The Undeserving and Deserving Poor Structure - 1065 Words

Having only recently permeated the public and political lexicon, there are few debates that evoke such passion as that of the underclass. Karl Marx tabled the idea of the lumpen proletariat, yet in the modern era, the concept did not take hold in Britain until 1989. Today, the debate focuses on whether frictional forces create a continuum of inequality, or whether a defined underclass does exist. The question asks if poor people belong in a separate underclass, which is a vague definition. There will always be poor people, but whether or not this automatically qualifies them as a separate underclass is tenuous at best. Even the most radical proponents for the existence of the underclass stop short of declaring all those below the†¦show more content†¦Kenworthy concluded that even modest increases would be sufficient to reduce the poverty rate in the United States (Kenworthy, 1999, pp 1138). Empirical evidence for the existence of a continuum of inequality must also be examined alongside the key sociological debates. At the time of Murray’s study, Sir Keith Joseph completed a landmark intergenerational project on poverty. It sheds light on one of the key tenets of the pro-underclass debate; that those that are born into the underclass, remain in it. (Welshman, 2007) Joseph concluded that actually, social mobility was in action, stating that at least 50% of children born into the poorest 10% of households did not remain in it after the age of 15 (Welshman, 2007). There was no sense that like begets like, indicating that at least at a micro level, the very poorest can and do improve their situation. However, the facts remain, especially today, that incomes are becoming more polarised at a rate faster than ever before. Relatively speaking, social mobility from the lowest socioeconomic groups has stalled and child poverty is increasing for the first time in twenty yea rs. Finally, crucial to this question is how one defines the underclass, whether in economic or behavioural terms. In economic terms, it is easy to argue that the poor are part of a continuum of inequality. Frictional labour market movements, polarised incomes and underemployment all lead to individuals beingShow MoreRelatedProblems Of Global Development : Critical Reflection Paper Essay1546 Words   |  7 Pagesresearch delves into publicity campaigns by Oxfam Unwrapped, Nike Foundation and Divine Chocolate, concluding that visual representations of the majority world is racialized and gendered (315). The portrayal of the poor in development discourses by INGOs as either â€Å"deserving† or â€Å"undeserving† of support is a common theme in the aforementioned areas of research, and will hence be a primary topic of conversation in this paper. I shall argue that the development platforms constructed by INGOs have dehistoricizedRead MoreThe Elizabethan Poor Law1592 Words   |  7 Pages The Elizabethan Poor Law was passed in 1601 as a state response to the dire need of the poor in British North America and acted as â€Å"measures for the relief of destitution† (Fowle, 1881, p.55). Previously, the Catholic Church was Britain’s state church, but on the decision of Henry VIII, the state would become the source of aid for the poor (Finkel, 2006). Simultaneously, the feudal system was winding down in England along with the societal norm that serfs were the responsibility of landlords soRead MoreThe Media s Coverage On Poverty, Government Policies, And The Public s Perceptions Of The Poor1762 Words   |  8 Pagesconsequences for individuals and society as a whole, so it is a greatly covered topic in the media. The way that the poor are represented in these outlets is important as it can affect government policies, and the public’s perceptions of poverty. In this paper I examine the relationship between the media’s coverage on poverty, governm ent policies, and the public’s perceptions of the poor. I have concluded that Americans’ views on poverty have shifted from structural explanations of poverty to more individualisticRead MoreThe Conflicting Tensions Of The Juvenile Justice System3706 Words   |  15 Pagesindustrialization, capitalism, and stratification of the class system - reformers helped establish the juvenile justice system as a way to decrease the rising juvenile crimes while also maintaining the dignity of the ‘uncontaminated’ and therefore deserving youth (Platt, 1977; Peirce, 1869). However, in reality, the complicated nature of working with children and crime have left the juvenile justice system continue to struggle with clarifying and following through with its mission. As social workersRead MoreThe Sociological Imagination: The Effect of Personal Experiences on the Public 3986 Words   |  16 Pagesit is something that is affected largely by social structures and policy an d thus a real public concern, and indeed, one that everybody should take responsibility for. Looking at Mills notion of the sociological imagination with the question of whether or not poverty is a public issue in mind, we can see that Mills does consider poverty to be a public issue. The quote highlighted within the question considers the effects of societal structures, the first example that  Mills  highlights in this quote  Ã‚  isRead MoreMarxists theory to the sociological understanding of crime and deviance913 Words   |  4 PagesMarxism is a macro/structural approach to society, meaning that it looks at the large-scale societal structure for answers about how society works and operates and explores crime and deviance in relation to classes within a capitalist society. Marxists claim that laws do not reflect a value consensus, instead laws and law enforcement benefits the rich (protection of private property), and discriminate the poor which brings about social class reproduction, the working class are criminalised for their crimesRead MoreOne Unaccounted For Fa ctor That Is Impacting The Level1445 Words   |  6 Pagespoints: first I will define the theories of benevolent/hostile sexism and racism, and how stereotypes integrate these theories into societal perceptions of who is more or less deserving of redistribution. Second, I will build upon Martin Gilens’ argument that Americans are less favorable towards welfare due to notions that the poor are underserving and that blacks are generally lazy, which has a direct impact on gendered racism such as the â€Å"Welfare Queen Myth†. Last, I will considered and dissect previousRead MoreSocial Work And The British Welfare Society2555 Words   |  11 Pagesdisabled or recipients of poor relief, (Thane, 1996), to supporting the ‘service users’ of today to take charge of their own care. This essay will explore this evolution of social work and the British welfare society, paying particular attention to the theories of Anti-discriminatory Practice (ADP) and Anti-oppress ive Practice (AOP), two fundamental aspects of modern day social work; illustrated by the example of this shift in societal perceptions and treatment of the mad poor to the mental health serviceRead MoreIs Homelessness A Social Problem?971 Words   |  4 Pagespersonal deficiency, the liberals hold a much different view. They often believe that homelessness is from a form of social structure that involves lack of employment, the failing economy, low wages, and perhaps even poor health care or no health care at all. Liberals also don’t place labels on the homeless, or differentiates between those deserving of help, or those undeserving. It seems as though the liberal’s views and perspectives are that if society can help get the homeless population off theRead MoreThe Reign Of Queen Elizabeth I And The Elizabethan Era1787 Words   |  8 Pagesneighborhoods of the poor, raw sewage or waste ran through the streets. Disease and crime was everywhere. Laborers who came to London from the country regularly failed to find jobs. Homeless would often search for a way to feed themselves. Many turned to small crimes such as begging, picking pockets, and prostitution, to avoid starving to death. There was little to no help for the sick, elderly, and orphans. The life expectancy of an Elizabethan was only 42 years but it was much lower for the poor and homeless

Tragedy in The Merchant of Venice - 1472 Words

According to dictionary.com, a tragedy is a form of art based on human suffering; furthermore, it is a dramatic composition, dealing with a serious or somber theme, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, as fate or society, to downfall or destruction. Tragedy elements are that in which a protagonist agonizes disconnection from society and also, he or she makes an error or shows awful decision making. There are typically deaths which arise at the end or near the end of the play. The Merchant of Venice can be classified as a tragedy because it contains the rather sinister elements generally found in tragedies and the play Antigone can be considered a tragedy, because of†¦show more content†¦As soon as Shylock becomes conscious of the information about Antonio’s penalty, he, additionally, apprehends news that his daughter, Jessica, runs away to wed a Christian. Shylock’s answers saying, †Å"I’ll plague him [Antonio]; I’ll torture him† (Shakespeare 3.1.13). Perhaps, Shylock is trying to reimburse for the defeat of his own flesh and blood (Jessica) by means of commanding to have a little bit of Antonio’s flesh and blood. Since Antonio is incapable to compensate back his lend, Shylock agonizes him and desires to have him lifeless by resolutely nagging to get the portion of Antonio’s flesh. In Antigone, the two protagonists, Antigone and Creon can equally declare the title tragic hero. In the story of Antigone, Oedipus already died and his two sons, Polyneices and Eteocles, are left to contend for the throne of Thebes. During their conflict for the throne, the two brothers slay one another, leaving Creon to be the King of Thebes. He issues a ruling allowing a memorial service to one of the brothers, however, not to the other. He respects Eteocles for protecting the city, but leaves Polyneices elsewhere to rot. Nevertheless, as being a pa rt of his family, it is Antigone’s responsibility and right to inter both of her brothers, and she does this. In Creon’s decree, he issues the death penalty for Antigone. During this time, Creon progressively becomes obstinate and will not listen to anyone, not even the Gods. Creon imprisons Antigone lively.The mysticShow MoreRelatedThe Merchant Of Venice As A Tragedy1363 Words   |  6 PagesThe Merchant of Venice is a tragedy Jean Racine, a French dramatist of the 17th century France, states, â€Å"Life is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel† (Goodreads). In the early days of its staging, the play The Merchant of Venice written by William Shakespeare is considered to be a comedy, but as the world develops there is controversy as whether to believe that the play is actually a tragedy. The play is centered on two main plots: the bond plot and the casket plot. The bondRead MoreThe Merchant Of Venice : Comedy Or Tragedy? Essay1416 Words   |  6 PagesDecember 2015 The Merchant of Venice: Comedy or Tragedy? Intro: William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a perplexing story of dark humor, race, religion, identity, love, and justice. Generally, most people understand The Merchant of Venice as a comedy about a bitter and outcasted Jewish moneylender named Shylock who seeks revenge against a Christian merchant who has failed to pay his loan back. However, there are many different perspectives on whether The Merchant of Venice is a comedy orRead MoreCharacteristics Of Tragedy In The Merchant Of Venice939 Words   |  4 PagesThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is often called a problem play because it does not neatly fit the characteristics of either a comedy or a tragedy. A tragedy is a drama or literary work in which one of the main characters is brought to ruin or suffer extreme sorrow, especially as a tragic flaw or moral weakness. The Merchant of Venice has a character that is brought to ruin. It also has many other characteristics of a tragedy. Most of the events being serious is one of the characteristicsRead MoreThe Merchant Of Venice : Tragedy, Comedy Or Tragicomedy1363 Words   |  6 PagesProfessor Silva English 200 13 January 2017 The Merchant of Venice: Tragedy, Comedy or Tragicomedy Can time and historical events affect the categorization of a literary piece? William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a play that is difficult to classify in a specific genre. It is often referred to as one of his problem plays. This means that it does not easily fall into a single category. Most literary sources categorize The Merchant of Venice as a comedy because it fits the description byRead MoreThe Tragedy of Shylock, a Critical essay on Shakespeares Merchant of Venice2008 Words   |  9 PagesRaymond Schmit ï ¿ ½ PAGE * MERGEFORMAT ï ¿ ½6ï ¿ ½ Shakespeare The Tragedy of Shylock I had not read the _Merchant of Venice_ before this class. All of my familiarity with the play was based on hearsay, and for some reason I got the idea in my heads that it was a tragedy. I thought that Shylock_did_ receive a pound of flesh from Antonio, but that it was just skin removed from his back. This gruesome image was what I was waiting for during my entire reading of the play. But I was pleasantly surprised toRead MoreThe Merchant Of Venice : A Story Of Despair And Pain714 Words   |  3 PagesLogan Steenstra Mrs.Kleinmeyer Gifted Communication Arts II 29 April 2016 The Merchant of Comedy The Merchant of Venice, a story of despair and pain. Wait, nevermind it’s a comedy. There are too many humorous scenes for it not to be a comedy. It may not seem very funny but, in this time period this play would have been very humerous. I still think this play is a comedy because what isn’t funny about women pretending to be men, how Shylock and if you compare this play to Shakespeare’s other worksRead MoreThe Merchant of Venice Is a Tragicomedy....I Got 32/35 so Its a Good Essay1558 Words   |  7 PagesA tragedy is a drama or literary work in which the protagonist is brought to ruin or suffers sorrow, especially as a consequence of tragic flaw or moral weakness. Where as, a comedy is a drama or literary work, that is light and often humorous or satirical in tone and it usually contains a happy resolution of the thematic conflict. Thus, a tragicomedy is a fictional work that blends aspects of the genres tragedy and comedy. In Shakespeare’s time a tr agicomedy referred to a serious play with a happyRead MoreXenophobia in Othello and the Merchant of Venice1541 Words   |  7 Pagesand Tragedies From 1589 to 1613 William Shakespeare produced some of the most original, thought-provoking and emotionally compelling plays, sonnets, and poetry. Two of his finest pieces of work, Othello and The Merchant of Venice feature dynamic characters, and insights into the chivalry and the xenophobic disposition of the English people at the time. Throughout these two stories, three primary female characters emerge, Desdemona from Othello, and Portia and Jessica from The Merchant of VeniceRead MoreRole of Women in Shakespeares Plays - a Case Study of Macbeth and the Merchant of Venice1499 Words   |  6 PagesRoman and Italian models and history plays in the popular chronicle tradition. His second period begin in about 1595 with the tragedy â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† and ended with the tragedy of â€Å"Julius Caesar† in 1599. During this time, he wrote what are considered his greatest comedies and histories. From about 1600 to about 1608, his â€Å"tragic period†, Shakespeare wrote mostly tragedies, and from 1608 to 1613, mainly tragicomedies called romances. (â€Å"WilliamRead MoreCommon Features of a Shakespeare Comedy1745 Words   |  7 PagesCommon Features of a Shakespeare Comedy What makes a Shakespeare comedy identifiable if the genre is not distinct from the Shakespeare tragedies and histories? This is an ongoing area of debate, but many believe that the comedies share certain characteristics, as described below: * Comedy through language: Shakespeare communicated his comedy through language and his comedy plays are peppered with clever word play, metaphors and insults. 1. Love: The theme of love is prevalent in every

Mcdonalds Restaurant Case Study free essay sample

Nawani is manager of a McDonald’s restaurant in a city with many seniors. She has noticed some senior citizens have become not just regular patrons- but patrons who come for breakfast and stay on until about 3 pm. Many of these older customers were attracted initially by a monthly breakfast special for people aged 55years and older. The meal costs $1. 99 and refill of coffee free. Every fourth Monday, between 100 and 150 seniors jam Siddhi’s McDonald for the special offer. But now almost as many of them are coming everyday- turning the fst food restaurant into a meeting place. They sit for hours with a cup of coffee, chatting with friends. On most days, as many as 100 will stay from one to four hours. Siddhi,s employees have been very friendly the seniors, calling by their first names and visiting with them each day. In fact, Siddhi’s restaurant is a happy place- with her employees developing close relationship with the seniors. We will write a custom essay sample on Mcdonalds Restaurant Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Some employees have even visited customers who have been hospitalized. â€Å"You know† , Siddhi says, â€Å"I really get attached to the customers. They are like my family. I really care about these people†. They are all â€Å"friends† and it is part of McDonald’s corporate philosophy ( as reflected in its website, www. mcdonalds. com) to be friendly with its customers and to give back to the communities it serves. The older customers are an orderly group and friendly to anyone who comes in. Further, they are neater than most customers and clean up heir tables before they leave. Nevertheless, Siddhi is beginning to wonder if anything should be done over her growing â€Å"non-fast food† clientele. There is no crowding problem yet, during the time when the seniors like to come. But if the size of the senior citizens group continues to grow , crowding could become a problem. Further, Siddhi is concerned that her restaurant might come to be known as an â€Å"old people’s† restaurant-which might discourage some younger customers. And if customers felt the restaurant was crowded, some might feel that they wouldn’t get fast service. On the other hand, a place that seen as busy might be seen as â€Å" a good place to go† and a â€Å"friendly place†. Siddhi also worries about the image she is projecting. McDonald’s is a fast-food restaurant 9 there are over 45,000 of them in 121 countries) and normally customers are expected to eat and run. Will allowing people t stay and visit change the whole concept? In the extreme, Siddhi’s McDonald’s might become more like a European-style restaurant where the customers are never rushed and feel very comfortable about lingering over coffee for an hour or two!. Siddhi knows that the amount her seniors spend is similar to the average customer’s purchase- but the seniors do use the facilities for much longer time. However, most of the older customers leave McDonald by 11:30, before the noon crowd comes in. Siddhi is also concerned about another possibility. If catering to seniors is OK, then should she do even more with this age group?. In particular, she is considering offering bingo games during the slow morning hours- 9AM to 11AM. Bingo is popular with some seniors, and this could be new revenue source- beyond the extra food and drink purchases that probably would result. She figures she could charge $5 per person for the two-hour period and run with two underutilized employees. The prizes would be coupons for purchases at her stores (to keep it legal) and would amount to about two-thirds of bingo receipts (at retail prices). Evaluate Siddhi’s current strategy regarding senior citizens. Does this strategy improve this McDonald’s image? What should she to do about the senior citizen market- that is, should she encourage, ignore, or discourage her seniors? What should she do about the bingo idea?