The Meaning of Being American Essay -- American Citizenship Patriotism

The Meaning of Being American What does it mean to be an American? Can this statement ever really be defined since America is a melting pot of different races, religions, political views, social views and so on and so fourth. To be an American can mean virtually anything and whether or not somebody supports national symbols is just another part of being and American. As Americans we have the right to disagree with the government, the right to protest against something unjust, the right to burn a flag in disgrace because after all we have freedom of speech. To some these things are un-American, but to others they are the reasons America is such a wonderful place to live. There is no definite answer to this question, but many different possibilities. Like any other country America has national symbols such as the American Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the â€Å"Start Spangled Banner.† To be an American means that you support these things to fullest extent and hold them in the highest regard. This means that When the National Anthem is played or the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, it is our duty as Americans to stand, remove our hats and cover our hearts as a sign of the utmost respect. These symbols are a sign of our heritage. They stand for what we believe in, who we are, and where we come from. We are Americans. We believe in life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. True Americans speak the national language, English, and know that America is a one of a kind country that cannot be beat. We have worked hard over the years to become the wealthiest and the most prosperous country in the entire world. As Americans we have the right to drive a Hummers, the right to live in luxurious houses, because after all we’... ...unds for music and art education, and library books for their children, by issuing the products of their kitchens: cookies, bundt cakes, lumpia, spring rolls and ribs. Watch the kindergartners dance the Hula!† America is a place where freedom of speech prospers. Some people believe that America stands for one thing while others believe it stands for completely opposite things. The first stance I wrote about it a viable stance, but it lacks one thing, freedom. To be American doesn’t mean one thing, it means that you are open to anything, no matter how outlandish it may be. America is country that was founded on freedom, happiness, and love. Over the years many of these qualities have been lost to greed, corruption, and hatred. If we ever want to return America to its former glory we must open our minds, our eyes, and our hearts to people different from us.

How Personal Can Ethics Get? Essay

The level of ethics competency is determined by the individual’s ability to identify elements of ethics, assess issues with ethics that arise, apply knowledge and regulations when making ethical decisions, and communicate those decisions to others. As stated by Curry in his discussion of workplace ethics: Ethics are about making choices that may not always feel good or seem like they benefit you but are the â€Å"right† choices to make. They are the choices that are examples of â€Å"model citizens† and examples of the golden rules. We’ve all heard the golden rules: Don’t hurt, don’t steal, don’t lie, or one of the most famous: â€Å"Do unto others as you would have done to you. † These are not just catchy phrases; these are words of wisdom that any productive member of society should strive to live by. (Curry, n. d. ) Organizational ethics depends on the culture of the company or organization and the extent of the importance of codes of ethics within the company. Organizational ethics is the company’s codes and procedures that manage the actions and decisions of its employees and leadership. Personal difference and preference can impact this, however. There are occasions when organizational ethics and personal ethics are not in line with one another. A lot of times employees do not know how to balance the personal side with the business side. In businesses there are several factors that influence the morality of individuals. Those factors are peers, company policies and procedures, and superiors such as management. In our personal lives there are factors as well. Those factors include family and friends. Ethics are thought of by many people as something that is related to the private side of life and not to the business side. In many businesses, having ethics is frowned upon or thought of as a negative subject. This is because business is usually about doing what’s best for number one, not about what’s really the right thing to do. (Curry, n. d. ) With this in mind, there are occasions when business decisions are not made simply because the decision is really the right thing to do. Businesses are created for a number of reasons, but to stay in business the company must practice good decision making and make a profit. Over time, in the long run, the business that finds a way to balance personal differences and preferences with organizational ethics will last longer and be more profitable. Mary White, the co-owner of MTI Business Solutions addresses business ethics in her article. In one particular point White states: Companies and businesspeople who wish to thrive long-term must adopt sound ethical decision-making practices. Companies and people who behave in a socially responsible manner are much more likely to enjoy ultimate success than those whose actions are motivated solely by profits. Knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing what is right is the foundation for ethical decision making. In many cases, doing the right thing often leads to the greatest financial, social, and personal rewards in the long run. (White, n. d. ) Often times, individuals in leadership positions put their own goals and preferences before that of the company. For example, a CEO might accept a deal with another company that includes an extra incentive or reward that solely benefits the CEO and deny a deal with another company because there is nothing extra that benefits the CEO. Although the company benefits by accepting another client, the ethics of the organization is compromised. Although the company with no included incentives may provide more value in the long run for the company looking to make a deal, the CEO may lose the opportunity to gain a deal in the future. When any individual becomes a part of a company, their own personal differences and preferences do not only impact the individual, but everyone around them including the company. Organizational Policies and Procedures and the Impact on Ethics In addition, organizational policies and procedures can impact ethics. The policies and procedures put into effect by businesses provide guidelines in efforts to allow the business to run smoothly. These procedures and policies set by the organization provide a means of what is right and what is wrong. This is the company’s code of conduct or set of organizational ethics. The organizational policies and procedures can either benefit the company or hinder the company. The purpose of setting this code of right and wrong is so that the company is providing employees with guidelines in hopes that employees will follow. The benefit is all employees are working towards a common goal in a common matter. This provides a sense of order within the business. Every position has its own guidelines so that employees know exactly what is expected. When an employee violates a code that is clearly documented in the company’s policies and procedures, the employee cannot state that he or she did not know what was expected. In the same sense, just as the organizational policies and procedures can benefit the ethics of the company, the policies and procedures can also produce a negative outcome. This can occur when employees refuse to follow these procedures. An employee may choose not to abide by policies when he or she has his or her own motive. For example, an employee does not agree with a company policy that states that no employee may release a certain type of information. In turn, the employee shares the information with a highly competitive company. This affects the ethics of the company as well as the individual. In this situation, the policy is clearly documented. Although the policy is set in place to provide order and give a guideline for employees to follow, the employee violated the policy. Ethical Dilemmas and Valerie When ethics become an issue within a company, ethical dilemmas occur. An ethical dilemma is a dispute between what is right and wrong between two opposing parties. Although ethical dilemmas occur every day, there is really no right or wrong solution. It is simply a matter of what one believes. In the case study, Valerie is facing an ethical dilemma. The ethical dilemma she is facing is not only about what she considers right or wrong, but also her job. As a result of her decision, she could lose several things. The ethical dilemma that Valeria is facing is if she tells anyone what she has learned, she could lose her job, her privilege to stay in the United States since she doesn’t have a Green Card, future education, and her career relationships. In this situation, Valerie can reveal the information and risk losing everything or keep the information to herself and work for a company of which she no longer respects. In either situation, Valerie is losing something. It is up to her to decide what is more important. If I were in the situation Valerie is in, I would keep the information to myself. Although neither decision is potentially right or wrong, if Valerie chooses to keep the information to herself, she does not have to risk losing her job and ability to stay in the United States. Even though Valerie does not reveal the information herself, the information may still come out in the future from another source. Another method that I would chose is to provide an anonymous explanation to corporate. Most businesses provide a means in which employees are able to provide information anonymously. In either case, Valerie will not have to jeopardize losing her job, right to live in this county, education, nor relationships within the company. Conclusion In closing, personal differences and preferences can impact organizational ethics. Employees must realize that their own decisions and beliefs affect the company they work for. In the same sense, organizational policies and procedures can impact ethics as well. Although companies set up policies to address what is right and wrong, there are positive benefits as well as negative outcomes.

Chapter 1-4 Study Questions Essays

Chapter 1-4 Study Questions Essays Chapter 1-4 Study Questions Paper Chapter 1-4 Study Questions Paper Essay Topic: Literature The primary relationships studied by sociologists are the ones between individuals and society Which is an accurate description of sociology the systematic study of the relationship between the individual and society, of how social relationships influence peoples behavior, and how major social institutions and individuals interact The sociological imagination is an awareness of the relationship between individuals and social forces One way to develop a sociological imagination is to view your own society as an outsider A sociologist observing behavior at a college football game would probably focus on the interaction among fans during the pre-game ritual of tailgate parties Which of the following would be an example of the use of the sociological imagination a study of the behavior of people listening to a religious service compared to that of people listening to a rock concert Unemployment can be viewed as both a private trouble and a public issue The sociological imagination is an empowering tool because it helps us to understand the perspectives of people from different social circumstances The fact that it is possible to make a hamburger without having to personally complete every one of the many steps that go into making a hamburger from scratch illustrates societys shared knowledge and skills Which of the following are the key components of the definition of sociology systematic study, the individual and society, and the consequences of social differences The fact that men in Indonesia are more likely to survive certain kinds of natural disaster, because men in that society are generally taught to swim while women are not, is an example of the consequences of differences A condition in which members of society have differing amounts of wealth, prestige, or power is referred to as social inequality A body of knowledge obtained by methods based on systematic observation is called a science Sociology is considered a science because sociologists engage in organized and systematic study of phenomena to enhance understanding Fields of study that explore the ways the behavior features of humans interact and change are considered social sciences Fields of study that explore the physical features of nature and the ways in which they interact and change are considered natural sciences A natural scientist would be likely to study rock formations and composition in the Grand Canyon A social scientist would be likely to study the reasons for the decreasing divorce rate in the United States Which of the following would be the type of question a sociologist might ask in studying the global economic crisis that began in 2008 how do the positions we occupy influence our experience of the crisis Sociologists argue that, unlike scientific knowledge, commonsense conclusions are unreliable A sociological study of the divorce rate among U.S. soldiers served to emphasize the distinction between sociology and common sense A set of statements that seeks to explain problems, actions, or behavior is called a theory Emile Durkheims study of suicide relate suicide ages to the extent to which people were integrated into the group life of a society Emile Durkheims explanation of suicide was scientific because he developed conclusions based on systematic examination of data Which of the following statements is an example of a sociological theory suicide rates are a reflection of whether people are, or are not, integrated into the group life of a society Which sociologist established Europes first university department of sociology Emile Durkheim Which of the following is true about August Comte he sought to establish a science that would reveal basic laws of society, he thought humans could learn to understand the forces that helped society to maintain order and stability, he though humans could learn to understand the forces that caused society to change Which of the following is true about Harriet Martineau she introduced the significance of inequality and power into the discipline of sociology, and she believed scholars should be activists and not just commentators Harriet Martineau argued that we could learn a lot about a culture by analyzing the ideas, themes, and images reflected in which type of cultural product popular songs Anomie refers to loss of direction that is felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective In many emerging nations, the pace of social change is very rapid and there is significant hunger and starvation, unemployment, and family disruption. Individuals who live in emerging nations are likely to suffer anomie Durkheim was particularly concerned about the loss of social order Which of the following did Karl Marx view as the key factor distinguishing humans from animals humans ability to transform raw material into finished products In Karl Marxs analysis, social inequality is determined by ownership, or lack thereof, of key material resources Max Webers theory of power included social status and organizational resources Sociological studies that focus on large-scale phenomena or entire civilizations are defined as macrosociology A study of divorce rates among the populations of Canada, England, the United States, and France is an example of macrosociology Which of the following stresses the study of small groups microsociology A sociologist studies drug-use patterns among small groups of college students in a Midwestern college. This would be an example of microsociology Erving Goffman popularized the dramaturgical approach, which compares everyday life to a theatrical performance W. E. B. Du Bois investigated power and inequality based on race Ida Wells-Barnett investigated power and inequality based on gender and race Which of the following is true about Jane Addams she used sociology as a tool to improve the lives of the urban poor Which of the following is a functionalist perspective society is structured to maintain stability Which sociological perspective would suggest that if an aspect of social life does not contribute to a societys stability, then it does not serve a useful function functionalist perspective A functionalist perspective would be most likely to argue that the existence of big-city political machines suggests that these political organizations satisfy certain basic social needs Which sociological perspective emphasizes the distribution of power and the allocation of resources conflict perspective Critics of television often suggest that executives of major television networks and movie corporations are wealthy, White males who divide which programs or movies will be produced and which directors and actors will obtain jobs in the industry. This analysis reflects the conflict perspective With which of the following conflicting groups are contemporary conflict theorists concerned women and men, the wealthy and poor, and blacks and whites Interactionist perspective uses everyday forms of social interaction to explain society as a whole Which sociological approach would argue that people respect laws or disobey them based on their own past experience as well as their subjective understanding of the law interactionist perspective Which sociological perspective would argue that laws reinforce the positions of those in power conflict perspective Which sociological perspective would argue that public punishments reinforce the social order functionalist perspective Which sociological perspective would argue that social change is predictable in the progression toward great order functionalist perspective The view that social order is maintained through cooperation and consensus would most likely be held by functionalists Which sociological perspective would suggest that social change is reflected in peoples communication patterns and social positions interactionist perspective In general, sociologists tend to draw insights from all three major sociological perspectives. Personal sociology requires recognition of how our individual position in society shapes our perspective. Using sociology with the specific intent of yielding practical applications for human behavior and organizations is referred to as applied sociology. Which of the following statements is true clinical sociology is dedicated to facilitating change by altering organizations or restructuring social institutions The worldwide integration of government policies, cultures, social movements, and financial markets through trade and the exchange of ideas is known as globalization A sociological relationship between the individual and society is one in which the choices of the individual are determined by the individuals societal position. T/F False Given C. Wright Mills description of the sociological imagination as our ability to see the interaction between history and biography, it follows that neither society nor the individual can be understood in isolation from the other. T?F True The main purpose of the hamburger as miracle story is to show that, when the need arises, all individuals are capable of achieving their goals without the help of others. T/F False The observation by sociologists that the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed a higher proportion of men than women is an example of the importance of the consequences of difference. T/F True Sociology can most accurately be considered a natural science because it involves the systematic examination of the effects of human nature on society T/F False The fact that sociologists have found little difference between the sexes in terms of talkativeness is an example of why the systematic analysis of facts is generally more reliable than common sense knowledge T/F True According to Durkheims theory about the causes of suicide, the more interconnected and interdependent a societys members, the lower its suicide rate should be. T/F True Of the three main sociological perspectives, the dramaturgical approach, as popularized by Erving Goffman, would best be considered an example of the interactionist perspective T/F True A sociologist who views religion as a societal institution that functions to preserve existing inequalities is most likely to be a conflict theorist in terms of perspective. T/F True Of the various ways to practice sociology, the way that offers the most direct link between theory and practice is clinical sociology. T/F True Which of the following is true of sociology it represents a conversation between theory and research The scientific method maximizes consistency in research If you were interested in studying the relationship between date and acquaintance rape victims and the characteristics of the rapist, your first step would be to define a problem to study Defining a sociological problem involves explicitly identifying the concepts you want to learn more about An operational definition is the transformation of an abstract concept into indicators that are observable and measurable Which of the following best describes theories they are our most informed explanations of what happens and why Which of the following would be least likely to be used in formulating an operational definition for a study on racial bias in the workplace the narrative of a single person describing an incident of employment discrimination When researching a concept, why do sociologists conduct a review of the available literature to refine the problem under study, to clarify possible techniques to be used in collecting data, to eliminate or reduce avoidable mistakes A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables is known as a hypothesis The statement Women who receive welfare are less likely than other women to have babies is an example of a hypothesis A variable is a measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions Which of the following can serve as a variable in a study marital status, ethnic background, age The relationship between variables in which a change in one leads to a change in the other is known as casual logic The statement People who live in poverty have shorter life expectancies than wealthier citizens is an example of a hypothesis The causal variable that brings about change is known as a(n) independent variable Which of the following would be considered the independent variable in the statement People who live in poverty have shorter life expectancies than wealthier citizens level of income Sociological studies have indicated that people who are married are less likely to commit suicide than people who are divorced. In this example, marital status is a(n) independent variable The race of a criminal offender is associated with the frequency with which capital punishment is administered. In this example, capital punishment would be considered the dependent variable The relationship between two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other is known as a(n) correlation Individuals who have divorced parents are more likely to experience long-term adverse effects than individuals who have parents who did not divorce. This statement is an example of a(n) correlation In which type of sample does each member of the entire population have the same chance of being selected a random sample If researchers wanted to examine the opinions of people listed in a city directory, they might call every tenth or fiftieth or hundredth name listed. This would constitute a random sample Valid research measures accurately reflect the phenomenon under study Which of the following would be considered a valid measure of an individuals intelligence None of the answers are correct not the individuale employment, or the researchers opinion, or the number of years of school that the individual has completed A research measure that provides consistent results is considered reliable A factor held constant to test the relative impact of the independent variable is known as a control variable Which of the following is true about a research design it is a detailed plan or method for scientifically obtaining data Developing an effective research design is important because it directly influences both the amount of time needed to collect the data and the cost of the project To conduct a cross-cultural study of job discrimination against women, a sociologist interviews 75 women between the ages of 20 and 40 in an American city, and 75 women in the same age group in a Canadian city. This study would be classified as a survey In order to provide information that is useful, open-ended survey questions must be worded accurately and without bias The results of an interview may be influenced by the gender of the interviewer or the race of the interviewer Surveys most often represent ______ research, which collects and reports data primarily in numerical form quantitative The number calculated by adding a series of values and then dividing by the number of values is referred to as the mean The midpoint, or number that divides a series of values into two groups of equal numbers of values, is referred to as the median Which number would be considered the mode of the following: 10-10-9-9-8-8-7-7-7-6-5 7 Research that relies on what sociologists observe in the field and naturalistic settings, and that often focuses on small groups and communities, is referred to as qualitative research Researchers who use sociological observation to collect data do so by either watching a group or by directly participating in a group A sociologist attends meetings at all the schools and churches in his community over several years, and meets as many residents as he can for the purpose of exploring all facets of the communitys social life. He then compiles a detailed description of the community. He is conducting a(n) ethnography The initial obstacle participant observers encounter is gaining acceptance into an unfamiliar group Once a researcher has been accepted into a group, a major challenge of participant observation is maintaining a degree of detachment An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables is known as a(n) experiment In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the independent variable is called the control group Sociologists performing research tend to use both laboratory experiments and field work, but not in conjunction with each other A sociologist decides to study the interaction among students in the colleges computer center. When the students realize they are under observation, they become shy and reserved in their interactions. This is an example of the Hawthorne effect Which of the following is true about Devah Pagers research it attempted to approximate experimental conditions in the field Secondary analysis includes a variety of research techniques that use previously collected and publicly accessible information and data If a sociologist uses information gathered by the United States Census Bureau in a study, that sociologist is performing a secondary analysis Sociologists consider secondary analysis to be a nonreactive form of research An inherent problem in using secondary sources of data is that researchers may not find the exact data needed for their research A researcher studies adolescent attitudes about senior citizens by analyzing depictions of the elderly in the lyrics of popular music and the content of teen magazines. This is an example of content analysis Erving Goffmans pioneering exploration of how advertisements portray women as dependent upon men is an example of content analysis Which of the following is included in the code of ethics for sociology using appropriate research techniques, maintaining integrity in research, remaining unbiased and nondiscriminatory Which of the following is not incorporated into the basic principles of the code of ethics for sociology a required number of data sources Rik Scarces jail experience in 1993 revealed the potential consequences of maintaining the confidentiality of sources After the 1989 Valdez disaster, the Exxon Corporation sought out many experts, including sociologists, to study jury deliberations. Which of the following was a major ethical concern for these sociologists Funding from Exxon might influence the results of the studies According to value neutrality, investigators have an ethical obligation to accept research findings even when the data run counter to which of the following their own personal views, theoretically based explanations, widely accepted beliefs Joyce Ladners The Death of White Sociology called attention to the tendency of mainstream sociology to investigate the lives of African Americans only in the context of social problems Which of the following is true about Shulamit Reinharz she argued that sociological research should be open to drawing on relevant research by nonsociologists Feminist sociologists view work and family as interrelated topics Which of the following statements is true about the contributions of feminist sociologists? they have difficulty maintaining value neutrality due to the subject of their research One important goal of applying the scientific method to the study of society is to ensure that the researchers own values and opinions are allowed to influence the results. T/F False The purpose of transforming a concept into its operational definition is to make the concept easier to observe and measure T/F True In the hypothesis the more socially integrated a person, the less likely that person is to commit suicide, level of social integration is the independent variable. T/F True If x is correlated with y, then by definition, x must be the cause of y. T/F False If x causes y, then by definition, x must be correlated with y. T/F True For the purposes of data analysis, the most important quality of a sample is that it is representative of the population from which it is drawn T/F True One way to ensure that a sample is representative of the broader population from which it is taken is to ensure that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected in the sample. T/F True If the same questionnaire about income and education is given to the same person at two different times, and nothing significant has changed between the two times, the responses should be the same, and if they are not, the questionnaire can best be described as invalid. T/F False Of the two main types of survey instrument- the face-to-face interview and the questionnaire- the use of a questionnaire is likely to generate the higher response rate because it allows more time for the respondent to respond. T/F False While sociologists use a variety of different approaches to the study of social phenomena, they all accept that value-neutrality is essential in the interpretation of data. T/F False The totality of our shared language, knowledge, material objects, and behavior is known as culture Culture helps us to interpret information received by our senses Which of the following best defines a society the structure of relationships within which culture is created and shared Which of the following best explains the role of a society it provides the context within which cultural relationships develop Cultural preferences vary across societies. Which of the following is an example of a cultural preference marriage ceremonies, methods of education, religious doctrines Common practices and beliefs shared by all societies are called cultural universals In his research, George Murdock determined that although all cultures share common denominators, how cultures address these practices and beliefs varies greatly What is the most common stance among researchers on the nature vs. nurture debate they view the debate as inadequate Sociobiology is the systematic study of how biology affects human social behavior Which of the following would be of interest to a sociobiologist the explanation of how our thoughts and actions are linked to our genes Innovation interests sociologists because it often has continuing effects beyond the initial change Which of the following is a method through which culture is diffused military conquest, tourism, the Internet Which of the following would be an example of discovery the identification of bacteria Which of the following would be an example of invention superconductors Which of the following examples illustrates the rapid globalization of culture starbucks stores in China English-speaking people in the United States commonly use words whose origins are from various African, Asian, and non-English-speaking European cultures. This is an example of cultural diffusion In practice, globalization has led to which of the following phenomena the cultural domination of developing nations by developed nations, people in developing nations often discarding their traditional values, and native cultures being threatened by Western popular culture The physical or technological aspects of our daily lives represent material culture Which of the following is an example of material culture a slice of pizza Which of the following is true about cognitive culture it consists of our mental and symbolic representations of reality Which of the following is a component of cognitive culture language Which of the following is true about the pace at which nonmaterial culture changes? it is more resistant to change than material culture What is cultural lag? an adjustment period when nonmaterial culture struggles to adapt to new material conditions Culture lag occurs because people in most societies are more likely to change their material culture than their nonmaterial culture Which of the following is true about language? it includes speech, writing, and nonverbal gestures Which of the following is true about the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? It argues that the language we use shapes our perception of reality In some parts of the United States, horse breeding is commonplace. People involved in breeding have developed different words to distinguish between breeds, sizes, and sexes of horses, and these words are not very familiar to people who are uninvolved in the horse world. This is an example of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis What is one of the contributions the feminist perspective has made to the study of language? It suggests that gender-related language reflects traditional acceptance of men and women in certain occupations. The words blacklist and white lie are examples of language that can promote racial stereotypes. Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication? a high five, a hug, a frown Collective conceptions of what is considered good, desirable, and proper (or bad, undesirable, and improper) are known as values Which of the following is true about the list of U.S. basic values offered by sociologist Robin Williams? It includes the values of freedom, equality, morality, democracy, and conformity In surveys of first-year college students over the last 40 years, which value has shown the strongest gain in popularity? being very well-off financially Which of the following is true about norms? they are established standards of behavior maintained by a society, they must be widely shared and understood, they are classified as formal or informal Formal norms enforced by the state are laws Informal norms are generally understood but not precisely recorded While attending a prestigious lecture at a New York City museum, Bob noisily belches several times and picks his nose. He is violating informal norms Mores are norms that are deemed highly necessary to the welfare of a society Which of the following is true about folkways? They are norms that govern everyday behavior Which of the following is not a culturally learned behavior? instincts Within the traditional Buddhist areas of Southeast Asia, in the sleeping cars of trains, women do not sleep in upper berths above men. This norm reinforces patterns of male dominance Which of the following is an example of a norm that is often ignored because of weak enforcement? teenage drinking of alcohol and use of shady accounting techniques in business Which of the following is an example of a practice that appears to violate the norms of society in general, but actually represents adherence to the norms of a particular group? teenage drinking of alcohol and use of shady accounting techniques in business Penalties and rewards for conduct concerning a social norm are known as sanctions A Girl Scout works hard on a difficult project, and when she has completed her work, she is given a badge that she can wear on her uniform. This is an example of a sanction A dominant ideology is a set of cultural beliefs and practices that legitimate existing powerful social, economic, and political interests Which of the following is a limitation of the dominant ideology thesis? Significant shifts in cultural values occur from generation to generation In the United States, professional gamblers, Armenian Americans, teenagers, and nudists are all examples of subcultures The use of terms like g-man, honey boat, and airmail by sanitation workers in New York City is an example of argot Which of the following is the best example of a counterculture within the United States? hippies Armed militia groups, such as the one that was involved in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, are an example of both a subculture and a counterculture Which of the following constitutes culture shock? The feeling of disorientation that is experienced when people encounter cultural practices different from their own A man from a very conservative culture travels to a country where the culture is more liberal. As he walks down the sidewalk, he is startled to see women wearing pants and even shorts instead of the long skirts and dresses worn by women in his culture. He is experiencing culture shock The tendency to assume that ones own culture and way of life represent what is normal or are superior to all others is called ethnocentrism Students who return home after studying abroad and soldiers returning home from war often experience a kind of reverse culture shock, which reflects how much we take culture for granted. A member of a new fundamentalist church believes that she has found the one true way to achieve salvation, and that members of other religions are pagans who will go directly to hell when they die. This is an example of ethnocentricism Which of the following is an example of ethnocentrism? People from India being repelled by the common American practice of living in the same household with dogs and cats. In which country did ethnocentric value judgments hamper United States efforts to build a democracy? Iraq A United States sociologist receives a grant to study racial and religious prejudice among the peoples of Southeast Asia. The sociologist makes a serious and unbiased effort to evaluate the norms, values, and customs of these groups in light of the distinctive cultures of which they are a part. This is an example of cultural relativism. Which of the following concepts employs the kind of value neutrality that Max Weber saw as so important? cultural relativism One of the reasons why we need culture is that it helps us to make sense of, and relate to, the physical world around us. T/F True George Murdock found that there are 70 categories of true cultural universals T/F False Humans have more control over their own destinies if they are the product of nature rather than nurture. T/F False In general, sociobiologists emphasize how social behavior can influence our biological evolution as a species T/F False The main difference between discovery and invention is that only invention involves the creation of something that did not previously exist T/F True The diffusion of cultures across national borders can have positive and negative effects. The negative effects are most likely to be experienced by developing rather than developed countries. T/F True Language can be described as being socially constructed because it has no inherent meaning other than that assigned to it by humans. T/F True One important implication of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is that the capacity to conceptualize the world must evolve before language can emerge. T/F False Wearing formal clothes in an informal setting would be an example of violating a formal norm. T/F False The use of argot helps clarify the boundary between insider members of a subculture and other outsider members of society. T/F True The relative importance of biological inheritance and environmental factors in human development is referred to as the debate over nature vs nurture Which of the following best describes the process of socialization? Learning the attitudes, values, and behaviors appropriate for members of a particular culture. A teacher plans a trip to the theater for a junior high school class. As part of the preparation, the teacher tells students how they should dress and how they will be expected to act inside the theater. This is an example of socialization The analysis of Genie and Danielle is important because it emphasizes the importance of the earliest socialization experiences in human development. Harry Harlows research with rhesus monkeys and artificial mothers revealed that monkeys developed greater social attachments based on their need for intimacy than on their need for food. Studies of identical twins who were raised apart have failed to conclusively decided the debate over the influences of nature and nurture Which of the following is true about the self? It is a distinct identity that sets us apart from others Which of the following statements is true about the looking-glass self? It is a theory that you become who you are based on how you think others see you. Which of the following is the first phase of the looking-glass self? imagining how others see us According to the theory of the looking-glass self, our self-identities are based on our perceptions of how others see us. George Herbert Mead argued that the self has two core components the I and the Me For George Herbert Mead, the self represents an ongoing interaction between our socialized self and our acting self For a student sitting in a classroom, the I is the part of the self that engenders which of these reactions? speaking up during a class discussion Which of the following is true about the sociological concept of significant others? It is a term that refers to individuals who are most important in the development of the self throughout our lives Which of the following is LEAST likely to be an example of a significant other? a television character According to George Herbert Meads stages of the self, the preparatory stage occurs when children imitate the people around them, particularly family members Gestures, objects, and words that form the basis of human communication are known as symbols Which of the following is an example of a symbol? a hug, a coke bottle, a bowl of caviar In Meads theory, the process of mentally assuming the perspective of another and responding from that imagined viewpoint is known as role taking During which of Meads stages of the self does a child begin to become a doctor, a parent, a superhero, or a ship captain? the play stage Your boss has just screamed at her staff for poor sales growth and high absenteeism. Consequently, you decide that this would not be a good time to speak to her about a promotion. In this instance, you are effectively demonstrating role taking. A child of about eight or nine years of age begins to consider several tasks and relationships simultaneously. At this point in development, children grasp not only their own social positions but also those of others around them. Mead calls this stage the game stage Allison is playing in a high school field hockey game and passes the ball to Erika, who appears to have a scoring opportunity. Allisons pass suggests that she is aware of her role as a member of a team and that she is now in which stage of development, according to George Herbert Mead? the game stage Which term was used by George Herbert Mead to refer to a childs awareness of the attitudes, viewpoints, and expectations of society as a whole? generalized other Tanya is sitting in a large college lecture hall with 300 other students. Although she has the urge to pick her nose, she refrains because she is afraid of how the other members of the audience will react. Tanyas behavior is being controlled by generalized others Which of the following is true about the dramaturgical approach? It is a view of social interaction in which people are seen as theatrical performers. The sociologist Erving Goffman is associated with which of the following concepts? impression management, face-work, the dramaturgical approach Bob is on his first date with Mary. He really likes her, so he tries to act in a manner that will cause her to like him, too. This is an example of impression management Which of the following defines Erving Goffmans concept of face-work? the effort to maintain a proper image and avoid embarrassment in public A person leaves a singles bar alone and later tells a friend, There wasnt anyone interesting in the entire crowd. This is an example of face-work Which social scientist believed that the self has components that work in opposition to each other? Sigmund Freud How many stages did Jean Piaget argue exist in the development of childrens thought processes? 4 A child spends a lot of time putting objects into his mouth and touching everything in sight. This child is probably in which stage of development, according to Piaget? sensorimotor According to Piagets cognitive theory of development, the stage in which children begin to use words and symbols to distinguish objects and ideas is called the preoperational stage. According to Piaget, what is the key to childrens development? social interaction Which of the following is the most important agent of socialization? the family Socialization concerning not only masculinity and femininity, but also marriage and parenthood begins in childhood as a part of family life. Children observe their parents as they express affection, deal with finances, quarrel, complain about in-laws, and so forth. Their learning represents an informal process of anticipatory socialization. Which of the following is true about gender roles? They are expectations regarding the proper behavior, attitudes, and activities of males and females Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis observed that schools in the United States focus on socializing students for the workplace. Which of the following was a finding of sociologists Patricia and Peter Adler regarding peer groups? popularity reinforces gender stereotypes, a social pecking order is established early, popularity is affected by attractiveness Which of the following has become an increasingly influential agent of socialization over the past century? the media Which is the most common form of media consumption for young people between the ages of 8 and 18? watching tv Among tablet and smartphone owners, multitasking is becoming more of a social norm Which of the following is true about the ways new technologies are changing the way we interact with each other? They tend to lead to both narrowcasting and multitasking. Which of the following is true about adolescents in the workplace? Adolescents work primarily to earn spending money for themselves. Institutions such as day care centers, hospitals, and mental health care centers reflect what change in society? the declining role of family as caretaker T/F The quincea-era ceremony is considered a rite of passage for Hispanic girls. True A bat mitzvah, a quincea-era ceremony, and a Catholic confirmation are all examples of rites of passage Which of the following do life course theorists argue? Socialization continues through all stages of the life cycle. According to a national survey, the key event that marks the rite of passage into adulthood in the United States is completing formal schooling. A young girl decides that she wants to become an Olympic swimmer. She takes swimming lessons, joins her schools swimming team, reads magazine articles about champion swimmers, and goes to swim meets at a nearby college. This is an example of anticipatory socialization. A woman who was socialized from infancy to become a wife and mother settles comfortably into being a homemaker in her twenties and early thirties. However, her husband dies suddenly, and she finds that she must enter the paid labor force in order to support herself and her two children. This woman will most likely have to undergo a process of resocialization Which of the following is considered a total institution? a mental hospital Which of the following is not a characteristic of total institutions? The authorities devise rules and schedule activities after consultation with the participants. Cindy enters prison and is stripped of her clothing and advised that from this point on she will be referred to only by a number. This is an example of a degradation ceremony. Which of the following is true about the midlife crisis? It is a period in which people realize that they have not achieved basic life goals and ambitions and have little time left to do so. The sandwich generation can best be described as adults who try to meet the competing needs of their parents and their children. Which of the following factors has contributed to the rise in life expectancy around the world? developments in health care, advances in nutrition, improvements in working conditions Which of the following is not one of the seven stages in Robert Atchleys theory of the retirement process? orientation In Robert Atchleys conceptualization of the retirement process, the near phase refers to the point in time when a person establishes a specific retirement date from a job. T/F The process of socialization can only take place during the first few years of life, meaning that children who miss this process can never become fully socialized. False Based on studies of identical twins, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that nature has a greater impact than nurture on the social development of people. T/F False One implication of Charles Cooleys idea of the looking-glass self is that we can form self-identities that are based on incorrect assumptions about how others see us. T/F True According to sociologist George Herbert Mead, people are happiest when the I component of the self has total control over the Me portion of the self. T/F False Of the three stages of self-development identified by Mead, the capacity to assume the perspective of another and to respond from this perspective does not occur until the game stage. T/F False Goffmans concept of impression management implies that people alter their presentation of self to meet the expectations of different audiences. T/F True Of all the various agents of socialization, peer groups have consistently been shown to have the greatest impact. T/F False The life course approach to the study of political socialization tends to focus on those social factors, such as race or gender, that affect people throughout their lives. T/F True The process of discarding old patterns of behavior and accepting new ones as part of a life transition is referred to as anticipatory socialization. T/F False People who are no longer young, but are not yet old are referred to by social scientists as the sandwich generation. T/F False

The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women

The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips What does a "business casual" dress code even mean for women? Why is it so poorly defined yet so strictly enforced in certain offices? This article will unravel how to dress business casual for women so you can easily select appropriate outfits for the workplace that also suit your personal style. Introduction â€Å"Business casual† is a fairly straightforward dress code for men. You can wear khakis or some other non-jean pant, a button-down shirt, and maybe a sport coat. Pair it with loafers or a similar dress shoe, and you’re done. Business casual for women is a another story. While some women also reach for button-downs and khakis, for many (myself included), button-downs rarely fit well off the rack, and khakis don’t look as nice as darker slacks or a skirt. To fit the business casual dress code for women, you need an outfit that’s not a boring suit or something super fashion-forward and distracting. Since women’s fashion has so many more cuts, styles, and colors than men’s, the average woman has to sift through a daunting number of choices when shopping. Plus, women are scrutinized much more closely for their fashion choices. This has lead to confusion over what women’s business casual fashion is and how to achieve it. This article breaks down what business casual means, gives concrete outfit suggestions, and lists places to shop at a range of price points. Who Is This Guide For? What Is It Designed to Do? This guide is designed to help women put together BC outfits for a new job where they're not yet familiar with the company or its dress code beyond the fact that they're expected to dress â€Å"business casual.† The goal is to make your shopping trips more efficient and productive and help you pick out a few no-fail outfits that are undeniably business casual and professional. We’re also mainly operating in the context of industries that are likely to require a stricter dress code- business, teaching, finance, law. If you’re in a more creative field or a tech environment where you’re not public facing, business casual is likely to lean more toward â€Å"casual.† The outfits in this article may be a touch too formal for your situation. The idea is these outfits will hopefully be formal enough for any workplace (they won’t be too far on the casual side of business casual), and once you get settled in you can grow your wardrobe based on your company’s/workplace’s take on business casual. It’s safer to look slightly too formal than too casual, especially during your first week of work. Also, keep in mind there are cultural differences. Between the US and Japan, for example, the expectations are different. Women can get away with more playful and short dresses and skirts in Japan, but tops in general have to be much more conservative. Just within the US, San Francisco offices tend to be much less formal than NY ones. Because of that, we've chosen to lean towards relatively conservative choices, but we’ll show a range of styles so you can adapt your outfits to your particular location. Re: Dress Codes and Sexism Another point that needs to be addressed before I get into the guide is the fact that women’s dress codes are often unfair and even sexist. There has thankfully been a lot of discussion and activism on this point recently when it comes to school dress codes. However, there hasn’t been as much discussion about this in the workplace, and many guides online to women’s business casual range from condescending at best (don’t dress like you’re hitting the club!) to sexist at worst (weird preoccupation with necklines, lingerie, and pantyhose). I don’t want this to be one of those guides that lists the obvious in a very demeaning way. At the same time, the outfits we have chosen err on the more conservative side of things in the hopes they will work for a variety of workplaces during the first week, whether you’re in a very traditional office or a more casual one. I think it’s unfair that in many cases women have to spend much more time agonizing over wardrobe choices, and I’m hoping this guide takes some of that pressure off. Once you get to know your workplace, you can start wearing things closer to your own style that are still professional and fall under the business casual umbrella. Who I Am You might be thinking, â€Å"who is this person, and what makes her an expert on the business casual dress code, or workplaces in general?† Well, let’s clarify this right away: I’m NOT an expert. I’m a recent college graduate who has worked or interned in a handful of industries (commercial real estate, banking, education, public relations) both during and after college, primarily in Massachusetts. As a visual artist myself, I enjoy and appreciate fashion, but I fall more on the grunge/overly quirky side of things in my daily life. Business casual dress codes are always difficult for me because I feel like I’m spending money on clothes that are no fun. (I can’t wear crop tops fashioned from oversized thrift store t-shirts? I QUIT.) I've struggled with putting together outfits that adhered to each workplace’s rules, were professional, and fit my budget. This guide started out as my own personal quest to see if I could research a no-fail business-casual outfit that didn’t bore me to tears. I was frustrated at the dearth of helpful resources and realized that if I wanted such a guide, I would have to write one myself. Hopefully this guide will be helpful to anyone trying to put together a business casual wardrobe, but I don't intend for any of this to be definitive, end-all be-all advice. Evidence of me rejecting business casual fashion for weirder fare. (Sam Lindsay/All rights reserved) Who I Am Not Now that you know who I am, let me give you a bit of a disclaimer about who I'm not. #1: A professional stylist/fashion blogger- I did have a short-lived fashion blog in college, but it fizzled out when I got busy with other things. I like to think that I have good fashion sense, but I’m by no means an official â€Å"expert†. This guide is designed to be more utilitarian than anything else! #2: Someone with extensive experience in a single industry- I’m not someone who could talk in detail about how business casual applies to a range of law firms, for example, or the difference between working for a start-up or a job at Apple. #3: Your parents/your boss/your teacher/your counselor- Essentially, I obviously don’t have any authority over you! Which means you should take this advice as advice you are getting from a friend. Take the stuff that is helpful to you, leave or ignore the stuff you think is bullshit. Everyone's situation is going to be a little bit different. What Is Business Casual? Before we get into the good stuff, it’s important to understand what business casual is and how it affects dress codes and expectations at work. Business casual started in the 1990s as an outgrowth of â€Å"casual Fridays,† which was adopted in previous decades as a free perk companies could offer to employees to make their offices seem less soul-sucking. The grown of business casual dress codes in white-collar office jobs was spurred on by a combination of the success of Silicon Valley companies and their casually dressed executives, clever marketing by the Dockers brand, and a push toward more comfortable clothing in general during the late twentieth century. From the beginning of business casual, it was always clearly defined for men: replace your suit and tie with khakis or jeans, a button down, and loafers. Maybe add a sweater. You’re done! But for women (for whom workplace dressing has always been tricky!), a business casual dress code was never clearly articulated. It doesn’t help that these days, each workplace has its own spin on business casual. Business casual lies at the intersection between professional and functional. Companies switched to â€Å"business casual† instead of â€Å"casual† for a reason. They want everyone to look professional without requiring a full suit-and-tie combo every day. â€Å"Business casual† doesn’t mean â€Å"we don’t care what you look like.† It means â€Å"we want you to look professional, but we get that dry-cleaning is expensive and wearing suits all the time is annoying.† So how can you put together outfits that straddle the not-formal-but-not-casual line? Especially given that each office is so different? And that expectations for how women dress are already so complex? I think this jacket is probably fine for business casual...or is it just regular casual? Why must I use space in my brain for this 5 Business Casual Rules to Live By Before we offer up some concrete outfit suggestions, here are five rules to keep in mind as you think about your business casual outfits. #1: Business Casual 101- No Stains, Rips, or Wrinkles These mostly go without saying, but avoid anything that looks old, dirty, wrinkled, or stained. Don’t wear sheer or revealing clothing or clothes with obvious logos. Many â€Å"guides to business casual dressing† online stop here, which is unfortunate, because I figure this rule is fairly obvious. One tip- if you have an item of clothing, like a pair of slacks from your high school debate days or a sundress in muted colors, that you think could pass as professional but you’re not sure if it looks too worn, ask a friend or family member for their honest opinion. Getting a pair of fresh eyes can help you spot a stain, wrinkle, or discolored spot that you didn’t notice yourself. #2: Work From the Outside In Make sure you have a professional coat/jacket if you’re wearing one, a bag, and a versatile pair of shoes before you put together your base outfits. Why is this necessary? Imagine this scenario. Your new job starts Monday. You need some business casual pieces, so you go shopping Sunday and manage to find a neat pencil skirt, a blouse you don’t hate, and a tasteful pair of stud earrings. You buy them, and Monday morning you get dressed. You feel comfortable, and you look professional without appearing too stiff or formal. Mission accomplished, right? Until you look outside. It’s freezing, so you pull on a pair of tights and grab your weathered down parka that has survived four years of college. You look around for shoes, and correctly veto your sneakers, TOMs, and going-out heels. That leaves a pair of scuffed black ballet flats. Whatever, no one will be looking at your feet, right? And last, you pick up your trusty Fjallraven backpack before heading out the door. You know you’re working in a cubicle, so you figure you can stash it there as soon as you get into the office. Post-commute, you enter your new office, excited to meet your new coworkers. Their first impression? A college kid in a casual coat and worn shoes, still sporting a backpack. True, once you ditch the coat and backpack, they’ll see your professional new outfit, but that doesn’t erase the fact that their first introduction to you was decidedly more casual than you would have wanted. (And you know what they say about second chances and first impressions.) Instead, what if you spent the money you used for the blouse, skirt, and earrings on a new pair of flats, a smart wool overcoat, and a professional briefcase or purse? Even if underneath you had a slightly more casual sweater and slacks combination, your first impression would be much more impactful and professional. Plus, you will be able to use those accessories for multiple work days, getting way more bang for your buck than a single blouse-and-skirt combo could ever provide. What’s the lesson here? Make sure your coat, bag, and shoes- the first and last thing that your coworkers will see you wearing each day, as well as the pieces that you will recycle each day- are professional and career-oriented. Not only will these pieces elevate all your other work outfits, they will ensure that the very first impression you make is a strong one. Here are some suggestions and guidelines for the types of coats, shoes, and bags you should be on the lookout for in your shopping: Coats Appropriate styles for coats include trenches, wool cuts with shape. You should also steer yourself towards neutral colors and longer lengths. A solid neutral colored coat can work with any outfit you put under it. Flickr/Joseph Kranak Shoes It's worth spending a bit more money on shoes. Go for high quality natural materials like leather and suede, simple styles, and comfort in movement. In general, you should avoid open-toe shoes, though if you live in a warmer climate they are more often accepted. Ballet flats, pumps, and classy boots are all good options. Flickr/ Spera Bags It’s time to retire your Jansport! In business casual for women, choose a bag with a more structured shape (like a laptop bag, satchel, or leather tote) rather than a bucket bag or a fabric tote. Again, a neutral color like black, navy, or beige is better than something really eye-catching since you want the bag to blend in and convey maturity. Your bag should be big enough to comfortably carry your laptop/tablet and whatever else you need to bring into the workplace. A clutch or small purse won't cut it! Flickr/ateodolinda #3: The 50% Rule Each outfit you wear should be half business formal. Remember that business formal is essentially a suit (matched pants/skirt and suit jacket) with a crisp shirt or blouse and professional shoes. The easiest application of this is rule is to pair formal bottoms (slacks or a pencil/straight skirt), with a more casual blouse. (We'll talk about slacks in detail in the outfit section. I don't shy away from controversial topics.) Another easy adaptation is adding a blazer over a dress. You can also try a formal, structured top (a blazer and/or a button down) with khakis or maybe jeans (though it depends on the style and your workplace, as we will discuss later). The 50% rule ensures that your outfit has at least one obviously formal piece, but it gives you the freedom to make the other half of the ensemble slightly more casual and fun. #4: Don’t Dress Like Someone Else If you’re uncomfortable with your outfit, it will show. Pick an outfit template that most closely fits your personal style. I tend towards a more bohemian and quirky aesthetic in my casual dress, which I try to translate into business casual outfits that incorporate interesting patterns in tasteful ways. I like wearing skirts and dresses as business casual options because I think the options for pants are all kind of dull. But if you’re a person who is most comfortable wearing just jeans and a t-shirt on any given day, then you shouldn’t feel compelled to wear a dress or skirt. Although your business casual outfits will never feel as comfortable as a casual outfit or loungewear, you should like the way you look and feel in them. The longer you work somewhere, the more you’ll come to understand that workplace’s specific definition of business casual and incorporate more of your personal style. This guide will get you through the first few weeks when you’re still navigating the new office! Dressing exactly the same as someone else is only acceptable if you're both adorable twin babies. #5: Know Your Colors If you’re buying a new set of clothes, make sure you can mix and match all of them. This gives you the most utility for your money and can be a lifesaver if half of your clothes are in the laundry. For example, if you buy one pair of slacks, one skirt, and three blouses, you should be able to pair each blouse with each bottom. Also, build your wardrobe on your formal pieces, not your casual pieces. Buy blouses that match the bottoms, not the other way around, or a dress that matches your blazer. Finally, choose a color palette that suits you. Your most readily available options for work slacks, skirts, and blazers will be neutral shades like black, navy, olive, grey, and khaki. These will be the easiest shades to use for creating a foundation for the rest of your business casual wardrobe. In my opinion, black is the most versatile (and almost always looks chic), but if you strongly prefer any of the other shades, you can choose to use one of them as a base instead. Flickr/Maria Morri No-Fail Business Casual Outfits The goal of this section is to give you three basic, customizable outfits. You can choose your favorite(s) and then look for clothes you have or buy pieces to build the perfect business casual outfit for your first few days of work! Also, remember that our goal here isn’t necessarily for you to look super fashionable. You want to wear clothes that are universally read as professional and put-together but don’t stand out too much. That way if your outfit skews slightly too formal or too casual, you won’t draw undue attention to yourself. Outfit 1: Pants / Blouse In an ideal world, this would be an incredibly easy outfit to put together, since it’s literally just pants and a top. But the devil is in the details! Pants For the pants, think slacks, in a material like wool crepe or a polyester blend that resembles it. You can go for either ankle or full-length. Look for skinnies, straight leg, or a slight flare. Avoid capris, culottes, super wide flares, low-rise super tight skinnies, and leggings. For the first week, avoid jeans, but if you see your coworkers wearing them, you are of course free to adopt them. Stick to darker washes, and avoid looks that are faded, damaged, and distressed. Also avoid jeans with contrast-color stitching (like American Eagle and Levis), since they look more casual. Blouse What about the blouse? You have two types to choose from: #1: Button Downs: Button downs can be a great choice because they’re universally perceived as â€Å"businessy† tops. However, they do have a downside in that for many women, it can be hard to find a button down that doesn’t have some sort of fit issue. Especially if you have a larger chest, button downs that fit perfectly in all areas without being custom tailored are basically unicorns. #2: Non Button Down: The benefits to non-button down shirts include more variety, no contention with gaping buttons, and more comfort overall. The issue on this side of things is that it’s a challenge to find blouses that aren’t too casual, sheer, or loud in their design. Lots of people run into the paradox of choice here because there are many, many options and it can be unclear which are appropriate. Here are some guidelines for the types of blouses you should choose for a business casual outfit: Has sleeves - Some workplaces will allow nice sleeveless blouses, but to be safe you should stick to designs with sleeves until you get confirmation on the policy. Relatively conservative color - Jewel tones and pastels are great, but nothing neon, no super loud prints. Not see-through - If a shirt is sheer, have something to easily layer beneath it that doesn’t look sloppy or bulky. Not too many extra details - In general, you should avoid sheer panels or lace cut-outs. One fun detail like decorative buttons should be okay, but decorative buttons plus a giant bow plus a lace hemline will look a little too garish for the workplace. If it feels boring, you can use accessories to spice things up. Sweaters: Yes or No? If a blazer and slacks or a skirt is the most common business formal outfit for women, some people say that slacks and a sweater is a standard business casual outfit. However, sweaters are tricky because they don’t work in all climates, and they run the risk of looking too casual compared to a tailored blouse. Furthermore, sweaters can show their wear pretty quickly thanks to shrinking or stretching, loose threads, and fading dye. That’s why I'm focusing more on blouses and blazers as opposed to sweaters, but if you really like wearing them, feel free to mix in some cardigans or other classy sweaters! Shoes and Accessories As discussed above, your outside choice- coat, shoes, and bag- are crucial pieces. In addition to these, you might also consider: Subtle jewelry A watch A silk scarf A low-key manicure Here are a few examples of business casual outfits that follow the pants/blouse model: Outfit 2: Skirt/Blouse Your second option is similar to the first, but replaces the pants with a skirt! Skirt When choosing a skirt, you should (at least initially) stick with options that don’t have too many bells and whistles and aren’t too short. A length just above the knee or even longer is ideal if you want to err on the more conservative side of things. The shape of the skirt is also something to consider. If you want to look professional, straight or pencil skirts are safe bets. Most A-line skirts will also work as long as they’re not too puffy. Puffy skirts can have a princess-like look that might seem too casual or immature for certain office environments. Again, neutral colors are smart choices because you’ll be able to pair the skirt with a variety of different blouses, although subtly patterned skirts can also be great options as long as they’re an appropriate length and style. Blouse For advice on choosing blouses, see the discussion in the previous section! Shoes and Accessories Again, you can incorporate some classy accessories into your look if you feel like it’s too plain. A small pop of bright color against a neutral outfit always looks nice, and it’s a way of making things more interesting without undermining the professionalism of the look as a whole. Sticking to just one accessory at first is a smart idea. Here are examples of appropriate skirt/blouse combos (some including nice sweaters as an extra layer): Outfit 3: Dress/Blazer Our final standby outfit is quite different from the others, but offers a bit more playfulness and room to experiment! Dress In choosing a dress for a business casual look, you should be on the lookout for styles with hems that fall just above the knee or lower. Shift and A-line dresses are safe bets as long as they’re an appropriate length and not too flimsy or excessively tight. Avoid sundresses, cocktail dresses, dresses with super loud prints, and dresses with cutouts. Necklines should be high cut rather than a deep V or wide neck. It’s best to assume that sleeveless dresses are off limits as well until you know otherwise. You can still wear one, but be prepared to leave your blazer on over it in the office. Blazer Ah, the blazer- that piece of clothing which seems to universally scream â€Å"business!† Since we’re in the realm of business casual for women, you don’t need to worry about getting a fancy-schmancy, lined, tailored blazer (though you can if you want to). Instead, just focus on finding a fit and color you like. Again, stick to a neutral color. It will match with a variety of outfits and won’t be too much of a distraction in the workplace. Save your hot pink blazer for after you’ve settled in and proven yourself. Also, try on different lengths. Blazers range from waist-length to hip-length to tunic-style. You may decide that one style suits you better than another. As with the other pieces in this guide, lean toward more conservative cuts (i.e. nothing super short or sleeveless) Also, don’t be afraid to bargain-shop. I found a simple black blazer at Forever 21 for probably less than $20 once, and I’ve used it to â€Å"class up† my outfits for years. You don’t have to splurge to look stylish. Although, in general, Forever 21 is probably not the best place to go to find durable professional wear. Shoes and Accessories The shoes you get to match this type of outfit depends on your personal style, but ankle boots, ballet flats, and pumps are all good options. Shoes in neutral colors are your best bet because you can wear them with a variety of different outfits. You might also choose to accessorize with one or two subtle pieces of jewelry that echo the color palette of the rest of your outfit. Here are a few examples of office-appropriate outfits that incorporate dresses and blazers (or cardigans): Adapting Business Casual for Summer and Winter Finding appropriate business casual outfits is made even more difficult if you live in an area with drastic temperature fluctuations from season to season. Here are some tips on how to adapt your business casual for women style so you can stay comfortable throughout these climate changes. How to Dress Business Casual in Summer Summer is especially difficult time to dress for work, since outside temperatures make traditional office staples like long slacks, tights, and long-sleeved shirts uncomfortable. At the same time, many of us have to deal with freezing temperatures inside the office thanks to aggressive air-conditioning. So what can you do to cope with the temperature whiplash? #1: Look for Light, Natural Fabrics Time to start reading clothing labels! When shopping for summer work clothes, go for natural fabrics like cotton and linen instead of polyester or polyester blends, because they’re less breathable. Also make sure to avoid heavier natural fabrics like wool. #2: Check the Sleeveless Policy Be careful about going sleeveless unless other coworkers do it! If it’s your first week in a new office, don’t assume it’s acceptable, but if you’ve worked there for a while and you know it won’t be objectionable, sleeveless dresses and blouses are a great way to stay cool. If you do go sleeveless, make sure you still follow all the basic business casual rules- no sheer fabrics, relatively conservative colors- and avoid anything strapless. #3: Ditch the Tights/Pantyhose You can definitely skip tights and pantyhose in the summer (unless you happen to work in a very traditional office), but keep your skirt and dress lengths conservative. Just above the knee or lower is fine, but avoid anything that veers into mini-skirt or mini-dress territory for work. #4: Investigate Sandal Options Thick leather loafers or closed-toe heels that were comfortable in cold weather might not be your favorite choice for summer. Scout out what other women in your office are wearing (are open-toed shoes ok based on what you see?). Summer friendly options include: Canvas slip-ons (even toms, depending on the office) Espiradilles Sandals in neutral colors Make sure to avoid shoes that look too casual, including flip flops and sneakers. #5: Bring Some Layers! Like we mentioned earlier, your office AC might make you cold during the day despite an uncomfortably warm commute. It’s smart to have a cardigan or blazer on hand that you can slip on if things get too chilly. If you pick one in a neutral shade like black, grey, or navy that matches all your work outfits, you only have to worry about having one! Just make sure to avoid any layers that look too casual, like hoodies or denim jackets. Or Snuggies. How to Dress Business Casual in Winter On the flip side, it can be difficult to deal with colder temperatures in winter, not to mention slogging through rain and/or snow to get to work. The good news is that more traditional office wear- pants, blazers, tights or pantyhose, wool materials- tend to keep you warmer than casual clothes. The challenge is shoring up your outfits with additional layers to keep you warm, investing in durable shoes, and finding warm but professional coats. If You Drive... Since you don’t have to cope with slogging through ice and snow, you might be able to get away with skipping winter boots and a parka. That said, if it’s freezing, no one will judge you for wearing a parka into the office or arriving in your snow boots as long as you slip into more office-appropriate footwear once you're inside. If You Commute/Walk... Definitely wear all the layers of clothes and shoes you need to get to work safely and warmly- parka, snow boots, scarf, mittens, etc. You can keep a pair of dress shoes at the office to change into when you get there. Consider wearing tights or long underwear under your work clothes, including your slacks, to help keep warm. You can even double up on tights for extra insulation! Where to Shop for Business Casual Outfits for Women So where do you go to find all this stuff? There’s a ton of options out there. I’ll categorize some of the best places to look for business casual clothes for women by price range so you can make smart decisions about where to begin your shopping. Lowest price point Target Old Navy HM Nordstrom Rack T. J. Maxx Macy's Kohl's JCPenney Dressbarn Medium price point The Gap Express The Limited Ann Taylor Modcloth Banana Republic Dillard's Nordstrom Talbots ASOS Zara Topshop UNIQLO j. jill High price point Anthropologie Calvin Klein Nordstrom J. Crew (suiting collection) Joie Boden Brooks Brothers Club Monaco Moving Forward: How to Take Style Cues from Your Office As you settle into your new office, you can start to tailor (heh) your wardrobe to fit the company culture rather than sticking with generic business casual looks. Here are a few tips on how to use your observations in the office to inform subtle outfit updates that will make a positive impact on the image you present at work. #1: Observe How Management/High-Performers Dress You know the old saying â€Å"dress for the job you want, not the job you have?† It’s actually good advice. You don’t want your work outfits to be just formal enough that they’re barely considered appropriate. You want build an overall professional, competent image for yourself. One tip in that regard is to pay particular attention to how managers and/or high-performers at your job present themselves. If you dress similarly, you're likely to be seen as one of the more focused, driven members of the team as well. #2: Don’t Completely Copy Outfits- Create Your Own Spin-Offs On the flip side, you shouldn’t carbon-copy someone else’s style, especially if it’s quite different from what you normally wear! It’s awkward, and it might suggest that you lack your own creativity or gusto. Look at how other people dress, and think about how you can create your own variations on their outfits that aligns with your personal style. #3: Pay Attention to Weekly Patterns Do people dress down on Friday? Are there specific events where people are dressed more formally (important meetings etc), or does everyone maintain the same level of formality all week? By paying attention to these cues, you’ll ensure that your outfits never look too formal or too casual. #4: Determine If Day-to-Night Transferability Is Important Some offices require you to attend work dinners or events where you're expected to dress more formally, while others focus solely on dressing for the 9-5. When in doubt, stray towards more formal looks! #5: Don’t Try to Pioneer New Office Fashion Trends (Unless You Work in a Creative Field) Even if there’s an event like a company party or dinner or fundraiser, and you’re not sure how to dress for it, you should lean toward more formal and business-y looks rather than either casual or overly dressy. It’s probably not the best time to break out your new pink faux fur jacket and light up sneakers or your full-length ball gown. I do love this jacket though. (Flickr/kelly) Business Casual for Women: Key Tips and Reliable Styles Business casual dress codes are extremely common in office environments, but it can be hard to sort out what's appropriate when you have so many different styles to choose from. Here's a quick recap of the guidelines established in this article. First, the five rules to live by when dressing for a business casual workplace: #1: No clothes with stains, rips, or wrinkles#2: Dress from the outside in (start with staple pieces like shoes, coats, and bags)#3: Follow the 50% rule- half of your outfit should be formal pieces#4: Don't dress too far out of your comfort zone#5: Start with a neutral color foundation (navy, khaki, olive green, black, or grey) Three outfit combinations that, given certain style constraints, will always be appropriate include: #1: Pants with a blouse#2: A skirt with a blouse#3: A dress with a blazer As you get more comfortable in your new office, you can adapt the rules to fit with the specific policies put in place by your company. Over time, you'll be able to personalize your business casual looks to match more with your personal style in casual dress.

Civil Rights Era Struggle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Civil Rights Era Struggle - Essay Example However, with the landing of westerners in Africa, slave trade increased with the Africans having no apparent knowledge of the consequences it had on the slaves sold. This is because they had no way of knowing the conditions under which the slaves were kept, but knew only that it was good riddance. In the course of slavery, especially during the journey across the Atlantic ocean, slaves were mistreated, some died, and others fell ill while others were sexually violated. During the trip across the vast ocean, conditions in which the slaves were subjected to be far worse than they were in captivity, slaves were packed in the ships’ hulls and left to persevere hunger and dehydration. Through this treatment, some went overboard to deny the white man dominion over their lives; this was the first step in the struggle for survival and for their rights. Among the slaves taken captive, some made it alive and took charge of their lives by participating in resistance movements. They went on work slowdowns and even ran away in rebellion, while others like, â€Å"Quakers and other prominent persons- among them Anthony Benezet, Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin- publicly opposed slavery†2 (Thurgood and Autherine 4). ... These people included Phillis Wheatley the first African-America writer who published poetry and Benjamin Banneker who studied Astronomy and Mathematics. However, the other black American slaves could not get access to education in public schools despite being freed by their masters. This incited them even the more to rise against the oppressive rules and fight for their rights as equal men in the society. The fight against slavery went on, however, by the time of American Civil war, the population of African-American slaves was significant as it was about 4million and could no longer be ignored. Therefore, as a result of the proclamation of 1863, all slaves residing in the confederacy were declared free by Abraham Lincoln, which was a milestone. Consequently, the black slaves viewed this as another opportunity to take charge of their lives and freedom. During this period, slaves joined the union army to fight for the confederacy that had freed them. This in turn, brought the priorit ies, needs and issues of the 4 million slaves that were marginalized to the attention of lawmakers. However, a break came following the abolition of slavery in 1865 and an amendment granted blacks citizenship rights concerning protection by the rule of law. However, the struggle was not over following violence and lack of acceptance by radical citizens. These groups included the Ku Klux Klan that imposed threats, white supremacy violence and harsh economic conditions. In the case of African-Americans, this did not deter them from fighting for their due rights; they still were elected into local, state and federal offices despite the danger facing them. One renowned person in

An Annotated Bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

An Annotated Bibliography - Essay Example â€Å"Multilingual Identities in Higher Education: Negotiating the ‘Mother Tongue’, ‘Posh’ and ‘Slang’†, Journal of Language and Education, Vol. 24., no. 1,pp. 21-39. Preece’s articles analyses linguistic diversity amid minority ethnic undergraduates students classified as from broadening participation background in a new University in Britain. The author recognizes that students negotiate multilingual and bidilectal identities within the framework of an academic writing programme considered as offering English language remediation. Leung, C., Harris, R. and Rampton, B. 1997. â€Å"Multilingualism in England,† Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, no. 7, pp. 224-241. The authors point out about the recent reactions to multilingualism in the national education systems and point to the increasing tension between education policy and research. The authors then suggest that there is so much that has happened in the study and und erstanding of multilingualism in England. To analyze this, the authors focus on the dynamic and contested connections amid educational policy, academic debate and daily sociolinguistic practice. As multilingualism in growing in the United Kingdom as a result of immigration, urban areas are becoming more diverse in their utilization of language. This is resulting in local government regulations being imposed to provide for those who do not speak the prevailing language. These policies are targeted at ensuring diversify and acceptance amid the scope of languages and speakers in any given region. School curriculums are making it possible for students to learn each other’s languages and so make sure good communication between distinct cultures. It is at times presumed that English is sufficient, but in global terms just 60 percent of the population are native speakers and 75 percent speak no English at all. Research on the internet reveals a decline in the relative influence of E nglish online, from 51 percent of traffic in 2000 to 27 percent as of 2011. The United Kingdom requires a multilingual population in order to succeed in a globalised universe, for global citizenships, for diplomacy, security and in global relations and for creating a taskforce to operate proficiently in trade and investment. In spite of the numerous interest groups affected by multilingualism and development of new ways to quantify the linguistic topography in the UK’s exhaustive information on UK multilingualism has only presently surfaced. The in particular emerges from conflicting definitions of language capability and situational usage, with non-standardized measures utilized to explain these (Edwards, 2004). The engagement of the state with the subject of multilingualism functions at numerous levels. The United Kingdom has not general official regulation on multilingualism, even though the EU supports trilingualism. Public discussions about multilingualism are London tra nsforms often, though there is some persistency in promoting specific forms of bilingualism, specifically through formal learning. There is prejudice in the conceived positions of distinct languages. Bilingualism appears to be regarded as an asset if it is learned as opposed to the acquired language prestige. On the other hand, bilingualism is conceived as an inadequate if possessed in a migrant home. There are discussions over if and how the past

The rise of mass society in the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The rise of mass society in the U.S - Essay Example The mass society led to prosperity and a system of government, which weakened the tradition societal tie. The first two decades of the 20th century was the time of intense and rapid changes that stretched to the capacity of imagination. This is because of increased technology advancement; contributing to varied developments in the arts and many other aspects. Thus, the essay focuses on the major developments that took place due to modernity in the first two decades of the 20th century. The mass society led to major developments in varied aspects including arts and cultural aspects. The science and technologies grew rapidly in pervasiveness, scale and time; thus transformed the natural world into created human control; for instance, many artists started implementing unique artifacts including unique interior and exterior of the buildings, renaissance paintings and many others. The technology that comprised this new era included computer technology that enabled the society to make vari ed changes through interaction process. For instance, the Internet and social media services enabled the societies to culturally interact and learn one another’s cultural behaviors through a common sharing of language; thus creating a global village. 2Duiker and Jackson (2011, 86) argue that the two decades of 20th century saw their tasks through making sense of the great transformation and understanding the new culture and societies being created. Modernity refers to the Enlightenment period and movement from traditional to modern era, which is linked to the increased capitalism in the society. The term modernity in the Enlighten era reflected varied changes that took place including new construction of buildings, new way of painting artifacts including sculptures and many others. Modernity reflected the new wave from the traditional aspects to new era, which is associated with movement in arts, cultural movements and other varied transformations to western society. 3Radclif f (2004, 92) argues that modernity in the 20th century reflects new movements and transformation of varied things from traditional to current ones. The term can be coined with westernization to include changes and progression era from traditional to current due to influence from the westerners. Additionally, modernity is viewed from cultural changes in social, political and economic structures. However, scholars focus this term from a far perspective to include changes in modern science, arts and many other aspects. Modernity demands deeper and more radical changes in order to create a better world. According to 4Rosati (2013, 56) and Scott, modernity takes place through rapid rationalization, which is linked to actions of mankind to create resourceful order of means to meet their demanding desires. Therefore, modernity in the 20th century period took into consideration significant changes in the society such as new political power, social changes and economic changes. This was aide d by industrialization period that was rampart due to increased technological advancement; thus, innovation became the primary fact of life. Realism became principal in literature in the U.S during the earlier 20th century. Realism attempts to present things the way they are; hence, it tries to reveal the truth of things. For instance in art, realism approach was manifested in numerous ways; thus, it was mostly used to describe certain art objects. The term implies a