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The Female Body, 2008.
This paper discusses the female form, sexuality and society.
764 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in contemporary American society, the two genders are still socialized very differently in many respects. The Women's Liberation movement and civil rights
legislation of the late 20th century greatly improved women's rights in the last fifty years, but in the realm of self esteem, female attractiveness is still overemphasized in importance. The writer maintains that the natural power of the female form on men makes provocative clothes irresistible to many men, but it conflicts with other elements of social learning about sexual morality. The combination of the issue of gender-specific sexual socialization with constant messages to women encouraging them to accentuate their physical appeal and sexuality for social approval exposes women to sexual objectification in the work place and to deceptive misrepresentation within intimate relationships. The writer concludes that the solution lies mainly in eliminating the difference in male and female sexual socialization throughout society, including the mixed messages about the female form and female sexuality.
Outline:
Introduction
Mixed Messages about Sexuality and Attractiveness
The Influence of the Female Form on Relationships
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This mixed cultural message and focus on female attractiveness is further complicated by the fact that men are socialized to seek as much sexual activity as they can and socially rewarded for sexual conquests beginning in adolescence. By contrast, women are taught to withhold sexuality except within emotionally intimate relationships. This discrepancy and the natural power of the female form to draw male interest promotes a predatory relationship on the part of men toward women. Instead of honesty and mutual attraction and potential romantic interest, many social relationships initiated by men are deceitful in nature and motivated purely by a desire to fulfill a physical urge, even if that requires outright deception. To make matter worse, in many cases, the moral rationalization on the part of men is that women who emphasize their attractiveness and sexuality in their choice of clothes and style "deserve" to be objectified and used for their sexual purposes without concern for their feelings."
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Amish Families in America, 2008.
This paper researches the culture, values and beliefs of Amish families in America and how these relate to the ecological theory of human development.
1,895 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how the Amish people follow a simple life that is adherent to family, faith and community principles. The paper then looks at the view that human development takes place within the context of the relationships that form the environment and discusses how structure in society has always been the strongest foundational base to support the most positive human development. The paper shows how this structure remains very secure only in the Amish community in the United States.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Standards: Amish Women vs Contemporary American Women
Relations of Culture, Values and Belief to Ecological Theory
Environmental factors Influencing Culture, Values and Beliefs
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Today's society is characterized by a broken down unit of what was once a structure formed tightly through matrimonial bonds and was a structure that was a firm foundational beginning for children's futures to be constructed upon. It was a structure that has passed the test of time in society and that had served well. Feminism arose when it was required by the processes at work within society in order to find a balance for women who work however, feminism assisted in the breaking down of the family unit as divorces and working mothers became more and more common. There is still today a group of people existing in the United States that follow a very simple life that is adherent to family, faith and community principle and who separate themselves from the common society. These people are the Amish who originally came from Switzerland and were at one time brought into the protection of America by William Penn."
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Inculturation of Roman Rite, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of funeral rites concentrating on Roman rites.
4,616 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 119.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explores the Roman funeral rite and the ability of the Romans to successfully inculturate elements of this ritual into the other cultures that they touched. The writer supports the thesis that the successful inculturation of funeral rites into mainstream society is a result of the willingness to adapt the ritual to include elements of the culture that they wished to acquire, rather than getting them to submit by sheer brute force. The new funeral rite then represents a perfect blend of two cultures.
Outline:
Understanding Inculturation
Roman Funeral Rites Past and Present
Inculturation of Roman Funerary Rites
The Jewish Funerary Liturgy
Developing a Plan for Inculturation
On Liturgy and Faith
Inculturation Methodology
From the Paper
"As the pagan practices of the Roman Empire became entangled, and later replaced by Christianity, many of the pagan practices became obsolete. In some cases, they were no longer allowed, particularly those that honored pagan gods. However, as the Roman religion transformed into the Roman Catholic Church, many elements of the old funeral rites survived. The survival of these elements demonstrates a high degree of inculturation of the old Roman practices. The modern Catholic funerary service still maintains the basic structure of the old Roman ceremony.
"The modern Roman Catholic Church requires that burial rites contain three distinct lithurgical sections. A funeral must contain all three sections."
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Cultural Evolution vs. Biological Evolution, 2008.
A comparison and contrast over cultural evolution with biological evolution.
1,583 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the concept of cultural evolution and compares and contrasts cultural evolution with biological evolution. The paper discusses the effect of the historical or cultural environment on the development of cultural evolution and looks at the study of cultural anthropology and the various opinions that exist on the ability for evolution of culture to occur at all.
From the Paper
"The social sciences must take into consideration cultural perceptions, even if these perceptions are biologically in error. The human race has far more in common with one another than it has differences, but culturally individuals have perceived and classified other individuals according to 'races,' including Darwin himself in some of his less enlightened moments. Cultural evolution and anthropology aims to understand how these perceptions have affected human culture, but biological evolution merely takes note of this factual error. Obviously, the biological fiction of race, and the fact that an apparently Caucasian individual can have the genetic material of someone who is African, even if these traits are not dominant in his or her physical configuration, acts as a profound question to the assumptions of our culture. The limits of our own culture challenge the idea that there is a linear, positive progress to cultural evolution of ideas and practices (such as industrialization making the world less habitable). The insight biological evolution provides about race shows that there can be fruitful methodological dialogue between cultural and biological evolutionists, but the two approaches will never study the same discipline, nor can the use the same methods. The biological question: 'Are there races within the human species' is a different question than the cultural query: 'why do cultures continue to subscribe to the divisive idea that there are innate differences between different groups of the human species?""
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Modern Indians and Traditions, 2008.
A discussion of how Indians have maintained their traditions in various ways.
1,610 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Indian nations have attempted to maintain oral Indian traditions in various ways. The paper explains that the value of understanding the diversity and collective of the Indian culture is paramount to understanding the way in which modern Indians have resisted losing their native cultures. The paper also looks at how the language issue is addressed in nearly every Indian education system through a bilingual or submersion technique. The paper then points out that Reservations also serve as a center for the expression of ceremonies, dances, beliefs and customs.
From the Paper
"Some Indian nations retained their oral traditions and handed down the seeds of this information to the later generations through a largely oral tradition. So, against all odds there are still Indians who understand their heritage and many modern movements have doggedly attempted to retell and transmit tradition to later generations and to others who are interested in this revival of heritage. The traditions of the past include many varied languages, beliefs, ceremonies, dances and customs. Each nation has made attempts to rekindle the expression of their cultures."
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Religion of Haiti, 2008.
This paper looks at the religion of the Haitian people.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the Haitian culture is a fascinating amalgam of different influences. However, the society has also cultivated these different influences and sources in its history into a unique blend that is distinctly Haitian. The writer points out that one of the most interesting aspects of this culture is the brand of religion that developed in the country. The writer discusses that a study of the religious complex of the Haitian people is fascinating because it shows how religious and spiritual ideas and concepts can be translated and adapted to new and different environments - and the way that these adaptations transform into new and different religious traditions. Voodoo is also a religion that is largely misunderstood as a result of the incorrect focus on certain sensational aspects. The writer maintains that it should be remembered that Voodoo is a religion that emphasizes culture and cultural continuity with a deep sense of reverence of the social and spiritual past.
From the Paper
"This is possibly one of the most impressive aspects of the religion; namely, the cultural connections that are developed between the living and the dead and between the spiritual and material worlds. It is this continuity of culture and tradition that makes the religion such an integral and important part life and spirituality of the society.
"It should also be noted that the main purpose of the Voodoo religion is healing and not, as some assume, witchcraft and turning people into zombies."
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Symbolic Convergence Theory, 2008.
An analysis of symbolic convergence theory.
805 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This essay describes symbolic convergence theory, postulated by Ernest Bormann and used in group (especially small group) interaction and activity. The paper points out that, quite often in the business, political or social world several individuals with different backgrounds, aptitudes and preferences are asked to work together in a group. The theory addresses these kinds of situations. The paper concludes that the theory is somewhat too simple and limited to be anything else than an intuitive observation, with no potential for development and no real essential reflection on communication or group work.
From the Paper
"An important characteristic of the fantasy that needs to be shared with the group is that it needs to belong outside the group and, in this sense, outside the idea that is shared or discussed with the group. The respective fantasy shared by one of the individuals is supposed to be able to trigger a similar reaction from the other members of the group and increase cohesion. As such, someone else from the group might remember that it's also the birthday of a member of his own family and he will share this with the group. This creates a symbolic convergence that will help increase the convergence of the group and helps "build a sense of community or a group consciousness" (Young, 1998; from Griffin, 1997)."
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Barack Obama Memoir, 2008.
This paper provides a book review on the work 'Dreams from my Father' by Barack Obama.
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that for a memoir written by a senator and an aspiring presidential candidate, 'Dreams from my Father' by Barack Obama is a brilliantly candid document. True, the writer points out, that Obama was not a candidate when he penned the work in 1998. Still, he was clearly ambitious and had a future political and legal career on his mind and a potential agenda. He was a graduate of Harvard Law School, the editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, and in only two years he would be the Democratic junior senator from the largely Republican state of Illinois. The writer discusses that rather than affirm homilies about the goodness of America, Obama speaks openly about the difficulties of negotiating a viable sense of self and identity in contemporary America.
From the Paper
"Obama discusses how he struggled to know who he was as a young man, racially and in terms of his future. He grew up in a divided America, still polarized by the ideological revolutions of the Civil Rights movement and the ant-war movement. The quest for stability and identity is something that most adolescents can relate to, but this intense self-examination is rarely expressed by politicians who often want to project a secure sense of self, to avoid being accused of waffling. Now that Obama's youth and supposed inexperience are an issue in the Democratic campaign for the nomination, he might regret some of his words in Dreams from my Father, but from the point of view of telling a good story, his tale is compelling because it is so easy to relate to his struggle, whether a reader is black or white, or of mixed race."
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Guests and Strangers in Homer's Works, 2008.
A discussion of the treatment of guests and strangers in Homer's works "Hymn to Demeter", "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey".
766 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes how Homer's "Hymn to Demeter", "The Iliad", and "The Odyssey" all explore the traditional customs of providing shelter for strangers and the consequences for breaking such customs. The paper points out that, in these three tales, one can see the importance placed on good hospitality. They are a reflection of the ancient tradition of receiving guests with kindness and generosity. Breaking these traditions proved disruptive of the rest of the community, and efforts were then taken to restore order. The paper concludes that Homer's writings give us key insight into the everyday values of Greek life and culture.
From the Paper
"These traditions are also highlighted in the breaking of them by the characters in Homer's tales. He highlights the action which broke these taboos, but also a negative response to it by the other figures in the story. When Demeter refused to allow healthy harvests, Zeus had to step in to stop her from taking the lives of millions of people in order to save her single daughter, (Morford and Lanardon 313). This shows the general negative attitude towards disregarding the health and welfare of strangers. Another prime example of breaking this taboo is the account of Achilles and his actions towards Hector's body. Many cultures showed respect to guests, even forced guests as in the case of prisoners of war. It was custom out of respect for fallen soldiers to return the body in order to get the proper funereal rites. In The Iliad, Achilles refuses this custom when he drags Hectors body and refuses to surrender it to the Trojans, (Homer Book 22, line 494). This was a taboo, despite the fact that Hector was an enemy."
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Cell Adhesion, 2008.
This paper discusses cell adhesion and looks at its implications for human development.
3,240 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that upon close examination, the enormous complexities of the human body become increasingly clear and it is truly a wonder that everything works together as well as it does. A number of developmental and regulatory processes contribute to this remarkable development, including cell adhesion. The writer points out that in fact, if it were not for the bipolar nature of water and neural cell adhesion molecules, the cellular composition of humankind would not even be possible. To determine what cell adhesion is and what its implications are for human development, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature, followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion. This paper includes figures.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Background and Overview
Implications of Disruptions in Cell Adhesion
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Indeed, many fortuitous practical outcomes have been serendipitously realized through such scientific discoveries, but this one in particular appears to hold some exciting promises for improvements in the human condition in the years to come as the Baby Boomer generation continues to reach retirement age and begins to increasingly experience the ravages of diseases associated with old age.
"Cell adhesion it not restricted to the human species, of course, but plays an important role throughout the animal kingdom. Early studies of cell adhesion resulted in the discovery of cell adhesion molecules which have been shown to guide the fundamental processes by which animals achieve their ultimate shape and form, and by which nervous systems are formed."
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