Manu Soccer - Case Study Essay Example for Free

Manu Soccer Case Study EssaySituational Problem gobbler Owen is working towards increasing his business and profit by the means of changing his current services and products or whirl new ones to meet his customers admits, or by keeping his current products and services the same, but offering them to new markets.S.W.O.T. AnalysisStrengths tom Owen himself is an asset in his knowledge of association football and his ability to get along with the kids hes teaching. Hiring instructors with similar qualities to create a good workforce. paw market penetration of the Fort collins area ensures that all soccer players age 11 to 14 are aware of his soccer program.Weaknesses manus dependence on Tom Owen in all of its functions offers little opportunity for him to expand to other locations.OpportunitiesThe close proximity to three large cities that offer limited soccer training camps.ThreatsSome parents may consider soccer as a luxury that can be eliminated in face of economic downturn and ripening unemployment.The emergence of new soccer training programs in direct competition with MANU.Market SituationApproximately 90 percent of MANUs customers live in Fort Collins which has a population of 110,000. Greeley and Longmont are ab fall out 25 miles away by interstate highway and have a population of somewhat 80,000 each. Loveland is a city that is also about 25 miles from Fort Collins and has a population of approximately 60,000.Competitive SituationThere is almost no direct competition for MANU in Fort Collins. The surrounding cities of Loveland, Greeley, and Longmont offer even less developed soccer programs.Target CustomerThe target customer for the MANUs services would be competitive soccer players from the ages of 11 to 14. However, the ultimate purchaser of these services would be the mother or father of the soccer player. This would necessitate the need of a market strategy that caters to both the parent and the soccer player.Potential resultant roles aug ment programs that are aimed at kids over the age of 14 since the majority of the kids apparent motion on to other sports upon reaching that age. oPro These kids are already familiar with Tom and are the most likely to sign up for programs in this age group. oCon more or less kids in this age group do not find soccer as likable as other sports and are unlikely to pursue soccer. Develop a marketing strategy to encourage more product purchases from his existing customer base. oPro Availability of good and recommended equipment would make soccer more appealing. oCon Extra cost can be a deterrent when the economy is bad. Develop new programs to cater to the 6 to 9 age group market of Fort Collins that is still low. oPro Having more children from this age group would ensure a larger, future enlistment from the 11 to 14 age group which has shown to already be comfortably large. oCon Children from the 6 to 9 age group are very different from the 11 to 14 age group and have to be t reated and taught differently.Tom and his instructors have proven to be more effective with the latter age group and would have to work up a way to be appealing with the younger age group. Develop programs to attract the kids of Loveland, Longmont, and Greeley. oPro These three cities have a combined population that is twice that of Fort Collins. Which in turn, offers the potential of Tom be able to triple his current enrollment. Also, these cities have little to no soccer programs in place that would be of major competition to Tom. oCon The 25 mile hold would be a large deterrent for m both parents to desire driving to. Tom cannot be at all of these places at once to supervise the programs.Recommended SolutionThe best solution for Tom would be the fourth option of expanding into the nearby cities of Loveland, Longmont, and Greeley. Considering his current good market penetration of Fort Collins, it would be unwise to evanesce his resources on trying to acquire more customers f rom this existing market rather than entering new markets. This course of carry out would also not require Tom to change or recreate his products, but to continue using what he is already familiar with.Potential Marketing StrategiesTom could offer his current instructors the demote to head up the MANU soccer programs in each of the new markets. Tom had already hired them based on their qualifications and personalities being similar to his own. This course of action would not require Tom to be in four places at once, but the close proximity would pass on for him to stay involved. Tom could reach out to any of the existing soccer programs in these towns and offer them the opportunity to sign on with him if he found their instructors to have a compatible program to his own. This would allow an easier entrance into these new markets as the current soccer programs already have a customer base to work with and build on. This would also decrease any potential competition he may have had to contend with upon entering these new markets.

Local Authority Housing in Ireland Essay Example for Free

topical anesthetic Authority Housing in Ireland EssayLocal laterality caparison plays a vital role in Ireland housing system. Without it many people would find themselves on the streets without a roof over their heads. nevertheless it is not a solution to all problems we argon experiencing in this country today. In f puzzle out while topical anesthetic anaesthetic anaesthetic consent housing solves many problems it gouge also be the cause of some problems too. In this paper I will look at and evaluate the strengths and the weaknesses of topical anaesthetic authority housing in Ireland today. I will also look at prime examples of these strengths and weaknesses, using a number of local authority housing estates throughout the country.Firstly I feel it is imperative to briefly describe the housing system Ireland as a whole, in order to gain a clearer perspective on the stead of local authority housing in the country.In Ireland we shit a dual housing system. This burea u we have a mix of both privy and cordial housing and public tenures. State owned and fond housing accounts for 19% of the housing market. The government enforced policies to ensure that a percentage of fresh constructed houses were to be kept and dedicated to the local authority housing scheme. Local authority housing caters for poor and low income households, who may otherwise not be able to afford housing. It is accessed by means testing and also by special needs qualification. The rent for these houses are determined by the income of the household occupying them. The landlords are generally the local authorities. Some examples of well known local authority housing estates are Moyross estate in Limerick City, Fatima Mansions in Dublin and Knocknaheeny in Cork. alas over the years these local authority housing estates have built up a bad reputation, negative images and negative stigmas. A few antithetical factors play a role in this. I will be looking into these factors in mo re detail, as I speak later, about the weaknesses of local authority housing. An example of this would be the former Ballymun high rise flats which were renowned for appearing on the news linked with stories of crime and violence. In order to rubbish this problem and create less of a bad image for these problem estates, the government set out a ten year plan to domesticise 7 local authority housing estates throughout Ireland. They aimed to do this by means of policy changes and state funding. These estates are Fatima Mansions and Finglas South in Dublin City, Fettercairn, Tallaght, in South County Dublin Deanrock estate in Togher, Cork City Moyross in Limerick City, Muirhevnamor in Dundalk and Cranmore in Sligo town. (Norris, M and OConnell, C. 2010)Strengths of local authority housingLocal authority housing provides affordable homes for those who would not otherwise be able to afford housing and this is a much needed and great service provided by our local authorities here in Ir eland. Local authority housing has a number of benefits to both its tenants and to the partnership as a whole. It has many strengths.Good prime(a) houses As stated above the government as part of the local authority housing scheme set out a number of newly built houses during the construction boom, and dedicated them to the local authority housing scheme. This was a very clever tactic by the government as it meant that these local authority houses were newly built good quality housing, moving away from the previous opinion that local authority houses were often undesirable and of poor quality. The most representative form of these houses were cottage type or terrace housing in low density estates (Fahey 1999. Pg. 236)Cheaper, affordable rent Because local authority housing is accessed via means testing and rent payment is determined by household income it means that lower income households screwing afford to live more comfortably and ensures that they have a roof over their hea ds. Without this scheme homelessness rates would undoubtedly be a caboodle higher in Ireland.More owner occupation A lot of people renting local authority housing as a long term arrangement often eventually come to own their houses. This instills a train of independence which they could never have achieved otherwise.Happier tenants For the most part, people in local authority housing have reported that they are happy with their overall housing experience (Fahey 1999. Pg. 236)Community Development Programmes Often in theaters of local authority housing local authorities dedicate themselves to the provision of facilities and programmes to mitigate donjon conditions, social condition, education and employment conditions for those living there. Community employment schemes are just one example of this. This is a great benefit to both the residents and the community as a whole as it leads to a higher standard of living for the individuals and also helps reduce rates of unemployment in the area, which in turn leads to a reduction in other social problems in the area such as crime. (Fahey, T., Norris, M., McCafferty, D. Humphreys, E. 2011 Pg. 24)Preventative Interventions Local authority housing can also act as a means of protection and prevention for many people. Local services provided within these local authority estates provide support for families and individuals who would otherwise have negative outcomes(Fahey, T., Norris, M., McCafferty, D. Humphreys, E. 2011 Pg. 24) Previously at risk people have more chance of being safe from abuse and crime etc. in these local authority housing estates.An example of the strengths within a local housing estateDean Rock estate, situated in Togher in Cork city, is a prime example of the many strengths of local housing estates in Ireland. This estate is in high demand with a very low turnover, long postponement lists to get in and very settled conditions. Dean Rock is now home to a voluntary, community based family sup port centre and also to social workers too. The estate has flourished over the years and is now a highly popular local authority housing estate with low levels of crime, delinquency, unemployment and enjoys a high stipulation in terms of its visual appearance, absence of litter and graffiti and upholds high levels of planting and public green areas. It has become a very desirable ship to live with good quality neighbors, ridding it of any stigmas which had previously applied to local authority housing estates. (Fahey, T. 1999. Pg. 238-239)Weaknesses of local authority housing estatesThe fundamental aim of local authority housing that is, to help those who cannot otherwise afford housing, means that local authority housing should be a very positive and problem extra area. Unfortunately this is not always the case.Because these estates are linked with poor and low income families it often means there are high levels of unemployment, low levels of education and thereof resulting in high levels of delinquency and crime. (Fahey, T. 1999. Pg. 238) These factors all cause great social problems within these estates.Also high levels of diversity within the estates lead to a power structure within them. Higher and lower status areas emerge within the estates, causing a lack of social cohesion. Appearances of houses, presence/ absence of litter and graffiti, and vandalism(Fahey, T. 1999. Pg. 239) can often result in conflict between neighbors and thus lead to poor quality neighborhoods.Failure of the government to integrate with local authorities to improve provide vital amenities and service to the local authority housing estates also creates a huge problem in these estates. It creates a great level of social exclusion between those living in these estates and those that dont. (Fahey, T., Norris, M., McCafferty, D. Humphreys, E. 2011 Pg. 31)An example of the weaknesses within a local housing estateFatima Mansions is a local authority housing estate in Dublin. Unlik e Dean Rock estate in Cork, Fatima Mansions has been described as troubled and difficult to let(Fahey, T. 1999. Pg. 238) Over 15% of the set forth are vacant and some are derelict. There is no waiting list to get in to this estate. There is a severe lack of social cohesion and this causes other social problems. Heroin usage is high in the area and this has knock on effects to the levels of crime and violence in the area two. It is in stark contrast to Dean Rock estate and highlights the diversity between local authority estates.ConclusionWhile it is evident, from the information in this paper, that local authority housing has huge and undeniable benefits to the lower income population of society I think that many improvements can still be made to these schemes. I feel the government needs to take more responsibility perhaps in funding local authorities and enabling them to better facilities and services acquirable to these estates. This would bring about a major difference in the areas for the better and hopefully result in all the local authority estates being as successful as Dean Rock estate in Cork.BibliographyCowan, D. and McDermont, M. (2006) Regulating affectionate Housing Governing Decline,Routledge, London.Fahey, T. (1999) (ed.) Social Housing in Ireland A tuition of success, failures and lessons learned. Oak Tree Press, Dublin.Fahey, T., Norris, M., McCafferty, D. Humphreys, E. (2011) Combating Social Disadvantage in Social Housing Estates The policy implications of a ten-year follow-up study. Combat Poverty Agency.National Economic and Social Forum (1999), Local Development Issues, Dublin National Economic and Social Forum.Norris, M and OConnell, C (2002), Local Authority Housing Management Reform in the Republic of Ireland progress to date impediments to further progress, European Journal of Housing Policy.Norris, M and OConnell, C (2010) Social Housing Management, Governance and Delivery in Ireland Ten Years of Reform on Seven Estates.OConne ll, C and Fahey, T. (1999), Local Authority Housing in Ireland, Fahey, T. (eds.), Social Housing in Ireland A study of success, failure and lessons learned, Oak Tree Press, Dublin.

Population Geography Essay

creation Geography EssayUnderstanding macrocosm GeographyCrystal MullenWhat did you attend this week that you did non know before or that you found interesting? What outside resources did you use this week?I remember growing up in the 70s and 80s the term Zero Population. At the time, I didnt really know what it meant except a term to encourage teenagers to use birth reassure and thereby avoid having children while theyre still a child as easily. As it turns out I wasnt that far off from my trip up of the concept. It actually originated by the crest look of Singapore in 1972. He was concerned that his island country was facing everyplace universe of discourse with its current count of 1 million people. So he legalized abortion and sterilization and banned maternity c ar and benefits for women who have more than two children. However by the mid-1980s, the Singapores birth judge plummeted to below the levels that atomic number 18 necessary to replenish the people. The prime ministers plan to reduce his countrys population backfired because the abortions performed in the country were terminated more than ternion of all the countrys pregnancies. This lead the prime minister to reverse his policy in 1990 to encourage multiple births for mothers under 28 by fling long term tax rebates and thereby restore population loss suffered in Singapore (Getis, Bjelland, Getis, 2014, p. 111).This reversal of policy is an example of an unbending population worldly concern how a countrys infrastructure is controlled today will determine how it is controlled in the future. This means the size, characteristics, migrations and even growth trends are what determines the overall wellness of those til now to be born. This information is necessary when considering the locations and numbers of people as it relates to the necessary background to all of the aspects of population geography (Getis, Bjelland, Getis, 2014, p. 111).Population geography is an aspect of valet de chambre geography. This branch of geography focuses scientifically studies people in their spatial dispersions and the minginess (Briney, 2014). Population geography provides geographers and scientists with the theories and concepts need to better comprehend and thereby forecast the composition, size, and the distribution of sympathetic population (Getis, Bjelland, Getis, 2014, p. 111). In order for population geographers to study this factors, they review the data that documents the increase and decrease in an area of population, general settlement patterns, peoples movements over time, and even topics like occupation. This is what develops the geographic character of a particular section (Briney, 2014). Population geography is closely related and yet differs from demography. Demography statistically studies human population as well, however, demography is more concerned with spatial analysis pattern, location, and density. Instead, population geography studies a regions res ources such as sample of living, economic study, and food supply as they affect a populations health and eudaimonia. These characteristics are the essential ingredients for human population geography (Getis, Bjelland, Getis, 2014, p. 111).Population geography is a large branch in the geography tree. It contains quite a few different topics that relate to the worlds population issues. The first of these topics is called population distribution. Population distribution is described as the study of where people are choosing (or not choosing) to confront. Our worlds population tends to be quite uneven. Some regions are considered to be rural and are thereby sparsely populated. Meanwhile, other locations that are more urban are consequently more densely populated. In order to arrest more about population distribution population geographers often study past population distributions of that regions people so that they can rede how and why certain spatial locations areas have blosso med into major urban centers we have today. Sparsely populated areas are usually harsh places to live such as areas in Alaska, Siberia, and Canadas northern territories. On the other hand, densely populated areas like Hong Kong, or cities such as New York City or Los Angeles, California are far more hospitable.A second topic in population geography is population density. While closely related to population distribution, population density however studies a region to determine the average number of people that live in an area. This is dvirtuoso by dividing the number of people that currently live that area by total area available. These numbers usually are noted as persons per square mile or persons per square kilometer.Population density are often affected by several factors which, coincidentally, are often subjects of population geographers study. These factors tend to relate to the populations physical environment such as topography and climate. For example, regions with harsh cli mates such as Californias Death Valley are thereby sparsely populated. Other factors that affect population density can overly be related to the regions political environments as well as the social, economic culture of an area. For example, Singapore and Tokyo have mild climates with sizable political, social, and economic and are thereby densely populated.Another area of study for population geographers consists of overall population growth as well as changes in population. This topic is of great interest to population geographers because the population of the world has grown so dramatically since the 1800s. In order to properly study overall population growth, population geographers study the populations areas natural increase birth rates as well as stopping point rates. The number of infants born per grand people in the areas population every year is considered the birth rate. Likewise the number of deaths per 1000 individuals every year is considered the death rate.historica lly speaking, the increase rate of population used to naturally be near zero. This didnt mean that no one being born nor that no one was dying. Actually, this meant that the areas births roughly equaled the areas deaths. However, many regions now host populations with that are living much longer because of access to better health care as well as highschooler standards of living. These factors have reduced the overall death rate. Birth rates are now known to either increase or decrease based on the wealth of the nation. For example, birth rates are actually lower in developed nations. However, in growing nations, the birth rate is still high. Therefore, the population of the world has grown tremendously.Along the same lines of natural increase, population geographers study population changes as it relates to a populations net migration for an area (Briney, 2014). They compare and contrast data found in a populations in-migration and out-migration patterns. Therefore, a regions ov erall rate of growth or population change is the result of a populations natural increase as well as their net migration.Finally, though certainly not exhaustively, an essential tool in population geography that is essential to the study of growth rates rough the world as well as changes in population is called the demographic transition model. This model looks at the four stages of a countrys development and considers how population changes are thereby affected. The first stage of a countrys development takes place when the new countrys birth rates and death rates are both high, resulting in a small amount of natural increase and an equally small population. The second stage of a countrys development reveals an increase in birth rates and a decrease in death rates resulting in a high growth period in the population (surprisingly, this is normally the stage where least developed countries actually fail). The third stage of a countrys development show a change in trends with a decre ase in birth rate as well as a decreasing death rate, thereby once again slowing down the growth of that countrys population growth. The fourth and final stage of a countrys development shows a balance in birth and death rates both being low, resulting in a low natural increase (Briney, 2014). I can discern how using a demographic transition model enables population geographers forecast the future health and wellbeing of a nation by studying the four stages of development that nation experienced.ConclusionAfter reviewing the concepts of population geography, I have a better understanding of the actions of the Singapores prime minister in 1972. While I dont agree with his extreme measures of limiting care for more than two children per family and legalizing abortions and sterilizations, I can see how charting a countrys birth and death rates and considering how those numbers affect his nations resources could lead him to believe his nation would be picked wash by an over-abundance of his own people and for the good of his nation, At the same time, I can see how population geography was at the heart of prime ministers reversal of policy because he can now see how his policies were leaving his country vulnerable to constant poverty because there simply were not enough citizens avail to care for and protect their land. Therefore, I have a better appreciation of how population geography is used to study health and well-being of a population anywhere in the world.ReferencesBriney, A. (2014). Population Geography An Overview of Population Geography. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from Geography.About.com http//geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/populationgeography.htmGetis, A., Bjelland, M., Getis, V. (2014). Chapter 5, Population Geography. In A. Getis, M. Bjelland, V. Getis, Introduction to Geography 14th fluctuation (p. 111). New York McGraw Hil.

Role of Religion in Society Sociology Essay

Role of Religion in Society Sociology EssayFunctionalism is the most widely- utilise theory in modern sociology. In general, functionalism uses a systematical approach to some(prenominal) given object, asserting that each(prenominal) element of this object fulfills a necessary role, which is vital either to agree the balance of the system or for its selection. Any turn in the state of both of the elements influences the whole system. Functionalism focuses on society as a unity of individuals and the air they, as part of this whole, are affected by various amicable institutions. It explores righteousness at the macro-level, analyzing the effect its practices and symbols have on different aspects of society as a whole as well as the harmony between its elements and/or its endurance. harmonise to the functional approach, godliness can fulfill different tasks, for example, establish unity, explain and introduce various norms to society, teach hatful to deal with probable unpr edictable outcomes of certain events it aims at simplifying the ideas or events that are difficult to understand. Extreme modern functionalists even argue that devotion is vital for the survival of the human race and that it is the still means to enable the transition from selfishness to altruism.Another outstanding theorist of functionalism, Bronislaw Malinowski, also examined small groups to define the affectionate role of religion (Sociology of Religion, 2003). His studies led him to a conclusion that religion had a calming effect on the flock, especially in stressful environment. This result was based on the situation that religion had penetrated into fundamental but extremely tense for humans events, such as marriage or burial, for example. For Malinowski, death had a special significance as it meant that society lost nonpareil of its members. Nevertheless, he found religion very useful in this instance, as it proposed consolation in the form of keep afterwards death. B y conducting a funeral, religion eased pain and stress, preventing possible genial outbursts. Among others, Malinowski studied some tribes from the Trobriand Islands, who had a special ceremony performed before going fishing, which was their only occupation. This ritual helped them overcome fear about what might happen (as the sea was an unpredictable environment), and also built solidarity. The look forer came to a conclusion that religion helped tidy sum face the unkn receive future.In general, functionalism take ons religion as a positive element of society, as it link ups people, helps maintain friendly balance and prevents disorder. Functionalists accept that it is all important(p) as religious institutions fulfill functions that society needs for survival, creating individual models of behavior that are beneficial for the social balance. Religion is also viewed as a reconciling rate between an individual as an element of society and society as a whole. Functional appro ach allows individuals to have different levels of religious involvement. Contemporary functionalists, wish J. Milton Yinger, also note that in modern society religion has expanded its influence from the church surroundings to everyday vivification, which means that activities previously unrelated to religion suddenly become associated with it in the peoples minds (Blasi, n.d.). Religion helps individuals to define their role in society, giving them the feeling of safety and familiarity with other individuals in a certain group.Machiavelli and Hobbes were the offset printing scientists who introduced the concept of conflict into sociological theories. They applied the term of cynical realism to the description of society motifs of individual behavior were based solely on self-interest. distributively society has a certain ideology, represented in a system of beliefs (religion), which is often used according to the interests of the parties involved. But the core of conflict theor y lies in the ideas of Karl Marx (McClelland, 2000). According to Marx, the driving force of social existence is labor, which provides people with means to satisfy their basic needs (e.g. food, shelter). The focal point this labor is organized from a social point of view determines the essential social characteristics, making those who carry out the production the constructors of society. Marx believed that economy was the basis for creating different social institutions that determined the form of social consciousness of each individual.In order to define the role of religion as it is seen in conflict theory, we need to understand Marxs view on society. He saw capitalism as the dominant structure of contemporary sparingal interactions, in which capital belonged to a small group of individuals, who employed workers. The latter used capital to produce different goods, but in order for that small group of individuals to receive profit, the workers were paid less than they actually h ad produced. So there was a conflict those two classes needed each other, as they provided each other with what the other one did not have, but their interests had different vectors. In order to keep the workers (who outnumbered the bourgeois class) under control, different measures were taken politics, police institution, religion. Conflict theory sees religion as a tool used to prevent the majority from playacting on their own, to make them accept the established way of life in society. Marx believed that eventually the workers would take over (through growing consciousness), and a forward-looking model of economic relations socialism would be established.Max Weber is considered to be a uniting link between conflict theory and the interactionism. The scientist continued developing Marxs views, and added new levels of conflict to his theory. Weber believed that there were more(prenominal) conflicts than just one-kind-of-property conflict, thus acknowledging that there were mo re resources to fight for and that society was a multiple-class structure, with each class playing a specific role in material economic interactions. Unlike Marx, Weber moved the focus of conflict to the control of means of violence that served to suppress the opposition. What is more important for us, Weber had clearly showed what role religion played in society. He saw religion as a way to emotionally unite people, and that function of religion was exploited by the state. Religion helped different groups acquire certain statuses or develop into certain communities (based on ethnicity, for example). Religious ceremonies built operose feelings of solidarity within the group, created emotional unity and bonds through application of symbols, techniques and various material aids. According to Weber, religion was not above the conflict or means of settlement it, it was another weapon. If some power incorporated itself into religious beliefs of people, it occupied the dominant position in society. Religion might also be used as a means of finding allies against a common enemy. It could be implemented to create a certain social hierocracy. Through this concept, Weber showed that religion was a manipulation tool, creating background for stratification of society (e.g. stratification in relations and established positions of religious leaders, member of the group and non-followers). In conflict theory, any conflict lies in the desire of one group to dominate the other or others, which can be most effectively achieved through violent constraint. unmatchable conflict arises when those who have the authority to coerce provide some groups with certain privileges and strip other groups of them. According to conflict theory, every individual acts in his own interests, having the ability to influence self-perception of others, which creates another conflict different people having different resources available to them create the reality of others, which they use to their advantage. At a personal level, each individuals self-consciousness is developed based on the way this individual comprehends the reality that is through interpersonal communication which brings us to the theory of interactionism.Interactionism (short for symbolic interactionism) is another major theory in sociology, the most recently developed among the ones presented in this work. Some of its ideas were taken from Marx, Weber and further developed by George H. Mead and Herbert Blumer with the contribution of Charles Horton Cooley (McClelland, 2000). This theory concentrates on the subjective side of human behavior and social development. It focuses on individuals rather than society. According to interactionism, each person plays a certain role, being able to substitute his behavior if the behavior of others changes, too. This is because individuals are able to understand and read into the actions of others, which are perceived as symbols. Moreover, each individual perceives hi mself and his own actions as symbols as well. Interacting with one another, individuals are ever in the process of interpreting the symbols that they exchange as well as the world around them. Interactionism recognizes individuals as active participants of social life and constructors of society. Its focus is on the individual interactions, diminishing the importance of established norms (like in functionalism and conflict theory). According to interactionism, the changeable nature of negotiation process between the societys members forms the constantly changing social reality, which nevertheless stays in the frame of the stable set of rules regulating these interactions. It pays special attention to the roles that individuals play in social relations, accept that they can be either pre-defined or not. It is important to understand that individuals not just react, but evaluate the meaning of counteraction, and then decide on their reation.According to interactionism, religion is a certain ideology (a system of symbols) that helps people understand and relate to things that are above understanding, and in a certain way to caterpillar track their lives in the wake of this ideology. Religion creates an outline of appropriate behavior and incorporates it into peoples minds. Participation in religious ceremonies is a way to confirm the correctness of ones course and to fortify ones beliefs, but also a means of imposing certain symbols. Interactionism recognizes religion as a very powerful social institution, because if it succeeds in establishing itself as a symbolic system of some individual, it becomes the only right way for this individual to interpret the world around him. Religious ceremonies are seen by this theory as very important for confirming peoples system of beliefs and reinforcing certain interpretation of the world. In general, interactionism is a very subjective sociological approach.ConclusionsThe three theories represented in this research pap er see religion not as an essential truth but rather an illusion of the truth, as it is immensely influenced by different variables. Functionalists see religion as a uniting force bringing societys members together through the feeling of solidarity. They assert that religious symbols are the representation of the values of people and give special meaning to the religious ceremonies and rituals, as they encourage stronger unity in social groups. Functionalism identifies religion as a positive element of the social system since it introduces another unearthly reality to people helping them forget the stress of everyday life. According to functionalism, religion is beneficial for health and is also an important condition for future survival of society. Conflict theory in a figurative meaning sees religion as a drug for certain social groups. It is one of the ways for the oppressed to feel united, though it is a cruel tool in the hands of the ruling class. They use it to enforce the dif ficult way of life, make the working class believe that it is their fate and there cannot be another. Religion refers only to the future, promising reward or better life in the distant future or even after death (in afterlife). For conflict theory, religion is at a stage of change, blocking the idea that the current way of life benefits only a few while the majority of society suffers from injustice. It is interesting to mention that both Durkheim and Marx predicted that religion will vanish from the social life being useless. Symbolic interactionism concentrates on the individuals and their interactions through which the way the society functions and the roles of its institutions are defined. This theory sees society as a constantly changeable symbolic organism. magnificence of religion is in the first place defined by the meaning of religion for each separate individual. Being part of religion is a perpetual and regular comparison and confirmation of ones system of beliefs. The research shows that the role of religion can be explained from different points of view, and there is no right or unconventional explanation.

Multiculturalism in Lebanon

Multiculturalism in LebanonLebanon is a country with a long history which made it what it is today, a multicultural country. In a book cal guide Geopolitique du conflit libanais by Georges Corm, written in french, the Lebanese situation and how it got to the state it is now culturally is explained. This book starts off by saying that everywhere in the world, be it Paris, London or Geneva, the Lebanese is used to be gainn in the refined, cosmopolitan world of high finance, international negotiation, and real estate promotion. The author says about the Lebanese, quoting, on a trop coutume de le voir, pignon sur rue (Corm, 1986 5) which literally marrow we are extremely used to seeing him, g fit on street, the Lebanese.To be able to understand the multiculturalism of the individual carrying the Lebanese nationality, it is primordial to understand reflect highlights of this countrys history. Corm (1986 6) highlights the impact several historical moments had on Lebanon and the devel opment of its culture.As is known to all, Lebanon was under French mandate for a very long time. However, before the French occupation, in the previous century, Lebanon had been occupied by the Ottoman Empire. This Ottoman Empire occupation led Napoleon the Third to send an expedition in order to protect the Christians of Lebanon against the ferocity of Ottoman soldiery (Corm, 1986 10).In 1975, a civil war set off in Lebanon. Many times, foreign and powerful countries intervened. In 1976, France, ancient occupational force, mentioned the possibility of bringing in Lebanon French troops (army) (Corm, 1986 9). In 1978, soldiers belonging to the fall in Nations came to establish their troops in Lebanon. Moreover, in 1981, the United Nations of America also intervened in this civil conflict. Lebanon being a country based on confessionalism (divided into religious groupings) (Corm, 1986 6), the conflict became vaster when there was a separation between the Lebanese populations due to religion. The Christian Maronites asked for the French intervention, while the Druzes asked for British intervention (Corm, 1986 210).From all of the above, we corporation see that countries encompassing many antithetic and diverse cultures intervened in Lebanon imposing their linguistic process (that is, French and English), and their principles. For example, Lebanese children attending French schools were forbidden the practice of Arabic language within the school walls.In a way, this is the basis of what gave the Lebanese individual the easiness to adapt. The Lebanese got this acceptance of adaptation when he immigrated to other foreign destinations where breeding promised to be better.Corm (1986 20) describes a typical Lebanese person as a citizen of the Lebanese capital, Beirut city of patricians, merchants, artisans, and jurists ready to shell out any new vanquisher. Whether the conqueror was Egyptian, Iranian, Byzantine, French, Ameri tin can or British, it didnt matter . The only thing that mattered to a Lebanese person was that business was stable and always on the run (Corm, 1986 29).Because of the influence of the West in a country considered as being Oriental, Lebanon was thereof called this junction between the Orient and the Occident (Corm, 1986 15).The area of probeCulture can be delineate as a body of learned behavior, a collection of beliefs, habits and traditions, shared by a group of mickle and successively learned by race who enter the society (Joynt and Warner, 1996 33). Society in this context can apply to any level of culture, like nation, organization or profession. While in nigh instances, a persons nationality is a sufficient indicator of their culture (where the culture is the norm of that nationality), many societies now contain a variety of ethnic groups and individuals may comfortably be influenced by cultures other than their apparent nationality (Joynt and Warner, 1996 33). A specific ethnic group can be characterized by its language, politics, attitudes, economy, religion, values, customs, education, etc (Joynt and Warner, 1996 34).A specific ethnic group can also be called a Diaspora. Many definitions were given as to the word Diaspora. Generally, Diasporas are communities that define themselves by reference to a distant motherland from which they once originated (Coles and Timothy, 2004 1). When an ethnic group or a group belonging to a specific ethnicity, culture, religion, national personal identity and sometimes race (Coles and Timothy, 2004 3) are dot (that is, dislocated and then relocated voluntarily or not) around the globe, this is what can be called a Diaspora. Coles and Timothy (2004 4) mention Sheffers notion of a modern Diaspora as residing and acting in soldiers countries while still maintaining strong sentimental and material links with their countries of origin. They therefore have collective memories (Coles and Timothy, 2004 5) of their traditional country, and they face th e aforesaid(prenominal) situation as their co-ethnic members (Coles and Timothy, 2004 5). Diasporas are also divided into two distinct categories. The first category consists of victim Diasporas who have had a traumatic displacement from their grime (Coles and Timothy, 2004 6), and the second is the labour Diaspora which is scattering in pursuit of work (Coles and Timothy, 2004 6).This brings up the cultural aspect of this study. Coles and Timothy (2004 7) state that Diasporic communities move between regions and do not occupy a single cultural space, which leads to hyphenated communities which constitute the semantic coupling of the homeland and the host state.This affects the process of adaptation, assimilation or internalization of a host countrys culture (Joynt and Warner, 1996 166).The field of consumer behavior is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experience, to satisfy needs and de sires (Solomon, Barmossy, Askegaard and Hogg, 2006 6). In addition, people can express their self and their cultural and religious belonging through consumption patterns and sometimes there are cultural clashes (Solomon, Barmossy, Askegaard and Hogg, 2006 6). This is what links culture and the behavior of Diasporas in host countries to the field of consumer behavior.Accordingly, Nguyen and Polonsky (2003 1561) say that the number of migrants and migrant communities in first world countries has increased significantly and that the constant process of acculturation and motivations (Nguyen and Polonsky, 2003 1561) is important in consumption because migrants frequently want to maintain links to their home country (Nguyen and Polonsky, 2003 1561).This study aims at understanding more than clearly the consumer behavior concerning the members of a Diaspora community.In relation to this, the fact that consumer behavior also depends on the type of product consumed has to be taken into cons ideration.Research suggests that many different social situations have different norms of ethnic behavior (e.g. type and amount of food and drink considered appropriate), suggesting that the relationship between ethnicity and behavior is affected by the type of product being considered (Stayman and Deshpande, 1989 363). nutrition and commodities products are more cultural. Therefore, to study culture affecting consumption motives (Henry, 1976 123), a product class for which specific value orientations can be reasonably anticipate to affect choice significantly (Henry, 1976 123) must be selected in a study. Thus, food is chosen in this research for the study of the behavior of Diaspora consumers because food is more than a means of nourishment and sustenance it is also a key cultural expression, it can provide us with a taste of home and serve to reaffirm ties to their culture of origin (Penalosa, 1994 41). Sometimes members of a Diaspora can reject some of the consumption patterns (Penalosa, 1994 42) that are characteristic of the host country.Furthermore, the products discoloration and the image that the brand gives to the consumer are also important to consider as cultural values penetrate the creation and perception of commercial symbols (Aaker, Benet-Martinez and Garolera, 2001 494).To summarize, the cultural function of consumption means that the cultural context should, among other things, be taken into consideration when studying the meaning of objects for consumers and the use they will make of those objects (Wallendorf and Arnould, 1988 533). There are country differences that can be used to interpret cultural differences in norms, attitudes, behavioral patterns, and important macro socioeconomic variables (Aaker, Benet-Martinez and Garolera, 2001 499). Examples of country differences are conservatism versus autonomism and hierarchy/mastery versus classless commitment/ harmony that relate to self-enhancement versus self-transcendence (Aaker, Benet -Martinez and Garolera, 2001 504). These are typical differences between Lebanese and French cultures (Orient versus West).In this study, a questionnaire was distributed online to members of the Lebanese Diaspora in Paris, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with Lebanese people who had lived or are currently living in Paris. Subsequently, the data amass from the questionnaire was tested on SPSS 15 and a factor analysis was run. As for the interviews, major themes were identified as well as interpreted.Many limitations stood in the way of this study. To list a few, time constraints did not allow enough questionnaires to be collected thus making the statistical analyses less credible. In addition, English was the language used in the questionnaire while the Lebanese in Paris are primarily francophone, and the interviews were carried out in French thus not translating exactly the emotions and the real meaning of the interviewees words.Objectives and Research ques tions of the study succeeding(a) the aim and context of the study, research questions and objectives were derived.This study will aim to examine the socio-cultural aspect of consumer research while focusing on one durable good. Hence, this study focuses on food as it is the some culturally influenced product and as its value orientations affect choice significantly. The last objective aims to show that consumers have purchasing habits and patterns that allow them to express their cultural identity by investigating the attitude and consumption habits of Diaspora consumers when it comes to food.The research questions derived from these objectives and that guided this study are the followingAre Diaspora consumers influenced by the host countrys brands and the way they are marketed?Do Diaspora consumers try to influence other consumers who come from different cultural backgrounds? (relating to the socialization aspect)Which identity do they try to construct while living in a foreign co untry?Do they preserve their cultural identity or seek a new or different one?And if the latter is true, why?Structure of the studyIn the first chapter, the general literature concerning consumer behaviour in a cultural and ethnic context will be reviewed. Following from this, the details of the method used will be specified. Third, the results of the research carried out will be presented and discussed as well as interpreted, before concluding with the limitations of this study as well as its implications for further research.

The Blood Theme In Macbeth Essay -- essays research papers

Shakespeares classic play MacBeth is the story of a young and ambitious noble, MacBeth and his wife, chick MacBeth living in 11th century Scotland. When MacBeth is told by three witches that he will become King of Scotland, his mind begins to wander. He considers killing the current king, Duncan, exclusively he presently dismisses the thought from his mind. When Lady MacBeth hears of the witchs prophecies, she urges him to take fate into his own hands and kill the king. With her help, he commits this treasonous act and becomes King. This one murder is lone(prenominal) the beginning as the couple strives to protect their power and maintain their innocence. Both characters fail to take into account the vast guilt that comes with their sinful actions. Shakespeare manifests this guilt in the images of blood and disease. Duncan makes the fatal decision of paying an overnight visit to MacBeths castle. With lady MacBeths coaxing MacBeth agrees to drug the grooms and murder Duncan. Howe ver, Lady MacBeth must go back after(prenominal) the initial killing and frame the sleeping grooms for the murder. Both MacBeth and his wifes hands now carry the blood of the late king, Duncan. A little water clears us of this deed, is Lady MacBeths chemical reaction to this situation. She thinks washing the blood off their hands will also wash the guilt off their minds. Nothing so complicated is ever that easy. Lady MacBeth soon learns that guilt is heavier than water. She is...

Elie Weisel Night :: Essays Papers

Elie Weisel NightThe advice the young polish prisoner gave seemed to be very sound advice. He told them that they needed to immortalise they were all in it together, and that they had to help each other out when they could. He also told them not to loss hope, they needed to ready the faith to keep outlet everyday. This advice is good because as long as they still care for each other then when they are released they will still have their humanity. Also by helping each other they made the work easier for everyone. He tells a story of a young man and his sire as they are deviation Buna for Gliewitz. The young man sees his bring forth falling behind because he cant keep up, but the son doesnt stop to wait. Later that shadow the father asks Elie Wieselif he has seen his son, Elie Wiesel says no he has not before he remembers that he saw the man leave his dad behind. This shows that it was easy for people to let just considering themselves and ignoring everyone including, th eir loved ones. The advice certainly would not be easy to fallow. But it does seem like good advice and Elie Wiesel seemed to have fallowed it and it did help him. Elie worried about his father and helped him on the march, in return him and his father worked as a team. Elies dad would bring him extra rations when he could and when they worked together elie would try to help his father out with any work he could. The other part of the advice was that they keep their faith. This is helpful because if they gave up and lost faith then they would no longer have a reason to live. They needed to be able to believe that the war would end and they would be free. Elie started to lose his faith in god and he snarl there was a