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The work of Jennifer Rubright as explained in her article of Functionalism in Anthropology
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Introduction
Many theoretical approaches have been developed to explain the process of culture in Anthropology. Some anthropologists explain culture as a social institution while others explore diffusionism as well as functionalism approaches in their research. Rubright (2008) examines a divergent approach of cultural study that encompasses the two separate methods of functionalism. She explores both the structural and psychological functionalism in her approach towards the study of culture in Anthropology. The BA Anthropologist from the University of South Florida argues that one is entitled to explore the two aforementioned schools of thought separately followed by analysis of the concepts in an attempt to fully understand the process of culture in Anthropology (Rubright, 2008). This paper therefore critically examines the work of Jennifer Rubright as explained in her article of “Functionalism in Anthropology”.
The “Functionalism in Anthropology” article is an important document published on 26th of November, 2008 by Jennifer Rubright in Colorado. The Anthropology-based article is directed to a wide range of audience including both the researchers as well as students pursuing Anthropology. It presents a clear and explicit thesis concerning the study of culture in Anthropology. For instance, Jennifer cites a multiple approach of both the structural as well as psychological functionalism as the best way to explain the process of culture in Anthropology (Rubright, 2008). She argues that even though the American and British Anthropologists utilized different approaches towards the study of culture in Anthropology, field study was a unifying factor in both the theories. Rubright posits that a clique of researchers had assumed Spencer’s view that culture is a single social organism whose body parts would be studied separately then analyzed to establish how they are related on a larger scale. She takes a different perspective of the study by exploring the two aforementioned functionalism approaches usually associated with Bronislaw Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown (Rubright, 2008).
Rubright utilizes mainly secondary source of information in her research. For instance, she cites research studies done by McGee & Warms in 2000, Miller in 2002 as well as Angrosino in 2006 in a variety of occasions in the article. She also does a comprehensive literary analysis of other theories presented by other anthropologists. Rubright examines the work of both Bronislaw Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown in their respective psychological and structural functionalism approaches to the study of culture. Such analysis helps her come up with a harmonized research on the study of culture as elaborated in the article. Moreover, Rubright uses personal observations to justify her studies. After analyzing how Radcliffe denounced culture in his research as well as how Malinowski explained the importance of culture in satisfying basic human needs through psychological functional approach, Rubright had some personal observations to make. For instance, she says that Malinowski has failed to appreciate the significance of historical foundations on cultural institutions or social organization despite acknowledging the essentiality of fieldwork to anthropology. Furthermore, the anthropologist uses historical accounts to elaborate her points in the article. For instance, she states that history had a special place in culture as witnessed in the entire reconstruction of social structure as a result of the World War II (Rubright, 2008).
Rubright’s mood is evident as she disagrees with both Radcliffe and Malinowski in many instances in the article. She describes Radcliffe’s philosophy as rigid and filled with a lot of flaws. Rubright argues that an individual is most likely to take a biased view of a society by restricting structures of the society to only tactfully-explainable societal facets. She vehemently disputes the fact that both Radcliffe as well as Malinowski dismisses the historical foundations of social organizations yet they appreciate various aspects of culture in the society. The high tone with which she disagrees with the two Anthropologists demonstrates her mood. The author however agrees with the two aforementioned Anthropologists in some aspects of the research especially the utilization of field work in the study (Rubright, 2008).
Rubright explores various studies throughout the article in an attempt to explain the thesis of the study. She integrates the structural approach of functionalism as explained by Radcliffe with psychological approach explored by Malinowski to come up with a concrete process of culture in Anthropology. The former explores cultures by studying different societal organizations as they are interrelated. Malinowski on the other hand studies individual role of every person in the society and describes the importance of culture towards provision of basic needs to the populace. Studying the two aforementioned functionalism approaches as outlined in the article forms the thesis (Rubright, 2008).
Conclusion
Jennifer’s article of “Functionalism in Anthropology” presents an integrated approach to the study of culture in Anthropology by providing elaborate arguments on the thesis of the article. The Anthropologist points out existing flaws in both the Radcliffe and Malinowski’s approaches to the study of culture and explains the importance of integrating the two schools of thought of functionalism. She outlines sections where similar views are shared with the earlier scientists as well as pointing out sharply on the differences. Her tone is evident as she criticizes the two Anthropologists’ opinions. Furthermore, the Anthropologist acknowledges a variety of secondary sources from where she retrieves her vital information. She explores various aspects of literary analysis as well as personal observations, historical accounts among other facets of writing. Finally, her thesis is well supported throughout the article thereby ensuring a professional article to the targeted audience. However, Rubright does not outline areas that require further research in the future.
Reference:
Rubright, J. (2008). Functionalism in Anthropology: Different Approaches to the Study of
Culture in Anthropology. Colorado: Associated Content, Inc. Retrieved on 8th Nov, 2010 at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1232739/_functionalism_in_anthropology.html?cat=4.
The Virtualization Technology
The Virtualization Technology
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Introduction
Virtualization refers to the creating a simulated version of something that is not restricted to a virtual computer hardware, storage device, operating system or even the computerized network resources (Cho el al, 2010). Virtualization has the ability to expand hardware utilization by more than ten times while at the same time lower the quantity of power consuming servers. The technique enhances system functionality; increases the power and capacity of the computer hardware and at the same time increase the availability of network bandwidth at lower a lower cost (Portnoy, 2012). Large volumes of data are stored on small devices that have greater functionality, cheap and save time. Situations where data is lost due to crashing of servers is eliminated because the virtualization technology is designed to avoid crashing while at the same time provides a viable option which data can be recovered with ease (Zhang & Zhou, 2011). Despite having a number of benefits the technology too has its setbacks.
The virtual storage is essential in eliminating the physical servers while at the same time create space. The cost of purchasing and maintenance of servers therefore can be directed to other departments of the company and also at the same time expand the company’s profit margins (Cho el al, 2010). The technology is critical in increasing the ability in handling large volumes of data at lower costs while at the same time expand the firm’s profit margins (Somasundaram & Shrivastava, 2009).
The technology enhances the efficiency of data storage of data not being limited by hardware limitations. The virtualization servers consolidate several applications on fewer hardware platforms and in the process expand the compute-ability of the servers and storage devices (Zhang & Zhou, 2011). The technology has initiated the lowering of server hardware for a large number of users with statistics indicating that the reduction could be more than 50% enabling firms to reduce both capital and operating costs (Cerling, 2010).
Virtual disks enable the user sent data between drives with ease. If for instance the user intends to transfer data from drive A to B, usually he/ she will take down A, then transfer the data to drive B then afterwards bring B back online (Cerling, 2010). The use of virtual storage instead allows the user to state the LUN (logical unit number) that corresponds to drive A and command the flow of data to drive B. The transfer of data between the drives is initiated by the system with all the new I/O requests being redirected directly to drive B. The storage virtualization allows the user to manage with ease the heterogeneous storage environments (Cho el al, 2010). It is much easy to manage identical drives because the drives have improved storage functionality and allows the user to handle each drive separately.
While some companies try to categorize their data i.e. important and frequently accessed data is stored on highly efficient and performing drives while the data that is not frequently needed is stored on cheap and slower devices, the virtualization technology can provide a platform where all the data can be stored on high performance devices at minimal costs (Somasundaram & Shrivastava, 2009).
The management of several multiple storage devices is usually time consuming and difficult. Alternatively for the past few years IT experts have implemented the virtual storage as the best alternative for data storage and management. The storage virtualization technology pools together multiple storage devices and in the process hide the intricacy of storage area networks (SAN). The elimination of SAN’s complexity make data backup easy (Cerling, 2010). The technique is essential because it eliminates the storage infrastructural complications and at the same time save costs.
The technology improves systems security and reliability in the sense that the system crashes as a result of memory corruption emanating from software such as the software drivers. The VT-d system provide a new dimension in providing better control of system devices by outlining the architecture for DMA while at the same time interfere the remapping to ensure efficient and better isolation of I/O resources and in due process advance system reliability, availability and security (Cho el al, 2010).
The virtualization technology also offers a well-developed disaster recovery and a dynamic load balancing system. The system’s servers in terms of utilization of resources, In cases where some servers are overloaded, the workload is directed to the underutilized servers therefore creating an equilibrium and balance of workload that the servers handle (Portnoy, 2012). System crashes greatly affects the functionality of any company. System crashes at times can result to complete loss of data (Cho el al, 2010). However, the virtualization technology offers a solution to such problem by enabling a virtual image to be re-imaged on any other server in cases where there is machine failure. The data is then instantly recovered.
The testing and development of virtualization technology enables the user to easily segregate several applications in a controlled environment. Complications that result from numerous installations of many programs are eliminated. An example of such complications is mixed libraries. In this case, the most severe system crashes that could take long periods of time to reinstall take a very short duration to be handled (Portnoy, 2012).
Despite it being a great innovation and has numerous benefits, a number of drawbacks require to be analyzed. The limitations are much limited as compared to the advantages. Many IT professionals are reluctant to implement the technology because the migration from a non-virtualized to a virtualized system is tedious (Portnoy, 2012). It requires highly skilled professionals to facilitate the transition from non-virtual to virtual environment. The transition can be costly too.
Secondly, the virtualization technology is faced with the licensing complexities. A server that runs using the Ubuntu operating system may have a hard time to run on the windows virtualized server without meeting the licensing requirements (Portnoy, 2012). The flexibility nature of the technology is complicated and for the running of two different OS on the same server, it is necessary to regularly update the licensing schemes to enable the two or more OS run effectively.
The running of five servers in one physical server can pose a number of threats. In case the single physical server is destroyed it means the initial five servers will be offline (Cerling, 2010). The five servers the were initially running, in case one is destroyed the other four can still run hence limited data is lost.
On the other hand, virtualized desktops depend largely on centralized servers to offer SAN storage and computing and a much higher bandwidth requisite (Cho el al, 2010). Such condition the network and server vulnerable to capacity limits and outages.
Conclusion
The virtualization storage technological advancement is a major step towards advancing to much greater heights in terms of information science. The ability to not only store but handle and process large volumes of data create a major breakthrough in development of cost effective and better data process and storing devices. However, there is a necessity of limiting the constraints that these devices have so as to make them more appealing to the market.
References
Cerling, T. (2010). Mastering Microsoft virtualization. Indianapolis, Ind.: Wiley Pub..
Cho, K., & Han, S. (2010). The Design of Active Storage Virtualization System for Information Protection. The Journal of the Korean Institute of Information and Communication Engineering, 14(9), 2040-2048.
Portnoy, M. (2012). Virtualization essentials. Indianapolis, IN: John Wiley & Sons.
Somasundaram, G., & Shrivastava, A. (2009). Information storage and management storing, managing, and protecting digital information. Indianapolis, Ind.: Wiley Pub..
Zhang, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2011). Separating computation and storage with storage virtualization. Computer Communications, 34(13), 1539-1548.
Literary Genre Analysis Poetry
Literary Genre Analysis: Poetry
Laurence Perrine refers to poetry as a universal language that is almost as ancient as language itself since “primitive people have used it, and the most civilized have cultivated it” (Perrine 547). The poetry genre in literature is a complex aspect to define due to its authentic and individual nature. It can, however, be described as an imaginative awareness of different kinds of experiences in life that is expressed through a combination of meaning, sound and rhythm to evoke different emotions among the listeners. Poetry can also be described as a literary art which uses language in its evocative and aesthetic qualities to express meaning. It can be written independently or in conjunction with other forms of arts like drama, hymns, or prose in magazines, individual collections, and anthologies.
Famous poets have also given descriptions of poetry through different individual perspectives. Archibald MacLeish in his poem “Ars poetica” states that “A poem should not mean/ but be” (24). On the relevance of poetry in literature, T. S. Elliot observed that: “Poetry may make us from time to time a little more aware of the deeper, unnamed feelings which form the substratum of our being, to which we rarely penetrate; for our lives are mostly constant evasions of ourselves” (Brainyquote.com).
As a form of expression, poetry has undergone numerous reinventions over time.
In composition and expression, poetry employs various elements of literature that have been evolving over time. The most commonly used elements include theme, denotation and connotation, imagery, figurative language through metaphors, metonymy, symbols, paradox, and allegory, allusions, tone, rhythm and meter, and a variety of musical devices among many other elements.
There are famous poets who have persistently maintained a hold on this genre due to their ingenious compositions since the beginning of writing. Some of the great poets in the modern times include Emily Dickinson who wrote thousands of short ingeniously crafted poems during her lifetime, the great poet and story teller William Shakespeare whose tragedies presented as poetry still continues to be a major scholarly subject, T. S. Elliot, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Frost of the “Road Not Taken” fame and many more poets from the ancient times to the present. There are long poems that cover entire volumes of books like Oxford Poetry and many verses of no more than two lines like the “Mad Answer of a Madman” by Robert Hayman:
One asked a mad man if a wife he had
“A wife?” quoth he. “I never was so mad.” (Hayman 1-2).
Poetry, like other genres in literature, does contribute significantly to the development of a good number of aspects in our lives. The genre serves many positive purposes in the society. Besides the fact that poetry is a popular form of entertainment, it may provide an essential element in personal growth like development of language and reasoning skills as well as establish intellectual connections by sparking insightful opinions or innovative ideas. The use of animated imagery is also very helpful in directing the reader to achieve a perception of a simple description of an aspect of life at a higher level. This is usually achieved through symbolism and imagery which are some of the most common stylistic devices used in poetry. Simple and humorous entertainment through the use of cleverly composed pieces like the Hayman piece can be soul lifting and entertaining when perceived on a lighter note. The use of poems to amuse readers with comedies or humorous tales has been a part of human language since its inception. In its relevance to literature and life, poetry uses many forms of communication styles to reach across the world as universal transmitters of thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
In conclusion, the poetry genre in literature is one of the most effective communication methods of influencing other people’s ways of thinking. A poet does not need complicated equipments like movie producers do in order to pass a message about life to the audience. All a poet requires is a pen and a piece of paper to leave an impact in people’s lives. A poem can be a few lines long but can convey a variety of themes that can be interpreted in many ways making poetry an influential genre in literature at a higher level. Poems can express themes as diverse as love, tragedies, and expressions of emotional abuse, political opinions, and many others. Poetry documents other people’s feelings at a specific time and can be relevant through many more years to come. Shakespearean tragedies are examples of life experiences in the early times that are still used to understand the present. A poem is never simply vocal but actually a feeling. The single most important function of the poetry genre is to say what needs to be said without trying to impress and without fear. Poetry never changes with trends because it is a solid, timeless and even universal mode of communication.
Works Cited
BrainyQuote.com. T.S. Elliot Quotes. 2001. Web. 4 May 2011.<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/tseliot112078.html>.
Perrine, Lawrence, ed. Literature, Structure, Sound, and Sense. New York: Harcourt BraceJovanovich, Inc., 1978. Print.
Hayman, Robert. “A Mad Answer of a Madman.” Literature, Structure, Sound, and Sense. Ed.Laurence Perrine. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1978. 708. Print.