Saudi Arabia economics

Functionalism Functionalist Perspective and Theory

Functionalism Functionalist Perspective and Theory The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. As such, it is a theory that focuses on the macro-level of social structure, rather than the micro-level of everyday life. Notable theorists include Herbert Spencer,  Talcott Parsons, and Robert K. Merton. Emile Durkheim The totality of beliefs and sentiments common to the average members of a society forms a determinate system with a life of its own. It can be termed the collective or creative consciousness. The Division of Labour (1893) Theory Overview Functionalism interprets each part of society in terms of how it contributes to the stability of the whole society. Society is more than the sum of its parts; rather, each part of society is functional for the stability of the whole. Durkheim actually envisioned society as an organism, and just like within an organism, each component plays a necessary part, but none can function alone, and one experiences a crisis or fails, other parts must adapt to fill the void in some way. Within functionalist theory, the different parts of society are primarily composed of social institutions, each of which is designed to fill different needs, and each of which has particular consequences for the form and shape of society. The parts all depend on each other. The core institutions defined by sociology and which are important to understanding for this theory include family, government, economy, media, education, and religion. According to functionalism, an institution only exists because it serves a vital role in the functioning of society. If it no longer serves a role, an institution will die away. When new needs evolve or emerge, new institutions will be created to meet them. Lets consider the relationships between and functions of some core institutions. In most societies, the government, or state, provides education for the children of the family, which in turn pays taxes on which the state depends to keep itself running. The family is dependent upon the school to help children grow up to have good jobs so that they can raise and support their own families. In the process, the children become law-abiding, taxpaying citizens, who in turn support the state. From the functionalist perspective, if all goes well, the parts of society produce order, stability, and productivity. If all does not go well, the parts of society then must adapt to produce new forms of order, stability, and productivity. Functionalism emphasizes the consensus and order that exist in society, focusing on social stability and shared public values. From this perspective, disorganization in the system, such as deviant behavior, leads to change because societal components must adjust to achieve stability. When one part of the system is not working or is dysfunctional, it affects all other parts and creates social problems, which leads to social change. Functionalist Perspective in American Sociology The functionalist perspective achieved its greatest popularity among American sociologists in the 1940s and 50s. While European functionalists originally focused on explaining the inner workings of social order, American functionalists focused on discovering the functions of human behavior. Among these American functionalist sociologists is Robert K. Merton, who divided human functions into two types: manifest functions, which are intentional and obvious, and latent functions, which are unintentional and not obvious. The manifest function of attending a church or synagogue, for instance, is to worship as part of a religious community, but its latent function may be to help members learn to discern personal from institutional values. With common sense, manifest functions become easily apparent. Yet this is not necessarily the case for latent functions, which often demand a sociological approach to be revealed. Antonio Gramsci. Hulton Archive/Getty Images Critiques of the Theory Functionalism has been critiqued by many sociologists for its neglect of the often negative implications of social order. Some critics, like Italian theorist Antonio Gramsci, claim that the perspective justifies the status quo and the process of cultural hegemony which maintains it. Functionalism does not encourage people to take an active role in changing their social environment, even when doing so may benefit them. Instead, functionalism sees agitating for social change as undesirable because the various parts of society will compensate in a seemingly  natural way  for any problems that may arise. Updated  by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Largemouth Bass Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Largemouth Bass - Essay Example The blotches give it a beautiful look. The anterior part of the fish has 9-11 spines and a clearly divided fin; while, the posterior part consists of 12-14 soft rays (â€Å"Largemouth Bass†, para.1). They are given the name largemouth because their upper jaw is so big that it reaches the rear end of the eyes at either side. In the first year of its life, this fish grows 5-6 inches. In two years, it is about 8-12 inches; and a three year old fish is nearly 16 inches long. â€Å"The Alabama state angling record (16 lb, 8 oz) was caught in Mountain View Lake, Shelby County, in 1987† (â€Å"Largemouth Bass†, para.2). Largemouth Bass are said to be the biggest predators of the aquatic environment. They become active predators right in the first year of their lives. They feed on zooplankton, smaller sunfish, crayfish, smaller amphibians, and other little insects (Oster 10). Adult Bass feeds on smaller Bass and other fish of the aquatic ecosystem. Since this fish has a large mouth, it has the advantage of fewer predators. However, young largemouth bass is preyed upon by many predators like herons and larger fish. They can survive in a wide variety of aquatic habitats; however, they are most commonly found in quieter watery regions, such as manmade ponds, submerged logs, and rock ledges. They are able to tolerate turbidity and loose current in these waters. They are largely found in rivers and lakes in Texas, where they begin their spawning in spring season. It is when the temperature of the waters reaches 60? F. In winters, they move deep into the sea to find warmth; and in spring, they come up on bays that have become warmer (Bridges and Bester, para.6). They come in shallow waters when they are looking for food, in the mornings and evenings. The male bass makes nest under the water where the female bass lays eggs. Then she goes away, and the male bass protects the eggs that hatch in 5-10 days. The newborns are called fry, and they stay in groups called schools. Their schools are under direct supervision of the male bass. The lifespan of a largemouth bass is nearly 16 years (Texas Parks and Wildlife, para. 4). The Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (â€Å"Largemouth Bass†, para.3) states that: Native populations of Micropterus salmoides occur throughout the eastern United States. Extensive stockings of the Florida subspecies, M. s. floridanus, and the mainland subspecies, M. s. salmoides, have expanded the range of this species from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast and from southern Canada into Mexico. The Florida subspecies of largemouth bass has been selectively stocked in Alabama since 1971 and continues to be stocked by state and private fisheries biologists. Subspecies of largemouth bass have been introduced into Texas, and thus, largemouth bass becomes a specialty of this state. Texas has a great number of bass angling clubs where largemouth bass fishing is done. This fishing is very important for Texas’ economy as fish anglers prefer largemouth bass over any other fish for fishing. The trend of catch and release is growing, especially when the anglers catch adult largemouth bass. This is because most of these are female breeders, and it becomes important for the anglers to release them in the same water after catching, so that the breeding of fish is not disturbed. Texas is also popular for largemouth fish as delicious seafood, due to

In engaging with subculture street culture, do girls simply mimic the Essay

In engaging with subculture street culture, do girls simply mimic the practices of their male counterparts or exhibit their own - Essay Example Current paper focuses on a particular cultural style: subculture street culture. Particular reference is made to the engagement of girls with subculture street culture and the points at which this engagement is differentiated from that of boys. The literature developed in regard to this issue has been reviewed; a relevant interview has been also employed so that all aspects of this study’s subject are fully explored. The key finding of the study seems to be the following: girls tend to mimic boys in engaging with subculture street culture but they may introduce elements of behaviour or dressing aiming to show their willingness for expressing own specificity. 2. Subculture and street culture 2.1 Characteristics and aspects of subculture and street culture In order to understand the modes of engagement used by girls in regard to subculture and street culture it would be necessary to explore primarily the context of culture and subculture. Then the criteria and the methods used b y girls to be engaged with subculture could be fully understood. According to Hebdige (1979) culture is a term that can be described as ‘tending’. ... rtance of culture as an indication of moral values (Hoggart and Williams in Hebdige 1979, p.5) while Barthes (1972) considered that culture should be considered more as related to everyday life (Barthes in Hebdige 1979, p.6). At this point, the following question should appear: which of the above approaches in regard to culture should be taken as the basis for evaluating the content and the popularity of subculture street culture among young people? If the first view, that of Hoggart and Williams is rejected this means that subculture in general is opposed to moral and ethics, an assumption that could not be accepted. On the other hand, the second view seems to be closer to the actual role of subculture street culture: to establish a community of ideas/ trends for its supporters, i.e. to become a style of life for those who believe that these trends reflect their personal beliefs and thoughts. In other words, subculture, as part of culture, could be regarded as being a style of life in the context of which specific behavioural and dressing codes apply and which is not necessarily opposed to morals. However, it is possible for a mode of subculture to challenge morals and ethics, an intention that it is usually expressed clearly by the creators of the relevant movement/ mode of subculture. When referring specifically to subculture, the following issue should be highlighted: in most cases, subculture is considered as opposed to social order (Hebdige 1979). For example, ‘teddy boys, punks and skinheads’ (Hebdige 1979, p.3) have been often treated as a threat for social order. Of course, it cannot be denied that these forms of subculture have been developed in order to express ‘the resistance to the existing political and social system’ (Hebdige 1979, p.3). Still,

Links Between Strategic Management and Leadership

Links Between Strategic Management and Leadership 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 Strategic Management Strategic management is Systematic analysis of the factors associated with customers and competitors (the external environment) and the organization itself (the internal environment) to provide the basis for rethinking the current management practices. Its objectives are to achieve better alignment of corporate policies and strategic priorities. (www.businessdictionary.com,n.d). Strategic management is all about analysing of the position of the business now and where it wants to be in long term and what are the means and plans to get there. It is all about defining the business, objectives, goals of the organization. 1.1.2 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Strategic leadership is refers to a managers potential to express a strategic vision for the organization, or a part of the organization, and to motivate and persuade others to acquire that vision. (www.managementstudyguide.com,n.d). Its a leaders point of view, for making a strategy so that all the aims and objectives of the organization can be meet and it helps in achieving success for the organization. 1.1.3 Link between Strategic Management and Leadership Leadership and management are both skills that an organization should possess, courtesy of a chosen leader, with the support of its personnel. A good leadership can be attained through a practice while an effective management is learned through course. A leader is the spearhead of the group going to a direction. And once they have found the direction, manager will take over to have consistency and make the group proposer after being established. Managers decisions are based on the book or ethics that every member constructed but leaders decide based on their institutions. 1.2 MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN WIPRO WIPRO stands for Western India Pine Refined Oil. It was started as a vegetable oil trading company in 1945 from an old mill at Amalner, Maharashtra, India. This was founded by Azim Premjis father, M.H Preji. Azim, a graduate person in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, when he finished his studies and then came back to India, unfortunately his father died and after that he took on the leadership of the company at the age 21. He restructured it and transformed WIPRO into a consumer goods company that produced hydrogenated cooking oils/fat company, laundry soap, wax and tin containers and later set up Wipro Fluid Power to manufacture hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders in 1975. In 1977, when IBM (International Business Machines) was asked to leave India, Wipro entered the information technology sector. In 1979, Wipro started to develop its own computers, and in 1981 they started to sell their finished products. This was the first in a string of products that have made Wipro one of Indias first computer makers. Wipro Technologies hired managers who held their employees to strict performance standards. In 1980 Wipro moved into software development and started developing customized software packages for their hardware customers. This expanded their IT business and subsequently developed the first Indian 8086 chip. Since 1992 Wipro has begun to grow its root offshore in United States and by 2000 Wipro Ltd ADRs (An American Depository Receipt) were listed on the New York Stock Exchange site. The companys revenue grew by 450% from 2002 to 2007. Then Wipro started a highly appreciated initiative called WASE Wipro Academy of Software Excellence in 1996. Under this program, some of the brightest science graduates are selected and enrolled in an MS (Software Engineering) program in collaboration with BITS, Pilani. MAJOR DIVISIONS IT Services: Wipro provides complete range of IT services to the organization. The range of services extends from Enterprise Application Services to e-Business solutions. Wipros enterprise solutions serve a host of industries such as Energy and Utilities, Finance, Telecom, and Media and Entertainment. Product Engineering Solutions: Wipro is the largest independent provider of RD services in the world. Using Extended Engineering model for leveraging RD investment and accessing new knowledge and experience across the globe, people and technical infrastructure, Wipro enables firms to introduce new products rapidly. Technology Infrastructure called as TIS. In the Indian Market, WIPRO is a leader in providing IT solutions and services for the cooperate segment in India, offering system integration, network integration, software solutions and IT services. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azim_Premji) 1.2.1 Leadership in Wipro From the last few years wipro has exhibit the leadership qualities to the employees as well as to the company. Some of the practical examples are as below: wipro is service oriented and at the same time employee centric. i.e., wipro believes in giving excellent service to its clients and at the same takes a very good care of their employees. 1.3 Conclusion: Nowadays with the advent of globalisation, competition is increasing and the companies are struggling to get better market position. All the companies are implementing strategies so as to maintain the market position. WIPRO has been so much successful because they are applying management strategies in their day to day life and the company employees are following the strategies in a great way. The employees there really cooperate and that is another reason behind the success of the company. Management of strategy is very much important unless the company fails during the implementation and the managers should be efficient. Development of strategy and implementation is not an easy task. Rather its very much complicated. WIPRO became successful because of the efforts of its managers and employees in the execution of strategy. Company acquired good results on the application of the strategy and other companies are following the strategy applied by the successful companies. This report ca n help other companies as they get to know the reason behind the success of WIPRO. As competition is increasing day by day the companies should work really hard in attaining their goals and they should work really hard. Management and leadership in WIPRO is excellent and the leaders are cooperating with the employees in making decisions. The employees are given an opportunity to take decisions by the managers and this gives the employees a good feeling about the company. Thus it can be concluded that the only reason behind the success of the company is its leadership skills and the proper implementation of the strategy. 1.4 Bibligropahy: The Strategic Development of High Potential Leaders, Strategy and Leadership, in press, S. Stumpf, R. Fulmer and J. Bleak. Leadership and beyond: The need forÂÂ  strategic managementÂÂ  skills. Advances in Strategic Management, 1988, Vol. 5., S. Stumpf. Strategic Management definition Readmore:ÂÂ  http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/strategic-management.html#ixzz16CKYbPyy Strategic leadership definition http://www.managementstudyguide.com/strategic-leadership.htm Wipro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azim_Premji) date 20th November 2010 Sooper Articles Find Articles http://www.sooperarticles.com/Â  http://www.parkli.com/Consulting/AppliedStrategicLeadership.asp

The Role of Women in Literature Essay -- Thousand and One Nights, The

The Role of Women in The Thousand and One Nights, The Ramayana of Valmiki and The Medea Throughout most of the assigned readings in this class, women are portrayed as clever, ruthless, and deceitful individuals that are willing to do whatever it takes in order to get what they desire. With careful calculation and timing they are able to manipulate others into doing things their way and have favor in their eyes. Sometimes they use their craftiness for good and other times for evil, whatever reason they have for such action usually impacting the story and its characters immensely. In The Thousand and One Nights tale, the deceitfulness of women impacts the story from the beginning to the end. Every good and bad thing that occurred in the tale did because of the act of women. It was the deceitfulness of women that caused King Shahrayar to lose all his trust for women, and vowed to have nothing to do with them for more than a night. However, it was that same deceitfulness that changed his viewed of women and has him see that all hope is not lost; there are some that are still loyal and honest. This quote is an important piece in the story because it changed the way King Shahrayar and his brother viewed women. It was the moment that they both realize that all women are disloyal, crafty, and deceitful and therefore can never be trusted. In addition, it also exemplifies the treacheries and craftiness of women and how they can greatly influence others, especially men. After King Shahrayar discovered that his wife and his concubines have been deceiving him, by having him think that they are honest and loyal to him, he loses all his trust and respect for women. He was so heartbroken and confused; he could not understand how such ... ...t the same time it is fair to say that there are few that try to be deceitful in a good way, meaning their intension are good and will use it for a good cause. For example, Shahrazad, deceive the king by telling him a new tale just before dawn each day because she was trying to save her life and that of many more women that would have been killed had she not been successful. Her cunningness was for a good deed, a deed that not only changed the king himself but his brother as well. He, Shahzaman, hearing about the good act that had happen to his brother, king Shahrayar, decided to stop his practice too and try to have a relationship again, in hopes that it would be different. One could say that it is sometimes a good thing that women have the ability to deceive others, especially in times of trouble and at other time they are better off without their deceitfulness.

Genesis and Oedipus Rex Essay

As if peering into a glass of time, Genesis and Oedipus Rex seemed to have made me travel back through realization to make me reassess how I understood these early texts. Initially, the two texts seem to have nothing in common. Genesis, as the term implies, talks about the beginning, focusing on the creation myth and proceeding to the stories about the first people of the world inclusive of its genealogy and progress towards becoming a nation. Oedipus Rex, on the other hand, presents a snippet of a King’s life including his musings, fears, decision-making and actions. One seems to be solely about Theology and the other about politics. I realized later though that both are actually part of a bigger picture – the culture of Western Civilization. Women’s role in Western Civilization is generally limited to home, maternal and family life. Sarai, for instance, has the right to command her home. This was shown in the part where Abraham told Sarai â€Å"Your maid is in your power. Do to her whatever you please. † (Gen. 16: 6). Similarly, Jocasta’s entrance in Oedipus started as a manner of putting order in the house. During this time, Creon and Oedipus were arguing because of Creon’s assumptive claims on the misfortune of their land and the solutions. Women’s role as wife was emphasized in Sarai’s inability to conceive. Stressing this, accounts for another aspect – the importance of children in a family. It is apparent that women should bear children for their husbands and perhaps it is this tragedy that pushed Sarai to suggest for Abraham to take Hagar, her maid, and have children through her. There were also numerous instances where Abraham asked God when Sarai would conceive a child proving further how important children are not only for the â€Å"order of things† but also for the family. If you’ll also follow, when Hagar, pregnant of Ishmael, was sent away by Sarai, an angel advised Hagar to return. Later, when Abraham sent both Hagar and Ishmael away, God did not only provide and help Hagar and Ishmael survive the desert but as promised to Abraham, blessed Ishmael’s generations. God’s participation in this picture further asserts the value of children in â€Å"His design. † For Jocasta, another aspect of a woman’s role as wife was highlighted. Her’s focuses on enlightening, empowering and giving advise to her husband at the time of extreme doubt. This was shown at the time Oedipus was worried and earlier – when she gave up the baby Oedipus – to prevent her husband’s fate. Women also have a role in politics, but this is limited to their symbolic purposes. Jocasta is queen to both King Lauis and Oedipus, symbolizing her continuous devotion to her land, to serve as mother of the kingdom, rather than co-ruler. Much in the same way as Sarai is called â€Å"mother of all nations,† for she is the wife of Abraham, and from her, will spring the roots and generations to come. Men, on the other hand, have a critical role in Western Civilization. During this time, society was highly patriarchal and men, through the characters, Abraham and Oedipus, reflect not only the culture of their times, but also, the thoughts and patterns of morality and humanity. First instance was how men treats women. Twice within the sample text of Genesis did Abraham introduce Sarai as his sister for fear of being killed due to Sarai’s beauty. From this we can assume that one’s wife can be claimed by killing her husband, that a woman can be â€Å"won† or â€Å"taken† by force, else the occurrence and/or rampancy of adulterous relationships. Perhaps it is for this reason that adultery is called a sin and that anyone who commits such will receive misfortune – just like what happened to the land of Egypt and the land of Gerar when the rulers took Sarai as their queen/wife. It is a bit different in Oedipus because here, it is depicted that women can be passed from one king to another, for Jocasta was the dead Lauis queen and was queen to Oedipus, the present king. Although there are other factors involved, fact remains that women can be passed on, as it appears fit. Second instance was how men treats their nation. In the story of Sodom and Gommorah, Abraham considered the welfare of the people that he took the courage to technically, bargain with Yahweh – that the city must have some goodness left in it, that it cannot be destroyed with the faithful in it. From fifty people, he was able to ask God to spare Sodom if there are 10 faithful people – and sad to say, there wasn’t. Oedipus form of atonement in consideration of the welfare of his land is in a way like this. He has chosen to blind and banish himself from the land which he has done injustice to – killing its ruler and sleeping with his own mother. Third instance is in the way men carries out their decisions. As leaders, both Abraham and Oedipus consider civility and reason before acting upon it. Abraham, for instance, took into account the fact that his and Lot’s herdsmen cannot live together and so decided to separate with his brother so that Lot and his herdsmen can pursue their own future as he goes to the opposite direction. Much in the same way when Oedipus confronted Creon and in spite of his suspicions and doubt, set aside his fears and objectively pursued the issue Creon told him. He has called upon all the links mentioned upon him, the slave, shepherd and messenger and carefully inquired details about what happened. He did not inject ideas but rather, took the facts they offer and connected the events in a string, used his reason and acquired the truth of the matter – even if it means the realization of his fears. It is quite noticeable though that the fatalistic and monotheistic belief patters are evident in both texts. Abraham follows the will of Yahweh while Oedipus yields to Apollo. Both also take part in atonement of mistakes, Jocasta’s suicide and Oedipus’ decision to blind and banish himself is an example. Offering sacrifices is another. There is one difference though. In Genesis, Abraham is able to talk to Yahweh and He answers him directly. Apollo has no voice in Oedipus except through the mouths of the oracle or the seers. Conversation with divinities was possible in Genesis while it is not in Oedipus. Emphasis on human nature is also clear in both texts. Abraham, although a man of faith, has always been free to choose on what to do. Such with sleeping with Hagar and accepting the consequences of his actions, such with separating with Lot and bargaining with Yahweh to save Sodom and Gommorah, such with traveling and moving on forward to various lands, even if it means pretending to be a brother to Sarai, or if it means having to sacrifice his only son for his God. Much in the same way as Oedipus, who has been played by fate, yes, but wittingly, listened and pursued truth as it was told by â€Å"witnesses† – living proofs of people’s actions. He has admitted that it was his own decision – not moved by any God – to strike Lauis for he was at a raging disappointment, much in the same way as it his own decision to blind and banish himself from his land – to punish himself for his crime and for causing his kingdom, misfortune for his actions or his curse. Similarly, Jocasta’s action to commit suicide, as punishment of her mistakes. A simple truth and belief carried across times, even today, that such assessment or review can make me think like this†¦ good only begets good. And in the end, no matter how impossible, or how human and unlikely, Justice prevails. Time teaches souls that wander barren of moments but that of voices from the past read through the lips of beings like me. References: Catholic Biblical Association of America (1971). The New American Bible. Washington: Catholic Publishers Inc. Pickering, James H. & Hoeper, Jeffrey (1990). King Oedipus by Sophocles, translated by William Butler Yeats. Literature. New York: Macmillan