Saturday, January 25, 2020

Economic Growth In The United States :: essays research papers fc

Economic Growth in the United States Economic growth can be defined as increases in per capita real GDP (gross domestic product) measured by its rate of change per year. Growth rates are very important because even a small change can make vast difference in the coming years. The knowledge of economic growth is also important because it can provide the means to allow us to gain valuable insights. According to Robert D. McTeer, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, two factors determine the rate of economic growth: productivity increases (more output for the same amount of inputs), and labor (the number of hours worked). Productivity in the United States, due to new innovations (that are coming together after years of investment), is growing to levels not seen since the 1960’s. For example: productivity growth has averaged 2.3 percent from 1996 to 1999, doubling the 1.1 percent average productivity growth from 1973 to 1995. At a rate of two percent from 1996 to 1999, labor has also increased, as unemployment fell and welfare recipients have gone to work. The economy has been growing at a rate of about 4.5 percent each year, due to this. However, the increase in the workforce , or hours worked, limits labor growth. Again, according to McTeer, in the long run, productivity growth is the key to rising living standards. On another note, there are many benefits that go along with the economic expansion we are experiencing. The current economic expansion has commonly been referred to by economists as "The 1990’s Economic Boom", because the current growth of the U.S. economy is the longest ever in peacetime. Economists observe that this expansion has benefited nearly every American. According to the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than three out of every four jobs created from 1989 to 1995 were highly-paid professionals and managerial positions. The Council of Economic Advisers reported that in 1995 and 1996, more than half of new jobs created were in fields where the average wage ranked in the top third of all salaries. Another great benefit according to the Investor’s Business Daily January 19, 1999 publication, is that 1.67 million families left welfare rolls, and 1.74 million more single parents found jobs. Though this economic expansion has been the longest since World War II (according to the New York Times, October 18, 1998), growth during the 1990’s has been weaker than during any growth cycle since the end of the war. Economic Growth In The United States :: essays research papers fc Economic Growth in the United States Economic growth can be defined as increases in per capita real GDP (gross domestic product) measured by its rate of change per year. Growth rates are very important because even a small change can make vast difference in the coming years. The knowledge of economic growth is also important because it can provide the means to allow us to gain valuable insights. According to Robert D. McTeer, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, two factors determine the rate of economic growth: productivity increases (more output for the same amount of inputs), and labor (the number of hours worked). Productivity in the United States, due to new innovations (that are coming together after years of investment), is growing to levels not seen since the 1960’s. For example: productivity growth has averaged 2.3 percent from 1996 to 1999, doubling the 1.1 percent average productivity growth from 1973 to 1995. At a rate of two percent from 1996 to 1999, labor has also increased, as unemployment fell and welfare recipients have gone to work. The economy has been growing at a rate of about 4.5 percent each year, due to this. However, the increase in the workforce , or hours worked, limits labor growth. Again, according to McTeer, in the long run, productivity growth is the key to rising living standards. On another note, there are many benefits that go along with the economic expansion we are experiencing. The current economic expansion has commonly been referred to by economists as "The 1990’s Economic Boom", because the current growth of the U.S. economy is the longest ever in peacetime. Economists observe that this expansion has benefited nearly every American. According to the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than three out of every four jobs created from 1989 to 1995 were highly-paid professionals and managerial positions. The Council of Economic Advisers reported that in 1995 and 1996, more than half of new jobs created were in fields where the average wage ranked in the top third of all salaries. Another great benefit according to the Investor’s Business Daily January 19, 1999 publication, is that 1.67 million families left welfare rolls, and 1.74 million more single parents found jobs. Though this economic expansion has been the longest since World War II (according to the New York Times, October 18, 1998), growth during the 1990’s has been weaker than during any growth cycle since the end of the war.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Sex, Race, and Class Final Exam Study Guide

SYG 2013: SEX, RACE, AND CLASS STUDY GUIDE FOR FINAL EXAM TEST FORMAT: The test will contain 55 multiple-choice questions and one essay question. The entire test will be worth 125 points. For the exam you will need: #2 pencil, Scantron form 2052 (brownish-orangeish), and one additional sheet of paper. WHAT SHOULD YOU STUDY? : First, you should make sure that you have completed all of the assigned readings. Next, you should make sure you have a complete set of course notes and hard copies of the Power Point slides.Having a hardcopy of the PowerPoint slides will be especially useful for studying (statistical) information presented in the charts and graphs. I would recommend that you focus most heavily on the places where the material from the assigned readings and lecture material overlap. There will be some questions drawn from the assigned readings that were not discussed in class. For that reason, in order to score in the A or B range, it is absolutely essential that you review the assigned readings by utilizing the Reading and Discussion Qs. Please review these specific readings. There is at least one question from each on the exam.In other words, there is at least 12 points at stake. Page, Clarence Lamberth, John Harkness, Geoff Kimmel, Michael Larew, John If you don’t see one of the terms below in your notes, try to Google it to refresh your memory. I. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS Socialization, â€Å"gender training†/gender bootcamp Media representation, media framing, media effects Media omnivores Macro-level, micro-level Prejudice Social distance (Bogardus) Confirmation bias Discrimination Audit study Racism Institutional racism (institutional discrimination) White privilege Colorism Index of dissimilarity II. KEY QUESTIONS Learning about Differences What kinds of lessons do children learn about gender while growing up? What kind of â€Å"gender training† do we receive from our parents? Please review this section of the class, paying atten tion to examples dealing with language, physical interaction, and toys/clothing/books, etc. What are the consequences of these kinds of interaction? [These Qs apply both to the essay and multiple-choice Qs]  ·What kinds of gender lessons are learned in school? Especially, what differences did Sadker and Sadker uncover in their studies of gender in elementary school—especially in terms of how teachers interact with male and female students?What are the differences in interaction, and what are their consequences?  ·What are some of the differences in the way that working- and middle-class families socialize their children? In particular, recall examples dealing with differences in the use of language and social interaction across social classes, as discussed by Annette Lareau and Hart & Risley. Portraying Differences in Language and Media  ·What can we learn about language differences between men and women from the research of Deborah Tannen? Who talks more? How do they u se talk for different purposes? In general, how much television/media do Americans take in each day? How do these patterns vary by race, gender, age, etc.?  ·What are studies of media representation? What do we learn from these studies?  ·What are studies of media framing? What do we learn from these studies?  ·What are studies of media effects and â€Å"cultivation analysis† (George Gerbner)? What do we learn from these studies, in terms of the impact of media exposure on issues related to sex/gender, race, and social class? Prejudice and Discrimination: Race and Ethnicity  ·What are: prejudice and discrimination?What is racism and how is it different from discrimination?  ·How is prejudice defined in the Bogardus’s social distance scale? What do we learn from this measure in terms of how prejudice has changed over time?  ·Looking at public opinion polls and surveys, to what extent do Americans think that racism and racial tensions are still a problem in s ociety? How do these opinions differ across racial lines?  ·What do we learn from the results of recent studies on discrimination in housing, employment, car buying, and â€Å"driving while black† (by Massey, Pager, Lamberth, Bertrand and Mullainathan, and others)?In other words, to what extent do find that discrimination is occurring?  ·What is â€Å"white privilege†? According to Peggy McIntosh, how does white privilege contribute to racial inequality?  ·What is â€Å"institutional racism†? How is it different from â€Å"discrimination†? What are some examples of institutional racism (the G. I. Bill, funding for education)?  ·If racial inequalities are to be reduced, how do the (a) micro- (Michael Scott) and (b) macro-level perspectives suggest different kinds of solutions?  ·The legal system sometimes gets involved in cases of discrimination.Please be aware of cases against Hooters, Abercrombie, etc. Further, on what grounds are organizations like the Augusta National Golf Club able to exclude women as members?  ·Who is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)? What is their job? How many cases/what kinds of cases do they review?  ·To what extent is there evidence that white people are sometimes the victims of racial discrimination (â€Å"reverse discrimination†)? Please be aware of the findings of the EEOC on this matter, as well as the outcome of the Supreme Court case of Ricci v. DeStefano.Prejudice and Discrimination: Sexual Orientation  ·Thinking about public opinion in the U. S. , to what extent do people currently support same-sex marriage rights among gays and lesbians? How do public attitudes differ by age? How do their views on â€Å"gay marriage† compare to their views on â€Å"civil unions†? [Check out the graphs and tables]  ·In how many states/which states do gays and lesbians have the right to marry?  ·In the various court cases, on what basis have gays and lesbian s (and their supporters) argued that they should have the legal right to marry? In the United States, both court judges and ordinary citizens play a role in shaping policies surrounding same-sex marriage. What are some of the key differences in the decisions and decision-making process of these two groups on the issue of same-sex marriage? Prejudice and Discrimination: Disabilities Studies  ·What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? When was it signed into law? What does it cover (employment, public accommodations)?  ·What are cochlear implants? In what ways is this medical technology controversial within the deaf community? Prejudice and Discrimination: Gender How large is the â€Å"gender gap in pay†?  ·Looking at the graphs presented in class, how/why will the gender gap in pay change in the next couple of decades?  ·Why does the gender gap in pay exist? What are some of the individual, or micro-level reasons for the gap? What are some of the structural, o r macro-level reasons for the gap? [We didn’t talk about the macro-level very much in class, but as long as you understand what the macro-level perspective is, you should be able to develop a basic answer to this Q]  ·Continuing to think about the micro- and macro-levels, what are some of the â€Å"solutions† to the gender gap in pay?Possible Essay Questions: 1)Audit studies: What are audit studies? Define in general. What techniques were used in the audit studies discussed in class? Strengths; weaknesses; suggestions for improvements. 2)Gender bootcamp. First, what is it, in general, and how does it compare to military bootcamp? Looking at the subcomponents of gender bootcamp, what are the key features (steps, procedures, etc. )? Bring in as many examples from class as possible, especially focusing on primary socialization at home. Read also: Our Changing Society

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The Importance of Music in Society Essay - 1992 Words

â€Å"La, la, la,† whether it is through a rock concert, church, or being forced to sing â€Å"Happy Birthday,† to a loved one, music is everywhere. But, what is it about music that makes one tap their shoes? Why do people hum their favorite tunes? Especially in the modern age of music when the most popular music makes many people quench. However, music in general, no matter the genre is applicable throughout every aspect of life, whether it be through child development, consumer science, or the effect it has on emotions. From the beginning of mankind there have been make shift instruments, the lullabies sung to young children, and the dancing of tribes. Who knew that an ancient lullaby sung to a charming, cherished, child could be a road- map†¦show more content†¦Another important development is the language development. A wonderful quote from Drikyle Pruelt is, â€Å"Language competence is at root of social competence. Musical experience strengthens the ca pacity to be verbally competent† (qtd. in Brown par. 6). Mr. Pruelt explains that music helps a child through developing their verbal and language competence in turn benefitting their social competence. Think of music as a parent that teaches the child to grow up through their lifetime, which is practically what the PBS article is stating. Besides the ability to learn, it is essential to understand music’s impact on spatial- temporal skills. â€Å"Research has also found a causal link between music and spatial- intelligence, which means that understanding music can help children visualize various elements that should go together, like they would do when solving a math problem† (Brown par. 12). Brown is inherently stating that music at an early age may help children solve problems and patterns at a higher standard further on in their lives. Spatial- intelligence is an important skill that children would be able to use any day. This quote proves that math is not th e only educational tool that may be attained from experiencing music at a young age. Speaking of which, although it is obvious, higher math skills are attained with child development. â€Å"Research shows that piano students are better equipped to comprehend mathematical and scientific concepts† (How MusicShow MoreRelatedMusic, Dancing, And Family Honor1472 Words   |  6 Pagesthat are presented throughout the film include music, dancing, and family honor. Music was included as a transition between scenes in order to add dimension to Devdas. In Indian culture, music and dancing are not only meant to be a form of entertainment, but are also a way to worship gods. This form of art is commonly accepted by both Hinduism and Buddhism communities because it is viewed by many to be a gift from the gods. Traditional Indian music is often accompanied by intricate dancing to showRead MoreThe Impact Of Music On The Music1386 Words   |  6 Pageshow music was seen and listened to. Be fore the phonograph, music was played live and performers communicated with audiences expressively, through facial and bodily gestures. The phonograph, as Mark Katz argues in Capturing sound, introduced the phonographic effect—(in)visibility. With recorded music, the performer and the listener were separated; they were oblivious of each other’s physical qualities. For colored artists separating race from music, essentially making race irrelevant in music, becameRead MoreThe Modern Perceptions of Classical Music Essay example553 Words   |  3 Pageshear the term â€Å"music† they are likely to respond with a fresh singer, band, or genre of â€Å"pop† music. Often times society places their opinion of classical music and popular music on completely different wavelengths of importance in the world. 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Ross users signifiers like costumes and music to signal to the viewer what time period or place the film is taking place in and he also uses contrast in settingRead MoreInanga: A Song of Survival in Daughter’s Rwanda1673 Words   |  7 Pages Transcending individual differences, music in Africa has proved to be more than just a collection of notes and the production of sounds. Throughout this past semester, Professor B drew materials from West, East and South Africa to demonstrate the powerful ability of music to bring and bind people together. Consistently exemplified throughout African history, music has served as the unifying link between generations. In the documentary, Inanga: A Song of Survival in Daughter’s Rwanda, a family’sRead MoreFranz Richard Wagner s Influence On Society1430 Words   |  6 PagesWilhelm Richard Wagner was a renowned German opera composer who lived in the 1800s. Besides his extravagant operatic works, he dabbled in written essays with the most notable being his Judaism in Music published in 1850. Wagner’s essay made very clear his views on Jewish composers and performers in the German musical realm—he loathed them. His anti-Semitism is made blatantly clear in the very first paragraph, â€Å"It will not be a question, however, of saying something new, but of explaining that unconsciousRead MoreHistory of the Blues Essay1018 Words   |  5 Pagesone way shape or form Blues music has influenced almost every music artist and their wor k. Jazz and Blues gave way to such artists as Elvis Presley and Chuck Barry. The history and origins of Blues traces back many generations. Many articles have been written over the years helping readers better understand the history and importance of Blues music. All the articles have a similar attitude toward The Blues. Each article makes Blues Musics social and musical importance and impact blaringly obvious