Thursday, December 26, 2019

What Are National Geography Standards

The National Geography Standards were published in 1994 to guide geographic education in the United States. The eighteen standards shed light on what the geographically informed person should know and understand. These standards replaced the five themes of geography. The hope is that every student in America would become a geographically informed person through the implementation of these standards in the classroom. The geographically informed person knows and understands the following: The World in Spatial Terms How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information.How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments.How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earths surface. Places and Regions The physical and human characteristics of places.That people create regions to interpret Earths complexity.How culture and experience influence peoples perception of places and regions. Physical Systems The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earths surface.The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earths surface. Human Systems The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earths surface.The characteristics, distributions, and complexity of Earths cultural mosaics.The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earths surface.The process, patterns, and functions of human settlement.How forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earths surface. Environment and Society How human actions modify the physical environment.How physical systems affect human systems.The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources. The Uses of Geography How to apply geography to interpret the past.To apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future. Source National Council for Geographic Education

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

How Far Can It Be Argued That Popular Culture Is...

The Marxist concept of ideology is used to express the way in which the dominant group in a society controls the norms and values of that society at the level of ideas. As they own and direct the production of popular cultural products the dominant group are able to present their ideas as both normal and natural and `so mystify the `real conditions of existence (Hall.1992.p348). In this way the group holding power exercises maximum control with the minimum of conflict. The general population accepts the status quo as inevitable, and revolution is avoided. While Marxists view this as a matter of Capitalist control, Feminists see ideological domination as the means by which women are encouraged to accept a subordinate role in patriarchal†¦show more content†¦Feminist theory shares much common ground with Marxism and many of the ideas of European Marxists have been appropriated and used by feminists. It has been suggested that this is particularly true of the ideas of Althus ser and Gramsci (Gramman and Marshment in Strinati.1995.p180). Both of these theorists place emphasis on the idea of ideology as a means of control. Althusser suggests that ideology is not merely inherent in popular cultural practices but becomes `material practice (Storey.1998.p97) and a part of daily existence. For Althusser ideology is found in the customs, traditions and patterns of behaviour of everyday life in such a way that social actors are not aware of their participation in the acceptance and propagation of the ideas of the most powerful group in society. Using Althussers theories feminists may suggest that a tradition such as the celebration of Mothers Day can be seen as valourizing that particular role for women, while failing to recognize any other. This may lead women to see the maternal role as the most important one for them in society, thus serving the interests of the dominant male group by encouraging women not only to become mothers, but also to assume the po sition of primary child carers. Such an interpretation suggests that many traditions and customs are to a large extent ideological.Show MoreRelatedThe Bachelor And The Construction And Destruction Of The Fantasy Romance3051 Words   |  13 PagesThe Bachelor and the Construction and Destruction of the Fantasy Romance Reality TV shows, especially dating programs, has become a popular culture phenomenon status globally in the past few decades. The media have taken advantage of this trend to incorporate them into their mainstream programming in order to maximize profits from the intense followership it attracts among various audiences. This popularity has also captured the interest of many scholars and researchers who seek to identify why suchRead Morecrime and deviance4817 Words   |  20 Pagesinfluencing choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research. Theories Consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories. The concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to sociological theory. The nature of science and the extent to which sociology can be regarded as scientific. The relationship between theory and methods. Debates about subjectivity, objectivity and value freedom. The relationship between sociology and social policy. TheRead MoreInterpretivism7441 Words   |  30 Pagespublished works outlining a â€Å"feminist† approach to social science research, these books have generally steered clear of quantitative survey research. 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Monday, December 9, 2019

Secular Stagnation Determinants and Consequences

Question: Discuss about the Secular Stagnation for Determinants and Consequences. Answer: Introduction: A bubble is the phenomenon that occurs within the economy because of land boom. The speculation of people along with the demand and exuberance leads to an upward escalation in the price of housing (David 2016). Under this circumstance, the price quoted is greater than the intrinsic value of the house. Abiding by the law of demand, the sudden escalation in price leads to sharp decline in peoples demand while supply remaining constant (Scutt 2016). Hence, bubble is formed in the market. Recently over the past few years, Australia is facing this phenomenon as is shown in the diagram below. Charles Ponzi introduced the notion of Ponzi scheme back in 1920. It is a scheme where huge amount of return is provided on investment at the initial stage. This return is obtained from the investment made by other investors and the chain continues (Jain 2015). In this way, the investors are beguiled and the swindle is spread throughout the nation. The sudden upward escalation in the building approval in Australian housing market is going to result in construction of more houses and apartments. This in turn would increase the supply while the demand remains constant. As a consequence, the price of housing and other real estate markets is going to get reduced sharply, leading to bubble burst within the economy. The diagram below explains the scenario. The initial equilibrium was at the point where the demand curve (D) and the supply curve (S) intersected. The equilibrium price quantity supplied were P * and Q* respectively. As a consequence of increased building approval supply increased and there has been an outward shift of the curve from S* to S1. As a result the price of house fell from P* to P and quantity supplied increased to Q. The process of elimination or reduction of government intervention in the financial sector is known as financial de-regulation. This is usually done to improve the competitive competency of the particular industry. This process has a severe control over the demand and supply of housing (Pickering 2015). As a result of de-regulation, the financial markets gets competitive in nature and as a consequence the interest rate gets lowered. It has been observed in past that due to financial de-regulation there has been an upward escalation in the demand for houses (Scutt 2016). With lowered interest rate, people have to pay less return on a certain sum of money, which in turn makes them better off. Under the competitive nature, free hands work creating a match between the demand and supply. As a result, the consumers are benefitted due to lowered interest rate and the banks are benefitted as more customers take up loans. Thereby, welfare is established in the economy due to de-regulation. Oligopoly is the market structure where there is existence of dominance by few numbers of sellers or firms. Other firms may exist in the market with negligible market power. In case of Australia, the media outlets, retail stores and the banking sector shows oligopoly structure (Taylor and Tyers 2017). Australia has been dominated by 4 major banks namely Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB. The ACCC has termed Australias banking sector to be cosy in nature. The 4 major banks has control over the entire banking industry and they manipulate the interest rate while working on the same line of principle (Eyres 2016). Competition in this industry is negligible instead while working with same principle, these banks often comes close to one another in terms of its operation and hence it has received the term cosy oligopoly. References: David, L. (2016). As Australia's housing bubble gets bigger, the Reserve Bank prepares to blame Trump | Lindsay David. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/dec/01/as-australias-housing-bubble-gets-bigger-the-reserve-bank-prepares-to-blame-trump [Accessed 29 Jan. 2017]. Eyres, J. (2016). ACCC warns 'cosy' banks it is concerned about competition. [online] The Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/accc-warns-cosy-banks-it-is-concerned-about-competition-20160322-gnojod.html [Accessed 29 Jan. 2017]. Jain, A., 2015. Easy Money: The greatest Ponzi scheme ever and how it is set to destroy the global financial system.Abhigyan,33(2), pp.79-80. Pickering, C. (2015). An omen for Australian house prices. [online] Theaustralian.com.au. Available at: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/an-omen-for-australian-house-prices/news-story/cdee8d0ab8b2148360ee5588fac53004 [Accessed 29 Jan. 2017]. Scutt, D. (2016). In the week we've had a warning on oversupply, Australian apartment approvals just exploded again. [online] Business Insider Australia. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/australian-building-approvals-surged-in-july-to-second-highest-monthly-total-on-record-2016-8 [Accessed 29 Jan. 2017]. Taylor, G. and Tyers, R., 2017. Secular stagnation: Determinants and consequences for Australia.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Song of Hannah and Psalm 113 Essay Example

Song of Hannah and Psalm 113 Essay If there is one description that makes these two hymns identical is that these are both songs of praise and thanksgiving. Both come from the spirit that acknowledges God to be the Sovereign One who seems to always overrule everything for the cause of the poor; people who are not just materially and physically destitute, but their life situations have rendered them totally dependent on God who alone can reverse their plight. The background for Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2 is her deliverance from her disadvantaged state when she was yet barren and was ridiculed and looked at with scorn by Peninnah. Because it was specifically promised God to the Israelites in the ancient times the multiplication of their numbers, it had become to them an unmistakable sign of God’s favor when their women were given the ability to bear children.Bearing children was one of the few things that they valued greatly in Old Testament times (Constable, 2000). Hannah experienced Godâ€℠¢s deliverance when God in answer to her prayer had given her Samuel – her firstborn. No one could have understood nor ever have a glimpse of insight into what Hannah has gone through in her barren years if not for the inspired record of her song. The song is actually a disclosure of Hannah’s heart. What she realized through her ordeal was the fact that God is on the side of the disadvantaged who actively trust in Him. It has become the common sentiment among God’s people that God helps the helpless. Psalm 113 is the same in its tone as Hannah’s hymn. It is a song of praise to God for His ability to save. Verses 7-9 are particularly similar to Hannah’s words in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Perowne, 1976). It expresses the same thoughts.Another aspect of Psalm 113 which is very similar to Hannah’s song is the humble acknowledgement of God’s condescension to humanity in general. In spite of the fact that God is the One who governs and provides for all of His creatures, and besides the fact that He is infinitely â€Å"above† and â€Å"dwells on high,† He humbles Himself in that He bothers to visit or meddle with the lowly affairs of humans. In His condescension in dealing with mankind, He would even stoop so low as to lift up â€Å"the poor out of the dust.† He rewards the humble with promotion among the nobles of the earth. Indeed, it is a standard working of God to exalt those who are lowly and it has become a common thing among those who are familiar with the ways of God to see God’s working on the behalf of people who rest their cause in the hands of the mighty God knowing that from Him will come their reward in following His will and trusting only in Him while the pressure around tells them to adopt other ways (A. Clarke Commentary). Psalm 113 is one among other psalms that constitute hallel (a command to praise).According to bible scholars, Hallel is a collection of psalms that male Jews would use as they are required to go to Jerusalem to celebrate the three feasts – Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. God is the great deliverer of His people. This theme of God being the deliverer resonates throughout the Scripture – from Sarah, Rachel, Job, and Mary in the New Testament. Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55 is also similar to the Song of Hannah. The culmination of God’s deliverance or rather the ultimate expression of it is found in the Incarnation. In Christ Jesus, God who was the highest had made Himself so low that He became a man. Just by becoming a human being, the holy and transcendent God had stripped Himself of any â€Å"reputation.† But yet, in Incarnation, He went as far as â€Å"taking the form of a bondservant.† This is what the psalmist has tried to make clear in contemplating on God’s deliverance. Every time that God executes justice for the poor, it means also the humiliation of God who bothers to save in t he first place.It is an always an inspiring moment when a person only understand the essence of the hymn or song that Psalm 113 and as compared and contrasted with Hannah’s song. There are times in a person’s life that no words are more apt to describe the anguish, joy and any of the different ranges of meanings that many of our experiences are bringing us. The scriptures such as that of Hannah’s account and the passage in Psalm 113 for instance make many of these unexplainable feelings and experiences easier to express.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

CapitalPpunishment essays

CapitalPpunishment essays Capital Punishment: A needless waste. The death penalty was originally brought to America from Europeans in the 1600s (Laurence, 23). Some states have abolished implement of the pathetic eye for an eye attempt of resolving and decreasing criminal activity, however most still enforce the 100 year-old petty form of torture. When most argue against capital punishment one usually considers the coldness of killing people and the poor treatment of a criminal it creates. Few view if continuing to use capital punishment profits the society. Capital punishment is not beneficial to the society that enforces it. When a civilization to acknowledges murder by the government, it reduces the civilizations value for human life. Retribution for a wrongly accused criminal is impossible, and the death penalty does not reduce crime. To expose a civilization to acknowledged murders by the government reduces the societys value for human life. Watching executions desensitizes these civilizations regard for human life. The society will start to believe that murder is acceptable under the circumstance that the inflicted are criminals. Criminals feel one of their side have been taken and wants to even the ratio (Deacons, 52). This would enhance criminal activity creating a more hostile environment, lowering their respect for human life. The increase in the death rate and exposure to the cold hands of a society composes more deaths for the society to perceive. Capital punishment preaches revenge on the enforced society. Civilians feel if the government can seek and perform revenge then why can its people not. The state uses violence but asks its citizens to embrace nonviolence 0(Father John, 2). This causes tension between ruler and society. The expectation of this is impossible for a mind to comprehend. Yes , they have thinned the gruesomeness from the criminal being hung before the town, ...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Gun Ownership by Country -- Americans Lead

Gun Ownership by Country Americans Lead The United States has the highest level of gun ownership per person of any country. This fact is startling but true. According to data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and analyzed by  The Guardian, Americans own 42 percent of all civilian guns in the world. This figure is especially startling when you consider that the U.S. makes up just 4.4 percent of the worlds population. Just How Many Guns Do Americans Own? The estimated tally in 2012, according to the UN, was 270 million civilian-owned guns in the U.S., or 88 guns per every 100 hundred people.  Unsurprisingly, given these figures, the U.S.  has the highest number of guns per capita (per person) and the highest rate of gun-related homicides of all developed countries: 29.7 per 1 million people. By comparison, no other developed countries come even close to those rates. Among the thirteen developed countries studied, the average rate of gun-related homicide is 4 per 1 million people. The developed nation with the rate closest to the U.S., Switzerland, has just 7.7 gun-related homicides per 1 million people. (There are other countries with higher rates of gun-related homicide per capita, but not among developed nations.) Gun rights advocates often suggest that the U.S. has high annual numbers of gun-related crime because of the size of our population, but these statistics which examine rates rather than totals prove otherwise. About a Third of American Households Own All Those Guns In terms of ownership, however, the rate of 88 guns per 100 people is rather misleading. In reality, the majority of civilian-owned guns in the U.S. are owned by a minority of gun owners. Just over a third of U.S. households own guns, but according to the 2004 National Firearms Survey, 20 percent of those households own a full 65 percent of the total civilian gun stock. American Gun Ownership Is a Social Problem In a society as saturated in guns as the U.S., its important to recognize that gun violence is a  social, rather than an individual or psychological problem. A 2010 study by professors Paul Appelbaum and Jeffrey Swanson published in  Psychiatric Services  found that just 3–5 percent of violence can be attributed to mental illness, and in most of these cases guns were not used. While those with certain types of serious mental illness are more likely than the general public to commit an act of violence, these individuals only make up a small percentage of people with mental illness: most people with a mental illness don’t engage in violent behavior. Moreover, individuals with mental illness are also at a higher risk of being victims of violence. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, alcohol is a much more significant contributing factor to the likelihood of whether someone will commit a violent act. Sociologists believe that gun violence is a social problem because it is socially created by support for laws and policies that enable gun ownership on a mass scale. It is justified and perpetuated by social phenomena too, like the widespread ideology that guns represent freedom  and the troubling discursive trope that guns make society safer, though overwhelming evidence points to the contrary. This social problem is also fueled by sensationalist news coverage and dangerous politicking focused on violent crime, leading the American public to believe that gun  crime is more common today than it was two decades ago, despite the fact that it has been on the decline for decades. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, just 12 percent of U.S. adults know the truth. The connection between the presence of guns in a household and gun-related deaths is undeniable. Countless studies have shown that living in a home where guns are present increases ones risk of dying by homicide, suicide, or by gun-related accident. Studies also show that it is women who are at greater risk than men in this situation, and that guns in the home also increase the risk that a woman suffering domestic abuse will ultimately be killed by her abuser (see the extensive list of publications by Dr. Jacquelyn C. Campbell of Johns Hopkins University). So, the question then is, why do we as a society insist on denying the very clear connection between the presence of guns and gun-related violence? This is a pressing area of sociological inquiry if ever there was one.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Assignment 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Assignment 1 - Essay Example One of the key individual who has highlighted the importance of capitalism in his research is Adam Smith who proposed the theory of the invisible hand (Wilber 1998, 7). According to his theory there is a hand that cannot be seen but is guiding a particular economy to achieve the purpose of common good. According to his concept, the government does not have to intervene in the market and the market is regulated itself and this concept is similar to the concept of laissez faire. Strengths Those economists who are considered as liberalist and capitalist in nature are of the idea that the economy under liberalism is ruled by eight basic tenants (Davis 2008, 5). The initial tenant of liberalism and capitalism is that people operate to safeguard their own interest and to achieve their own aims and objectives before considering the interest of others. The second element of liberalism is that market is place where buyers and sellers meet each other in order to exchange goods and services. Th e third element of liberalism is that everyone has a free will to own property and assets should be privatized and not controlled by the government. The fifth element of this kind of economy is that market is governed and guided by the forces of competition. In order to achieve this element of liberalism, the sellers in the market have to operate in such a way that they compete with each other to attract more and more consumers and in order to attract more consumers they compete through the tools of pricing and they try to utilize their resources in the most efficient manner. The sixth basic element of liberalism is that all individuals are free to choose for whom they are going to work and they can even choose the markets they are willing to serve. The seventh element of liberalism is that consumers are the most important part of the market. This principle is in line with Adam Smith’s idea of consumer sovereignty and the consumer is the decider of the number and kind of reso urces that will be used to produce a product and when this production will occur and for whom the production will be conducted. The last element of this form of economy is that government should not intervene in market operations and let the forces of demand and supply dictates the operations of the market. Another major figure who promoted the idea of liberalism and who himself was a believer of liberalism was John Maynard Keynes of the 20th century (Heinberg 2011, 38). According to his believes, the government should not intervene in a particular economy and they have minimum amount of role to play in the market that are created in foreign and local regions. This concept can clearly be witnessed in the BWS (Bretton Woods System) that was witnessed after the era of WWII. A major part of the BWS was the Keynesian Compromise according to which involvement of the state is limited to the operations of their local markets and their involvement is unnecessary in international market oper ations (Bordo 1993, 158). Those economists who are considered as liberals even support the hegemonic stability theory and they assert that market operations that are international in nature are more stabilized if there is presence of hegemon. Hegemon is a term used to refer to the elite or the dominant one who has the power to make