1. Bebop 2. Higher Gas Prices Affecting Consumers, Economy 3. Gary Cassady 4. San Francisco Chronicle 5. March 1, 2011 6. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/03/01/benzinga894220.DTL Parsons - With the rising gas prices all over the country, we can really see now that we aren’t “free”. We are constrained by the needs of our society. Because of these rising prices, consumers are forced to spend less money and therefore partake in the things that they enjoy and equivalently make us “free”. Another consequence of the rising gas prices and an example of how we are truly not “free” is that the unemployment rate will probably continue to rise because consumers are trying to spend less and the companies are making less.
In relation to my Functional Action System (FAS), there are 4 key components, and society is fulfilling its part in all of them by raising the gas prices. For example, the first key component is adaptation. Our society, the consumers, are adapting to these changes, the rising gas prices, by spending less on other things, so as to accommodate for the price of gas. The next key component is goal attainment and our government has set goals to keep us out of a depression. By controlling the gas prices and possibly raising them slightly, however, we might be able to lessen the effects of the social security tax cuts that have recently happened. As long as these prices don’t rise too high, which would put us in a depression, then they could be beneficial for our economy. The third key component is Integration and as our government is controlling the gas prices, our society is using the integration function to control parts of society that help other parts perform their duties; for example, oil’s main function is to provide energy to cars and thereby, helping people perform tasks. The final key component is latency. Our economy and society are performing latency by keeping a check and control on the gas prices. Our economy has always fluctuated according to society’s needs and wants. The gas prices are another way economy is performing latency within our society.
Although we live in a “free” country, we are really controlled by many components that make up our society. The rising gas prices and the affects it’s having on different components in our society exemplifies that we really aren’t “free”.
1. MAYTWOONE 2. House passes short-term funding bill 3. Alan Silverleib 4. CNN 5. Mar. 1, 2011 6. http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/01/pol.budget.vote/index.html?hpt=T2
It has been discussed over and over in the media throughout the past three weeks as our federal budget crisis has come to a head, that the government plays such an important role in the efficiency of our glorious nation's economy. Indeed, without many reforms passed by our congress, we would certainly be mired in the pitfalls of monopolism today. Indeed, in the interplay between American government and American economics, it is easy to see the foundations of our unprecedented robust economy; it surely has made us great among all nations!
And today, we see again the awareness that we are all part of a larger system, a system which functions in this interconnected manner. Our government has recognized that the economy cannot function long in the absence of our funding, and that the government cannot function long in the absence of a burgeoning economy such as ours. As such, in the character of true American perseverance, we adapt, passing a short-term bill to sustain the economy until further measures can be taken, the goal in this adaptation being to prevent an economic downturn, even as we are pulling ourselves out of the most recent recession.
Once again, our country has demonstrated its tenacious struggle to persist in its position of prominence, sacrificing once again for the betterment of all. And by all, I mean white males.
1. Tebow404 2. Santa Maria company displays benefits of going green 3. Monica Quintero 4. KSBY News 5. February 2, 2011 6. http://www.ksby.com/news/santa-maria-company-displays-benefits-of-going-green/
People, corporations, and other businesses in the United States are “going green.” Recently, more than ever, a huge focus on switching to sustainable practices, food sources, and other resources has been greatly established. We, as a society, have realized that our resources are being used at a rate much faster than they can be replenished. The new push to “go green” promotes ideas such as sustainability, renewable energy sources, and conservation. These changes aren’t just important; they are essential to our future.
Companies, like the one in Santa Maria are changing their infrastructure from the inside out. Santa Maria’s installation of solar panels will save around$38,000 a year. Imagine if everyone had the resources and funds to do this? Society as a whole needs to step up and realize that surviving and evolution requires adaption, goal attainment, integration, and latency.
Giant corporations and individuals alike are adapting to these new ideas in a variety of ways. Some of these ways include using natural lightening, conserving water and energy, and the popular saying “reduce, reuse, recycle.” As for goal attainment, society does not need to reach “perfect” standards. What we need to focus on right now, as a community, is “how to make things better.” Having said this, society needs to focus not only on short-term progress (turning off lights, taking shorter showers), but long-term betterment as well (building “green” houses, looking at renewable energy sources and new ways of transportation.) Integration is probably the most vital aspect of going green. We need to integrate our current system with a new “green” approach to create something that actually stands a chance of surviving in today’s society. Lastly, we need to educate children from a young age about sustainable practices and renewable resources. There isn’t an endpoint or final destination in mind. Instead, we need to be relentlessly innovative and always searching for an even better idea than the last.
1. odnalro 2. In One Slice of Egypt, Daily Woes Top Religion 3. Anthony Shadid 4. NY Times 5. February 15, 2011 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/world/middleeast/16islam.html?scp=2&sq=religion&st=cse
The revolution occurring in Egypt is turning more and more citizens away from religion. I for one see it as a good thing. Religion and philosophy seem a waste of time. There are no empirical facts rooted in them. Believers are just expected to “take a leap of faith.” That is nonsense. In light of the revolution, I applaud the young generation who are tired of religion and its lack of application and Truth. If I were to suggest an alternative route, natural science is the best choice. Unlike religion, science holds the key to revealing the universal laws that control interaction among humans. Utilizing inductive reasoning and the scientific method, we can find Truth and meaning. Science proves Truth. As Amah Salih put it, “Egypt is religious, regrettably,” and I believe scientific Truths can set the citizens of Egypt free from their religious past.
1) Cupcake 2) Sens. Arthenia Joyner, Thad Altman sue Gov. Rick Scott over high-speed rail 3) Janet Zink and Alex Leary, 4) St. Pete Times 5) March 1st, 2011 6) http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/article1154516.ece
Using Parson's AGIL to Analyze Florida Governor Rick Scott's Refusal of High Speed Rail Funds
According to the four imperatives of functional action systems, Rick Scott's actions do not lend themselves to a functional system in the state of Florida.
1) Adaptation. As we enter the future, we need to adjust to increased growth and strain on resources by finding new ways to live and move. The Florida Government under Scott is not transforming to meet the needs of the external world.
2) Goal Attainment: The system (the Federal Government and the Florida Legislature) set a goal--to bring high speed rail to Florida. Scott cut off the resources to obtain this set goal.
3) Integration: By acting as a "king", as the article describes him, Scott is not integrating himself into the system. The American system of government was created to represent the people and to provide checks and balances to prevent a "king".
4) Latency: Scott is preventing the long-term maintenance of the system by preventing a tool for resource conservation. He is also breaking the cultural norms set in place by the founders of America; that is, the aforementioned expected system of governance.
Of course, this analysis is very open to criticism. Scott's stance could also fulfill some of Parson's AGIL standards, such as goal attainment and latency. Scott set a goal to cut spending and is working to obtain that goal. Likewise, he is creating a culture of financial conservatism. That said, he is doing this as an individual and as such is eschewing social norms that are in place.
1. Gardenia 2. “Shining Turkish schools cement Iraq’s social unity” 3. Aziz İstegün 4. Today’s Zaman 5. February 27, 2011 6. http://www.todayszaman.com/news-236787-shining-turkish-schools-cement-iraqs-social-unity.html
The Ishik (Light) Schools have helped foster social unity among Middle Eastern countries. These schools upkeep cultural values by teaching students the importance of being expressive and accepting of other ethnicities. Turkish schools have been existent in Iraq for over a decade now. The offer high-quality educational services and all of their graduating students are able to speak four languages (Turkish, Kurdish, English, and Arabic). The morals of accepting other traditions and embracing them are embedded in these students in a positive manner.
There are four imperatives for functional action systems. They are adaptation, goal-attainment, integration, and latency. The Ishik (Light) Schools represent these imperatives greatly. Adaptation is when a system must be able to adapt to changes. These schools have exemplified this imperative because they are so open with involving other cultures into their criterion, thus adapting to other customs. For example, Kurdish students write in Turkish and Turkish students sing Kurdish songs fluently.
Furthermore, the imperative of goal-attainment is shown when a system must set and reach goals. This educational system has obviously set a successful objective system because their graduating students are able to speak and write in four languages. The imperative of integration is recognized when the elements that perform functions are integrated into a whole. This is shown when those who head this educational program say that they promote a “brotherly education”. They created a learning environment that values and maintains the social order.
Also, the imperative of lately is exemplified when the system exists and persists through time. The Ishik (Light) Schools have been around since 1994 and show no sign of going away. Because of this educational service, the community of Iraq has socially united. The Ishik (Light) Schools exemplifies that social change can occur through the consensus view, which is agreement and cooperation.
1. JJBO 2. Wastewater Recycling No Cure-All in Gas Process 3. Ian Urbina 4. New York Times 5. March 1, 2011 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/us/02gas.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Under the AGIL system we see adaptation at it’s finest when viewing methods of obtaining natural gas and the recycling associated with it. Our attempts to gain more environmental friendly energy sources such as natural gas demonstrates that we as a system must constantly adapt to our external environment and have our environment adapt to us in order to function and survive. The hydrofracking process uses thousands of gallons of water in order to obtain natural gas from rocks. This water is of crucial importance to us, as a behavioral organism, because it can produce deleterious effects to our water supply and ultimately our survival. In order for society to be a self-sufficient collectivity we must adapt to the environment, thus we see the recycling of this water. Not only is it being used on the icy roadways as a type of brine but also new policies are being enforced to monitor the mount of waste these drillers are producing. Although recycling may appear to be only an adaptation within the AGIL system we soon see how all systems are tied together. We not only recycle this water but have set a goal attainment in simple survival, latency functions in the yearn to recycle, and an integration of drillers and those that monitor waste activity (can also be deemed the subsystem of societal community since new laws are being developed). Overall, we see how functions within a structure are all inter-connected. What appears to be simple adaptation, finding an alternative energy source, turns into an interweaving web-like structure that connects all aspects of society including economy, polity, the fiduciary system, and the societal community.
1) Beachbum 2) Wisconsin Governor Seeks $4.2 Billion in Cuts 3) Amy Merrick and Kris Maher 4) Wall Street Journal 5) March 2, 2011 6) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704506004576174413551008574.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5 Governor Scott Walker has been wedged in a debate between him and the Senate Democrats over a bill that proposes cutting funds for school and local governments. In response to interviewing he says “…freedom thrives each time there is a passionate debate in our society”. Little does he know that this quote may seem to be valid, but in actuality, we are not totally “free” nor will we be, regardless of these debates. We are dependent on our society and vice versa in many ways, even ones that can be concluded from the article itself. Schools and local governments greatly rely on the funding of the Federal government, which is why this bill is causing such great debate. Each area is interdependent and cannot be considered totally on its own. Of course having to consider all of the implications of these budget cuts makes things complicated but in a capital society, they much always be regarded. In addition, even coming to a conclusion does not give us the freedom about which Gov. Walker speaks. It will come down to one decision or another and there is no way to do what we think is appropriate for the situation. In an ideal world, there would be unlimited resources and no need for budget cuts, but because of these limitations, we are not truly free. Any big decision within society is another limit to our freedom. For Governor Walker to state it in this way is a naïve approach to these politics. - Talcott Parsons
1.Martha 2.Pakistan Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti shot dead 3.Orla Guerin 4.BBC 5.March 2, 2011 6.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12617562
Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti was shot to his death on March 2, 2011. This act of violence shows the radical views which the society of Islams in Pakistan believe in their blasphemy laws. The Minister had been trying to reform the laws in Pakistan after a Christian was sent to be hung last year. The cultural system of society focuses on the values of the Islam culture. This assassination of the Minister is a prime example of how Islams truly believe in their Prophet Muhammad and are willing to kill off a portion of their society so that they can continue to run as a whole the way they are use to. In their beliefs Pakistan has been shifted from their normal equilibrium when a Christian Minister came to office. They need to reorganize and put another minister who believes in the same things which to society wants in order to restore equilibrium and get back to an undisturbed society.
With such complex society, Christian religion is only 1.5% of the population of Pakistan. This affects their social system greatly because it causes their statuses and roles in society to be unappreciated and looked down upon. Their views do not matter and according to their peers in Pakistan who are Islam the community works well without them. The gunmen fit into the theory of action where behavior is acted upon by motivation. These men acted upon their strong beliefs that the Minister’s view of changing the blasphemy laws would not better their country so they took action and killed him. The adaption of the Ministers plan failed before it could be integrated into society. Clearly the latency of these laws must continue to persist throughout time in Pakistan.
1. Dantes 2. Pirate: Captive Danes will die if rescue attempted 3. Jan M. Olsen and Malkhadir M. Muhumed 4. Associated Press 5. 1 March 2011 6. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110301/ap_on_re_eu/piracy
The concept of piracy is nothing new in the world. In fact it is an age old way of life dating back centuries, but in the modern society of today the practice has become adapted to the changing times. Pirates have learned new techniques to conquer modern and high speed ships and they have equipped themselves with the highly advanced weaponry. The whole practice is, much like any other occupation, based on the drive of society, the pirates need money, goal-attainment, and instead of taking the conventional route to gain it, the have found a way around the system by hijacking yachts and cargo ships, holding the cargo and passengers for ransom. The Johanson family is no exception or special case when it comes to the pirate hijackings. They took the risk and are suffering the punishment they know was highly possible of happening. This is not the pirates fault, they are simply doing what it is they are known for doing. In some cases piracy may even be considered a functioning part of society, becoming integrated with the way of life around the world. Not only do the lucrative profits that are attained from the hostages and raids place money back into Somalian economy, but the are giving jobs to purpose to military forces around the world. To add to that, due to the advancement of piracy, our military is constantly changing, adapting, and advancing their own techniques and skills in order to deal with the ever changing situations.
1) Bobo 2) More Cities Take Aim at Plastic Bags 3) VAUHINI VARA 4) Wall Street Journal 5) March 2, 2011 6)http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274 8703584804576144580576866022.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_News_SanFranciscoBayArea68_4
More Bay Area cities are trying to move towards a trend to protect the environment by setting bans on plastic bags. San Francisco was the first of many to ban plastic bags and now other cities are beginning to adapt to the new found desire to preserve the environment. The efforts are making a difference. According to the city's trash and recycling contractor, plastic bag waste has been lowered by 15-20%. The overall goal of the people implementing the ban is to reduce unnecessary waste that can harm our eco-system. There are some problems that have arisen from the plastic bag ban that have caused a latency period for those trying to make the ban widespread. A group called Save the Plastic Bag Coalition sued Oakland and other cities that had approved plastic-bag bans without first filing environmental-impact reports. Due to the state law the cities are suppose to fund research on how plastic bags adversely affect the environment and make sure the ban would not cause other negative effects to the environment before the ban could be put in place. This lawsuit opposes the move towards the integration of eco-friendly bags. We must; however, continue to fight for the environment and find a solution that will allow society to move towards a better, more eco-friendly state. Perhaps with more bans and an incentive program for using eco-friendly bags we can see a change for the better. Parsons
1. captain 2. Recession Turns College Graduates to Public Service Jobs 3. Catherine Rampell 4. New York Times 5. March 1, 2011 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/business/02graduates.html?_r=1&ref=business
The college graduates who are looking for jobs are unintentionally doing good for the society because the society was not able to meet the expectations and standards that were normal to us people up until the recession. Those who are looking for jobs could have been placed into a corporate or business environment, where they could have built and developed their potential careers of their lifetime. However, the society and the way it played out with recession has taken away their freedom--freedom to choose where they want to work and the freedom to work at a place where they are qualified to work.
The government is not necessarily actively taking away the freedom of the college students, but the way the social system had played out inevitably and consequently taken away their freedom--or the idea of it. They are still technically "free" to choose where, when, and how they want to work, but the options that are readily available for them are so limited that we cannot really call that a true freedom. In a capitalist society, if one has an opportunity and the credentials, one can succeed. However, as of current state of things in our society, the opportunities have drastically decreased and as one of the consequences, even the ones who are qualified and have the credentials and the resume are struggling to be paired with what they deserve. Instead, more and more "over-qualified" college graduates are finding themselves in public service jobs doing good for society. Not to say that public service jobs are unworthy or not worth the services of good and talented men and women of society, but these new workers have no options to choose from, given their potentials in their expert field of knowledge they have attained and the resume they have built up over the course of their lifetime.
In the end, we are free, but not really free. We are constrained by the needs of the social systems and what they can readily offer the people at a given time and place.
1. MayBell 2. NY Times to launch TimesLimited, a Groupon-like daily deal service, later this month 3. Andrew Couts 4. Digital Trends 5. March 2, 2011 6. http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/ny-times-to-launch-timeslimited-a-groupon-like-daily-deal-service-later-this-month/
I believe the study of sociology is no longer the study of human behavior as a scientific endeavor rather one of action. I see society as a oganism. Individuals feed off another in order for a society to function. This article is a perfect example of a structure, in this case the New York Times, "acting" on changing their image in order to survive within a society. The fact that they are creating a "groupon" style website shows that they are entering the competive field in order to survive within the industry. The new york times is maintaining a pattern by folowing the needs of the individuals. They want to maintain their customers by adding new services. The new york times goal becomes motivation to contribute what is necessary for the functioning of the system. if they dont add he groupon style website their buisness will fail. They are also adapting their company to reach their goals by adding facilities independent of their relevance. Final they must integrate themselves into society, hope it is accepted and does not fail.
At the top of each post you must list the following information: 1. Your Codeword 2. Title of the news article you choose (see suggestions below) 3. Author of the news article 4. Source of the news article 5. Date of the news article 6. Link (url) to the news article
Those six lines should be followed by your reflection from the perspective of the social theorist you choose from the list of options for each due date. A reflection is not a summary. Instead, what you are expected to do is to thoroughly read the news article of your choice and reflect on it from the perspective of one of the assigned Social Theorists. Note that your reflection may include a bit of summary, but it must not consist entirely of summarizing the article. Good reflections will analyze the issue discussed in the article from the perspective of one of the assigned Social Theorists; outstanding posts will even take the voice (write in the tone and style of) the Social Theorist. Reflections should be a minimum of one paragraph. They must be posted no later than 4pm on the due date below and the article you choose must have been published within two weeks of the due date. There are 3 points possible of Extra Credit for each post.
1. Bebop
ReplyDelete2. Higher Gas Prices Affecting Consumers, Economy
3. Gary Cassady
4. San Francisco Chronicle
5. March 1, 2011
6. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/03/01/benzinga894220.DTL
Parsons -
With the rising gas prices all over the country, we can really see now that we aren’t “free”. We are constrained by the needs of our society. Because of these rising prices, consumers are forced to spend less money and therefore partake in the things that they enjoy and equivalently make us “free”. Another consequence of the rising gas prices and an example of how we are truly not “free” is that the unemployment rate will probably continue to rise because consumers are trying to spend less and the companies are making less.
In relation to my Functional Action System (FAS), there are 4 key components, and society is fulfilling its part in all of them by raising the gas prices. For example, the first key component is adaptation. Our society, the consumers, are adapting to these changes, the rising gas prices, by spending less on other things, so as to accommodate for the price of gas. The next key component is goal attainment and our government has set goals to keep us out of a depression. By controlling the gas prices and possibly raising them slightly, however, we might be able to lessen the effects of the social security tax cuts that have recently happened. As long as these prices don’t rise too high, which would put us in a depression, then they could be beneficial for our economy. The third key component is Integration and as our government is controlling the gas prices, our society is using the integration function to control parts of society that help other parts perform their duties; for example, oil’s main function is to provide energy to cars and thereby, helping people perform tasks. The final key component is latency. Our economy and society are performing latency by keeping a check and control on the gas prices. Our economy has always fluctuated according to society’s needs and wants. The gas prices are another way economy is performing latency within our society.
Although we live in a “free” country, we are really controlled by many components that make up our society. The rising gas prices and the affects it’s having on different components in our society exemplifies that we really aren’t “free”.
1. MAYTWOONE
ReplyDelete2. House passes short-term funding bill
3. Alan Silverleib
4. CNN
5. Mar. 1, 2011
6. http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/01/pol.budget.vote/index.html?hpt=T2
It has been discussed over and over in the media throughout the past three weeks as our federal budget crisis has come to a head, that the government plays such an important role in the efficiency of our glorious nation's economy. Indeed, without many reforms passed by our congress, we would certainly be mired in the pitfalls of monopolism today. Indeed, in the interplay between American government and American economics, it is easy to see the foundations of our unprecedented robust economy; it surely has made us great among all nations!
And today, we see again the awareness that we are all part of a larger system, a system which functions in this interconnected manner. Our government has recognized that the economy cannot function long in the absence of our funding, and that the government cannot function long in the absence of a burgeoning economy such as ours. As such, in the character of true American perseverance, we adapt, passing a short-term bill to sustain the economy until further measures can be taken, the goal in this adaptation being to prevent an economic downturn, even as we are pulling ourselves out of the most recent recession.
Once again, our country has demonstrated its tenacious struggle to persist in its position of prominence, sacrificing once again for the betterment of all. And by all, I mean white males.
Parsons.
1. Tebow404
ReplyDelete2. Santa Maria company displays benefits of going green
3. Monica Quintero
4. KSBY News
5. February 2, 2011
6. http://www.ksby.com/news/santa-maria-company-displays-benefits-of-going-green/
People, corporations, and other businesses in the United States are “going green.” Recently, more than ever, a huge focus on switching to sustainable practices, food sources, and other resources has been greatly established. We, as a society, have realized that our resources are being used at a rate much faster than they can be replenished. The new push to “go green” promotes ideas such as sustainability, renewable energy sources, and conservation. These changes aren’t just important; they are essential to our future.
Companies, like the one in Santa Maria are changing their infrastructure from the inside out. Santa Maria’s installation of solar panels will save around$38,000 a year. Imagine if everyone had the resources and funds to do this? Society as a whole needs to step up and realize that surviving and evolution requires adaption, goal attainment, integration, and latency.
Giant corporations and individuals alike are adapting to these new ideas in a variety of ways. Some of these ways include using natural lightening, conserving water and energy, and the popular saying “reduce, reuse, recycle.” As for goal attainment, society does not need to reach “perfect” standards. What we need to focus on right now, as a community, is “how to make things better.” Having said this, society needs to focus not only on short-term progress (turning off lights, taking shorter showers), but long-term betterment as well (building “green” houses, looking at renewable energy sources and new ways of transportation.) Integration is probably the most vital aspect of going green. We need to integrate our current system with a new “green” approach to create something that actually stands a chance of surviving in today’s society. Lastly, we need to educate children from a young age about sustainable practices and renewable resources. There isn’t an endpoint or final destination in mind. Instead, we need to be relentlessly innovative and always searching for an even better idea than the last.
Sincerely,
Talcott Parsons
1. odnalro
ReplyDelete2. In One Slice of Egypt, Daily Woes Top Religion
3. Anthony Shadid
4. NY Times
5. February 15, 2011
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/world/middleeast/16islam.html?scp=2&sq=religion&st=cse
The revolution occurring in Egypt is turning more and more citizens away from religion. I for one see it as a good thing. Religion and philosophy seem a waste of time. There are no empirical facts rooted in them. Believers are just expected to “take a leap of faith.” That is nonsense. In light of the revolution, I applaud the young generation who are tired of religion and its lack of application and Truth.
If I were to suggest an alternative route, natural science is the best choice. Unlike religion, science holds the key to revealing the universal laws that control interaction among humans. Utilizing inductive reasoning and the scientific method, we can find Truth and meaning. Science proves Truth. As Amah Salih put it, “Egypt is religious, regrettably,” and I believe scientific Truths can set the citizens of Egypt free from their religious past.
-Karl Popper
1) Cupcake
ReplyDelete2) Sens. Arthenia Joyner, Thad Altman sue Gov. Rick Scott over high-speed rail
3) Janet Zink and Alex Leary,
4) St. Pete Times
5) March 1st, 2011
6) http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/article1154516.ece
Using Parson's AGIL to Analyze Florida Governor Rick Scott's Refusal of High Speed Rail Funds
According to the four imperatives of functional action systems, Rick Scott's actions do not lend themselves to a functional system in the state of Florida.
1) Adaptation. As we enter the future, we need to adjust to increased growth and strain on resources by finding new ways to live and move. The Florida Government under Scott is not transforming to meet the needs of the external world.
2) Goal Attainment: The system (the Federal Government and the Florida Legislature) set a goal--to bring high speed rail to Florida. Scott cut off the resources to obtain this set goal.
3) Integration: By acting as a "king", as the article describes him, Scott is not integrating himself into the system. The American system of government was created to represent the people and to provide checks and balances to prevent a "king".
4) Latency: Scott is preventing the long-term maintenance of the system by preventing a tool for resource conservation. He is also breaking the cultural norms set in place by the founders of America; that is, the aforementioned expected system of governance.
Of course, this analysis is very open to criticism. Scott's stance could also fulfill some of Parson's AGIL standards, such as goal attainment and latency. Scott set a goal to cut spending and is working to obtain that goal. Likewise, he is creating a culture of financial conservatism. That said, he is doing this as an individual and as such is eschewing social norms that are in place.
1. Gardenia
ReplyDelete2. “Shining Turkish schools cement Iraq’s social unity”
3. Aziz İstegün
4. Today’s Zaman
5. February 27, 2011
6. http://www.todayszaman.com/news-236787-shining-turkish-schools-cement-iraqs-social-unity.html
The Ishik (Light) Schools have helped foster social unity among Middle Eastern countries. These schools upkeep cultural values by teaching students the importance of being expressive and accepting of other ethnicities. Turkish schools have been existent in Iraq for over a decade now. The offer high-quality educational services and all of their graduating students are able to speak four languages (Turkish, Kurdish, English, and Arabic). The morals of accepting other traditions and embracing them are embedded in these students in a positive manner.
There are four imperatives for functional action systems. They are adaptation, goal-attainment, integration, and latency. The Ishik (Light) Schools represent these imperatives greatly. Adaptation is when a system must be able to adapt to changes. These schools have exemplified this imperative because they are so open with involving other cultures into their criterion, thus adapting to other customs. For example, Kurdish students write in Turkish and Turkish students sing Kurdish songs fluently.
Furthermore, the imperative of goal-attainment is shown when a system must set and reach goals. This educational system has obviously set a successful objective system because their graduating students are able to speak and write in four languages. The imperative of integration is recognized when the elements that perform functions are integrated into a whole. This is shown when those who head this educational program say that they promote a “brotherly education”. They created a learning environment that values and maintains the social order.
Also, the imperative of lately is exemplified when the system exists and persists through time. The Ishik (Light) Schools have been around since 1994 and show no sign of going away. Because of this educational service, the community of Iraq has socially united. The Ishik (Light) Schools exemplifies that social change can occur through the consensus view, which is agreement and cooperation.
--Talcott Parsons
1. JJBO
ReplyDelete2. Wastewater Recycling No Cure-All in Gas Process
3. Ian Urbina
4. New York Times
5. March 1, 2011
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/us/02gas.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Under the AGIL system we see adaptation at it’s finest when viewing methods of obtaining natural gas and the recycling associated with it. Our attempts to gain more environmental friendly energy sources such as natural gas demonstrates that we as a system must constantly adapt to our external environment and have our environment adapt to us in order to function and survive. The hydrofracking process uses thousands of gallons of water in order to obtain natural gas from rocks. This water is of crucial importance to us, as a behavioral organism, because it can produce deleterious effects to our water supply and ultimately our survival. In order for society to be a self-sufficient collectivity we must adapt to the environment, thus we see the recycling of this water. Not only is it being used on the icy roadways as a type of brine but also new policies are being enforced to monitor the mount of waste these drillers are producing. Although recycling may appear to be only an adaptation within the AGIL system we soon see how all systems are tied together. We not only recycle this water but have set a goal attainment in simple survival, latency functions in the yearn to recycle, and an integration of drillers and those that monitor waste activity (can also be deemed the subsystem of societal community since new laws are being developed). Overall, we see how functions within a structure are all inter-connected. What appears to be simple adaptation, finding an alternative energy source, turns into an interweaving web-like structure that connects all aspects of society including economy, polity, the fiduciary system, and the societal community.
1) Beachbum
ReplyDelete2) Wisconsin Governor Seeks $4.2 Billion in Cuts
3) Amy Merrick and Kris Maher
4) Wall Street Journal
5) March 2, 2011
6) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704506004576174413551008574.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Governor Scott Walker has been wedged in a debate between him and the Senate Democrats over a bill that proposes cutting funds for school and local governments. In response to interviewing he says “…freedom thrives each time there is a passionate debate in our society”. Little does he know that this quote may seem to be valid, but in actuality, we are not totally “free” nor will we be, regardless of these debates. We are dependent on our society and vice versa in many ways, even ones that can be concluded from the article itself. Schools and local governments greatly rely on the funding of the Federal government, which is why this bill is causing such great debate. Each area is interdependent and cannot be considered totally on its own. Of course having to consider all of the implications of these budget cuts makes things complicated but in a capital society, they much always be regarded. In addition, even coming to a conclusion does not give us the freedom about which Gov. Walker speaks. It will come down to one decision or another and there is no way to do what we think is appropriate for the situation. In an ideal world, there would be unlimited resources and no need for budget cuts, but because of these limitations, we are not truly free. Any big decision within society is another limit to our freedom. For Governor Walker to state it in this way is a naïve approach to these politics.
- Talcott Parsons
1.Martha
ReplyDelete2.Pakistan Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti shot dead
3.Orla Guerin
4.BBC
5.March 2, 2011
6.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12617562
Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti was shot to his death on March 2, 2011. This act of violence shows the radical views which the society of Islams in Pakistan believe in their blasphemy laws. The Minister had been trying to reform the laws in Pakistan after a Christian was sent to be hung last year. The cultural system of society focuses on the values of the Islam culture. This assassination of the Minister is a prime example of how Islams truly believe in their Prophet Muhammad and are willing to kill off a portion of their society so that they can continue to run as a whole the way they are use to. In their beliefs Pakistan has been shifted from their normal equilibrium when a Christian Minister came to office. They need to reorganize and put another minister who believes in the same things which to society wants in order to restore equilibrium and get back to an undisturbed society.
With such complex society, Christian religion is only 1.5% of the population of Pakistan. This affects their social system greatly because it causes their statuses and roles in society to be unappreciated and looked down upon. Their views do not matter and according to their peers in Pakistan who are Islam the community works well without them. The gunmen fit into the theory of action where behavior is acted upon by motivation. These men acted upon their strong beliefs that the Minister’s view of changing the blasphemy laws would not better their country so they took action and killed him. The adaption of the Ministers plan failed before it could be integrated into society. Clearly the latency of these laws must continue to persist throughout time in Pakistan.
-Parsons
1. Dantes
ReplyDelete2. Pirate: Captive Danes will die if rescue attempted
3. Jan M. Olsen and Malkhadir M. Muhumed
4. Associated Press
5. 1 March 2011
6. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110301/ap_on_re_eu/piracy
The concept of piracy is nothing new in the world. In fact it is an age old way of life dating back centuries, but in the modern society of today the practice has become adapted to the changing times. Pirates have learned new techniques to conquer modern and high speed ships and they have equipped themselves with the highly advanced weaponry. The whole practice is, much like any other occupation, based on the drive of society, the pirates need money, goal-attainment, and instead of taking the conventional route to gain it, the have found a way around the system by hijacking yachts and cargo ships, holding the cargo and passengers for ransom. The Johanson family is no exception or special case when it comes to the pirate hijackings. They took the risk and are suffering the punishment they know was highly possible of happening. This is not the pirates fault, they are simply doing what it is they are known for doing.
In some cases piracy may even be considered a functioning part of society, becoming integrated with the way of life around the world. Not only do the lucrative profits that are attained from the hostages and raids place money back into Somalian economy, but the are giving jobs to purpose to military forces around the world. To add to that, due to the advancement of piracy, our military is constantly changing, adapting, and advancing their own techniques and skills in order to deal with the ever changing situations.
-Talcott Parsons
1) Bobo
ReplyDelete2) More Cities Take Aim at Plastic Bags
3) VAUHINI VARA
4) Wall Street Journal
5) March 2, 2011
6)http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274
8703584804576144580576866022.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_News_SanFranciscoBayArea68_4
More Bay Area cities are trying to move towards a trend to protect the environment by setting bans on plastic bags. San Francisco was the first of many to ban plastic bags and now other cities are beginning to adapt to the new found desire to preserve the environment. The efforts are making a difference. According to the city's trash and recycling contractor, plastic bag waste has been lowered by 15-20%. The overall goal of the people implementing the ban is to reduce unnecessary waste that can harm our eco-system. There are some problems that have arisen from the plastic bag ban that have caused a latency period for those trying to make the ban widespread. A group called Save the Plastic Bag Coalition sued Oakland and other cities that had approved plastic-bag bans without first filing environmental-impact reports. Due to the state law the cities are suppose to fund research on how plastic bags adversely affect the environment and make sure the ban would not cause other negative effects to the environment before the ban could be put in place. This lawsuit opposes the move towards the integration of eco-friendly bags. We must; however, continue to fight for the environment and find a solution that will allow society to move towards a better, more eco-friendly state. Perhaps with more bans and an incentive program for using eco-friendly bags we can see a change for the better.
Parsons
1. captain
ReplyDelete2. Recession Turns College Graduates to Public Service Jobs
3. Catherine Rampell
4. New York Times
5. March 1, 2011
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/business/02graduates.html?_r=1&ref=business
The college graduates who are looking for jobs are unintentionally doing good for the society because the society was not able to meet the expectations and standards that were normal to us people up until the recession. Those who are looking for jobs could have been placed into a corporate or business environment, where they could have built and developed their potential careers of their lifetime. However, the society and the way it played out with recession has taken away their freedom--freedom to choose where they want to work and the freedom to work at a place where they are qualified to work.
The government is not necessarily actively taking away the freedom of the college students, but the way the social system had played out inevitably and consequently taken away their freedom--or the idea of it. They are still technically "free" to choose where, when, and how they want to work, but the options that are readily available for them are so limited that we cannot really call that a true freedom. In a capitalist society, if one has an opportunity and the credentials, one can succeed. However, as of current state of things in our society, the opportunities have drastically decreased and as one of the consequences, even the ones who are qualified and have the credentials and the resume are struggling to be paired with what they deserve. Instead, more and more "over-qualified" college graduates are finding themselves in public service jobs doing good for society. Not to say that public service jobs are unworthy or not worth the services of good and talented men and women of society, but these new workers have no options to choose from, given their potentials in their expert field of knowledge they have attained and the resume they have built up over the course of their lifetime.
In the end, we are free, but not really free. We are constrained by the needs of the social systems and what they can readily offer the people at a given time and place.
- Talcott Parsons
1. MayBell
ReplyDelete2. NY Times to launch TimesLimited, a Groupon-like daily deal service, later this month
3. Andrew Couts
4. Digital Trends
5. March 2, 2011
6. http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/ny-times-to-launch-timeslimited-a-groupon-like-daily-deal-service-later-this-month/
I believe the study of sociology is no longer the study of human behavior as a scientific endeavor rather one of action. I see society as a oganism. Individuals feed off another in order for a society to function.
This article is a perfect example of a structure, in this case the New York Times, "acting" on changing their image in order to survive within a society. The fact that they are creating a "groupon" style website shows that they are entering the competive field in order to survive within the industry.
The new york times is maintaining a pattern by folowing the needs of the individuals. They want to maintain their customers by adding new services. The new york times goal becomes motivation to contribute what is necessary for the functioning of the system. if they dont add he groupon style website their buisness will fail. They are also adapting their company to reach their goals by adding facilities independent of their relevance. Final they must integrate themselves into society, hope it is accepted and does not fail.