent Worker: Industrial Attitudes and Behaviour, Cambridge, Cambridge University PressPakulski, J. and Waters, M. (1996) The Death of Class, London, Sage.

Free Essays on Total Quality Management And Army Planning

Although their applications vary greatly, the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to problem solving closely resembles the approach used by military personnel while planning rapid response missions. These missions entail service personnel conducting specialized military operations from US. Army units; a good example of one such mission was the rescue of pilot Mike Durant, whose Blackhawk was shot down over Mogadishu in 1997 (Bowden 108). A great strength of TQM is its focus on a structured approach to problem solving and decision making. A disciplined approach is also employed by Army personnel as they plan rapid response rescue missions–missions that are inherently complicated and involve a great deal of coordination among many people. Although having a structured approach to problem solving or mission planning is not a novel concept, the power of both TQM and rapid response rescue planning is that by adhering to established procedure, each procedure minimizes the time spent in the process while, more importantly, maximizing the yield of the results (Army vol. 1). Soldiers who plan and execute rapid response rescue missions are typically on board helicopters underway in a theater of operations–for example, Southwest Asia or the African nations. Primarily, these soldiers make up a forward-deployed conventional force that enhances regional stability. In addition, these personnel comprise a variety of rapid response forces that answer a need for immediate small-scale military and humanitarian operations. In this vein, they have the mandate of being able to commence the execution of a given mission within six hours from initial notification (Army vol.1). The type and scope of missions can vary considerably and, although the soldiers continually train, being able to plan and execute any mission successfully within only six hours is challenging. To this end, the leaders have developed a set of standard planning procedures calle... Free Essays on Total Quality Management And Army Planning Free Essays on Total Quality Management And Army Planning Although their applications vary greatly, the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to problem solving closely resembles the approach used by military personnel while planning rapid response missions. These missions entail service personnel conducting specialized military operations from US. Army units; a good example of one such mission was the rescue of pilot Mike Durant, whose Blackhawk was shot down over Mogadishu in 1997 (Bowden 108). A great strength of TQM is its focus on a structured approach to problem solving and decision making. A disciplined approach is also employed by Army personnel as they plan rapid response rescue missions–missions that are inherently complicated and involve a great deal of coordination among many people. Although having a structured approach to problem solving or mission planning is not a novel concept, the power of both TQM and rapid response rescue planning is that by adhering to established procedure, each procedure minimizes the time spent in the process while, more importantly, maximizing the yield of the results (Army vol. 1). Soldiers who plan and execute rapid response rescue missions are typically on board helicopters underway in a theater of operations–for example, Southwest Asia or the African nations. Primarily, these soldiers make up a forward-deployed conventional force that enhances regional stability. In addition, these personnel comprise a variety of rapid response forces that answer a need for immediate small-scale military and humanitarian operations. In this vein, they have the mandate of being able to commence the execution of a given mission within six hours from initial notification (Army vol.1). The type and scope of missions can vary considerably and, although the soldiers continually train, being able to plan and execute any mission successfully within only six hours is challenging. To this end, the leaders have developed a set of standard planning procedures calle...

Free Essays on Population Control Is Needed

Population Control is Needed Brenda Platt paper lobal Warming and Population explores ways in which population growth could cause global warming, and if population control should be a central strategy in stabilizing global environmental change. Platt illustrates how population growth is a factor through the increase in resources, which creates an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. She also uses arguments from other authors (Ehrlich vs. Simon debate) to give an insight into others opinions. I believe the information given is not enough to make a decision on population control, which is needed. Platt essay gives more than enough evidence on how we are creating global warming through overpopulation, but the essay needed to include more on what will happen if our global population isn taken into consideration. This information was important to include: here are good physical reasons to suggest that more intense storms (hurricanes) could result from global warming some researchers believe that global warming is foreshadowing a coming ice-age. and the ultimate end of existence of Earth and man (geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/global.html). In conclusion, Platt believes that population control should not be considered the central strategy in protecting the global environment. She believes that we should be creating family planning programs to empower women to make rational choices for themselves and their families. All countries are of different religions and beliefs and there will always be an individual or group who does not accept certain controls. I believe that every country should enforce a plan of action to change population control and with an outcome of changing the direction to which our planet is heading.... Free Essays on Population Control Is Needed Free Essays on Population Control Is Needed Population Control is Needed Brenda Platt paper lobal Warming and Population explores ways in which population growth could cause global warming, and if population control should be a central strategy in stabilizing global environmental change. Platt illustrates how population growth is a factor through the increase in resources, which creates an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. She also uses arguments from other authors (Ehrlich vs. Simon debate) to give an insight into others opinions. I believe the information given is not enough to make a decision on population control, which is needed. Platt essay gives more than enough evidence on how we are creating global warming through overpopulation, but the essay needed to include more on what will happen if our global population isn taken into consideration. This information was important to include: here are good physical reasons to suggest that more intense storms (hurricanes) could result from global warming some researchers believe that global warming is foreshadowing a coming ice-age. and the ultimate end of existence of Earth and man (geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/global.html). In conclusion, Platt believes that population control should not be considered the central strategy in protecting the global environment. She believes that we should be creating family planning programs to empower women to make rational choices for themselves and their families. All countries are of different religions and beliefs and there will always be an individual or group who does not accept certain controls. I believe that every country should enforce a plan of action to change population control and with an outcome of changing the direction to which our planet is heading....

Case Treetop Forest Products Essay Example for Free

Case Treetop Forest Products Essay Identification (20%) Facts, assumptions and problem identification Building-grade lumber industry is competitive and product being sold is not differential; only differentiation is due to product packaging and presentation. Product packaging is biggest factor when buyers are making a purchasing decision between buying from Treetop or competitors. Over the last 2 years, Treetop has declined in ratings for package of lumber products as a result lost customers to competitors . Treetop has six departments: boom, sawmill, planer, packaging, shipping, and maintenance. All other departments have a supervisor; however, packaging department does not have one designated supervisor. Possible solution is to convert one of the workers to supervisor, or dedicate a supervisor 100% of the time to packaging To solve the issue supervisor from sawmill and planer deparments cover the shifts. Due to distance between sawmill and planing divisions, the supervisors are unable given full attention to the operations of the packaging division. (assumption) Distance cause the supervisor to visit the departments not as often as they should. Productivity in 3 divisions remained constant, Sawmill and planing division productivity increased; however, productivity decreased in packaging department and caused the following: Stockpile up Risk of damaged stock increased the inventory cost Cost Competitiveness suffered due to management placing additional employees from other divisions to solve the backlog issue faced by packaging department. Packaging department run two shifts – morning and afternoon Productivity level of afternoon shifts is less than morning shift employees Reason behind the decreased in productivity level in the department is due to following: Employees takes extended lunch and coffee breaks Leave few min early, specially afternoon shift Reallocation of temporary employees from different productive departments also follow the same practise after being in the packaging department for few days. Based on the case facts, organizational effectiveness and productivity is being effected by the in place practises of Packaging  Department. Following two major problems should be resolved to overcome the issues faced by Treetop: Packaging department’s employees are effecting the working habits of other department employees. Department wide meeting communicating the company values, performance issues of packaging department, statististics proving decline in packaging, and initiatives to stop extended lunches, coffee breaks, leaving few minutes early especially in afternoon shift Produce daily backlog reports showing increase in backlog and spoilage statistics. Use negative consequences (firing), within union contract. and positive rewards based on production and quality targets being met. Methods and implementation of rewards can be determined by using Nominal Group Technique (variation of brain storming)- 1)silently and independently document their ideas, 2)collectively describe ideas to other team members without critique, and 3)silently ad independently evaluate the ideas presented Packaging division does not have a supervisor to oversee the operation on daily bases. This needs to change immediately. If costs can’t be justified, perhaps  ½ time position added, that also is in production the other half , or Bal The packaging department is mostly at fault for majority of the Treetop Forest Productions Ltd recent decline of organisational success, not only are the packaging employees at fault, but also management for not monitoring the situation more effectively. It’s vital for Treetop Forest Products to improve and maintain their competitive edge within the building grade timber industry to ensure future success of the organisation. If solutions are not implemented immediately, the success of the organisation will continue to decline, placing Treetop Forest Productions Ltd in an unfavourable position where recovery may be implausible. Tackling the major issues illustrated within the packaging department will commence a strong positive path towards the future success of the organisation, placing them in a competitive position once again. There are possible solutions that can assist with effectively and efficiently dealing with this issue. Firstly, supervision and leadership needs a major  improvement within the packaging sector. As illustrated within all other fully supervised departments, work is completed efficiently and to a high quality standard. By providing packaging employees with the same supervision and leadership, near guarantees a positive change within the packaging department. Employing a leader with a with a transformational approach to leadership concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standards and long term goals will help to improve the work ethic within the packaging department. A supervisor with transformational leadership involves an exceptional form of influence that moves followers to accomplish more that what is usually expected of them. Furthermore, by introducing a new leader, costs will decrease due to supervised workers and the decrease of overtime; it can be implemented quickly, improv e productivity and increase the equity of work. As also explained within the issues of the packaging department, there is a lack of employee motivation. This is demonstrated through the low quality of work produced, longer breaks and early finishing times. Its important for managers to understand that each and every individual employee will have a set of drives, needs, decisions and behaviours to be motivated. By following the below diagram, Treetop Forest Products managers can use this to understand different emotional responses and resulting needs in the same situation. promote group cohesiveness and a pleasant working environment. In the short term, upper management could host a meeting or assembly between all departments to make them feel interrelated and important to the company. This could be a great motivation for the employees. In the long term, group evaluations could be necessary to measure the group’s performance and to see if the actions taken are resolving the problems. supervisor of the department. Learned Needs Theory: The Learned Needs Theory has three â€Å"learned needs† that can be defined as the â€Å"Need for Achievement†, â€Å"Need for Power†, and the â€Å"Need for Affiliation†. A need is amplified or suppressed through self-concept, social norms, and past  experiences (Internet Center for Management and Business Administration, Inc., 2002), although needs can also be learned through training whether it be strengthening or weakening the need. The members of the packaging department could have been more aware of their needs whether it is affiliation, power, or achievement and if they were more aware of what was there, there could have been more motivation on the part of the members to excel. Also, with the appointment of an actual supervisor, instead of taking them from other departments, it could have ensured that these needs be amplified through some forms of friendly competition or rewards. The â€Å"Need for Power† is stated as the need to make an impact on others, influence others, change people or events, and make a difference in life. If this need was taught to the members of the packaging department by the supervisors of the other departments, there could be a chance someone internally would strive so much for the need of power that he or she would emerge as the leader in a department with a declining productivity level. Having the ability to control others is a very powerful characteristic which everyone strives for internally, so if this need was brought forward by executives there would be an increase in competition and drive between the members to claim that position of hierarchy in the department. The â€Å"Need for Achievement† is the need and desire for excellence, competition, challenging goals, and overcoming difficulties. With the simple action as a reward put forth throughout the company internally that the employees of each section could enjoy, it could ignite an employee’s need for achievement and desire for excellence which in turn could ignite the competition in every employee to achieve success like his or her fellow employee has. People strive for recognition and success and if this need was amplified in the employees who have made it clear that they want to enjoy the benefits that come from a high productivity level, and brought out of those who believe that they don’t need success, Treetop Forest Products could internally enjoy success of their own making their business profit at its maximum rate. The â€Å"Need for Affiliation† is defined as the need for individuals maintain close, intimate relationships, or approval of other people. If Treetop Forest Products could bring out this need in the packaging department by showing them how the other departments in the company get along which in turn brings the productivity level up within the  department. Although, the employees of the packaging do well of getting along with each other by performing bad habits such as leaving early or extending their breaks, if that could be  transformed through the training of good habits such as exceeding expected productivity levels and working hard, the affiliation that is present now could be that much stronger and emphasized in the department. Also, in addition to affiliation within the department, there is also the possibility with the rise of productivity level and affiliation within the The team has strong cohesion, but needs to be turned around. (employees transferred are confor ming to the team norms of lack of punctuality)† Norms are the informal rules and shared expectations that groups establish to regulate the bahavour of their members.† Padge 225 chapter 8 Canadian Org Behaviour . It has to be set as a rethink to the department and communicating the new norms and aligning the norms with the company goals and objectives is critical. Through these simple needs that can be taught or learned, Treetop Forest Products could experience not only success from their five already successful departments but from the packaging department as well. If amplified the packaging department would benefit from the affiliation they would gain from the other departments, the power that employees could possibly gain with the increase of productivity via promotions or recognition, and the rewards that the employees of the packaging could gain through increased productivity levels. If Treetop Forest Products were to implicate these two simple theories there is a possibility that the packaging department would no longer be a harmful unit but instead an asset that Treetop can rely on. Through the Situational Leadership Theory, Treetop has the opportunity to find a leader that can adapt to the group and individuals and convert the now declining productivity level of the packaging department to an increasing level of productivity like the f ive other departments in the company. With the Learned Needs Theory, Treetop has the ability to install the needs for achievement, power, and affiliation to the packaging department to encourage friendly competition between the employees while still steadily increasing the productivity levels of the  department. Conclusion: Treetop Forest Products and Westboard Co have been suffering the consequences of the lackluster performance from their packaging department since there is no authority figure to keep the employees on task and working hard to produce sellable products for Westboard. With the packaging department not having their own supervisor, Treetop has appointed the supervisors of the sawmill and planing department as the supervisors of the packaging department during their shifts. With the packaging department being in a different location then the sawmill and planing department, it has caused the supervisors to make the packaging department an afterthought and with the productivity levels of the packaging department decreasing it has shown. After evaluating the case of Treetop Forest Product and the issues with their packaging department, they have been using the Contingency Theory which states that there is no one best way of leading and that a leadership style that is effective in some situations may not be successful in others and that while a leader may be very effective at one place and point in time may become unsuccessful either when transplanted to another situation or when factors around t hem change. This was clear in the case of Treetop Forest Product’s case because  although the leaders were very effective with their own departments, increasing the productivity levels of their respective departments, when transferred over to the packaging department their effectiveness did not follow. Each leader has their own key characteristics that play a major part in how they lead, whether it is their personality, drive, emotional intelligence, self-concept, etc. so what may be high and effective in one leader and his or her department may not be high and effective in a different department’s leader. Since the sawmill and planing departments were so successful when implanted into a failing department, the situation as well as the effectiveness of the leader changed. Instead of the Contingency Theory, there were others that if Treetop were to implement it could have made the productivity level of the packaging department go up while creating a better atmosphere within the company. If Treetop were to take the leader who was most able to conform his or her leadership style to that of the packaging department instead of just taking the top two  departments supervisors without considering the important variables such as distance and drive, Treetop could have improved the situation within the packaging department. With these simple changes to the company, Treetop could have quite easily changed the atmosphere and effectiveness of the packaging department to better the profits and trust gained from Westboard. If Treetop were to dedicate an individual supervisor based on performance and authoritative qualities within the department instead of having an external employee take on the responsibility of turning the packaging department around, the chances of increasing the productivity level of the packaging department would increase which would not only benefit the department but Treetop Forest Products and Westboard Co. respectively. Case Treetop Forest Products. (2016, Sep 15).

How has education changed for the black community since 1963 Research Paper

How has education changed for the black community since 1963 - Research Paper Example The Americans referred to them as Negroes and worked as servants in their houses and farms. However, there existed no law to protect the Blacks, which made Massachusetts to take advantage and pass a statutory that declared all Blacks as slaves and forbid intermarriage with the Americans. This brought inequality in education among other aspects that the Blacks fight for to date. The big question one would ask is, if there are any changes that have occurred in the education for the blacks since 1963 after passing of the civil rights. Civil Rights After Abraham Lincoln took over the presidency, he abolished slavery but this did not mean that Blacks had equal rights with the Whites. It was until the year 1963 during the biggest ever demonstration in the history of America with about 250,000 people that segregation ceased a bit. It resulted in major gains for the blacks in education, social life, politically, legally and economically (â€Å"FAQs† web). In the year 1964, an act was passed that outlawed discrimination in public facilities. In addition, an anti- poverty law that ensured equal employment rights to all Americans and voting rights act were passed (â€Å"FAQs† web). Before this, there were diverse schools for the blacks and others for the whites and no white would join a Black school or vice versa. With the passing of these laws, racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional and any black or White child had a right to join a school of their choice. Besides the fight yielding equal educational opportunities for the blacks, it attained curriculum provisions. For the first time in history, curriculum included courses that taught the history of Black Americans as well as their contribution to the Americans history, the fruits. However, this did not last long because the Whites sent their children to private schools, reducing the prestige of public schools. The quest of inadequate education is not yet over since most Blacks cannot take their children to private schools. Does Racism affect Education Today? Black segregation remains, which has affected the education systems to date. Although decent housing is a basic right in America, many black Americans have to put up with poor housing because of unfair treatment. Some of the Black Americans can afford better housing but racism and bending of the law blocks them out. Therefore, they have to join their poor counterparts and rent houses in the ghettos with poor neighbourhoods. Apparently, housing is a major cause of educational differences between the poor and the rich. It is clear that the Blacks and the whites live in distinct neighbourhoods and thus attend nearby public or private schools. This has fostered differential treatment between the black schools and the Whites schools, reducing young Blacks’ chances to quality education and good jobs. For instance, a visit to a well-off public or private schools will lead to spotting up-to-date textbooks, comput ers, VCRs, and numerous curriculum activities to round out their education. On the other hand, public schools in the inner or poor estates use old textbooks, old equipment, and no special programmes. In the places where the whites and the Blacks attend the same schools, either race hangs around with those of their own (Wilmore web). Other Neighbourhood Challenges In addition, living in poor neighbourhood

Research to introduce telemedicine (eICU) to the hospital Annotated Bibliography

Research to introduce telemedicine (eICU) to the hospital - Annotated Bibliography Example The software also involve immediate access to all progress about patient plans of care, x-ray as well as notes that are useful to the patient. This helps hospitals in management because they minimize on costs since one intensivist is used in more that one hospital to offer the same service. The authors brings out the positive effects that telemedicine has in the intensive care unit. This is because this system has an audio-video patient monitoring and management system that has a design best suitable for intensive care unit and hence only few experts manage many hospitals. This source has a goal of ensuring that hospitals minimize costs for intensive care unit to increase financial gain of the hospital. This source is helpful because it brings out the financial benefits, which a hospital is likely to gain by adopting a system since experts can monitor it from a centralized location while dealing with patients who are in the ICU. This research paper is about a proposal of introducing telemedicine to hospitals. It contains annotated bibliography of nine references that relate to this proposal. Breslow, M., et al (2004): Effect of a multiple-site intensive care unit telemedicine program on clinical and economic outcomes: an alternative paradigm for intensivist staffing. Crit Care Med , 32:31–38 [1]. In this journal, the authors examine telemedicine in hospitals by looking at whether a corresponding remote intensive care unit, for care programs adopted by an integrated care delivery network though a commercial telemedicine and ICT (information communication technology), would enhance clinical and economical performance in ICUs. The authors have been able to carry out an important study, and have presented vital results to the study of telemedicine implementation in ICUs. In deed, this journal greatly helps in understanding this

Dinah Washington Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dinah Washington - Research Paper Example After starting to record with Apollo label, she was backed up by saxophonist Lucky Thompson in 1945. She later went solo but would occasionally record with other artists. 12. Dinah Washington made her living as a performer and through sales of her music. However, besides her music, she was also a shrewd business woman and she had apartments in Chicago, luxurious apartments in Manhattan and owned a hotel in Detroit. 13. Dinah Washington parents were Ollie Jones and Alice Williams. She was married seven times and her husbands included John Young (1942-1943), George Jenkins (1949), Walter Buchanan (1950), Eddie Chamblee (1957), Raphael Campos (1957), Horatio Malt (1959 – 1960), Jacky Hayes (1960), and Richard Lane (1963). From these marriages, she had two children including Robert Grayson and George Kenneth Jenkins. ‘What a Difference a Day Makes’- the song was composed in 1959 and was arguably one of her greatest songs. The song was rated the top ten in Billboards and she won a Grammy award for the best R&B record with the song. ‘Jazz sides’ was recorded in 1958 and is often referred as one of the most exciting performances by Dinah Washington. She did the song and featured other prominent artists including Quincy jones, Paul quinichette, Wynton Kelly, and Terry Gibbs. ‘Dinah jams’ was a song in an album that contains one of her best Jazz songs. The song was recorded as she performed live on stage. She performed together with Ben Webster, Clark Terry and Cannonball