Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, published in 2001 by Barbara Ehrenreich, is a book in which the author goes undercover and investigates the lives of the working poor by living and working in similar conditions. The book demonstrates fairly well two social paradigms, namely conflict theory (inspired by Marx and Weber) and structural-functionalism (inspired by Talcott Parsons). Conflict theory is clearly demonstrated throughout the book-social order based on inequality, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. There is also evidence of structural-functionalism, though it is not the best fit. Structural-functionalism is defined as a society in which there are groups of people organized into levels that enable individuals in this society to find stability, order and meaning (Kimmel, Aronson, and Dennis 2011). Ehrenreich shows that there are certainly levels within society, however, because of the inequalities that are present, the individuals in the working poor are unable to find stability or order because they are running a never-ending race so to speak. These inequalities have many effects on society at large (both wealthy and those in poverty), as well as the families within the working poor. The economic inequality in our culture has many probable causes, but they all affect society as a whole, regardless of your class or status. These effects include things such as trust/social cohesion, crime/deviance, and population health (especially that of the working poor). There is a correlation between income inequality in a society and general mistrust, demonstrated by a U.S. General Survey (Uslaner and Brown 2002). One economist, a Joseph Stiglitz (2012), argues that this inequality has also led to distrust of businesses and the government. Crime is also a correlated factor in societies with a bigger economic gap. Several studies have been done that show a significant increase in homicides, both in the U.S. and worldwide, in societies that have a large margin between the rich and the poor (Martin, Wilson, and Vasdev 2001). Homicides are generally the most common measure of violent crime due to the fact that statistics are reported worldwide. There are also numerous consequence s for population health in societies with a larger economic inequality. Researchers have found that these societies have a slightly lower life expectancy, and a higher incidence of social and health problems like incarceration rates, teenage births, mental illness, obesity, education and others (Wilkinson and Pickett 2009). It has also been shown that this inequality and social stratification can be linked to to anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and other stress-related disorders (Booth 2010). It is because of this constantly present inequality that I believe Ehrenreichs book most accurately represents conflict theory. At one point in the book, Ehrenreich remarks, Maybe, it occurs to me, that Im getting a tiny glimpse of what it would be like to be black (p. 100). This is a slightly good point because, while we as a society view class as an achieved status, oftentimes it is fixed and ascribed much like race. Of the consequences brought about by this societal inequality and conflict, the working poor themselves experience the majority. Throughout Nickel and Dimed we are shown that there are many hidden costs to being poor, and oftentimes those in poverty are stuck in a rut with no way out because of them. The working poor have to live day-to-day in hotels accumulating costs, where is would normally be cheaper to rent an apartment if they could simply afford the security deposit and starting utilities. Without a semi-permanent shelter and rising debt, the working poor are us ually forced to buy less healthy, more expensive meals because they dont have the luxury of the appliances needed to cook and store food. Being poor is often a self-fulfilling prophecy, and those who believe they are stuck in poverty for the rest of their days are often likely to do just that. In another part of the book, Ehrenreich and other maids are watching a training video on how to clean rooms and vacuum. The video itself is slightly demeaning, almost as if made to be watched by young children. In one part of the video, the man giving instructions says See, I am the vacuum cleaner (p. 74). This sort of paints a picture in the readers head as to how the company views and treats its employees: like they are mindless robots whose only purpose is to serve the business. To the rich, that is basically what they are. The rich view the working poor as a group in society that is made to be taken advantage of, very similar to Karl Marx view of the proletariat. In their eyes it fulfills the structural-functionalism paradigm of society-as many say, someone has to do it. Unfortunately this is not the case, because the theory calls for all individuals in society to have stability and order in their lives. As evidenced by Ehrenreichs investigation into the working poor, the last th ing the working poor have is stability, therefore this theory is not an entirely accurate representation of our culture. Instead there is the ever-present conflict between the rich and working class. It is shown by both Ehrenreichs book and in the real world that the working poor are blocked from advancing in society by many different obstacles. These obstacles are things like housing, transportation, and other basic necessities (Ehrenreich 2001). For instance, the working poor often do not have a permanent residence or family to stay with while they save money, and cannot afford a large deposit for an apartment. This means they have to settle with weekly hotel rooms, which end up being more expensive, yet are the only affordable option because they dont require large down payments. Transportation is another common factor; if one is a member of the working poor they likely do not have their own car and have to rely on public transportation. Depending on the location it is do-able, but public transportation in our society is still not widely-available in every city. One study shows that single mothers who were able to work out a carpool or something similar with their peers were m uch less likely to require government aid (Eden and Lein 1997). Food and clothing are also problems; without savings it is much harder to buy uniforms and such for jobs. The working poor also have to deal with odd work schedules, often working all times of the day and never having consistent hours. Not only does this mean it is harder to save up money, but being able to spend so little time at home also puts the working poor in a position where it is difficult to find the time to cook for themselves, and are often left with the choice of unhealthy fast food. Working odd hours also leaves parents helpless when it comes to childcare; while there are many options for childcare including free programs and social networking with peers, working at all hours of the night means you might not always have a babysitter lined up. Obviously this has negative consequences for both the children and the parents. Ehrenreichs book shows quite well how the conflict theory can apply to our society and the ever-growing gap between the rich and the working poor. In recent years people seem to be taking more notice of the working poor, but the gap is still as large as ever. In her evaluation at the end of the book, Ehrenreich states, The working poor, as they are approvingly termed, are in fact the major philanthropists of our society. They neglect their own children so that the children of others will be cared for; they live in substandard housing so that other homes will be shiny and perfect; they endure privation so that inflation will be low and stock prices high. To be a member of the working poor is to be an anonymous donor, a nameless benefactor I agree with the author in the sense that the working poor are definitely taking one for the team so to say. They carry out the menial labor that is required in our society, but not everyone wants to do. Unfortunately because we dont live in a utopia, they suffer for it. They make great sacrifice by doing jobs they often know dont lead to advancement in society, because they know that it has to be done by someone. The conflict theory applies to both Ehrenreichs book and our society in the real world-there are numerous inequalities in the workforce, and the allocation of resources for individuals in our society is distributed unfairly.

Comparison Between Tod Homer and Miss Lonely Hearts

Tod, Homer, and Miss Lonelyhearts Another Well Thought Out Essay Tod Hackett, Homer Simpson, and Miss Lonelyhearts from Nathanael West’s novels â€Å"The Day of the Locust† and â€Å"Miss Lonelyhearts† all try to satisfy their desires with sexual wants, and violence. However, they are all very different from each other. For example, their histories, and the way they pursue the fulfillment of their desires are all unique to that specific character. The novel, â€Å"The Day of the Locust†, mostly focuses on the story of two main characters. These characters are Tod Hackett, and Homer Simpson.The novel gives the story of their lives while they both pursue the young woman, Faye Greener. In this way they are similar, but they are actually very different. Unlike Homer, Tod understands a lot of his experiences, especially his experiences with Faye. Because of this, Tod is portrayed as an educated man, Homer, on the other hand, has almost no idea what is going on. His actions and desires are almost always unexplainable. It seems as though he doesn’t even know what he himself is even thinking, let alone what he actually wants.Because of this, he appears uneducated, and clumsy. Both men pursue things that are artificial. The most notable of these is Faye Greener. Unlike Homer though, Tod knows that he can't have her, because he knows that pursuing her is a self-destructive route. Miss Lonelyhearts is the main character of the novel, â€Å"Miss Lonelyhearts†. His history is probably the reason for his need for sex and violence. ‘His history’ meaning his childhood, and also the letters that the people send to him for advice.Miss Lonelyhearts has a few encounters with a woman named Fay Doyle. They do have intercourse on one occasion, and she tries to make him have it a second time. However, instead of intercourse, Miss Lonelyhearts decides to beat her violently. His anger and his need for sex are brought about by the le tters that he has to read for his job, and his childhood experiences, like his encounter with the frog. Tod Hackett presents fewer personal experiences that can be used to analyze in a psychological way, but the way he thinks can be.He knows that he can’t have Faye, and he does want to rid Faye of the artificial quality that she possesses, but he can’t help but have a somewhat repulsive sexual attraction to her. Even to the point where he decides that raping her would be a suitable idea. And even attempts it at one point. In this way, Tod and Miss Lonelyhearts are similar, but not completely homogenous. Homer is a bit different from Tod, and Miss Lonelyhearts in this area. Homer is more understandable on a psychological level. At first, Homer seems as though he is uneducated, and also very clumsy.However, his disappointments, and his insecurities soon lead to aggression. His aggressions are expressions of anger that come from his past and his future. He does have a sex ual attraction to Faye, but his actions and feelings towards her are not quite as extreme as Tod’s and Miss Lonelyhearts’ feelings and actions toward women. Faye, however, does not take Homer seriously. He then feels like he has been cheated by Faye. He does a good job for most of the book at suppressing his anger until his final outburst that starts the riot at the end of the book.With Miss Lonelyhearts, Nathanael West presents a brutal and selfish character, which lusts for sex and violence, and gets both. With Tod Hackett, Nathanael West presents a successful and educated character that, despite his intellect, desperately wants a sexual relationship with a young woman, even to the point where he thinks about raping her, but never actually does it. And with Homer Simpson, Nathanael West presents an uneducated and clumsy character, which also lusts after a young woman, just not as explicitly as Tod, and turns out to be very aggressive.All of these characters are very similar in most of their desires, to be specific, their need for a sexual relationship, and their needs for aggression whether it is related to their sexual desires or not. Despite their many similarities, each character has a unique way of showing their desires. It may have been a straight-forward approach like Miss Lonelyhearts, or a somewhat cautious yet extreme approach like Tod, or a deceptively timid and passive-aggressive approach like Homer, which ends up in a catastrophically aggressive outburst.

Global Operations Management - 1015 Words

Global Operations Management Abstract The world offers significant business opportunities for every company, however, opportunities are accompanied by significant challenges for managers. Managing global operations across diverse cultures and markets represents a big challenge and opportunity for companies. To compete in the global market and be successful, companies must learn the strategies, policies, norms and technology necessary to conduct international business. The opportunities for global expansion are numerous, and attaining success is a matter of developing the right strategy to win local markets and its consumers. Global Operations Management In today’s global economy many†¦show more content†¦Each country has its unique ways of communicate, act, think, or behave and managers should need to identify and recognized these differences to bridge the gaps between cultures for real communication to take place (Global Strategic Management, 1999). The language barrier is one of the biggest obstacles PPQ Parts manager will have to face when doing business in international markets. Language is one of the contexts in which the company should do adequate research before entering a foreign market, especially when the foreign language is a different one. Keeping an open mind and sensitivity to these differences can lead to better channels of communication and understanding for both parties. Cultural issues are present in all aspects of global activities, including selling to foreign customers, buying materials overseas, working with vendors, and setting up operations. Other issue th at the company may face is complying with foreign government regulations and labor requirements. A company looking to set up manufacturing facilities in a foreign country may also face difficulties in making an effective transfer of core technologies, poorly trained local workers, financial restrictions, and a lack of inputs and supplies that meet the necessary quality standards. It is necessary that PPQ Parts managers identify and learn these regulations if they don’t want the company to get involved in anyShow MoreRelatedGlobal Operations And Supply Chain Management858 Words   |  4 PagesGlobal Operations and Supply Chain Management Competitive Alternatives Survey A company involved in manufacturing medical devices decides to begin sourcing components internationally. As for now, it operates in the United States and Germany only. So, senior management should assess the relative manufacturing costs worldwide to choose where to source. This decision will be made based on manufacturing costs. Cities with the Lowest and Highest Manufacturing Costs The latest Competitive AlternativesRead MoreThe Impact of Global Competition in Operation Management7506 Words   |  31 PagesHardware Assets * Management challenges By shifting to more up-to-date computer hardware, Organization were able to provide more computing power for their operations. To select the right computers, management needed to understand : 1.How much computer processing capacity its business processes required? 2.How to evaluate the price and performance of various types of computers? 3.To known the financial and business rationale for hardware technology investments. Management also had to plan for futureRead MoreOpm300 Slp 1 Introduction to Operation Management770 Words   |  4 Pagesincluding an introductory, body, and concluding section): 1) The organization s name and main line of business, 2) A specific type of operations process that takes place there (either service or product), 3) Describe the nature of the operations given your newfound understanding of operations management and productivity.   4) You may identify the strategy or global strategy of that organization. Feel free to consult background readings, browse our library to find more articles, and check the relevantRead MoreOperation Five Objectives1495 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction â€Å"Operation strategy concerns the pattern of strategic decisions and actions which set the role, objectives and activities of the operation.† It refers to the process to set mission and goals, make specific decisions for achieve specific objectives; and the procedure to design and formulate the strategy of operations. Operation strategy is one part of the organizational business strategy but it plays an important role in all functional areas of business. Operation strategy is to implementRead MoreCase Study : Four Star Industries Singapore1197 Words   |  5 Pages Case Study: Four Star Industries Singapore Abdel Quzmar Production and Operations Management Professor Norma Davis March 23, 2015 Abstract Despite decades of success in producing and distributing high-quality mattresses, Four Star Industries has seen its competitive position dwindle in recent years due to an influx of new companies and products into the market. As a result, Four Star has witnessed increased stress in an already volatile and unpredictable industry. The companyRead MoreThe Fundamental Elements Of Toyota Company1641 Words   |  7 PagesToyota Company. These include its supply chain management, inventory management and operation management. In each item, it discusses the faced by each and provides appropriate measures that should be employed to make such process a success in the company s operations. A company that is using the three elements appropriately makes its operations easy alongside improving its chances profit making. Therefore, such items are significant for the operation of the company. Introduction TMC (Toyota MotorRead MoreOperations Management for Mcdonald963 Words   |  4 PagesBachelor of Science Operations Management Pre course assignment Intake: BSc14L Student Name: Wu Linlin Student Number: 10287698 Lecturer: Professor Brian Fynes Dr. Chang Chen Sheng Date of Submission: 21 February 2012 For the fast food chains, it is no doubt that McDonald s is successful in the world. It is known to all from children to elder. This is closely relevant to organization operation that produces food and services. Operation plays an importantRead MoreOperations Management : Operation Management1355 Words   |  6 PagesOperations Management Introduction Operations management is the activity of managing the resources that create and deliver services and products. The operations function is the part of the organization that is responsible for this activity. Every organization has an operations function because every organization creates some type of services and/or products. However, not all types of organization will necessarily call the operations function by this name. Operations managers are the people who haveRead MoreObjectives And Goals Of An Operational Strategy1736 Words   |  7 Pagessystem ought to have the capacity to outline the company s usage of its asset in the creation of a good, item, or service. Organizations define operations methodologies in view of the styles and needs of the management. Differentiation strategy is one of the several operational strategies that LensCrafters use in its operations. LensCrafters is a global leader in the retail of non-prescription sunglasses and prescription eye wear. LensCrafters was started in 1983 by Dean Butler in the United StatesRead MoreStatement of Purpose Essay657 Words   |  3 Pagesexplored the basic application of science i.e. building a lemon battery to designing a simple pulley lift at science fairs at school. Thus making Production Engineering a good option. It provides a strong engineering foundation and also educates on the management of an industry. This is the very reason I was able to decide that I wanted a career in this field. With my mother being a teacher the values of education have been inculcated into me from a very young age. I was always given a freedom to

Television s Main Source Of Entertainment - 1198 Words

America’s main source of entertainment is TV and movies; according to New York Daily News, â€Å"The average American watches more than five hours of live television every day.† (Hinckley, 1) As a person gets older, that time spent watching TV only rises. Television and Movie Media are the top forms of entertainment around the world, because of this human take their favorite shows and movies almost personally. We get so attached to the characters and plot that it becomes a habit of â€Å"binging† and a liking enough to add to a personal â€Å"favorites† list. Entertainment is one of the biggest businesses in the United States. People get paid millions of dollars every year to create a production out of something that starts out as a drawn up sketch or a simple idea. Due to a job with such a high income as well as entertaining as the ending product, many people want to get their foot in the door to be a part of this industry. This form of entertainment splits off into mostly two categories: TV production and Film production. One creative idea just might make it, a new idea for a variety TV show that alternative film makers have come together to produce the â€Å"weirdest TV show you’ve ever seen† called The Eyeslicer. Another idea is for a Film adaptation of the book Too Loud a Solitude made with â€Å"live action puppets, animated sequences, and visual effects.† Too Loud a Solitude that started out as a 17-minute short film created in 2007, and has now evolved into an idea for a full length film.Show MoreRelatedThe Reality Of Reality Television927 Words   |  4 Pagesopinions when the subject of reality television is discussed. Although reality television shows are thought to be negative they really are just mindless entertainment. Many can argue that these shows are misleading and disturbing. On the other side of this, people merely use these shows for entertainment and allow people to forget about stress in their lives. The cause of these different opinions is a result of different age, gender, religion, and race. The main purpose of these shows is simply toRead MoreThe Evolution Of Mass Media786 Words   |  4 Pages Instructor Allyson Wells December 4, 2017 The Evolution of Mass Media The mass media are critical players in the American political system. Media is seen in many forms nowadays such as television, radio, social media, newspapers, magazine, etc. The media affects people in varied ways, some are positive and others are negative. A positive aspect shows constructive information. It can boost self-esteem and encourage people. Mass media helpsRead MoreThe Reality Television Is Good For Us?970 Words   |  4 Pagesincrease, more televisions are being produced over time, which means networks and media producers are more active in finding ways to captivate the attention of their viewers such as the production of reality TV. With the existence of reality TV, people continue to question and discuss how influential and real actually it is. In James Poniewozik’s article â€Å"Why Reality TV Is Good for Us?†, he demonstrates how reality TV has evolved to become one of the most popular genres on television today, while inRead MoreThe Human Philo sophy Essay1201 Words   |  5 PagesThe Human Philosophy The broadcasting of the Music Television Station (MTV) and Public Broadcasting Station(PBS) inform the public of various issues concerning news, politics, education, and also a source of entertainment. MTV is a television station that is hip and trendy, while it still covers the main issues of todays society. MTV is known for its flamboyance, the host/hostess are dressed very trendy, the guest are famous and rich, and the shows are informative but not to serious. Read MoreEdgar Allen Poe s The Cast Of Amontillado And Dexter1493 Words   |  6 PagesFor over the past years entertainment such as television, video games, and movies have been a big part in today’s lifestyle. Most of the entertainment is not for the faint hearted meaning that it is very sexual, goory, and downright inappropriate. Meaning that it is not intended for a young audience. There are many entertainment sources out there such as Dexter, and the Arrow that are perfect examples. Now the purpose of this is not to persuade you how bad Dexter and Arrow are for a younger audienceRead MoreThe Effects Of Mass Media On American Culture777 Words   |  4 Pagesprovided entertainment. The television came soon afte r that providing news to watch and sitcoms to laugh at. Mass media has provided so many great changes that impact our lives every day. In the past century, there have been many different developments of mass media. Starting in the 1900’s, newspapers and magazines were the main sources of communication. With these being the only way to communicate, the news came slowly and often late. In the 1940’s the radio came out. With this quick source of newsRead MoreThe Business Of Walt Disney1222 Words   |  5 Pagesin Part 1. Walt Disney is an American company, born and flourished in America. The business operation of the company is massive in the USA. The main location from which the company is operated, is in California. Most of the headquarters of Disney business is centred in Florida. The amazing resorts are located in Florida and other parts of America. The main resorts in the United States are Walt Disney World Resort, located in Florida, Disney Resort located in California, Aulani Resort located in HawaiiRead MoreThe Music Of Music Videos Essay1714 Words   |  7 PagesMusic composed for television generate another realm of modes and codes that differ even from the coding within film. Television has the opportunity to utilise music as an instrument for supporting narratives within television series and as means for marketing through commercials. Blaine Allan, explores the relationship between music and television within his journal article, Music Cinema, Music Video, Music Television. The main focal point of this resource is the function of visual aspects withinRead MoreEvolutionary Families Essay1535 Words   |  7 Pages decades, television shows have reflected the social changes of the family structure. Starting with the 1960’s, a family commonly consisted of parents and their children. Nuclear families, with parents and children, embodied shows like Leave it to Beaver and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett. Family was everything to people back in the day. People lived to create and spend time with their family. Television shows were emerging steadily and became popular. Also, television was a main source for familiesRead MoreCritical Analysis Of Fahrenheit 4511266 Words   |  6 Pagesit can affect the world and the people around you. Furthermore, Bradbury’s key focus was to satirize the excessive use of television and the media as a news and entertainment source in the 1940s and 1950s. However, the irony of this all is the fact that today’s society has come to the excessive use of media by individuals of generations used for entertainment and news sources. Now, if you look back in time to 1940 and even a decade later transitioned into the 1950s, it is very apparent that the influence