Essay on Materialism

Essay on Materialism Materialism refers to a collection of personality traits. The contemporary world is full of people who possess materialistic trait. They have a belief that owning and acquisition of the right properties is the vital ingredients of happiness. These people think that success is judged by the things individual possesses. Philosophers and theologians have been complaining for long that materialism is contrary to moral life. More often the goal of gaining material wealth is regarded as empty and in result it prevents a person from being involved in a normal life. The consequences of pursuing materialistic lifestyle are the inability to reach the state of happiness in one’s life. The empirical studies, carried out to find the correlation between happiness and materialism, have confirmed negative correlation between the two. Being materialistic is bad, as it leads to the creation of the world of difference in the way people treat other human beings. The materialistic people hardly treat others as their equals and often go extra mile to show off their wealth. They hardly care about anyone but themselves and frequently tend to exploit and trample people through the process of a dog eat dog world. It is, therefore, important for people to follow the teachings of the Bible and become moral. The little things we possess, we need to share with the poor as this will ensure equality in the society. Materialism nurtures corruption and causes the society to be impoverished. Materialistic people use every available means to ensure that the rest of the people in the society remain poor. The aspect of materialism is more pronounced in the third world countries, where leaders are driven by greed and in the process embezzle public funds to maintain their status.

The Link Between Poverty and Crime - 1654 Words

â€Å"Many people living in poverty do not want to be living in poverty. In order to obtain a higher level of socioeconomic status, crime is seen as the only option.† (Wilson, 1987). Crime exists everywhere in the world – in rural and urban areas in many countries, in the East and West, and among all types of people. This has led many government officials, especially those in urban areas, to focus largely on the reduction of crime among their respective constituencies and has led others to speculate on the factors that influence the amount of crime and how those factors can be controlled. Crime has been around since man and there is no doubt that it will continue to be around, until there is an existence of a perfect world. But for now, we†¦show more content†¦It is very hard for people living under poverty to come out of is usually because of the lack of necessary education or qualifications that are required by most well paying companies and the only jobs they will get are those that do not pay well nor provide benefits. There are a number of theories that explain this. I will take a look at two of them, The Functional (Strain) Theory, and the Interractionism (Labeling) Theory. Robert K. Merton developed the structural strain theory as an extension of the functionalist perspective on deviance. This theory traces the origins of deviance to the tensions that are caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means people have available to achieve those goals. Societies are characterized by both culture and social structure. Culture establishes goals for people in society while social structure provides (or fails to provide) the means for people to achieve those goals. According to Merton, in a well-integrated society, people use accepted and appropriate means to achieve the goals that society establishes. In this case, the goals and the means of the society are in balance. It is when the goals and means are not in balance with each other that deviance is likely to occur. This imbalance between cultural goals and structurally available means can actually leadShow MoreRelatedThe Relationship between Poverty and Crime879 Wor ds   |  3 PagesIntroduction Poverty and the relationship it has to crime is a long standing sociological, humanists and historical phenomenon. From the plight of the third world to the violence soaked inner city streets of the 1980’s, the relationship of crime and poverty has been the source of a great deal of social commentary. In societies throughout the world and throughout history there has always been a traditional measure of deviance through relative income gaps. Both poverty and crime as well as theirRead MoreDetermining The Main Cause Of Criminal Behavior1569 Words   |  7 Pagesgenetic makeup what makes a criminal or is it the environment? Crime can be defined in many different ways; different societies all over the world choose to define crimes differently. Poverty and crime have a very close relationship. The UN and the / World Bank have crime listed as one of the obstacles to tackle a country’s development. Countries and governments that are dealing with poverty often also have to t ackle the issue of crime as they try to develop their country’s economy and society. ARead MoreAnalyzing Violence and Crime in USA1357 Words   |  5 Pagesintroduce the subject of juvenile crime and youth violence and indentify similarities to these situations around the world. Next, this essay will explore the idea and role of capitalism and hot it contributes to the problem. Finally, this writing will discuss the medias role within this complex situation and how it affects the circumstances revolving around this particular problem. Juvenile Crime and Youth Violence Juvenile crime is not new. Juveniles have committed crimes for as long as human historyRead MorePoverty and Crime (Sociology)1600 Words   |  7 Pages Poverty and Crime A social issue that has always intrigued me was crime (petty crime, violent crime, etc) in impoverished urban areas and the social and economic impact that crime causes in these areas. Before conducting my research into this topic, I have always pondered why crime and poverty are so closely related. Are these two so closely linked solely because of the lack of income in the area? Or are there some other unknown or unexplained reasons that influence crime in impoverishedRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Disorganization Theory Essay1369 Words   |  6 Pagesin poverty have a greater chance at committing crimes than those who do not. There are many possible factors and reasons as to why people who live in poverty can commit more crimes that those who do not and this essay will attempt to explain that. The independent variable for this argument would be the poverty that individuals have to endure and live through, while the dependent variables are crime rates in that neighborhood. Although various theories can be used in order to explain the link betweenRead MoreDoes Illiteracy Affect Crime and Poverty Rates?1757 Words   |  7 PagesDoes Illiteracy Affect Crime and Poverty Rates? Illiteracy is a growing problem in the United States. The amount of juvenile delinquents entering correctional facilities that are considered â€Å"functionally illiterate† is at an astonishing 85%. Being functionally illiterate means that these children lack reading and comprehension skills that are necessary in order to function in everyday situations as well as the ability to work and maintain a job. Complete illiteracy means a person cannot read orRead MoreSocioeconomic Conditions And Property Crime1738 Words   |  7 Pagesthe relationship between socioeconomic conditions and property crime. Socioeconomic conditions could be anything from poverty, to business revenue declining, race, and family life. In â€Å"Socioeconomic Conditions and Property Crime: A Comprehensive Review and Test of the Professional Literature,† written by Ralph C. Allen, it is stated that â€Å"empirical findings selectively confirm the importance of macroeconomic stability and criminal ju stice system actions in reducing property crime activity† (AllenRead MoreRace And Ethnicity : The United States1071 Words   |  5 Pages124, Asians $63,218, Hispanic or Latino $50,861, Multiracial at $89,428, American Indian at $63,373, and other at $34,991. The income levels of African American households are below the poverty level. There is growing research on the â€Å"links between poverty and health† (Braveman, Etgerter, and Williams, 2010). Poverty Income inequality is a serious problem in Washington, D.C. the amount of poor minorities in the District of Columbia is alarming. The website City-Data.com reports that according to raceRead MorePoverty And Crime1041 Words   |  5 PagesLongman dictionary defines crime as â€Å"an offence that is punishable by law†. As BBC Bitesize 2017 describes, doing something wrong is different than committing a crime. For example lying is not considered as a crime but it is a wrong act that people carry out without getting punished. But why do people commit crime? Some criminologists believe that people commit crime because it is in their nature. It has been proved that some people are more likely to commit crime than others due to the circumstancesRead MoreSocial Structure Theories Focus On The Economic And Social Conditions1480 Words   |  6 Pagessocial conditions in which lower-class youth live. The relationship between socioeconomic structure and crime is a relationship that scholars concluded that effected urban areas in which it promoted criminal behavior. While studies have shown a direct link between lower-class citizens and crime it is mistake to predispose all of them to a life of crime. Social structure theories examine why lower-class youth are more likely to commit crime than middle and upper-class youth. Social structure theories

Community Internship

Question: Discuss about theCommunity Internship. Answer: Introduction As a non-governmental organization, RSPCA supports its operations through community donations by running 40 shelters to provide care services and protection to the domestic animals. RSPCA is on a mission of propagating a fight against animal cruelty by offering not only medical care but also protection to the animals. In addition, this organization commits itself on enforcing laws on rules and regulations with regards to cruelty against animals whenever necessary. Another valuable feature about the firms operations is facilitating the adoption of animals and promoting animal care by raising awareness to the community. It does this through advising or directing people in the community to treat their animals fairly or kindly. The organization finances its operations through profits it gains from the op shops it runs. Through the firms activities, social relationships get fostered between the employees at the business, the clients loyal to the company, the government and the community as a whole. All these stakeholders get to relate with each other more through whenever the company in collaboration with the government gets to hold a social function. Under a mutual benefit system, I did work voluntarily in the op shops at RSPCA, and in the process, I did manage to develop my public relations capabilities, customer care services, money handling operations, and most importantly communicational skills. Apart from gaining more knowledge by learning what is already operational at the firm, I practically brought in a new idea to the enterprise. The idea was primarily meant to promote employee involvement by allowing the employees to make their contributions on issues concerning the mode of administration. Practical application of the concept at the firm did turn out successful, and it did further promote the employees working spirit. In conclusion, the most significant development I was in pursuit of was improving my team play abilities by participating in team building activities. Eventually, I can easily inculcate employee participation in the actual management procedure at any organization. Offering Volunteer Role Activity The primary activities the organization conducts at its National office in Australia are highly research related and carried out by its science teams and campaign drives. Their major focus is on social issues that relate to animals, and they are fully mandated to foresee the facilitation of national events and all the important campaigns by the government. It colludes with the state and the whole industry at large to spearhead all the promotions that address the interests and concerns of animal welfare. All these activities are a combined operational force necessary for creating awareness on domestic animal protection (RSPCA). These activities build a cordial relationship between the firm and the community as a whole. Moreover, the community members at times do provide financial donations to the enterprise with the funds ultimately getting channeled the firms activities. The services the firm provides have a compound value with the animals benefiting from the shelters provided and the laws initiated to protect them from unfair treatment by human beings. I did opt to engage my services in this internship because of the overall projected advantages I would gain like the ability to communicate effectively with people in the community. In addition, I also get to understand the important impacts that the community has on the environment. Fortunately, after the internship I had not only gained all the important and necessary skills but also further developed those that I had before. Furthermore, the experience did assist me in polishing my interpersonal communication skills, as well as managerial skills. The position I held as an op shop attendant at the organization did subject me to direct interaction with most of the firms customers. In regards to this exposure, I am now able to manage my time effectively as it was my responsibility to ensure timely service to the clients. Despite having other skills which I brought to the firm like accounting expertise and important customer relations from previous employment opportunities, educational platforms, and social interactions, what I needed of was to gain more knowledge concerning the operations of organizations that are community-based. Role Description During my internship experience, I will undertake the role of a retail assistant in one of the shops managed by (RSPCA). I did engage in my duties at a voluntary level. Therefore, the firm was not under any obligation to pay for my services. I did expect that the roles assigned to me to be the same as first discussed during the interview. Any changes to the initial plans would be reviewed by both my academic advisor and the supervisor at work. After that, I would then be advised accordingly on the next course of action. Achieving the Internship Outcomes. Through ultimate participation, I did intend not only to bring in new perceptions about research in the organization but also help them in solving short-term staff requirements. I was stationed at one of the op shop outlets at the RSPCA hence which was one of their many ways of sourcing for finances. These funds are ultimately put into use to cater for the welfare of the domestic animals. Academic Engagement Social Theorem In respect to my opinion regarding the two social theorems, social psychological/construction theory articulately blends well with my internship targets at RSPCA of improving my socialization abilities (Oppong, 2014). This approach makes clear reflections concerning the construction of the social therapy view that focuses mostly on socialization, moral influence, and the actual changes. The combination regards the relationship between therapists and their clients. Indeed, (Oppong, 2014) says that this theory puts more focus on both personal and inter-personal properties where the concern gets directed on the involvement of all individuals in the community towards building and maintaining a collective well-being. Every person has an absolute value of importance and in reality, has some extent of impact on those around them (Burke, 2006). Therefore, it is important to note that social psychology calls for particular communication styles which involve not only active and attentive listening but also situational empathy towards others. The attentive listener gets to reflect upon the emotions of another person including the thoughts and behaviors. Oppong, (2014) emphasizes that active and affirmative language are necessary to help each others framing of important perspective. This social positivity is only achievable by pointing out one anothers capabilities, strengths, weaknesses and helping in problem-solving by constructing of a viable future for one another (Oppong, 2014). At the RSPCA, I managed to introduce a new mode of carrying out activities. I made suggestions that instead of merely adhering to the set rules, individuals should get a chance to bring in their contributions on primary matters and decisions in the organization (Oppong, 2014; Simon, 2004). At first, there were objections, but after trial and error mechanisms, the working system did appreciate and eventually adopted the idea. Benefits In my point of view, this theory agrees with the principles by RSPCA and all the activities it undertakes as it assists the society in changing their opinion, attitude and general behavior towards animals (Burke, 2006). Moreover, by enforcing laws and legislations that favor animal, RSPCA can create and publicize concerns about animal welfare. (Burke, 2006) supports the notion about psychology theory of developing one another. It backs the principle that this organization abides by the promotion of a win-win situation for all those involved. In this scenario, a friendly environment gets initiated by the firm by relating itself to the society. Secondly, the community can view the business in a positive light which conventionally promotes the company regarding increasing the sales of its products. Also, the firm gets valued for its promotion of a favorable socialization environment. Finally, the animals which may turn out as the weaker species are taken care of, they are provided with shelter from the harsh weather conditions like cold and rain. They are also get shielded from harmful treatment. Other Specific Research Resources According to the article Critical control points in the delivery of improved animal welfare, general concerns are on the development of animal welfare. It does so by suggesting practical approaches aiming at helping people who work with animals to inculcate the practical ways which lead to the improvement of the animals welfare. By stressing about animal rights, personally Critical control points in the delivery of improved animal welfare has greatly assisted me by elevating the knowledge concerning the strategies and practices of animal welfare. For example, I can then apply these lessons during my professional service in future. Personal Growth Development gains resulting from the community internship are important factors that will assist me greatly in pursuit of personal growth and development. Through critical thinking and application of problem-solving skills, this internship program enables me in getting informed about the current societal issues which relate to the academic field of interest. I can analyze problems with an urge to positively improve the societal associations regarding relations to both human beings and animals. Coupled with ease and convenience of socializing with other people, an aspect I learned through the internship program. I get to pass my thoughts and ideas conveniently with others resulting into optimum conduction of duties and tasks. Consequently due to this program, I did get to learn and improve on ways of appreciating and respecting the different cultural and personal attributes. I also learned the technicalities of making outstanding contributions to teamwork and further elevate my team building skills not only during the practice period but also all through my career practice. Further benefits are that I was able to assess and improve on time management. For instance, during the internship period, I did manage to utilize my time more efficiently and more by channeling my efforts on to the tasks by prioritizing on importance and urgency. It is for this reason; I did manage to handle different duties at the same time without many problems. In all honesty, I believe that this practice will be of great value to my professional life after successfully completing the internship. In conclusion, it did get me to learn more about personal motivations, development of skills for critical thinking and oversee the overall social issues on an entirely new perspective. Professional Growth The level of my performance on the professional level did grow exponentially thanks to the crucial lessons learned through the internship program. By attributing to Griffith graduate, I will eventually be able to conduct and develop two important activities, they are: Effective communicator and Team Player. My association with many people of different characters and social backgrounds during the internship project has enabled me to prosper in proper socialization through effective communication and team play. People exhibit varying differences on many aspects of age, culture, language and social backgrounds. All these features require one to possess certain qualities so as to handle everybody differently from one another and on a different personal level. Furthermore, through associating with people more, I can improve my communication skills further. Socially Responsible and Engaging in Communal Activities. My internship training made me more accountable for the social aspect by helping me relate my existing knowledge of professional practices and also in real life situations. Through associating to senior citizens of different backgrounds at the RSPCA op shop, generally because most of the employee there were older than me, I was able to gain a lot of ethical values which I will apply in my future expeditions respectfully. As a matter of fact, it will also help me create the conducive environment and culture at my workplace that motivates free will participation in the community-based activities and projects By doing so, I will be fostering a friendly atmosphere between my workmates/workers and the community as a whole making my people not to feel alienated, while on the other end, I will cause the society accept my team as part of the organization enabling free interactions. This interaction promotes mutual development on both sides, the community, and the firm members. References Van Niekerk, J. (2012). Internship and community service require revision. S Afr Med J, 102(8),638. Burke, P. (2006). Contemporary social psychological theories. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford SocialSciences. Cowlishaw, S., Birch, A., McLennan, J., Hayes, P. (2012). Antecedents and Outcomes ofVolunteer Work-Family Conflict and Facilitation in Australia. Applied Psychology, 63(1), 168-189. Engdahl, S. (2010). Animal welfare. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Gergen, K. (2011). The Self as Social Construction. Psychological Studies, 56(1), 108-116. Hansson, H. Lagerkvist, C. (2014). Defining and measuring farmers' attitudes to farm animalwelfare. Animal Welfare, 23(1), 47-56. https://dx.doi.org/10.7120/09627286.23.1.047 Hogg, M. Cooper, J. (2003). The Sage handbook of social psychology. London: Sage. Leece, L. (2006). Towards a better life: Volunteer work with families who are substance abusing. Children Australia, 31(02), 37-42. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1035077200011111 MacGillivray, G. Lynd-Stevenson, R. (2013). The revised theory of planned behavior andvolunteer behavior in Australia. Community Development, 44(1), 23-37. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15575330.2012.675578 National volunteering strategy. (2011). Canberra. Patching, A. Best, R. (2014). An Investigation into Psychological Stress Detection andManagement in Organisations Operating in Project and Construction Management. Procedia - Social And Behavioral Sciences, 119, 682-691. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.076 Pattin, A., Kelling, S., Szyskowski, J., Izor, M., Findley, S. (2015). The Redesign of aCommunity Pharmacy Internship Program. Journal Of Pharmacy Practice, 29(3), 224 Sneddon, L. (2016). Sentience and animal welfare. Animal Behaviour, 118, 1. Van Niekerk, J. (2012). Internship and community service require revision. S Afr Med J, 102(8), Webster, J. (2012). Critical control points in the delivery of improved animal welfare. AnimalWelfare, 21(1), 117-123. https://dx.doi.org/10.7120/096272812x13345905673962 Wodarski, J. Dziegielewski, S. (2002). Human behavior and the social environment. 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