A Study in Sociology Essay Example for Free

A Study in Sociology Essay Suicide always fascinated academic researches for a long time however it is has been an area of study limited to the field of psychology. Sociology is a relatively new field of social sciences. It started looking into suicide, not just as a personal act, but as a social action which is not entirely divorced from social forces. This paper discusses pertinent studies on the phenomenon of suicide and seeks to present literatures concerning this act. Moreover, differing ideas and interpretations on suicide are presented to carefully elaborate different perspectives on the subject matter. A Study in Sociology Arguably the first person to connect suicide to the study of sociology is sociologist Emile Durkheim. He presented that although suicide is a personal choice of the individual, the act is not separated from the context of a society. He looked into pre-existing records and analyzed suicide trends in different societies. Based on these suicide trends, there are four classifications of suicide: 1) Egoistic; 2) Altruistic; 3) Anomic and; 4) Fatalistic. Social cohesion plays a vital role in Durkheim’s theories on suicide. Egoistic suicide occurs when a person has a relatively low degree of integration into a society. On the other hand, a high degree of integration into a society can also result in suicides that are meant for a higher cause within a society. He also argued that changes in social order and the individual’s perception towards social change would explain anomic suicides. The phenomenon of fatalism takes place in extreme social contexts, where a person would decide on killing himself rather than suffering dire social conditions (Durkheim, 1951). Self and Society From an object of study limited to psychology, suicide became a subject of sociology. Durkheim’s research proved that the traditional perspective that view the subject matter as a psychological behavior and entirely individualistic in nature is a constricted framework when looking into suicide. This implies that social structures, social forces as well as social conflicts and changes are intervening factors in a suicide phenomenon. C. Wright Mills (2000) supported that one cannot separate behaviors and actions of an individual from the larger social context. He wrote that â€Å"the personal troubles of the milieu are connected to the public issues of social structure. † The individual committing suicide must therefore be located in his social as well as historical contexts. Current Trends on Suicide Studies After Mills and Durkheim laid the foundations of suicide as a sociological subject, numerous studies concerning suicide have been conducted in both psychology and sociology. Currently, suicide studies are interconnected with other factors such as gender, poverty, small arms, mental disorders and even medicine. It is now linked to modernity (Baudelot and Establet, 2008), attitudes and experiences of oncology patients (Emanuel, Fairclough, Daniels Clarridge, 1996), a demographic-specific trend such as adolescents (Brent, et. al. , 1988), cultural forces (West, 2005), economic conditions (Ruhm, 2000), as well as access to weapons (Brent, et. al. 1991). Suicide and Modernity Baudelot and Establet (2008) worked with Durkheim’s premises in their study of suicide. They stated that â€Å"The link between suicide, affluence and individualism is more complex—suicide rates do reflect broad social trends but they are also influenced by the structural position and lived experience of small social groups. The notion of social well-being is demonstrated to be a key factor in changes in suicide rates. † While sociology itself cannot accurately predict a suicide case, the collective gathering of these cases provides a fertile ground for sociological interpretations. Modernity is a historical as well as social era where social changes occur and these cases of suicide are descriptive of their milieu. Suicide, seen as such in the context of modernity, is a social fact. It describes the changes that occurred during the time of modernity. Societies that are rigid in its goals during the time of modernity are those that adamantly pursued modernization. It is in this context that suicide rates are known to be higher in the Communist Bloc, China and India (Baudelot and Establet, 2008). Economics and Suicide While both affluent and starving groups of individuals commit suicide, the role of economics cannot be downplayed in the study of suicide. On the macro-economic level, the period of modernity prominently features suicide trends in a time where economies were vibrant and booming. On the other hand, a stagnating economy, such as in a recession, also has an effect on suicide. Ruhm (2000) argues that â€Å"unemployment is negatively correlated to mortality and that unemployment is positively correlated to suicide. † In Japan, suicide is seen in a cultural context. Since individuals in the Japanese society are strongly connected to their social, political and cultural spheres, there is tendency for the push and pull of altruistic-egoistic suicide to occur. This is seen when the rule of law in Japanese society permeates the personal sphere such that debts and divorces are major factors affecting suicide (West, 2005). Suicide and Norms Sociology also attempted to explain suicide in a broader sense—by zooming out of the individual and focusing on social factors that affect the phenomenon. Psychology argues that those committing suicide are psychologically ill or that the individuals committing them are inept in their coping mechanisms. While suicide might seem irrational, there are rational premises that are least likely explored. Societies that are relatively more tolerant of suicide, as well as the individual’s cognitive ability to rationalize the act are also extraordinary factors contributing to suicide trends. Rendering rational suicide normative in a society creates the positive feedback mechanism necessary for a rational suicide to occur. This type of suicide is also surprisingly limited to a specific demographic, namely the educated and successful. Rationality of Suicide One of the fundamental question relating suicide and society lies in the rationality of the act. Is the act ‘rational’ based only on the perceptions and actions of the individual, thereby rendering the act an exclusive study within psychology? Or is this rationality of the act itself being defined not only in terms of the individual’s values but a rationality that is predetermined by the values and norms of a society? Although there are many reasons for suicide, there are factors that least likely determine suicidal trends, but are potent social forces (i. e. education, family, religion) that must be considered. Suicide occurs for a number of reasons such as depression, substance abuse, shame, avoiding pain, financial difficulties or other undesirable fates. † Defying the commonplace definition is the concept of rational suicide. Rational suicide is â€Å"ending ones life out of a conviction that one has lived long enough, that the likely future holds more pain than joy† (Lerner, 2004). Surprisingly, rationality of a suicide act Keown (1995) showed that there is prime value placed on the moral intention behind the act of death itself. This applies not just in euthanasia but also in rational suicide. What are the intentions behind the suicide? Is the decision independent of life’s problems that can be solved? Is it free from outside pressure from a belief system, mores or culture itself? This is the litmus test of the rationality or irrationality of suicides. Sociological and psychological studies attempted to look into the duality of forces working on suicides—individual and social. It is arguably psycho-social factors that are deterministic of the suicide trends across societies. Social institutions, many sociological studies posit, are playing a huge role in the nature and type of suicides in a given society. Stack and Kposowa (2008) concludes that: â€Å"National suicide rates are predictive of individual-level suicide acceptability. However, the main predictors of suicide acceptability included a measure from social learning theory, religiosity, and a neglected measure of control theory, life satisfaction. † While the act of committing suicide is a very individualistic act, there are factors to be considered that are social forces with repercussions and influences on individual action. The act of suicide presents how the personal milieu is linked to the larger issues within the social institutions. References: Baudelot C. and Establet R. (2008) Suicide: The Hidden Side of Modernity. John Wiley Publications. Brent, D. A. , Perper, J. A. , Goldstein, C. E. , Kolko, D. J. , Allan, M. J. , Allman, C. J. , and Zelenak, J. P. (1988) Risk factors for adolescent suicide. A comparison of adolescent suicide victims with suicidal inpatients. Archives of General Psychiatry. Vol. 45, No. 6, June 1988.

Harry Potter Essay example -- essays research papers

Running Head: Concepts of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s stone   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Within the story of Harry Potter there are many concepts to be noted. This book is interesting and very different from any other book. These many concepts will tell you about some of these strange things that goes on.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shortly after Harry was born a villain called Voldermont killed his parents. Somehow Harry did not die from Voldermont, but not only did he live, he almost killed this great dart magician. As the only survivor, a giant called Hagrid took him to his Aunt and Uncle Dursleys house and left them on the doorstep with a note. Ever since that day, he has been living in a blended family. That is a family whose members were once part of another.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout this book there are some examples of discrimination between people. Since his Aunt Petunias sister was a muggle (wizard) her and her sister didn’t get along at all because her sister got all of the attention from her parents. Then when Harry comes along both her, and her husband become very discriminate against Harry because they know he is one also.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Harry was living with the Dursleys they were his agents of socialization. They influenced his self-concept. Harry never thought he was anyone famous because his Aunt and Uncle never gave him attention or barely even talked to him, for Harrys birthday they gave him a pair of his Uncles’ used socks, they made him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs and the gave him their sons old used clothes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Living with the Dursleys had to be one of the worst things he has ever had to go through. His Aunt and Uncle basically alienate him from everybody. He had a sense of not belonging. Like when the letters kept coming in from Hogwarts, they wouldn’t let Harry read the letters. Also when it was his cousin, Dudlys birthday they tried to get rid of him for the day because they didn’t like him. Harry ended up going with them that day and had one of the best days of his life because he actually got to go somewhere for once.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Muggles and mortals both have their own nonmaterial culture. That is both groups have their own way of thinking. Most mortals don’t like muggles, like the Dursleys that is the reason they don’t li... ..., and people who are half muggle and half mortal. This is a very pluralistic society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At Hogwarts Harry has a whole group of friendships. This group dynamic influences Harry’s decisions. This is the way in which an individual affects a group. At the end when Harry and two others are playing chess to get through to another door, his friend makes the decision to sacrifice himself so the rest of the group can go on.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the end of the book Harry finally proved himself to everyone and achieved a status in his society. This is the position you earned or accomplished that involved effort. He did earn this position by his effort to accomplish his goals. He became a hero all over again by saving the sorcerer’s stone and getting rid of Voldermont again.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Over all the book was very good. The concepts went right along with what was in the book. This was a very interesting, and fun book to read. References   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Henslin, J.M. (2002). Essentials of Sociology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Wall Street Crash

The businessman and two university students talked about their political point of view. Moreover, the boy looked at the businessman, stared at him, without once blinking his eyes or shifting his stare. The businessman knew about that so he struck up a conversation with the young boy and asked him that who he traveled with. The boy answered that his father was along and led them the way to find his father.Therefore, he minted at a long box and said there was his father who was shot in Detroit. The businessman promised that he would fix that immediately. That is a reason why one of the students laughed and asked about the millions of America lost their jobs and many also lost all their savings. In the story, the businessman who had a social position met the young boy whose father was shot in Detroit. The crisis of this story is the boy stared the businessman without once blinking eyes or shifting stare. Moreover, the boy led the way to find his father and pointed at a long box where hi s father was there and told he reason why his father died.The conflict is showed about the differences between rich and poor or knowledge between people who are on the outside and people who are on the inside. In addition, the businessman promised that he would fix the mistake – just for the boy, it is the story's central conflict resolved. With regard to me, I think as one on the students in this story that this resolution of the businessman is not satisfying and logical. Because this mistake do not make only the boy and his father were borne, the million people bore it too. With the foreshadowing, the look of boy for the businessman was a staring.It was just like a curious look; but it was also a vague look. The author arranges the causal connections between events are clear and logical because in the beginning of story, the † I † character got on the train and he met the order characters then they had had a conversation before they found the boys father. In thi s story, the boy and the businessman are the story protagonist because they are two characters who have connection with the other characters and become the factors to resolve any vents or situations. The AD character is the boy and the businessman.The AD character is two university students and the † I † character because the boy and the businessman were showed their character clearly by the author. For instances, the boy showed eagerness, curiousness and his thinking apparently, when the businessman and two students had a conversation or when the businessman asked him where his father was and his thinking about the massacre at Detroit. With the businessman, he presented his angry and abrupt feeling or an expression of satisfaction on his face when one of dents had a wrong or right answer for his questions.Moreover, the businessman showed a sharp gasping feeling when the boy pointed his father's place. With two university students and the † † character, they are the antagonists so the author do not present carefully their actions and feeling on each event. Like the † I † character, we cannot see the character's speech all through the story. In addition, two university students showed their felling when they felt angry with the businessman's answer for their wonder – riots and disturbances. With regard to the story setting, it was written in early sass.This story describes an episode that takes place on a train going away from Detroit to come New York. At this time, in any trains, they were the major means of travel for both rich and poor people of the united States. Moreover, â€Å"On the outside† shows the reader to see the effect of recovering economically from the stock market crash of 1 929 through ten years. It made millions of American lost their jobs and many also lost their savings, become poor and did not have anything. In the story, the author uses metaphor for he depraved economic to make poor people do not have the justice at this time.In addition, the simile was used to compare the thinking about riots and disturbances between rich people and poor people. The author also used the synecdoche to talk about rich people and poor people at this time and the character of synecdoche is the businessman- rich people, the boy and his father – poor people. The style and language of this story are informal because the author uses the short sentences for all answers and † Bosh † is an impolite word which the businessman said with student when they gave a rang meaning about riots and disturbances.In † On the outside the † I † character is the author. The fur coat was worn by the businessman and made him sunk deep in it which is a key factor. Therefore, we can easily see that a fur coat showed for us to know and imagine about the rich of businessman. In this story, the author used the first narrator. Finally, the story was named after† On the outsi de † because the author wanted to imply that people who are not in one or some troubles do not know and understand about the internal problems and meaning of these problems.

The Power Of Prosper In The Tempest And A Dolls House

Pinning the oppressed against their oppressor is by no means a new concept. Countless pieces of literature have explored the relationship between these tyrants and their rebellious servants. Two prime examples would be Prospero from The Tempest and Helmer from A Doll House, given their domineering and self-righteous demeanor as they fancy themselves the reinforcers of social justice. Naturally, their counterparts would be Caliban and Nils Krogstad, respectively, who don’t much care for the authority forced upon them. Both of these characters use their beliefs to actively subvert their oppressors’ power. First, we’ll begin with Caliban. He becomes the unwilling slave to Prospero, and he detests his situation. As the son of the hag-witch†¦show more content†¦He also conspires with Stephano and Trinculo to kill Prospero so that he may finally win back his freedom. This poor judge of character juxtaposed with his signs of innocence depict Caliban’s animalistic tendencies; he is a product of nature, after all. Next, we move on to Krogstad. Similarly to Caliban, Krogstad takes some rather villainous actions in order to oppose Helmer’s oppression of him. Though it’s never explicitly stated why he did it, we know that Krogstad got involved in a forgery scheme in the past, and that one action ruined his entire reputation. Forgery is a relatively small crime to commit, but â€Å"the community turned its back on him, [which] forced [Krogstad] into the unsavory business of moneylending and blackmailing in order to support his family† (Schmoop Editorial Team). Krogstad does find a small ray of hope in building up his status again through his job at the bank. However, this job is put in jeopardy when Torvald Helmer is set to be the bank’s new boss. Helmer, whom is very conscious of people’s perceptions of him, narrow-mindedly intends to fire Krogstad simply because they are on a first-name basis and he cannot withstand the embarrassment of that. With his future fo r his family on the line, Krogstad turns to threatening and blackmailing Helmer’s wife, Nora, to have her convince her husband to let him keep his job. Krogstad continues his