| Papers [153-171] of 6926 :: [Page 9 of 365] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
Race, Gender, and Latin American Eugenics, 2008.
This essay discusses Nancy Leys Stepan's "The Hour of Eugenics: Race, Gender, and Nation in Latin America" and evaluates how theories of "racial improvement" aided modernization in Latin America.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 40.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the conceptualization of 'science' as purely objective and entirely distanced from the influences of politics. Specifically, this paper looks at the science of eugenics as extremely popular in many nations from the turn of the century until the 1940's. Instead of being purely 'science', as many conceptualized, eugenics was used to justify racial segregation and oppression, in Europe, North America and also in Latin America. According to Nancy Leys Stepan, simply because Latin American eugenics was not used as a tool of state policy on the same level of brutality as in Nazi Germany, does not mean that it was not still deployed by scientists and state officials alike to control human behavior.
From the Paper
"Latin American eugenics was driven by the desire to purify the physical appearance and morality of the nation. Gender, and the presumed inferior place of women also fueled the structure of the health policy, as monitoring the female body and creating the perfect mother was the justification for the compulsory registration of pregnant women and enforced medical exams for the 'good' of the baby and future citizen. Within the bodies of mothers, the new nation would be born, thus (as in Nazi Germany, but with a different scientific justification and emphasis on propagation rather than annihilation) the state 'owned' the body of the woman."
| |
|
Maltreatment of Children, 2008.
This paper looks at how the definition of child, along with the concepts of child maltreatment, have evolved over time within society.
3,680 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 102.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the conception of what constitutes maltreatment of children. Specifically, this paper establishes the view that the whole concept of what constitutes a designation of being a "child" has changed over time, like many other societal definitions. According to the author, the designation of a child as a vulnerable member of society that requires special protection by parents and others is in fact a relatively new concept, and this is especially true of the social designation of adolescence. This paper takes a look at child maltreatment as a concept that has evolved over time, especially with regards to the definitions in a legal sense and the afforded interventions that are offered to society as a whole when these new definitions are breeched. Furthermore, this paper asserts that just like any other recently designated social problem, the phenomena of child maltreatment, though it has existed for all of human history, has taken a significant amount of time to be defined in the manner it is today.
From the Paper
"Sadly, due to the nature of the limited communication skills of children and the desire of many abusers to deny events occurrences social workers are often engaged in resolving behavioral and social problems that occur as a result months or even years of maltreatment or single events that are so traumatic for the child that they relive them continually in thought and seek alternative behaviors to alleviate or even signal the need for intervention. Childhood trauma is a perceptual situation, and all trauma either intentional or unintentional, say as a result of witnessing unrelated acts of violence can effect all children in a different way, from not much at all to fundamentally and long lasting posttraumatic stress which can involve nightmares, behavioral problems, educational problems or even serious social concerns."
| |
|
Greek Studies, 2008.
This paper looks at Greek history, focusing on Aristotle's view of Spartan women.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of Greek history. Specifically, the writer discusses the view Aristotle has of Spartan women and looks at how this view compares with other sources on the women of Sparta. The writer points out that Aristotle's view of Spartan women was less than complementary, but this differs from most other sources on Greek history. The writer maintains that Aristotle may have been prejudiced against women, leading to his canted views on Spartan women and their accomplishments.
From the Paper
"Aristotle, one of the most illustrious Greek philosophers, believed, as many Greeks did, that women and education did not mix. In Athens (Aristotle's home), women were educated in the arts, such as spinning, weaving, and many other domestic activities. They were not educated in science and mathematics, as young men were, and there were many other differences, as well. In Sparta, the domestic tasks such as spinning were seen as work for the serfs or lower classes, while Spartan women were educated on the same level as the men. In fact, women also had to excel in athletics and warrior skills as they mastered their education in Sparta, while women in Athens not only were not fully educated, they could not participate in athletics, and could not own property or serve in the political arena, as well."
| |
|
Illegal Immigration In America, 2008.
A discussion of some arguments from those who are for and against illegal immigration.
865 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the blocking of illegal immigration in the USA. The paper explains that the last few decades have seen a rise in the illegal immigrant population of the United States, and the line has been drawn in the sand between those against and those for illegal immigration. The writer suggests that before any discussion is made on whether we need more laws to combat illegal immigration, the question perhaps should be that existing laws should and must be implemented. The writer then points out that despite the existence of illegal immigration laws, the divide amongst the pros and the cons are still heavy. From the legal point of view, curbing illegal immigration should be done because it simply is against the law, and the moral point of view is otherwise and goes against the ethical principle of helping humanity.
From the Paper
"The United States has always been seen by most outsiders as the "land of milk and honey." Couple this with what they see in Hollywood movies as the "American dream." Indeed, the United States can be a land where one could fulfill your dreams and hopes. But like anything else, there are limits to how far dreams could be reached or how many could avail of that opportunity."
| |
|
Defining Sociology, 2008.
This paper attempts to provide a definition of sociology.
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explains the importance of defining sociology as a discipline. The paper looks at various attitudes towards the study of the social sciences and concludes that the idea that being in a group affects the individual is perhaps the fundamental assumption of sociology. The paper explains that this is regardless whether one takes a qualitative or quantitative approach and regardless of one's political persuasion as a theorist or researcher.
From the Paper
"Sociology, like all of the social sciences, seems to overlap with man of its 'sister' social sciences, such as anthropology, psychology, and even history. Finding a coherent definition of sociology is something that eludes even the college textbooks that attempt to introduce undergraduate students to the discipline. While reaching an exact definition of sociology may seem less crucial than examining the specific subjects that are studied in a sociology course, explaining the theoretical underpinnings of the author of a textbook provide clues as to the author's biases and assumptions about the purpose of studying the subject."
| |
|
Is Legislating Morality Immoral?, 2008.
An argument that the legislative attempts to moralize victimless behavior have created a crisis of over-criminalization in America.
1,558 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 51.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper addresses the phenomenon of over-criminalization in America today. The paper discusses how there is a proliferation of laws that punish people for behavior that, while considered immoral by some portion of the population, has no real victims and creates no lasting harms. The paper contends that although determining criminal behavior is a moral process, a freedom-based society has to balance society's moral views with the concepts of personal liberty and justice.
From the Paper
"To understand how overcriminalization happens, one must first understand criminalization. Lawmakers respond to societal pressures by creating laws to address new social issues. This is not an inherently negative process. For example, before the advent of the internet, many behaviors that are currently considered criminal were not considered crimes and placed people in danger of victimization. This has happened in the area of violent crimes as well. As recently as a century ago, child molestation was not generally acknowledged, and such behavior was certainly not criminalized. As society became aware that child molestation was a problem, the behavior began to be criminalized. Furthermore, as society became aware of how serious and dramatic the impact of molestation is on a child's life, legislators responded by increasing the penalties for those crimes. In circumstances such as those described above, criminalization is a positive phenomenon because it penalizes behavior that has the potential for creating serious harm and is, by its nature, victimizing."
| |
|
The Female Body, 2008.
This paper discusses the female form, sexuality and society.
764 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in contemporary American society, the two genders are still socialized very differently in many respects. The Women's Liberation movement and civil rights
legislation of the late 20th century greatly improved women's rights in the last fifty years, but in the realm of self esteem, female attractiveness is still overemphasized in importance. The writer maintains that the natural power of the female form on men makes provocative clothes irresistible to many men, but it conflicts with other elements of social learning about sexual morality. The combination of the issue of gender-specific sexual socialization with constant messages to women encouraging them to accentuate their physical appeal and sexuality for social approval exposes women to sexual objectification in the work place and to deceptive misrepresentation within intimate relationships. The writer concludes that the solution lies mainly in eliminating the difference in male and female sexual socialization throughout society, including the mixed messages about the female form and female sexuality.
Outline:
Introduction
Mixed Messages about Sexuality and Attractiveness
The Influence of the Female Form on Relationships
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This mixed cultural message and focus on female attractiveness is further complicated by the fact that men are socialized to seek as much sexual activity as they can and socially rewarded for sexual conquests beginning in adolescence. By contrast, women are taught to withhold sexuality except within emotionally intimate relationships. This discrepancy and the natural power of the female form to draw male interest promotes a predatory relationship on the part of men toward women. Instead of honesty and mutual attraction and potential romantic interest, many social relationships initiated by men are deceitful in nature and motivated purely by a desire to fulfill a physical urge, even if that requires outright deception. To make matter worse, in many cases, the moral rationalization on the part of men is that women who emphasize their attractiveness and sexuality in their choice of clothes and style "deserve" to be objectified and used for their sexual purposes without concern for their feelings."
| |
|
U.S. Public Health Care, 2008.
This paper discusses public health action that addresses prevention of cardiovascular events, early detection, treatment of risk factors and early identification and treatment of heart attacks and strokes.
883 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 31.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the United States Public Health Service (P.H.S.) has taken the responsibility to find a solution with the growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease in our country. The writer notes that the success of the program depends largely on communicating to the public of the urgent need to prevent heart disease and strokes. It also relies on the nation's public health infrastructure to collaborate in supporting the necessary actions for its goals. The writer points out that prevention is believed to start from disseminating information regarding the consequences of poor diet and lack of exercise, and the truth on cardiovascular disease. The writer concludes that the success of this mission can only be attained if there is complete involvement of all community members, policy makers, and various sectors of our society.
From the Paper
"The CDC seeks to protect the health of the general public by disseminating information and implementing ways to prevent diseases and infection. The NIH is the country's primary agency for biotechnical and medical research. Along with several departments and institutions, the US PHS aims to promote and preserve the general well-being of all Americans.
"The US PHS has taken the responsibility to find a solution with the growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease in our country. In 2003, under the leadership of CDC and NIH, the US PHS launched A Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke, an umbrella program which aims to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke among Americans of all ages. The Action Plan based its goals on the objectives of the Healthy People 2010, a program that has been ongoing for 2 decades. It aims to increase the quality and number of years of healthy living individuals, and it further aims to eliminate risk factors for heart diseases."
| |
|
Amish Families in America, 2008.
This paper researches the culture, values and beliefs of Amish families in America and how these relate to the ecological theory of human development.
1,895 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 60.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper describes how the Amish people follow a simple life that is adherent to family, faith and community principles. The paper then looks at the view that human development takes place within the context of the relationships that form the environment and discusses how structure in society has always been the strongest foundational base to support the most positive human development. The paper shows how this structure remains very secure only in the Amish community in the United States.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Standards: Amish Women vs Contemporary American Women
Relations of Culture, Values and Belief to Ecological Theory
Environmental factors Influencing Culture, Values and Beliefs
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Today's society is characterized by a broken down unit of what was once a structure formed tightly through matrimonial bonds and was a structure that was a firm foundational beginning for children's futures to be constructed upon. It was a structure that has passed the test of time in society and that had served well. Feminism arose when it was required by the processes at work within society in order to find a balance for women who work however, feminism assisted in the breaking down of the family unit as divorces and working mothers became more and more common. There is still today a group of people existing in the United States that follow a very simple life that is adherent to family, faith and community principle and who separate themselves from the common society. These people are the Amish who originally came from Switzerland and were at one time brought into the protection of America by William Penn."
| |
|
Inculturation of Roman Rite, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of funeral rites concentrating on Roman rites.
4,616 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 119.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer explores the Roman funeral rite and the ability of the Romans to successfully inculturate elements of this ritual into the other cultures that they touched. The writer supports the thesis that the successful inculturation of funeral rites into mainstream society is a result of the willingness to adapt the ritual to include elements of the culture that they wished to acquire, rather than getting them to submit by sheer brute force. The new funeral rite then represents a perfect blend of two cultures.
Outline:
Understanding Inculturation
Roman Funeral Rites Past and Present
Inculturation of Roman Funerary Rites
The Jewish Funerary Liturgy
Developing a Plan for Inculturation
On Liturgy and Faith
Inculturation Methodology
From the Paper
"As the pagan practices of the Roman Empire became entangled, and later replaced by Christianity, many of the pagan practices became obsolete. In some cases, they were no longer allowed, particularly those that honored pagan gods. However, as the Roman religion transformed into the Roman Catholic Church, many elements of the old funeral rites survived. The survival of these elements demonstrates a high degree of inculturation of the old Roman practices. The modern Catholic funerary service still maintains the basic structure of the old Roman ceremony.
"The modern Roman Catholic Church requires that burial rites contain three distinct lithurgical sections. A funeral must contain all three sections."
| |
|
Academic Dishonesty, 2008.
A compreshensive account of cheating with examples of dishonesty throughout American society today.
948 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper states that academic dishonesty is not a new phenomenon, and suggests that the practice dates back thousands of years. The paper then points out that studies have shown that academic dishonesty is on the rise in academic institutions across the United States. To determine what might explain this increase, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to identify the potential causes, followed by a discussion of a suggested remedy. A summary of the research and important findings are provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
conclusion
From the Paper
"Perhaps as no other time in history, cheating is easier than ever and examples of dishonesty extend throughout American society today. Scarcely a day goes by without headlines trumpeting yet another professional athlete gone bad, a major company caught in a scandal, or a university professor caught with his academic pants down as past instances of plagiarism are brought to light. According to Rakovski and Levy (2007), recent shenanigans at companies such as Enron, WorldCom and Adelphia have focused attention on the ethical behavior of business leaders and what part higher education should play in training future leaders. These authors caution, "If students exhibit unethical and dishonest behavior in college, they may carry those attitudes and behaviors into the workplace" (p. 466). Whitley and Keith-Spiegel (2002) attribute the prevalence of academic dishonesty among college students today to their "having been raised in an era of decline in public morality, [but] cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are not new problems. These behaviors have existed as long as there have been tests and will probably continue as long as students are evaluated" (p. 3). The role of the nation's colleges and universities in preventing this type of behavior is a common theme that emerges from the literature. In this regard, Huffman (2006) reports that, "Schools can't control the messages of the pop culture, but they do have a large measure of influence and some control over the culture of the school."
| |
|
Developing Community: "The Different Drum", 2008.
An examination of M. Scott Peck's insights into community building as set forth in his book "The Different Drum."
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses "The Different Drum," in which M. Scott Peck relates how he first developed a sense of community in his own life and then seeks to apply the lessons learned to global issues. The writer examines Peck's rules for community-making and the relationship that Peck sees between community building, religion and international peace. The writer concludes with a definition of religion and notes that Peck's ideal of a more integrated religious community worldwide could provide grounds for agreement on many issues in international relations.
From the Paper
"The role of religion in international conflict is far too often as a motivating force bringing about such conflict. Peck (1987) says this is because world views are religions and make all wars into "holy wars." To move away from this situation, it is necessary to distinguish between true and false religions: "Otherwise the only standards will be those that can win out over the others on a bloody battlefield" (p. 240)."
| |
|
'Mary Poppins' and Class, 2008.
This paper studies the novel 'Mary Poppins' by P.L. Travers and discusses the elements of social class.
1,114 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the novel 'Mary Poppins' produces a plethora of symbolic notions and sociological representations of class. Many of the figures portrayed in the book stand as reflections of the social differentiations of the timeline in which the book was written. The writer discusses that the author provides a canny depiction of certain characters that, in actuality, would undoubtedly be far more predisposed to a conduct or behavior more parallel to a characterization of despoliation. The writer concludes that 'Mary Poppins' is almost a symbol of persistent delegation that portrays the growth and outward direction of the suppressive realities that represented the lower, working class social realms of her consideration.
From the Paper
"In a manner of contrary consideration, these characters and others with the same relation to sociological statuses common for each sect eluded more to a harmonious and unscathed existence. It is in this light that the character repartee and general development of the characters are fictitiously deployed, thus exuding an opposing perception of the common and often stereotypical notions of such individuals of their era. But, in defense of the opposite end, the activity and sometimes blundering delineation exhumed by each character with symbolic representation of separate classes does support and solidify many of the strengths that stand as demarcates for their title as characters in the novel.
"The storyline of Mary Poppins, though it is set with an English stratagem, provides an intriguing view into the many universal challenges that both men and women faced during the early period of the 20th Century."
| |
|
Art as a Mirror of Society, 2008.
This paper examines two works of art, the "Venus of Willendorf," a prehistoric artifact, and Manet's "Paris" in order to discuss how humans define art and the meaning of art.
6,805 words (approx. 27.2 pages), 23 sources, APA, $ 154.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at how people view art. It states that when viewing any work of art, one immediately begins to make sense of the image in terms of how it relates to the world one knows, as well as what one has been taught about history. Not only does society seem to influence the ways in which art is produced - society is often reflected in the works of art itself. Along these lines, this paper aims to answer the question of whether or not people use ancient artifacts that pre-date written culture as a means of "reading" the society that existed during that era. In the case of ancient artifacts such as the "Venus of Willendorf," ultimately modern analysis can only guess by relating the piece's history to modern ideas of what gender might have signified to ancient prehistoric civilizations. However - in the case of Manet - people are able to get a better view of the ways that society and art impacted one another through the use of primary and secondary sources. In contrast between the Venus and Manet's pieces, it can be said that the relationship between art and society is in fact conditioned by a third factor, which is the main subject of this paper - that of history. Without all the written records of the 19th century that have been kept, people might have no way of knowing what they are looking at when they study a Manet painting. Furthermore, "works" - or, perhaps more aptly, artifacts - such as the Venus thus cause people to reconsider what the true definition of art is.
Outline:
The Venus of Willendorf: Women in the Stone Age
Manet's Paris
Women in Manet's Art
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Manet's painting was firmly rooted in Paris of the mid-19th century. It is thus not difficult for us to get a glimpse of what society was like in that time and place by looking at Manet's paintings. Looking at the Venus of Willendorf, however, does not tell us anything about the society that it is a relic of. It thus requires us to use our intellects and our imaginations in order to piece together an explanation that might satisfy us personally, but can never be held up as a firm example, as we can with Manet's paintings. Thus, it can be said that the relationship between art and society is in fact conditioned by a third factor, which has been the main subject of our inquiry - that of history. Without all the written records of the 19th century that have been kept, we might have no way of knowing what we are looking at when we study a Manet painting. This truth comes to the surface when we look at the Venus, which comes from a period that pre-dated all known forms of writing."
| |
|
Social Engineering and the Law, 2008.
This paper discusses how the law can be utilized as a tool for social engineering.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer explains that law is one of the best mechanisms for social engineering, because the law dictates desired behaviors and prohibited behaviors and prescribes punishments for failure to adhere to those dictates. The writer refers to the change in America's attitude toward race and segregation as an example of the law as social engineering. The writer relates that if he were in the position to enact laws, he would work on bolstering the concept of the nuclear family in American society.
From the Paper
"Social engineering refers to the idea that something can be "purposefully used as a tool to intentionally shape society." (Schmalieger, 2002, p.14). Law is one of the best mechanisms for social engineering, because the law dictates desired behaviors and prohibited behaviors, and prescribes punishments for failure to adhere to those dictates. Oftentimes, laws simply codify existing societal norms. However, one of the most remarkable aspects of law is that law can actually be used to substantially modify social norms, which means that it is a very effective social engineering mechanism."
| |
|
Management Theory, 2008.
A discussion on the evolution of schools of management theory.
1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, ever since the beginning of studying management in the late 1800s, management theory has progressed through different schools. The paper describes decades of various management theories and suggests that the number of schools indicates that there is no agreement on the best strategy. The paper concludes that today managers have to deal with an entire corporate system rather than dealing with single parts; therefore, it is important to understand and strategically plan for a whole system by applying a balanced approach to management.
Table of Contents:
The Classical School
Scientific Management: 1880s
Administrative Management: 1940s
Bureaucratic Management: 1920s
The Behavioral School
Human Relations: 1930s
Behavioral Science: 1950s
The Quantitative School
Management Science and MIS: 1940s
Production and Operations Management: 1940s
Systems School: 1950s
Contingency School: 1970s
From the Paper
"There was a group of experimenters, which included Clair Turner, Fritz J. Roethlisberger, and Elton Mayo, that began the Hawthorne Experiments in 1924, continuing them through the early 1930s. They concluded that workers' attitudes have a lot to do with their productivity. They also found that the workplace is a social place to be and that groups there were very influential on other workers' behavior. Supervision was also found to be important to job satisfaction. They concluded that workers and managers must cooperate and collaborate in order to achieve productivity."
| |
|
Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2008.
A research paper discussing the breadth and prevalence of adolescent substance abuse.
9,571 words (approx. 38.3 pages), 48 sources, MLA, $ 196.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this research, the writer provides a general overview of adolescent substance abuse, followed by a discussion of some of the more salient societal implications involved. A description of the statistics concerning adolescent substance abuse and its incidence among various groups is followed by a discussion of social identity theory, group affiliation and their respective influence on adolescent substance abuse patterns. An analysis of some of the more common types of substances currently abused by American adolescents is then followed by a discussion of the various factors that have been shown to contribute to adolescent substance abuse behaviors as well as some behaviors that have been shown to mediate such risk.
Outline:
Introduction
General Overview
Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents
Marijuana Use among Adolescents
Statistics/Incidence of Adolescent Substance Abuse
Societal Implications
Treatment Programs for Adolescent Substance Abuse, Including Effectiveness or Lack Thereof
Introduction
Family-Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
12-Step Programs
Motivational Interviewing
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
From the Paper
"Parents and other adult caregivers therefore stand out as the primary factors that can either contribute to the incidence of adolescent substance abuse or help encourage young people to avoid such behaviors. Parents can also influence adolescent substance abuse indirectly through their impact on peer group selection. Therefore, the relational patterns that exist within the family and peer group systems appear to represent an important consideration in the development of efficacious treatment protocols for adolescent substance abuse.
"Unfortunately, many young people come from homes where adult substance abuse is a matter of course, and it would appear reasonable to assert that such adults have little incentive or the resources they need to provide their children with the guidance they need during this formative period in their lives. Moreover, there was a distinct downward spiral quality to these behaviors that make early interventions absolutely critical because the more young people engage in such behaviors, the harder it is to effect change, not to mention the increased risk these young people run of becoming yet another grim statistic related to adolescent substance abuse in the United States today."
| |
|
Cultural Evolution vs. Biological Evolution, 2008.
A comparison and contrast over cultural evolution with biological evolution.
1,583 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains the concept of cultural evolution and compares and contrasts cultural evolution with biological evolution. The paper discusses the effect of the historical or cultural environment on the development of cultural evolution and looks at the study of cultural anthropology and the various opinions that exist on the ability for evolution of culture to occur at all.
From the Paper
"The social sciences must take into consideration cultural perceptions, even if these perceptions are biologically in error. The human race has far more in common with one another than it has differences, but culturally individuals have perceived and classified other individuals according to 'races,' including Darwin himself in some of his less enlightened moments. Cultural evolution and anthropology aims to understand how these perceptions have affected human culture, but biological evolution merely takes note of this factual error. Obviously, the biological fiction of race, and the fact that an apparently Caucasian individual can have the genetic material of someone who is African, even if these traits are not dominant in his or her physical configuration, acts as a profound question to the assumptions of our culture. The limits of our own culture challenge the idea that there is a linear, positive progress to cultural evolution of ideas and practices (such as industrialization making the world less habitable). The insight biological evolution provides about race shows that there can be fruitful methodological dialogue between cultural and biological evolutionists, but the two approaches will never study the same discipline, nor can the use the same methods. The biological question: 'Are there races within the human species' is a different question than the cultural query: 'why do cultures continue to subscribe to the divisive idea that there are innate differences between different groups of the human species?""
| |
|
Characters in 'Frankenstein', 2008.
This paper examines the pairing of characters in the novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley.
2,228 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer studies the novel 'Frankenstein' and looks at its characters. The writer notes that the relationship that is established between the creator and his creation, as well as the other relations between the characters of the novel, form the core of the moral and psychological investigation developed in the book. The writer points out that Shelley's novel is full of superior characters, which are all angelic to a certain extent. Victor is the superior Romantic hero, alone and isolated in his quest for an unreachable ideal. Walton and Clerval resemble him, with the difference of being more humane. The women are clearly angelic figures, excelling in beauty and virtue. The writer concludes that the creature is like the fallen angel, Satan, who is banished by his own creator and because of this, he becomes evil.
From the Paper
"Of the various pairings of characters in Shelley's novel, the one between Victor Frankenstein and the Creature is arguably the most interesting and most complex. Other pairings might be established however, such as that of Frankenstein with his best friend Henry Clerval, that of Frankenstein and Robert Walton, his biographer, or that between the women characters in the novel, Elizabeth, Caroline, Justine and the others. Thus, first of all, the relationship that takes contour between Frankenstein and his creation is very complex and symbolic. Following the Biblical account, what the creator does when he engenders life is to give birth to a replica of himself, of his own image. In spite of his good intentions to perfect humanity by introducing a new and more enduring race, Frankenstein fails in his attempt because he is trying to assume the place of the divine creator without realizing his own imperfection. The imperfect creator therefore engenders an even more imperfect creation."
|
|
|