Category: Blog
The Concept of Culture
Culture consists of learned behaviour peculiar to human beings, together with the material objects used as an integral part thereof. It is that which distinguishes man from subhuman animals and enables him to overcome death, hunger and other natural obstacles to the fulfilment of desires. It is powerful enough to hold the sex urge in check, for example, and achieve premarital chastity and even vows of perpetual celibacy; to keep him from eating food he considers unclean, even though his body may require nourishment; to make him feel awed by mighty mountain peaks, or depressed by the fact that such peaks have not been conquered. The term “culture” owes its origin to Latin, where it is derived from the verb colere (“to cultivate”). Thus, it has come to refer not just to human behaviour but also to those things that man creates and maintains through his ability to symbolise: language, beliefs, ideas, customs, tools, techniques, institutions, artefacts, etc. The term “cultural history” refers to the study of this man-made environment, brought into existence by the use of symbols and passed on from one generation to the next. A major distinction between the approach to cultural history taken by classical scholars like Huizinga and the later conceptions of the discipline is that the latter have moved away from a view of culture as mere behaviour and towards a notion of it as an integrated system of meanings encompassing both the “explicit” (i.e., traditional ideas) and the “implicit” (i.e., habits of perception and belief). This approach has been aided by developments in the social sciences, especially sociology and anthropology. It is now commonplace to speak of the culture of a specific society, such as that of the Seneca, Eskimo or North American Plains tribes. However, in addition to this broad usage, it has become appropriate to speak of particular cultures as sociocultural systems, i.e. as the aggregate of the behaviour and ideas of a group of societies. The concept of culture has been further elaborated by many thinkers, notably the Italian marxist Antonio Gramsci and his successors Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, who have argued that the power of culture is such that it can neutralize dissent and ensure the dominance of class elites over the masses. This, they have claimed, is a form of “cultural hegemony.” A number of other theorists have suggested that such ideas as religion, morality and laws can be considered to be part of culture. In contrast to these theories, others have emphasized the importance of the arts as an expression of culture and the need to preserve and protect heritage. Still others have pointed out the potential for a “counter culture” which is free from the constraints of commercialised mass culture. This, they argue, could involve such activities as horticulture, poetry, folk music and the martial arts. This, they suggest, would allow for the exploration of new possibilities and a freshness of thought.
Read MoreWhat is Democracy?
Democracy is the system of government that is said to be “rule by the people”. Its roots come from the Greek words demos (“people”) and kratos (“power”). It is a form of governing that depends on the popular will. It is an essential component of good governance and the protection of human rights. Democracy requires that the rule of law be applied to all citizens equally and enables the people to hold their representatives accountable. The most basic way that people participate in democracy is by voting. However, the effectiveness of democracy is dependent on other ways that citizens engage with politics and government. If the people only vote once every 4 or 5 years and then do nothing in the interim, then it is hard to argue that a government is “by the people”. A well-functioning democracy requires that there be both procedural and substantive democracy, that the processes of government are democratic as well as the decisions made by governments. The United Nations has enshrined the core principles of democracy in its Democratic Charter. These include: respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; free, fair and open elections; a pluralistic political system; the separation of powers; the independence of the judiciary; and freedom of expression and association. While democracy is a fundamental principle, there are many challenges that it faces. For example, the majority rule in democracy often leads to policies that are unrepresentative of the whole population and can lead to social injustices. Furthermore, a democratic system can be expensive to run and maintain. One of the most important challenges facing democracy today is the fact that many citizens feel alienated from politics. They no longer feel that their voices are heard and their interests represented by elected officials. The disillusionment is due to many factors: the polarization of American politics; the rise of populist leaders who denigrate the value of liberal values and threaten to impose their own beliefs on society; the growing divide between rich and poor; and the failure of the media to provide a diverse range of news. Despite the challenges, there is room for improvement in democratic systems. Improvements can be made in the “people” or “will” part of democracy by allowing more people to participate in decision making; and in the “process” or “procedural” part by making the democratic process more transparent and inclusive. Struggles for democracy throughout history have usually concentrated on improving either the “people” or the “power” element of democracy. As such, the success of democracy is an ongoing struggle. A new generation must be taught the basics of democracy and the importance of civic engagement. A democracy that does not engage its citizens is doomed to fail. As the world grapples with economic and humanitarian crisis, it is vital that we ask ourselves what democracy truly means and how it can be improved. The answer to this question will be different for each country, reflecting the unique political, economic and cultural circumstances.
Read MoreCreating a Global Market for Your Business
Global Market is the way a business develops, creates, positions and advertises its products and services to the world. Giant corporations have always had their hands in global marketing through having international operations, representatives and employees, but small businesses can also participate by creating a worldwide brand image. This is a very difficult task, as it requires a lot of research, preparation, and planning. It involves adapting a marketing strategy to places with different values, cultures, and even languages. Having a well-planned international strategy in place can increase the chances of success and help your company reach new heights of profitability. The emergence of a global marketplace has shaped the marketing tactics of all businesses. Rather than catering to the demands of a specific local market, global companies strive for an ideal product that appeals to consumers across the world. It’s a move that has decimated competitors stuck in old assumptions about how the market works. There are two vectors shaping the world-technology and globalization. The first helps determine human preferences, while the second shapes economic realities. The result is a gradual convergence of preference that inescapably leads to economies of scale and reduced world prices. Global companies understand this new commercial reality and systematically push these vectors toward their own great strategic fecundity. Global business has become a conduit for cultural understanding, enhanced communication between governments and improved products and services for billions of people worldwide. Consequently, it’s no wonder that modern consumers readily accept the products and services of multinational firms. Globalization is a force that cannot be reversed, but companies must learn how to adjust their marketing strategies to the new reality of a global marketplace. The most effective world competitors incorporate the costs of globalization into their price structures, selling globally standardized products in every national market. These products may vary slightly from one country to the next, but they are identical in terms of design and function. Coca-Cola tastes the same everywhere, but the brand does not shy away from ad campaigns in countries with varying taste buds or traditions. Cigarettes are another example of a product that has succeeded in crossing multitudes of deeply ingrained local preferences for flavor, consistency, and effervescence. These differences are only tolerated because the prevailing global logic of product, market and profit prevails. The global competitor is ruthless in its pursuit of this goal. It will only digress from a product standardization once it has exhausted all possible alternatives.
Read MoreWhat Is Politics?
Politics is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic subjects you can study at school. Whether it’s at GCSE or A-Level, or as an undergraduate degree, the study of politics offers you a wide range of skills that can be used to better understand how the world and people around us work. It’s also through the field of politics that countries continue to operate, key policies are implemented and global challenges are tackled. In the simplest sense, politics is about governing a city, state or country – the way in which decisions are made and laws put in place that govern people and their rights and freedoms. It’s the process by which societies function and grow, with laws and policies being developed and amended to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and happy life together. There are a few different ways in which the term ‘politics’ can be defined, with the narrowest definition being that which concerns state affairs. This would then include government institutions that provide public services, enforce laws and ensure security. In a democracy, these are run by elected politicians who have been chosen to do so on the basis of the manifestos they have outlined during their election campaigns. However, there are those who argue that this first definition is too restrictive and that it misses out a lot of the political activities, actors and spaces that exist in society. For example, some would argue that animal rights movements or even a decision not to consume meat are political, as they are trying to influence the broader policy making process. There is also a more general argument that politics encompasses everything that involves the distribution of resources or power in human societies, whether that be at the community, local government or national level. This view of politics is sometimes called the pluralist model, and it argues that power is dispersed among many competing interest groups which are engaged in endless negotiations over resources and status. The classic view of politics as solely, or mainly, being about the distribution of resources and power has been challenged in recent years by new ideas about the nature of politics. This is known as the ‘ideational turn’ in studies of politics, and it suggests that political struggle is about much more than just distribution – it is also about contesting ways of framing or narrating the problems we face. These debates about the scope of politics are important, as they help us to make sense of what’s going on in the world around us. But it’s also important to bear in mind that when a definition of politics is stretched too far, it can become meaningless and lose its ability to inform us about the world. So, let’s explore a few broad definitions of politics to see if they succeed at incorporating the most important aspects of this fascinating and complex subject.
Read MoreWhat Is Democratisation?
Democratisation refers to the process whereby a country adopts a democratic political regime. There is considerable agreement among political scientists that the process of democratization begins with the overthrow of an authoritarian government and includes the establishment of a variety of democratic institutions, but disagreement about how a democracy is defined and the criteria that should be used to determine whether or when a country has truly democratized. Some scholars argue that a successful democracy requires that the majority of citizens accept and endorse its values, including the equality of men and women. They point to studies showing that more educated citizens are more likely to support democracy and that the level of education correlates with democratic attitudes and values. Some also suggest that the experience of a democratic culture increases the tolerance for minority rights and other democratic features. Other scholars emphasize the role of economic development in a country’s ability to sustain its democratic regime. They note that democratic countries tend to have more economic growth, and they argue that this enables them to invest in infrastructure and public goods and to provide more opportunities for citizens. In addition, they contend that democratic governments are more efficient and productive and that economic decline in nondemocratic countries can lead to popular revolts or the establishment of a dictatorship. Many scholars cite the existence of a “democratic peace”—the absence of war between established democracies—as evidence of the compatibility of democracy and economic development. However, critics point to a few ambiguous cases in the 19th century in which a democratizing country fought another democracy and to the fact that the economies of democratic and non-democratic countries do not always grow at the same rate. The “wave of democratization” that swept through Europe and Latin America in the mid-to-late 1970s and early 1980s threw the traditional theory on democratization into question. Those who had previously viewed democratic transitions as processes dominated by elite interactions suddenly faced the possibility that a large number of countries could move to democracy for a variety of different reasons. Scholars now view the study of democratization as an essential area of inquiry for understanding modern political systems. It is a central focus of the research of such well-known authors as Dankwart Rustow, Guillermo O’Donnell, and Philippe Schmitter. Moreover, the recent rapid increase in the size of democratic states has made the topic more attractive to researchers and students who wish to explore the practical/strategic issues involved in the process of democratization. This new interest has resulted in a reshaping of the field of modern political science, which now encompasses both study of the causes of democratization (why?), as well as the practical/strategic questions about how to foster democratization (how?). Some of the current debates on democratization center around such topics as:
Read MoreThe Definition of Culture
Culture refers to the social behavior, institutions, norms, knowledge, beliefs, arts, customs, and capabilities of a group of people. Cultural differences can be subtle, obvious, or overwhelming, and they affect the way people live, work, think, and interact. A common view of culture consists of three elements: values, norms, and artifacts (things). Values are ideas about what seems important to society; norms specify what is expected of people in different situations. And artifacts are things that humans make and use, such as music, literature, and film. Symbols are words, pictures, or objects that represent an idea or image that is shared by all members of the culture. Often, symbols change as new ideas become popular, and old ones disappear. The symbols of one culture can be copied easily by others, but heroes and rituals, which are more significant in a society, usually remain unique to the culture. The environment can also have an impact on the behavior of a sociocultural system, as does the movement of people. Eskimo tribes, for example, have adapted to the harsh environment of the Arctic regions with hemispherical snow houses or igloos and boats and harpoons that can hunt sea mammals. The cultures of many indigenous peoples have been influenced by European explorers and immigrants, especially Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, German, Irish, Italian, and Dutch. Another definition of culture is that it is a set of behaviors, values, norms, and beliefs that are learned through social interaction. This concept explains why some individuals learn more quickly than others, why it is difficult for some people to adjust to new surroundings, and why some people may be more tolerant of others than they are of themselves. The definition of culture was initially based on a monadic perspective, in which the individual’s nature was emphasized and he or she could be separated from the culture that produced the person. However, the twentieth century has shown that human beings are a part of the society they live in, and that the cultural activities they perform have a great influence on their lives. It is thus no surprise that marxist theorists have viewed culture as a powerful tool of social control.
Read MoreWhat Is Democracy?
Democracy is a form of government in which people control their own country. It has been practiced for over 2,500 years, in different forms. The word “democracy” is derived from two Greek words, “demos” (people) and “kratos” (power or authority). A democratic government is one in which the people are given power to decide how their country should be run. In modern times, there are a number of different models for democracy: representative democracy, direct democracy and democratic centralism, to name just a few. In most modern countries, the citizens of a nation choose their government through free and fair elections. A key question for political scientists is whether a democratic government is able to respond to the needs of its people. Ideally, a democratic government should provide a wide range of services to all its people, and it should give each citizen a chance to make decisions about their lives. This may be difficult to do in a society dominated by big corporations and media monopolies, but it is vital that every person has a voice in the decision-making process and has access to diverse information about their country’s history, politics and culture. The American founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution based on the idea that the people would rule their own government. They understood that the only way to secure that right was through a strong and effective system of checks and balances. These are the same values that are reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They include respect for individuals, freedom of speech, association and movement, equity and justice. Many people also believe that it is important to vote, pay taxes and follow the law in order to be a good citizen. This is a general view held by large majorities of Americans, including those who are Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents. But while most people believe that these things are important to be a good citizen, there are differences in how they see these obligations. For instance, half of all Americans say that it is very important to know the Pledge of Allegiance and 45% think it is very important to protest government actions they believe are wrong. Some people also believe it is very important to display the American flag. But these views are far fewer than those that think it is very important to understand the principles of democracy and to vote in elections. The most common form of democracy is representative democracy, where voters elect representatives to represent them in government. These politicians are responsible for making sure the government provides the services the citizens need, and they must act in the best interests of all their constituents.
Read MoreWhat is the Global Market?
Global Market The global marketplace is defined as “all the customers or possible customers for a product or service in all areas of the world considered together”. It has changed the way companies do business and allows them to reach a wider audience. It is also a great way for businesses to reduce their costs and increase their profits, as it allows them to access cheaper raw materials, labor and other factors. This is especially important for emerging markets and companies that are based in countries that have less developed infrastructures. In this new business environment, it is critical for companies to take a global approach and focus on the needs of consumers worldwide. This can be done through a variety of strategies such as advertising, sales, product development, and distribution. A successful global company adapts to the cultural, legislative, and demographic differences that exist in different markets. It is also necessary to understand how these differences affect a company’s profitability and how to address them. Having a flexible global marketing strategy is important for any company that is looking to grow and develop their business. Developing a single strategy that can be adapted to appeal to all the different consumer segments in the world can help you attract new customers and make money. This is a great advantage for international companies as it means that they can target their product to an entire market rather than targeting them separately. This can be an effective strategy for many types of businesses, including those that sell their products through retail outlets and online retailers. The benefits of global marketing are countless and can help any business grow and expand. They can include reduced costs, increased production capacity and a higher customer base. It can be difficult for any business to operate in all countries at the same time, so a single global marketing strategy is a must for every company that wants to succeed. Using a single strategy to attract consumers from all over the world can also save time and money, as you can have one campaign that is targeted towards all your consumers. Another advantage of global marketing is that it can help you build a strong reputation and gain a competitive edge against your competitors. This can be achieved by creating a unique product and by making sure that you are providing the best customer service in all your markets. If you want to be a leader in your industry, it is crucial for you to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the world of business. This will give you a competitive edge over your competition, and it can also lead to a bigger share of the market. A well-executed global marketing strategy will ensure that you are able to meet all the different needs of your consumers, which will ultimately help you gain a better reputation and increase sales in the long term. By taking the time to research your potential markets and understanding their needs, you will be able to find the perfect solution for your business.
Read MoreHow to Engage the Global Market
The Global Market is the sum of all potential customers for a product or service around the world. It is the place where companies compete to attract consumers, expand their business, and establish new revenue streams. Increasingly, it is essential for businesses to engage the global marketplace. This is due to the fact that it allows them to reach a much wider audience and gain a competitive advantage against rivals. Many successful giant corporations have their hands in global marketing through having operations, representatives, and employees in other countries. However, even small businesses can take part in global marketing through social media platforms and other online tools. It is important for companies to understand the benefits and drawbacks of global marketing. It is a common mistake to think that a company can promote its products across the globe without significant challenges, but this is not always the case. First, there are many different countries with various customs, beliefs, and cultures that impact consumer behavior in every country. This means that a global marketing strategy needs to be tailored to each specific market. Another consideration is that different markets have varying laws and regulations. These can have an impact on your business, including regulations involving privacy and security. In addition, your global marketing efforts may be affected by economic events and trends that can affect your business in a variety of ways. When it comes to marketing, a successful global market strategy should focus on building and maintaining brand identity with your target audiences. It should also focus on delivering an experience that delights customers in each market. It is also important for your business to know the nuances of different languages, currencies, and cultures. This can help you tailor your content and messaging to appeal to your audience in a unique way. You can do this by understanding the key cultural references and events that are popular in each country and making sure you include these in your advertising campaigns and media assets. This will ensure that your brand is relevant to the local market and will also ensure that your marketing strategy is effective and delivers results. Despite the diversity in culture and values, there are still some underlying similarities in how people around the world want to buy and sell goods and services. This is why it is so important for businesses to conduct comprehensive research into each country’s unique demographics, preferences, and behaviors. As a result, a company can make informed decisions about which products and services to produce and offer in each country. This will allow them to better target their business, diversify their enterprise, enhance their workforce, and slash costs. Having a well-rounded global marketing plan will help you increase your customer base and improve your bottom line. This will also help you avoid the mistakes that many companies make when trying to launch their products and services worldwide. A good global marketing plan will outline the four Ps of any marketing mix – product, price, place, and promotion – and take an evidenced-based approach to decision making.
Read MoreWhat Is Politics?
Politics is a field of study that explores how people in groups, or governments, make decisions about the way they are going to live together. It is a key part of human society, as it helps to ensure that the different people in a country or state can live their lives peacefully. Politicians are those who work in the government and aim to make changes to the laws of their countries or states. They do this by putting forward their ideas on how the country should be run and what changes should be made to make it better for its citizens. A political party is a group of people who come together to share the same political views. They then go to an election and try to get as many of their members into government as possible. Often, political parties are formed from existing divisions within a society, like class divisions. These divisions may be small, but can make it difficult for people to agree on a single policy or solution for a problem. Parties are therefore created to help to streamline the process of making political decisions and encourage cooperation among their members. They have a range of different functions, including promoting the interests of their voters and drawing up party programmes. They also have members, who are volunteers who give their time to help them and vote for the party’s candidates. The way that politics is done in a country or state is usually determined by its constitution. It is a document that states how the government is to be run, and which laws and policies it should follow. When a government is elected by the people it governs, this is called representative democracy. The politicians are chosen by the people and they then decide what policies will be implemented and what laws will be made to protect the interests of their citizens. They also have a governing body called the parliament, which makes laws and decides how much money should be spent on what areas of government. They have a lower chamber, the House of Representatives and an upper chamber, the Senate. The House of Representatives has a two-year term and goes up for re-election every November in even-numbered years. The Senate has fewer members – just 100 – and is used to vote on legislation that the House of Representatives has approved. In American political history, the United States has adopted a system of federalism, in which power is divided between a central national government and a number of smaller local state governments that are connected to one another through the national government. This system of dividing up power has led to the creation of a number of major institutions that govern international relations on the world stage, such as the UN, the World Trade Organisation and the African Union. These institutions are important for ensuring that the world is a stable place to live, as they regulate global issues such as the use of weapons of mass destruction and economic integration.
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