...I. INTRODUCTION Singapore has always taken pride in being a meritocracy and its embrace of meritocracy has been the cornerstone of the nation’s success story. Over the years, Singapore’s meritocracy has emphasised on “equality of opportunity” over “equality of outcomes”; shaping a relatively level playing field where the most capable and hardworking individuals regardless of ethnicity or social classes have an equal opportunity to rise to the top. While the State has always heralded the success of meritocracy, the systemic flaws and failures that were once side-lined in the public eye are becoming increasingly prevalent and visible today. This paper on “Examining Meritocracy and Elitism in Singapore” serves to explore the inherent contradictions within the concept of meritocracy and investigate the systemic failures arising from the dissonance caused by how meritocracy is practised in Singapore where the inevitable social and income inequalities results in an elitist system which perpetuates itself. The central research question is how meritocracy shapes the Singapore elite and in turn how the elite shapes meritocracy in the country. In this paper, the elite is defined as the class of English-educated Singaporeans who subsequently rises to the top as the political and bureaucratic elite, unless otherwise specified. This paper will discuss how the elite accumulates an increasing degree and concentration of influence which allows them to consolidate...
Words: 5135 - Pages: 21
...Derek Hillegas Sport Media Triad Research Write-Up 6/6/14 Michael Sam and his portrayal in the Media Introduction: The number of gay athletes that are starting to come out and announce that they are gay are increasing. Every time this happens it is a shock to people and the media gets a hold of this information and makes it known. Homosexual athletes will face challenges. Most locker rooms have a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy, and there are few openly gay male athletes in hyper masculine sports like American Football. Michael Sam became the first open gay player to enter the NFL draft and eventually would be selected in the draft by the St. Louis Rams. He announced he was gay back in February and ever since them he was the main focal point of the NFL up until the Draft. The main point of this paper is to take basic ideologies such as masculinity, violence, Race, Gender, sexuality or meritocracy, and use these ideologies to analyze how the media portrays Michael Sam. Another point that will be touched upon is how the news media and sport media have different ways of portraying Michael Sam in the media. Methods: The first thing I did to conduct my research was to find 10 media sources that were related to how the media portrayed Michael Sam. In these 10 media sources I was looking for different types of ideologies and how the media used these articles to describe Michael Sam. Once I found 10 media Articles I needed to find 2 more Academic articles. It was going to be hard...
Words: 3218 - Pages: 13
...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...
Words: 30222 - Pages: 121
...1Malaysia - Concept and Values By Ir. Dr Hasnul Mohamad Salleh Abstracts Upon ascending to Malaysia’s highest public office on April 2009, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak has made waves to all corners of the nation with the introduction of 1Malaysia concept. The concept evolves around culture of excellence, perseverance, acceptance, education, integrity, meritocracy, humility and loyalty. It also encompases NKRAs on six major issues. Since independent, national unity has been made top priority – unity in education, culture, socio-economy, political, regional, etc. 1Malaysia seeks to improve the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural backgrounds. There are certain major concerns that need to be addressed in order to seriously engage in 1Malaysia concept. Without correcting them, all efforts will be in vain. 1Malaysia concept caters the needs of all sector of the plural society and to ensure equal distribution of wealth between racial groups, between states and federal. Integrity on the part of the government and the public sector is one matter. The introduction of NKRAs and KPIs is a laudable move. The managing of all spectrums of unity (not just racial) is to be given proper thinking. In order to move Malaysia towards a better society, identity and future hence unity and integration should promote co-operation between race, beliefs and region as one Malaysia, not as Sarawakian or Sabahan. The trust and aspiration...
Words: 4333 - Pages: 18
...1Malaysia - Concept and Values By Ir. Dr Hasnul Mohamad Salleh Abstracts Upon ascending to Malaysia’s highest public office on April 2009, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak has made waves to all corners of the nation with the introduction of 1Malaysia concept. The concept evolves around culture of excellence, perseverance, acceptance, education, integrity, meritocracy, humility and loyalty. It also encompases NKRAs on six major issues. Since independent, national unity has been made top priority – unity in education, culture, socio-economy, political, regional, etc. 1Malaysia seeks to improve the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural backgrounds. There are certain major concerns that need to be addressed in order to seriously engage in 1Malaysia concept. Without correcting them, all efforts will be in vain. 1Malaysia concept caters the needs of all sector of the plural society and to ensure equal distribution of wealth between racial groups, between states and federal. Integrity on the part of the government and the public sector is one matter. The introduction of NKRAs and KPIs is a laudable move. The managing of all spectrums of unity (not just racial) is to be given proper thinking. In order to move Malaysia towards a better society, identity and future hence unity and integration should promote co-operation between race, beliefs and region as one Malaysia, not as Sarawakian or Sabahan. The trust and aspiration...
Words: 4333 - Pages: 18
...General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Examination January 2012 Sociology Unit 2 Friday 20 January 2012 For this paper you must have: an AQA 12-page answer book. SCLY2 9.00 am to 11.00 am Time allowed 2 hours Instructions Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Examining Body for this paper is AQA. The Paper Reference is SCLY2. This paper is divided into two sections. Choose one section and answer all the questions in that section. Do not answer questions from more than one section. Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked. Information The marks for questions are shown in brackets. The maximum mark for this paper is 90. Questions carrying 12 marks or more should be answered in continuous prose. In these questions you will be marked on your ability to: – use good English – organise information clearly – use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. GJ74914/Jan12/SCLY2 6/6/6 SCLY2 2 Choose either Section A or Section B and answer all the questions in that section. Section A: Education with Research Methods You are advised to spend approximately 50 minutes on questions 0 1 0 6 to 0 4 . 9 . You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on question You are advised to spend approximately 40 minutes on questions 0 5 . to 0 Total for this section: 90 marks Education Read Item A below and answer questions...
Words: 1479 - Pages: 6
...General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Examination January 2012 Sociology Unit 2 Friday 20 January 2012 For this paper you must have: an AQA 12-page answer book. SCLY2 9.00 am to 11.00 am Time allowed 2 hours Instructions Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Examining Body for this paper is AQA. The Paper Reference is SCLY2. This paper is divided into two sections. Choose one section and answer all the questions in that section. Do not answer questions from more than one section. Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked. Information The marks for questions are shown in brackets. The maximum mark for this paper is 90. Questions carrying 12 marks or more should be answered in continuous prose. In these questions you will be marked on your ability to: – use good English – organise information clearly – use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. GJ74914/Jan12/SCLY2 6/6/6 SCLY2 2 Choose either Section A or Section B and answer all the questions in that section. Section A: Education with Research Methods You are advised to spend approximately 50 minutes on questions 0 1 0 6 to 0 4 . 9 . You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on question You are advised to spend approximately 40 minutes on questions 0 5 . to 0 Total for this section: 90 marks Education Read Item A below and answer questions...
Words: 1479 - Pages: 6
...we develop a theoretical framework that explains how social class distinctions are sustained within organizations. In particular, we intro- duce the concept of “class work” and explicate the cognitions and practices that members of different classes engage in when they come in contact 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...
Words: 21937 - Pages: 88
...It's no secret that financing a college education is getting tougher. College costs have skyrocketed over the past decade or so, and there's no relief in sight. Average tuition at four-year colleges will increase 7 percent this school year, double the rate of inflation. Student aid is not increasing fast enough to plug the growing gap between tuition and family finances. In addition, there is a growing number of older students entering college today. These students have families that they need to support. I know, because I am a family man who has returned to school. I wish to finish my degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The only problems I face are financial in nature. It is with this in mind that I set about this research. The not so simple question: Is financial aid available to older students, and if so, how do they go about obtaining it? The Cost Of Education The cost of higher education varies by type of institution. Tuition is highest at private 4-year institutions, and lowest at public 2-year institutions. The private 4-year colleges nearly quadrupled their average tuition rates between 1975 and 1996. For private 4-year colleges, tuition and fees for the 1995-96 academic year averaged about $15,400, compared with about $5006 at public 4-year colleges. The cost of attending an institution of higher education includes not only tuition and fees, however, but also books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses and, sometimes, room...
Words: 2268 - Pages: 10
...the basis race, gender, sex and other aspects. Discrimination can be both legal and illegal depending on the situation. In a real-estate contract, for example, a land lord can legally discriminate against someone depending on the applicant’s situation. If the rent contract mentioned “NO PETS”, the landlord can deny the applicant and then turn around and accept an applicant with no pets. If the landlord on the other hand, refused rent to a female applicant because of her gender and gives rent to a male applicant, this type of discrimination is illegal. Discrimination is classified into individual discrimination, institutional discrimination and structural discrimination. In this paper, we will define each form of discrimination and compare them to see differences and similarities they have. In this paper, we will talk mainly about racial discrimination however, keep in mind all three forms of discrimination apply not only to race but also to gender, ethnicity, sexual preferences, religion marital status and other things. Institutional Discrimination Institutional Discrimination is defined as unjust and discriminatory mistreatment of an individual or group of individuals by society and its institutions as a whole, through unequal selection or bias, intentional or unintentional; as opposed to individuals making a conscious choice to discriminate. It stems from systemic stereotypical beliefs (such as gender or racist beliefs) that are held by the vast majority of individuals living...
Words: 1130 - Pages: 5
...Sociology SCLY2: Education with Sociological Research Methods Student Guide Introduction According to sociologist Michael Rutter we spend 15000 hours in the education system. Consequently the schooling process has a large role in forming our personalities. For some, education also manages to act as a way of socialising people into the norms and values that are seen to be important for a particular society. For others it can be seen as a source of conflict particularly when issues surrounding gender, class and ethnicity are put under the sociologists, ‘microscope’. It also provides an excellent indicator of how political ideology affects social policy, with the changing of governments impacting on educational policy. Some questions sociologists are interested in about education are: * Why do some pupils achieve more than others? * What is the relationship between education and the economy? * What is the purpose of education? * Do pupil’s school experiences vary? Assessment The course will be assessed by examination only. The examination will consist of various short answer question and essay style questions. Date of Exam: June 2010 Duration: 2 hr The Unit 2 exam is worth 60% of your final AS level grade. There will be 90 marks available on the paper. You will answer one question on the chosen topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on research methods. Assessment Objectives AO1 Knowledge...
Words: 1881 - Pages: 8
...Strategic Management Paper on: Dell International Services Philippines, Inc. Submitted to: Professor Eliseo Aurellado Submitted by: Ryan S. Villarica MBA - Standard Date: June 28, 2014 Table of Contents Executive Summary4 I. Introduction6 II. Research Methodology7 III. Mission and Vision Analysis8 Current Vision and Mission8 Review of the Current Vision9 Review of the Current Mission10 Proposed Vision and Mission Statements11 Review of the Proposed Vision and Mission Statements12 Communicating the Proposed Vision and Mission Statements14 IV. External Analysis15 Economic Forces15 Political Forces………………………......................................................................................... 18 Social, Cultural, Demographic and Ecological Forces 19 Technological Forces 21 Industry and Competitive Forces 22 Five Forces of Competition Model 24 Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM)28 External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix 33 V. Internal Analysis39 Functional Audit39 Culture39 Management41 Operations43 Information Systems44 Human Resources45 Marketing and Hiring46 Financial Performance47 Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix52 VI. Strategy Formulation58 SWOT Analysis58 Strategic Position and Evaluation (SPACE) Matrix 60 Internal-External (IE) Matrix63 Grand Strategy Matrix64 Summary of Matrices and Analysis65 VII. Quality Strategy Planning Matrix 66 VIII. Proposed Strategies69 Strategic...
Words: 12480 - Pages: 50
...and consequently, they are required to connect with certain other companies to build a network relationship regardless of organisational types such as business, government or non-profit. According to Tang & Musa (2011), the supply chain is a conception of carefully synchronised, supportive networks, challenging with different networks. Moreover, the emphasis is on handling procedures that involve other organisations as associates in accomplished relations to execute the actions essential to fulfil the procedure. It can be said that global supply chain necessitates inaugurating relations with organisations working in entirely dissimilar administrative, financial, and physical surroundings. For this considered paper, Samsung has been selected which functions globally and this paper discusses the way it achieves to inaugurate close synchronisation throughout the globe. In addition to this, the way Samsung adopts markets through transfer pricing tools as well as discounted cash flows, and the supply chain risks as well as related mitigation approach is discussed. Similarly, in what way advanced technology support to uphold the competitive advantage is specified. Global Supply Chain Management It has been noticed that the world at the present confronts worldwide rivalry, concentrating on speedy reaction to consumer requirements at reasonable prices, convoyed by access of market along with quick placement of technology. Moreover, a substantial shift is taking place from great production...
Words: 1349 - Pages: 6
...and William Graham Sumner's 1880 treatise on Social Darwinism, their analysis demonstrates how historians employ interdisciplinary research methods to create a holistic picture of the Gilded Age. By applying historical context and sociological analysis, these papers provide windows into the intricacies of the time, illuminating political agendas, social movements, and the general structure of society. In order to delve into the analysis portion, background on this era of history is needed. In American history, the Gilded Age is an inverse period marked by conspicuous wealth and significant social upheaval, as described in Foner’s Give Me Liberty. After the Civil War, the United States saw unmatched industrialization during this time, turning it into a global economic force. Rapid urbanization was sparked by technological and manufacturing advancements, which attracted millions of people from rural areas to growing cities in pursuit of opportunity and work. But beyond the glistening show of wealth was a more sinister reality of governmental corruption, worker abuse, and social injustice. This contradiction is embodied in the term "gilded," which was first used in 1873 by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner. It conjures up the idea of a civilization that is covered in a thin layer of gold that conceals its underlying imperfections. The first paper that encompasses the underlying issues involving socioeconomic disparity in the Gilded Age is document 107. Andrew Carnegie, the “Gospel...
Words: 1459 - Pages: 6
...General Certificate of Education January 2013 Sociology 1191 SCLY2 Education with Research Methods; Health with Research Methods Unit 2 Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the standardisation meeting attended by all examiners and is the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation meeting ensures that the mark scheme covers the students‟ responses to questions and that every examiner understands and applies it in the same correct way. As preparation for the standardisation meeting each examiner analyses a number of students‟ scripts: alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed at the meeting and legislated for. If, after this meeting, examiners encounter unusual answers which have not been discussed at the meeting they are required to refer these to the Principal Examiner. It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and expanded on the basis of students‟ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark schemes on the basis of one year‟s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination paper. Further copies of this Mark Scheme are available to download from the AQA Website:...
Words: 6483 - Pages: 26