Marxism and Economic Theory :: Economy Economic Papers

Marxism and Economic Theory Human relationships have always been dynamic. Change and adaptability have gone hand in hand with the passage of time for human society. Systems have been developed to regulate, direct and control the resources of this society. The systems are referred to as governments and the resources as the populace or inhabitants and forces of production. A government must be dynamic in its nature reflecting the change in society. At times these systems have resisted the necessity to adapt with its components (Society) creating a deficit between the system and those it regulates. As the deficits develop, they cause instability, and could lead to revolution.1 Theories have been developed to explain the systemic phenomenon called revolution. This paper will discuss three modern theories and apply them to the English revolution of 1640. The first theory, developed by Carl Marx (Marxism), will address the economic evolution in English society. This theory will emphasize and explain how the shift from a feudal/mercantile system to capitalism affected English society. The second, called the Resource Mobilization Theory (RMT) developed by Charles Tilly, will explain how the English organizations (the Crown and the Parliament) effectively obtained, amassed and managed resources. Samuel Huntington's, "Institutional Theory", will argue that the existing government at that time was unable to incorporate the demands and personnel that the socio-economic changes created. Marxism was formulated in the 19th century. Carl Marx and his associate Frederick Engels observed the socio-economic changes that were transpiring in Britain. England was the dominant world power and had the largest industrialized economy during the 1800's. The development of the factory and the institution of the assembly line created a large demand for workers.

Cats and the Cradle Analysis

‘Cats in the Cradle’ was originally recorded by Harry Chapin, in 1974, featuring in the album, Verities & Balderdash. Although originally intended to be poem, its lyrical and rhythmic nature has led to it becoming regarded as one of the most successful folk rock songs. Its success was evident with the single topping the Billboard Hot 100 in December the same year of its release. ‘Cats in the Cradle’ starts out with a natural harmony that depicts the tale of a father with his newborn son. The first verse introduces the subject matter indicating the troublesome relationship shared between father and son, â€Å"He came to the world in the usual way, but there were planes to catch and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away†. It is clear that although the father provides the necessities for the child, his career driven lifestyle restrains him from spending quality time with his son. The lyrics continue to follow the growth of the child in rapid stages, subtly indicating the lack of connection with the father. â€Å"My child arrived just the other day† which then moves to the second verse, â€Å"My son turned ten just the other day†. Following this path of progression, the father has now retired and can allocate time for his son. Unfortunately, a similar process is repeated as the son grows into a similar life role as his father, ringing true the recurring verse, â€Å"I'm gonna be like you Dad, you know I'm gonna be like you†¦ † The direct impact of a bad role model is made evident as the song reaches the fourth and final verse, featuring the powerful lyrics â€Å"As I hung up the phone it occurred to me he'd grown up just like me, my boy was just like me. † This line conveys the father's realizations that his behaviours have been mimicked by his son. The message is interpreted as a criticism to society identifying a common challenge each generation is facing. The songs intention is to make the listener think about the balance of time spent with the family and earning the adequate money to support their family and lifestyle for there are no second chances. Understanding, a target audience is an essential tool for many artists as all factors need to be based around that specific audience. Harry Chapin has clearly recognized his target audience and has crafted the song to appeal to those listeners. Although it is difficult to accurately define who actively listens too and enjoys ‘Cats in the Cradle’ it can be assumed based on statistics and information gathered that adults within the age bracket of 25-50 appreciate this lyrical piece. This demographic suggest that children during late 1970’s (based on the 1974 song release date) would have grown up actively hearing through various means of media specifically, Radio. Another factor is during this era folk/classic rock popularity was at its peak with numerous bands such as the The Rolling Stones, Beatles and The Who. These bands all feature a similar age demographic to Harry Chapin which aids the theory that the music children grow up with tend to be preferred during their adult years. The content of the lyrics have also been altered to identify with the target audience, many listeners feel an attachment to this song as they can relate to the characters. Harry Chapin has utilized numerous musical elements to enhance the storytelling and themes. It is catchy and interesting yet accompanied simply by an acoustic guitar that follows a steady beat. The classical nature of the song is evident through the melodic rhythm and lyrics. This steady lyrical flow leads to a staccato nature which contributes to its overall interest. The dynamics and tone are simple and follow a more solemn and steady style, with its softness conveying regret and sadness. In order to appeal to the target audience, Harry Chapin has recognized many important techniques and utilized them; The length of ‘Cats in Cradle is based around 3:20-40 which tends to be the appropriate time frame as the whole song can be played on the radio and reach a point where it becomes dull for the listener. The lyrics have been crafted for easy understanding and comprehension; therefor allowing for a broader audience to appreciate his music. Likewise, Harry has cleverly chosen simple clothing during the video clip that specifically relate to the song message to reinforce the stereotypical idea of a solemn father. There are various symbols and imagery in the lyrics. The repetitions of â€Å"the cats in the cradle† – indicate the child is at home alone – â€Å"and the silver spoon† which is a symbol of wealth the father has to earn. The â€Å"little boy blue† is the child that is sad because his father is away, while the father is represented by â€Å"the man on the moon† – the one far away who is unreachable, idealized by the child who sees the father as his male role model. These lyrical metaphors describe the pairs of opposition the song is talking about. Fortunately, the repetition does not lead to a dull or tedious song as it follows the growth of child creating an interesting story that maintains the attention of the viewer. The quick leaps of time from each verse continue to reinforce the idea that little time is spent with the child. This lack of time for the father is demonstrated in a number of lines. â€Å"He learned to walk while I was away† and â€Å"I said not today, I've got a lot to do†¦ † Harry Chapin has used classic ways of thinking and performing to enhance the listening experience including the manipulation of the subject matter and musical elements to successfully appeal to a range of audiences. The main success behind this song is a combination of numerous elements that all lead to successful and unique lyrical piece that is backed by a strong moral message.

Business Administration Level 2 NVQ Unit 1 Questions & Answers Essay

1.1 One of the key codes of practice, guidelines and procedures that are relevant to ones work is proper communication. Others are accepting responsibility for one’s own work and its delivery. Basically one should develop his/her own performance and act in a way that encourages effective working. 1.2 If you are an employee you are accountable to your employer. They have a right to see that your work is up to standard. You may also have a plan to fill in your working day. Companies have to work out costs, and one way to do this is too plan what work the employees will do. There is nothing wrong with this. Companies will charge out your time for each job. This is the norm for garages, engineers or any firm that has a contract rate for work. 1.3 If both sides agree then both sides are happy to fulfil their commitments. It also ensures that both sides understand the situation and what their targets are. 1.4 The targets must be realistic, so that the employee has a good chance of attaining them.  This lets him feel good about himself and allows him to work without stress.  If the targets are set too high, the employee will always be under pressure to do the impossible, will feel a failure and have a dissatisfied boss. 1.5 The first thing to do is to prioritize your work. That is, place the most important job at the top; the least, at the bottom. When judging priorities, you need to do several things: (1) you need to determine what is required. This is the number of jobs that need to be done. (2) You need to figure out what is required 1.6 It is important to keep other people informed about progress because it will helps them know the targets already achieved and what they are to  achieve. This will helps them set up their objectives in order to meet their targets. Furthermore, it avoids duplication of tasks and also promotes motivation among the team players. 1.7 Allows people to be better prepared for work, mentally, physically and tools-wise. It is respectful of the other person’s time to give him or her a good idea of what and how you want them to do something and when they need to start. If these plans change, respect demands that you inform others involved of the changes to these plans. 1.8 The types of problems that may occur during your work are: – computer crashing – work not getting saved – power cuts – photocopier runs out of toner – photocopier runs out paper. 1.9 The ways of seeking assistance with getting help to resolve problems is speaking to someone understanding e.g. Supervisor/Manager and explaining the situation to them in a polite and calm manor and finding a solution to the problem. 1.10 The purpose and benefits of recognising and learning from mistakes is realising in order not to make the same mistake again, taking the advice given as a learning curve and developing knowledge about something new and different.

Power of organizations Essay

Lee Iacocca was born Lido A. Iacocca, on October 25, 1924 to Nicola and Antoinette, who were both Italian immigrants. His parents were hardworking people and his father Nicola believed that America was a land of opportunities. As long as people were willing to work hard, it America, it was possible to achieve anything. Lee followed his father’s work ethic and when he just a boy of ten years, he would take his wagon to the grocery store and wait outside. He volunteered to take the groceries of the shoppers to their respective houses for a tip. When he turned 16, he worked 16 hours a day in a fruit market. Lee confesses that the depression of the 1930s resulted in a transformation to his personality and he became a materialist. He graduated from college with the goal of earning $10,000 a year till he was 25 and then, he planned to work towards becoming a millionaire (Iacocca, 1984). The depression also made Lee a less intolerant person towards waste in any form: food, clothing or business and a conservative person in his investments. He always knew that disaster can strike any time. During his school days, Lee also faced racial discrimination due to the fact that he was Italian. Moreover, he was pained by the fact that his two Jewish friends were treated worse than he was. When Lee was in Chrysler, he named Gerald Greenwald as the Vice President of Chrysler. He would be the first Jew to enter the top ranks of any of the top three automakers (Iacocca, 1984). After his graduation at Lehigh, he got a job with Ford. But he could not pursue that job at that point in time, because he won the Wallace Memorial Fellowship at Princeton. He Graduated from Princeton and started working for Ford in 1946. Lee married Mary McCleary in 1956 (Iacocca, 1984). Lee considered his family life very important and reserved weekends to spend time with family. Lee’s success in business was not only due to his hard work and education, but also due to his ability to adapt to any situation (Swinfin, 2006). He was also a decisive man and had the ability to take innovative decisions. In 1956, when his district was the last in sales, he introduced a new program called â€Å"56 for 56†. This program made it possible to purchase a new 1956 Ford for 20 % down and $56. 00 a month for 3 years. The program was a huge success and more than 75,000,000 cars were sold and his district secured the first place in sales. Lee also undertook the challenge of the Fairlane Committee, which was responsible for producing a new type of car. Lee analyzed the research data on demographics and buying capacity of Americans and concluded that the car must be small, but needed to hold 4 passengers. There would be a 2500 LB limit, and the cost could not exceed $2,500. 00 with equipment. The end product was the 1964 Mustang (Iacocca, 1984). Iacocca Lee was a good leader who used good marketing research data, surrounded himself with good people, and was open to new ideas. Lee became President of Ford on December 10, 1970. He initiated a program called â€Å"Shuck the Losers†. This program gave managers 3 years to make their departments profitable or sell them off (Iacocca, 1984). This shows that Lee was also highly competitive in approach and stern when he had to be. Though there were many successful projects while he was at Ford, by the end of 1975, Lee started having personal conflicts with Henry Ford II. Lee was fired in July of 1978 and thereafter he joined Chrysler on November 2, 1978. Lee found that Chrysler had a problem in its communication style and team work. He reduced his salary to $1 per year and bargained with the union for cuts in salary and benefits. First, Iacocca announced plant closures, job layoffs, and his plans for the company. His next move was cutting several large models, which were heavily unprofitable, and put the subcompact Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon into production. The Omni and Horizon became instant hits, selling over 300,000 units each their debut year (Iacocca, 1988). By 1983 Lee turned around the fortunes of Chrysler and repaid all government loans. Lee made a public statement, â€Å"We at Chrysler borrow money the old fashioned way. We pay it back. † At Chrysler, Iacocca not only overcame a $3. 3 billion deficit but capped it with another $3. 3 billion profit between 1982 and 1984. That represents a net gain of $6. 6 billion, or an average increase in earnings of $6 million per day over the previous period (Harmon and Jacobs, 2006). The administrative style of Lee Iacocca is based on tapping the hidden power of organizations. He peeled â€Å"the encrusting layers of dead habits, vested interests, outmoded strategies and inertia and removed the lid on an enormous reservoir of productive energies. He did it by firing 33 of the company’s 35 vice-presidents and allowing long-suppressed ideas, energies, and talents to rise to the surface† (Harmon and Jacobs, 2006). Thus Lee was responsible for discovering the potential of organizational power. This discovery not only brought into use hidden potentials but also created new possibilities. The administrative style of Lee Iacocca enabled organizational power to maximize the productive and efficient utilization of ideas, resources, energies, and opportunities. He combined the organization power with his personal talents at communication, decision-making, motivating, time management, flexible approach in leading, and innovation to achieve great success as a leader. Lee Iococca, after his successful career at The Ford Motor Company and Chrysler, said, â€Å"I seized the opportunity, but I was no ninety-day wonder. It took me almost forty years of hard work. † This then, was the main reason behind his success.

Research-Supported Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research-Supported - Essay Example It is therefore because of this reason that this study is aimed at discussing influences of modern technology on the children development (Internet, cell phones, TV). Presents two lines of thought where admirers of modern technology argue that it ensure swift communication and quick receipt information. Opposing side believes that technology affects cognitive and physical development of children. Modern technology is usually accredited to the Internet, cell phone, computers and television among others. The entire above mentioned are summarized as a civilization that is swift, communication rich, information and on the screen. For that reason, it is difficult for children today to imagine a life without computers, the Internet and cell phones. Numerous researchers have, thus, differed concerning the effects of technology on the growth of the contemporary kids. Some believe that technology is the advanced level of human life while others contend that technology has diverse effects on brain development. Presently, children are immersed in technology. Many children today, envisioning a life without technological gadgets is like living in the senior generation, and it is difficult for kids to imagine living in the aged generation. This is because technology has eased all aspects of life. However, in spite of increased use of technology among children, technology has both positive and negative influences which if not observed well, can lead to immorality all over the modern children. It is therefore because of this reason that this study is aimed at discussing influences of modern technology on the children development (Internet, cell phones, TV). Technology refers to advancement in scientific knowledge utilized for practical purposes, mainly in industry. Modern technology is usually accredited to the Internet, cell phone, computers and television among others. The entire above mentioned are summarized as a civilization that is swift,

Website Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Website Summary - Essay Example The Emperor was always an honorable man, who was never to inherit the throne. He started off with an oath called Wahlkapitulation, and ended either in death, resignation or removal of the Emperor. And he had priority over every Christian King. During a reign, the next ruler was called King of Romans. In case of the Emperor being unfit and no King of Romans, two Imperial Vicars had the ultimate authority. The Emperor had both a real and fake household consisting of the High Offices of the Empire. He had jurisdiction over a lot of aspects but had his limitations. Powers exercised by the Emperor alone, were called Jura Reservata. The title of Emperor was first used on Christmas Day 800, and was finalized in 812 by Byzantium. The title, Kings of Romans eventually lost charm and was later known as German King or Imperator. The Reichstag was the law-making committee of the Empire. It composed of: the Electoral Council, Council of Princes, and Council of Imperial Cities. State of the Empire was a member of the Reichstag. The owners of the land concerning to a State equally shared its vote in the Reichstag. Under certain circumstances, a land could stop being a State of the Empire. Different States had the right to become united with others. At first the vote belonged to the landlord, but later, only certain families had the right to vote. Elector Princes were responsible for selection of the Emperor, headed by the archbishop of Mainz, who dominated all Princes. Electors cast their vote personally, allowed others to do it, or sent an electoral body for the purpose. This was usually done within a month of the Emperor’s death. And the chosen Emperor was crowned by the three divine princes. The 2nd body of Reichstag composed of Princes, who voted individually, and Lords, who voted collectively. In the later years, very few Princes were given the right to vote at the Reichstag. On

British literature with 3 choices for the topic Essay

British literature with 3 choices for the topic - Essay Example The natural world becomes, strangely, an unnatural and supernatural one inhabited by monsters. The terror of the unknown is common not just to the Norsemen, but to all men, and the intangible menace invoked by the supernatural reaches out of the text and grips the reader as well. Society in Beowulf has its core in the hall, not unsurprisingly called ‘Heorot’, meaning ‘heart’. The hall is surrounded by the hunter-gatherer village structure of women and huts, representing the outer periphery of society. Beyond lay the unknown – swamps and wilderness denoting the other, outer world where Grendel lives, unable to access Heorot and the social affection and bonding within. He can only watch from afar. The ‘Loathly Lady’ is a common motif found in literature extending back to Celtic and German mythology and Arthurian legend. The lady is portrayed as an ugly old hag a young and handsome knight has to consummate marriage with. When the deed is done, the crone is transformed into a beautiful, youthful maiden, who informs her husband that he can choose her to be beautiful and false or ugly and true. By letting his new wife make the decision herself, the knight frees her from the spell, and she is now fair and faithful. In the Irish tradition, the loathly lady has been thought to personify the sovereignty of the land, the parallel being that whoever submits to the prophetess kingmaker and her wishes will become the ruler of the land. The ‘lady’ is shown as different from the norm, both in the magical forms that she takes, as well as her behavior. Both Alysoun, in the prologue to The Wife of Baths Tale from Chaucers Canterbury Tales, as well as Dame Ragnelle in the tale itself, go against the accepted norms of society. Alysoun is much married and holds forth views on virginity, for instance, contrary to the established mores of the time. Ragnelle’s rude manners at the feast scandalizes all, but must be accepted as she is now wed to