...urban setting, they have always been inherently mediatized to some degree. However, if there is no unmediatized performance in hiphop culture, a huge premium is still placed on immediacy. Since the appearance of rap records in the late seventies and MTV rap music videos in the mid-eighties it has become increasingly easier for rap artists to achieve success without having to first build a local following. In response to this phenomenon, music critic Nelson George has made a political analogy: recorded media "has made rap more democratic--but is democracy good for art? Hiphop was, at one point, a true meritocracy"(George 113).i Hiphop culture struggles between its status as meritocracy and its status as democracy, and this dichotomy has created an aesthetic division, manifested both in the lyrics and in the critical response. For those who see hiphop as a meritocracy, respect as an artist necessarily precedes commercial success, and the response of hiphop-savvy audiences to local live performance is essentially a regulating mechanism. In hiphop as a democracy, record sales...
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...Dimensions of Social Inequality Julie McElwain Park University Abstract Social inequality is how different categories of individuals are prescribed by the society. The society uses basic characteristics such as gender, sex, education, and ethnicity among other factors in order to categorize an individual. The social inequalities determine the access to limited goods such as market labor force, education, health care facilities, and other forms of participation in the society. Different forms of social inequalities are constructs of geographical distribution, and status within the country, however, cultural aspects, mostly integrated with cultural identities, of society are perceived to be the major contributor of social inequality. Discourses have, therefore, been raised on whether the poor deserve to be poor or not and whether the rich deserve to be rich or not. In order to address this question, I examined different dimensions of social inequalities in my life such as social class, educational level, and race among other factors. In this paper, I will also try to bring out understanding of different theories in attempt to explain social stratification. A comparison will be done between different perspectives through interviews and my own perspective of social inequalities. In essence all factors discussed in this paper show a link between social inequalities and different factors such as economic and political system. Trends such as widening inequalities...
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...Dell History Dell is an American technology company based in Round Rock, Texas which develops, manufactures, sells, and supports personal computers, servers, data storage devices, network switches, software, televisions, computer peripherals, and other technology-related products. In 1984, Michael Dell while a student at the University Of Texas founded the company as PC’s Limited with a capital of 1000.00. He operated from his off campus dorm room where he strived to sell IBM PC compatible computers. He believed that by selling personal computer systems directly to the customer, PC’s Limited could better understand the needs of the customers. Michael Dell then dropped out of school to focus full time on his growing business after receiving 300,000.00 in expansion capital from his family. In 1985 the first computer of its own design was produced and called “The Turbo PC.” PC’s Limited advertised the systems in the national computer magazines for sales directly to the consumers and custom assembled each ordered unit. This offered buyers prices lower than those of retail brands. Although PC’s Limited was not the first to use this model, they were the first to succeed with it grossing over 73 million in the first year. In 1987 the company set up its first operations in the United Kingdom. Eleven more international operations followed in the next 4 years. In 1988 the company changed it’s name to Dell Computer Corporation. Dell grew through the 1980s and 1990s...
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...with each other in cross-class encounters. We also elucidate how class work perpetuates inequality, as well as the consequences of class work on organizations and those at the lower end of the organizational hierarchy. By examining microlevel interactions and how they become institutionalized within organizations as prevailing rules and practices, we contribute to both institutional theory and the sociology of social class differences. We encourage future research on social class and discuss some of the challenges inher- ent in conducting it. Several contemporary developments—includ- ing the financial crisis of 2008 (Rajan, 2010), the shrinking of the middle class (Leicht & Fitzger- ald, 2007), and the rise of the “new poor” in America (Cohen, 2010)— have reinjected the is- sue of social class differences and inequality (Stiglitz, 2012) into contemporary discourse. Within organization studies, however, social class has received only scant consideration (cf. Castilla & Benard, 2010; Dacin, Munir, & Tracey, 2010; Scully & Blake-Beard, 2006). While two re- cent exceptions report the consequences of class differences on individual behavior at work (Coté, 2011; Fiske & Markus, 2012), this work does not theorize about how organizational members interact in the face of these differ- The authors contributed equally to the preparation of this manuscript. We are grateful to our talented and fearless friend and colleague, Lindsey Pilver, for bringing us...
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...Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The American Dream is viewed by many Americans as not only an American pursuit, but also many Americans, most especially those citizens that identify themselves as Christians see this pursuit as a Christian right of passage. In the catechesis of Christian language the American dream has become synonymous with the being a Christian. In the minds of many Americans the American Dream is a Christian reward to faithfulness. The proliferation of the American dream through the vehicle of the “Prosperity Gospel” is a cause for the continuance of poverty in America. In this writing I plan to discuss the origins of the American, the canonizing of the American dream in scripture, and the growth of the Prosperity Gospel as an answer to the rising poverty rate in this country. ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM In researching this project one of the reoccurring themes that I came across was the subject of “Recovering the American Dream.” Authors from all over the publication spectrum have sought to bring clarity to the subject of recovering the American Dream. In fact, a brief internet search turned up more than over 700 book titles on the this one topic. The term “American” and “Dream” are...
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...Lien Centre for Social Innovation Social Insight Research Series Inequality, Poverty and Unmet Social Needs in Singapore A Handbook on A Handbook on Inequality, Poverty and Unmet Social Needs in Singapore Lien Centre for Social Innovation CATHERINE J. SMITH (Additional research and writing by John Donaldson, Sanushka Mudaliar, Mumtaz Md Kadir and Yeoh Lam Keong) As this handbook is intended to provide an overview of the arguments of others, the role of the authors largely consisted of compiling, arranging, and contextualizing. Further, the ideas expressed herein, which are various and often contradictory, do not necessarily represent the views of the handbook’s authors, or of the staff and Board of the Lien Centre for Social Innovation. Copyright © March, 2015 by Lien Centre for Social Innovation. All rights reserved. Published by the Lien Centre for Social Innovation Singapore Management University, Administration Building, 81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065 www.lcsi.smu.edu.sg No part nor entirety of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the prior written permission of the Lien Centre. Readers should be aware that internet websites offered as citations and/ or sources for further information may have changed or disappeared between the time this was written and when it was read. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and authors...
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...Understanding in Global Business Practice and Education S. J. Chang Illinois State University ABSTRACT As today’s business decisions and choices are increasingly influenced by the diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives of various corporate stakeholders, it is critical for business managers to have multicultural understanding. This motivates us to refine our business perspectives and approaches in global arena as well as our educational philosophies on global business management. Based on casual yet experiential discussions, this essay presents some cohesive points on comparative cultural understanding and business implications thereof between the “West” and the “East,” which is presupposed by the cultural contrasts between America and Korea. It can hopefully serve as a practically meaningful guideline for business practice and education on multiculturalism. Keywords: multiculturalism, global business management, comparative cultural understanding Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies When East and West Meet, Page 2 INTRODUCTION Thanks to the rapid and continuous expansion of large global businesses, today people, capital, information, and technology travel more freely, rapidly, and widely than ever. The everexpanding scope and scale of large global firms over the recent decades have already been amply documented by numerous reports (See, among others, Barnet & Cavanagh, 1994; Korten, 1996; Karliner, 1997; Gottlieb, 1998; Worldwatch Institute...
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...Dell is an American technology company based in Round Rock, Texas which develops, manufactures, sells, and supports personal computers, servers, data storage devices, network switches, software, televisions, computer peripherals, and other technology-related products. In 1984, Michael Dell while a student at the University Of Texas founded the company as PC’s Limited with a capital of 1000.00. He operated from his off campus dorm room where he strived to sell IBM PC compatible computers. He believed that by selling personal computer systems directly to the customer, PC’s Limited could better understand the needs of the customers. Michael Dell then dropped out of school to focus full time on his growing business after receiving 300,000.00 in expansion capital from his family. In 1985 the first computer of its own design was produced and called “The Turbo PC.” PC’s Limited advertised the systems in the national computer magazines for sales directly to the consumers and custom assembled each ordered unit. This offered buyers prices lower than those of retail brands. Although PC’s Limited was not the first to use this model, they were the first to succeed with it grossing over 73 million in the first year. In 1987 the company set up its first operations in the United Kingdom. Eleven more international operations followed in the next 4 years. In 1988 the company changed it’s name to Dell Computer Corporation. Dell grew through the 1980s and 1990s and became the...
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...Higher Sociology Understanding Human Society 1 Acknowledgements SFEU (Scottish Further Education Unit) gratefully acknowledges the contribution made to this publication by Learning and Teaching Scotland who have granted permission to use material previously produced by Higher Still Development Unit. SFEU also thanks SQA for permission to reproduce parts of the Arrangement documents. Copyright statement Documents on NQ Online can be downloaded free. However, where the publications are the copyright of Learning and Teaching Scotland, educational establishments in Scotland may reproduce them in whole or in part provided that the source is acknowledged and that no profit accrues at any stage. Other users of these publications should contact Learning and Teaching Scotland before reproducing any of them. Please note all rights held by the former Higher Still Development Unit continue to be held by Learning and Teaching Scotland. Contents Statement of Standards 3 Guide to Learning and Teaching Pack 7 Introduction to the Unit and Learning and Teaching Approaches 8 Class stratification 9 Recommended reading and recommended websites for class stratification 10 Introduction to social stratification 11 Class stratification 15 Functionalist theory of class stratification 24 Summary of functionalism ...
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...“excessively long working hours, exhausting rates of work, and more (CLW).” In order to mitigate the widespread problem of inadequate working conditions in China, several different solutions—individual solutions through different parties—must be synergized. Only through collaboration between several different parties can the condition of the workers be changed for the better. In 2012, Apple Inc. and its main manufacturer Foxconn collectively arranged inspections for Foxconn’s major Chinese factories due to pressure from the Fair Labor Association (“FLA”). What is the FLA? Who does it belong to etc. According to the Chicago Tribune, this was a “response to one of the largest investigations ever conducted of a U.S. company’s operations outside of America (Gupta).” In order to placate critics of Apple and Foxconn, the two companies were obligated to bow to the pressure from the Fair Labor Association (“FLA”) and go through with the probe. After inspecting three separate Foxconn plants and 35,000 workers, the FLA discovered several violations of labor law, most noticeably extreme hours and unpaid...
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...Introduction Racial disparity and discrimination is not a new concept to any nation. In fact, many were built on the back of slave labor, whether the slaves were indigenous peoples or imported bodies. While many nations have undertaken measures to overcome racial disparity, others have encouraged racial democracy. Brazil, a modern and industrialized nation, suffers from racial discrimination based on their position in the world economy and built on the ideology of the past. History Brazil’s history is rife with racism and slavery, dating back to its discovery by Pedro Alveres Cabral in 1500. Brazil was originally settled with the intention of harvesting Brazilwood. However, over time the profits from that were supplanted by sugar, which soon became the major export (Phillips 117). Over a short period of time, Brazil became the leading producer of sugar in the Atlantic world. The production of all these exports meant cheap labor was needed. During this time, the Portuguese were sending between 4,000 and 5,000 slaves per year to Brazil from Angola and West Africa; by the 18th century, one million slaves had been imported (117). The continually shifting landscape meant that Brazil’s exports continued to shift. By the time the 19th century came around, Brazil’s major export was coffee as sugar production had shifted to the Caribbean Islands. The continued influx of European slaves and citizens resulted in an uneven population. European labor was generally more skilled...
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...Research Proposal Status for Women of Color in Higher Education Academic Administrative Positions By: Eddie R. Washington National- Louis University ------------------------------------------------- Contents ABSTRACT 3 SITE SELECTION 4 PARTICIPANT SELECTION 4 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 4 ASSUMPTIONS 5 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 5 HISTORICAL PRECEDENCE 7 METHODOLOGY 12 DEFINITION OF TERMS 14 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 15 LITERATURE REVIEW 16 Works Cited 34 ------------------------------------------------- ABSTRACT Although they are small in recognition women of color have strived hard to better the higher education system and opportunities afforded to women of colors and minorities as a whole. Yes over the past couple of decades African American women have been afforded a 60 percent increase in the number of faculty and an 80 percent increase in the amount of women administrators. Yes this is a huge percentage of change, but even with these advancement African American women still represent less than seven percent of the total percentage of administrators. The women that do manage to break down the transparent barriers encounter countless problems throughout their career that Caucasian male or females or even African American males could even grasp. The careers of these heroines are often filled with unimaginable amounts of internal/external stressors, bouts of having to cope with being oppressed, seen as tokens or having to deal with racism and/or...
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...“Evaluate the view that religion is an important source of moral values in contemporary societies” The debate as to whether religion is a vital source of moral values in contemporary society is continuous. Sociologists aim to know and understand exactly how and if religion plays any role in current society. This leads us to ask what exactly religion is. According to sociologists, there are three main ways of defining religion: substantive, functional and social constructionist. Max Weber (1905) describes substantive religion as a belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically. Substantive definitions are exclusive – they draw a clear line between religious and non-religious beliefs. To be a religion, a set of beliefs must include beliefs in God or the supernatural. Functional definitions, however, are inclusive – allowing sociologists to include a wide range of beliefs and practices. Emile Durkheim (1915) defines it in terms of contribution it makes to social integration rather than specific belief in a higher being. Milton Yinger (1970) identifies functions that religion performs for individuals, such as answering ‘ultimate questions’. Whereas, the final definition is social constructionist takes an interpretivist approach focusing how religion is defined by the individual. This definition believes that it is impossible to produce a single universal definition of religion to cover all cases since in reality different individuals...
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...empirical evidence that centres on children with white ancestry to assess whether white genes influence intelligence while citing several sources that support the environmental explanation of the race gap in test scores. Consequently, this discussion questions the reliability and validity of intelligence tests that are used to reinforce the Black intellectual inferiority myth. The conclusive argument suggests in no uncertain terms that the Bell Curve is nothing more than the repackaging of racist pseudo-scientific conclusions by right wing academics, intent on rekindling a political debate premised on a racist manifesto to justify the withdrawal of intervention programmes that challenge existing social and racial hierarchies, that are perceived to transfer white power and privileges to undeserving Blacks. Special Thanks to: Dr. Madge Willis Morehouse College...
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...Necessity knows no law. Bần cùng sinh đạo tặc. In December 2008, just a few months after the U.S. financial system imploded, New York City was hit by a flurry of bank robberies. On the Monday before New Year’s, four banks were attacked in an hour-and-a-half; one daytime raid took place just steps from the Lincoln Center in downtown Manhattan. The week before, San Diego had seen four bank holdups in a single day. Criminologists wondered if the holiday spree was the first sign of a looming crime wave in recession-battered America. Take an uptick in poverty and economic misery, toss in budget cuts to police departments across the country, and that should be a blueprint for chaos—right? Except, as it turns out, the exact opposite occurred. According to FBI statistics, crime rates went down across the board in 2009. Way down. Murder, rape, robbery, assault, auto theft—plummeted, one and all. Then, this week, the FBI released preliminary data for the first six months of 2010, and again the same pattern emerged. Violent crimes and property crimes alike have been falling in every region of the country. What gives? Have experts just completely misunderstood what causes people to commit crimes? There's certainly no shortage of theories for why crime rates have gone down over the past two years. The simplest is that crime just isn’t closely related to economic conditions. Consider, after all, the two big crime epidemics in the twentieth century—the first took root in the late 1960s...
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