Australian cultural identity shaping family patterns Essay

A family is generally defined as â€Å"a group of persons directly linked by kin connections, the adult members of which assume responsibility for caring for children† (Giddens, 2006:206). One may be strike by the academic formality as well as the appropriateness of the definition. However it is noteworthy that such definition is by no means strict or obligatory in research. There are individuals or groups who have different perceptions of what constitutes a family (or what is a family). The definition is a departure from the traditional definition of a family. The development of family patterns is henceforth congruent with the development of family definitions (Giddens, 2006:211). According to its old definition, a family is â€Å"composed of mother, father, and children. † Giddens et al (2003) defended the modified definition by pointing out that, generally, family structures in most societies are composed of adult members and children (not necessary the earlier conception of father and mother). Hence, operationalization of the definition of family in applied research becomes possible (ideal type definitions). They also noted that the definition of family is highly dependent on prevalent family patterns and structures; that is, defined by culture and time. Hence, Giddens et al (2003) defined family patterns and structures as â€Å"institutions or routines† and â€Å"reproduce familiar forms of social life† (p. 131). These â€Å"institutions or routines† of family life can be generally explained by his theory of structuration. Structuration means studying patterns and ways in which societies are produced and replicated in smaller social units like the family. Once the society determined the â€Å"plausible† ways of achieving a particular societal goal, it becomes reinforced in other institutions, including the family. Hence, societal values and its adherence to singular or multiplicity of ethnic identity gives form and structure to other institutions in the society. It is noteworthy that an independent variable of structuration is time. One may juxtapose that different societal institutions existed in different time frames. What can be considered a normal family in one point in time may significantly differ from past perceptions. This proves that structuration is highly dependent on the prevailing cultural values and goals, as well as the so-called â€Å"cultural identity† (ethnicity). In our case, it can be proven that the adherence of Australian culture to a multiplicity of identity and values can greatly affect family patterns and activities. Australian Multiculturalism Identity What does it mean to be an Australian? This is a highly complex question that needs an equally sophisticated answer. It can be said that Australian cultural identity is a mixture of different cultures and worldviews. For one, Aborigines in Australia were able to establish permanent homes in the continent centuries before the coming of the British. When the British came, they transformed Australia into a penal colony, and then into a state fashioned after Great Britain. The aborigines were casted away by the new â€Å"owners. † The British introduced a series of assimilation laws that called for granting of Australian citizenship to Europeans (who were living in Australia for at least 10 years and of British descent) – the aborigines were ignored initially. Many of these â€Å"citizens regarded themselves as Australians. They also considered Australia as their natural homeland. Hence, what we call today as Australian culture and identity were initially derived from British culture – songs, literature, poetry, and architecture (language perhaps is the most clear indicator). However, the adherence of Australian identity to British ways changed as European migration to the country increased at the latter half of the 19th century. Almost a third of the population of Australia at that time was non-British European descent. This created a problem for the Commonwealth of Australia. The problem lies in the redefinition of Australian culture and identity. However, because of the First World War and the preoccupation of the Australian government in addressing its trade deficits, the problem had been totally ignored. Until recently, social scientists found out that Australia is a â€Å"hotspot† of different cultures; a kind of melting spot. The general sense of this geo-cultural definition of Australia is: Australian culture and identity is a multiplicity of different cultures, bringing forth an increasing diversity of institutional patterns, under the guidance of an open society (Holton, 1997). Three things can be derived from this definition. First Australian culture and identity is the result of cultural interaction of different ethnic groups. Second, this cultural multiplicity brings forth different institutional patterns. Lastly, â€Å"openness† is the operative word of Australian society. Hence, â€Å"it has sometimes been claimed that Australia’s national identity is not as strong as the national identity of countries that have experienced the trauma of invasion and civil war. While it is true that events of this kind have often been major reference points in the consolidation of a sense of national identity, they are not by any means the only processes by which identity emerge† (Holton, 1997: URL cited). This can be explained from a survey conducted by the National Social Science study entitled â€Å"National Identity: What Does It Take To Be â€Å"Truly Australian. † About 72% of the respondents said that feeling Australian was a very important factor in being an Australian (as against 23% who said that it was fairly important). Another 67% said that having an Australian citizenship was a very important factor in being an Australian (as against 23 % who said that it was fairly important). The heading above connotes that though most people in Australia regard themselves as Australian, they engaged themselves in pattern of livings (including family patterns and structures) based on their ethnicities (ethnic origin). Hence, there is therefore the need to find the commonalities of these cultures so as to enumerate the characteristics of Australian culture and to determine whether ethnicity, class distinction, or sexual preferences determines Australian family patterns. Herein are the characteristics of Australian culture: 1) open (that is, permeable to immigrants), 2) permits assimilation and at times amalgamation (the difference between the two will not be discussed), 3) adherence to the Western principle and value of liberalism, and 4) highly adaptive. When one says that a society is open, it generally means that such society is highly permeable to migrants as well as to innovation. It is wholly the opposite of a conservative society. When one says that a society permits assimilation, it generally means that the society is willing to incorporate individual cultural tastes and preferences into its own system. Liberalism is a Western invention. Adherence to liberalism means that individual rights and freedoms are protected by the state. The individual is left open in its own development. Being highly adaptive is generally the result of being open. Because innovation is the operative word of an open society, any changes in its system would correspond to a major shift on its means procurement (AGIL framework of Talcott Parsons), that is, the means of achieving societal goals.

Globalization & Technology essays

Globalization & Technology essays The world must run in an orderly fashion. Without order and peace, the world would be in crumbles. Every country has its own government, whether it is ruled by the people or by a tyrant and every country has its own set of laws in which they must abide by. The government establishes the laws to keep the peace. The establishing of the law could be endangered if it only benefits one particular group and not the other. The relationship between the government and the big business is that these big businesses are persuading the government to establish laws that will only benefit themselves. These corporations give these electives money to support their campaigns, only to have them side on certain topics of interest to their corporation. Their biggest concerns may be opposition to unions, high taxes, and government regulations ( Finsterbusch 193). Those large corporations are trying to find the best solution of raising profits and keeping the cost of productivity down. McDonaldized corporations are building a company with efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control (Ritzer 12). People today are in such a hurry that they want something fast and efficient; these corporations are offering these kinds of services, which make them popular. The restaurants known as McDonalds was constructed to have people come in and out without lingering too long. With their profit ability, they are able to cancel out human error by replacing in soda machines that automatically stops themselves from overflowing and a basket that holds the fries that times itself to keep it from burning. Along with these technologies and minimum wage workers, McDonalds is able to cut the cost of productivity for a more profitable return of income. For all these corporations to become more profitable, they must use more resources. With the using of resources comes the responsibility of taking better care of the environment. Accor...

Kaplan Universitys Online MBA Program Without GMAT Essays

Kaplan Universitys Online MBA Program Without GMAT Essays Kaplan Universitys Online MBA Program Without GMAT Essay Kaplan Universitys Online MBA Program Without GMAT Essay Kaplan University  Online MBA Program with no GMAT  welcomes you to online education at the Kaplan University. We have a very supportive human touch combined with the advantages of  todays  technology for distance learning. You wont have any job interruptions nor will you have any travel costs Kaplan University is ready to give you the personal attention and academic excellence you need to pursue your degree and your professional certificate  working  around a schedule that works for your life. Building on a long and distinguished history as an academic pioneer,* Kaplan University has become one of the world’s leading providers of online education. Kaplan University give  new students the  opportunity  to experience a Kaplan University degree for only   five week period with zero tuition fees aside from the minimal application fee. Only 5  weeks gives you plenty of time get a good feel for the online learning experience and lets you learn from our experienced faculty members while at the same time interacting with all your classmates from around the globe. Kaplan University’s merit founded scholarship program can reduce your tuition by up to twenty percent for the eligible student within business, criminal justice, health sciences, arts and sciences,  IT, legal studies, accounting and eligible students who enroll in our BS in Nursing program. 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The School is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and the council for Higher Education.   We are also an institutional member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. We provide Chicago School students with the resources and learning  materials  they need to enter and actually thrive in their respective chosen areas of practice. To be a successful professional and leader with real world experience is necessary in addition to the academic preparation and field placement training so you can put your education to use right away. Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to delivering you only the finest cutting-edge, classroom based theoretical and applied knowledge. 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These programs are specifically designed to help our next generation of nurses achieve their career goals while at the same time improving the  general  health and well being of our population. The Georgetown University School of Nursing Health Studies educates the up and coming generation of our health care professionals that are our health care leaders and scholars who together strive to improve our health and well being with a sensitivity to all cultural differences. Georgetown University provides a nationally recognized graduate nursing program online and on campus at our student centered research  facility  with a global presence. Using highly interactive Web 2.0 technology, Georgetown engages our   faculty and  students in a personalized, seminar style learning environment that uses one on one interaction to promote fellowship and collaboration. 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Alchemy in the Middle Ages

Alchemy in the Middle Ages Alchemy in the Middle Ages was a mixture of science, philosophy, and mysticism. Far from operating within the modern definition of a scientific discipline, medieval alchemists approached their craft with a holistic attitude; they believed that purity of mind, body, and spirit was necessary to pursue the alchemical quest successfully. At the heart of medieval alchemy was the idea that all matter was composed of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. With the right combination of elements, it was theorized, any substance on earth might be formed. This included precious metals as well as elixirs to cure disease and prolong life. Alchemists believed that the transmutation of one substance into another was possible; thus we have the clichà © of medieval alchemists seeking to turn lead into gold. Medieval alchemy was just as much art as science, and practitioners preserved their secrets with an obfuscating system of symbols and mysterious names for the materials they studied. Origins and History of Alchemy Alchemy originated in ancient times, evolving independently in China, India, and Greece. In all these areas the practice ultimately degenerated into superstition, but it migrated to Egypt and survived as a scholarly discipline. In medieval Europe, it was revived when 12th-century scholars translated Arabic works into Latin. The rediscovered writings of Aristotle also played a role. By the end of the 13th century, it was discussed seriously by leading philosophers, scientists, and theologians. The Goals of Medieval Alchemists To discover the relationship of man to the cosmos and take advantage of that relationship to the betterment of mankind.To find the philosophers stone, an elusive substance that was believed to make possible the creation of an elixir of immortality and the transmutation of common substances into gold.In the later Middle Ages, to use alchemy as a tool in the advancement of medicine (as Paracelsus did). Achievements  of Alchemists in the Middle Ages Medieval alchemists produced hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, potash, and sodium carbonate.They were able to identify the elements arsenic, antimony, and bismuth.Through their experiments, medieval alchemists invented and developed laboratory devices and procedures that are, in modified form, still used today.The practice of alchemy laid the foundation for the development of chemistry as a scientific discipline. Disreputable Associations of Alchemy Due to its pre-Christian origins and the secrecy in which its practitioners carried out their studies, alchemy was viewed by the Catholic Church with suspicion and ultimately condemned.Alchemy was never taught in Universities but was instead transmitted from teacher to apprentice or student clandestinely.Alchemy attracted followers of the occult, with which it is still associated today.There was no shortage of charlatans who used the trappings of alchemy to defraud. Notable Medieval Alchemists Thomas Aquinas was an eminent theologian who was permitted to study alchemy before it was condemned by the Church.Roger Bacon was the first European to describe the process for making gunpowder.Paracelsus used his understanding of chemical processes to advance the science of medicine. Sources and Suggested Reading   Alchemy: Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul  by Titus Burckhardt; translated by William Stoddart Alchemy: The Secret Art  by Stanislas Klossowski De Rola Alchemy: the medieval alchemists and their royal art  by Johannes Fabricius The Philosophers Stone: A Quest for the Secrets of Alchemy  by Peter Marshall

Art with functions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art with functions - Essay Example Therefore, the clarification of function depends on the context. Since, one can look at a piece of art and be able to tell its origin and time of its creation. In other instances, one tries to identify the artist, as he or she is half of the contextual equation. That is, what was the artist thinking about when he/she created the piece and to the viewer what does the piece of art mean right now, living in the moment. These factors are put in consideration before the assignment of function (Berkus 78). The function of art falls usually falls within three categories. These are physical, social and personal functions. In most cases, these three categories overlap in any given piece of art (Giovannini 235). The physical aspects of the functions of art are easy ones to deal with this is because works of art are to perform some physical functions. For example, e if one sees the Fijian war club may assume its function. However, brilliant the artisanship may be the club’s task is to perform the physical utility of smashing skulls. Another example is the Japanese Raku bowl that performs the physical functions in the tea ceremony. On the contrary, a fur- covered Dada teacup has no physical function. Art has social functions when it addresses collective aspects of life, rather than one person’s point of view. Political art usually performs this task. The fur- covered Dada teacup, which is useless for holding tea, when carried to social functions it is a protest to World War 1. In addition, satire performs social functions. William Hogarth and Francisco Goya both went this route, with different levels of success at enacting social change. In other instances, a piece of art in a community can achieve the social function of uplifting the community’s status. A Calder stabile is an outstanding example of a community’ s point of pride and a valuable treasure. The personal utilities of art are the most complex to explain because they are many and

The Political Vision of Communist Manifesto Essay

The Political Vision of Communist Manifesto - Essay Example Marx does give credit to the contemporary Industrial Revolution to bring into existence a world market, aided and bolstered by the occupation of new colonies by the imperialistic forces. This Industrial Revolution has certainly led to progress and development in a scientific, commercial and communicative context. Yet, it goes without saying that the evolution and advancement of the Industrial Revolution supported and fed by the bourgeois elements is not merely materialistic and economic in its ramifications but does also have commensurate political ramifications. The bourgeoisie has not done away with the formal exploitative forces like feudalism and patriarchy to create an ideal world but has rather done so to remove all challenge and resistance to its advancement and growth. The bourgeoisie system and notion of economic growth simply cannot survive and expand without causing upheaval and disturbance in â€Å"the instruments of production â€Å"and â€Å"the relations of producti on†. Hence, as expected, the rise of the bourgeoisie has done away with all the hitherto existing notions of â€Å"national industries† thereby annihilating all the localized notions of belonging and allegiance. Yet, the irony of the matter is that the bourgeoisie concept of growth is not merely limited to profit accrual and limited domination. In contrast, the bourgeoisie intends to perpetuate its domination by remolding the existing socio-economic and politico-cultural structures as per one’s vision and interests. Hence to extend a material and political form to such vision and ideals, it is imperative for the bourgeoisie to compress and coagulate all sources and forms of production, leading to the unchallenged concentration of property in few hands. That way it gets easier for the bourgeoisie to retain a grip over the things and to perpetuate one’s advancement and dominion in the times to come. The existing feudal relations and frameworks of property ho lding were simply not in consonance with the bourgeoisie intentions. Hence, they were systematically dismantled and set aside. In their place, the bourgeoisie put in place a seemingly just provision of free competition, while doing its best to twist the political and social norms to be in alignment with the essence of free competition. Yet, what went wrong with this change is that while molding the world to its vision, the bourgeoisie also brought into existence its own nemesis that is â€Å"the modern working class†. The bourgeoisie commoditized labor as any other factor of production. It homogenized labor by resorting to the mechanization of all modes of production. Yet the â€Å"labor† class created by the bourgeoisie is bound to emerge victorious very early, helped and aided by the existing technology and infrastructure created by the bourgeoisie. In its rift with the aristocratic classes, the bourgeoisie tends to solicit the support of labor. This not only gives r ecognition to the working class but makes it a magnet for the other marginalized and sidelined sections of the society. As the working class emerges into an essential bourgeoisie platform, it starts seeing the institutions set by the bourgeoisie like morality, law, and religion as simply the tools of extending the vested bourgeoisie interests.

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 9

Report - Essay Example In India, the impact of technology has seen her make commendable strides in the coffee industry. Italy, Brazil and India are all exporters of coffee. From the culture differences in these nations, it would be preferable to lay coffee shops in Brazil and Italy compared to India. No place comes to mind more readily than Italy when you think of passion for coffee per excellence (Halevy 57). A large proportion of India’s production is for export. One may also argue that there is less competition if we decided to put a chain of coffee shops in India. This is in comparison to Brazil and Italy. The Brazilian coffee market has been stable over time and the projections for the next four years are seen to be positive. According to Euromonitor.com, the on-trade channel is expected to grow to a value of 35% by 2019 (28). In Italy, market fluctuations are prevalent, and the industry is widely hit by the global recession and unforeseen inflation. India’s coffee industry faces the same challenges. Therefore, it would be prudent to venture in Brazil despite the stiff competition. Taking competition as one of the factors differentiating these countries, investment in Brazil should be done in the form of mergers with the existing coffee operators. This will lessen competition. However, investment in Indian will require fully owned shops and less or no mergers. Taking geographical location as a factor, the rural and semi-urban India is driving the economy of the coffee industry. In Brazil and Italy, the urban areas promote the market for coffee consumers. As a marketing strategy, India will see more coffee shops set, in the countryside, to drive