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Antigone by Sophocles

Antigone by Sophocles

Name

Professor

Institution

Course

Date

CHARACTERS SCENES

*Antigone She is described in the play as the daughter of Oedipus. Antigone is also the sister of Oedipus as described in the play. This is considering the fact that Oedipus married his own mother. After the death of Oedipus and his brothers, Antigone and her sister are the left as the only represenatatives of the Labdascus family. According to the play, Antigone is depicted as a heroine due to the fact that she goesto tha states to claim that one of his brother by name Polyneices ought to be buried with due respect, the same way as his other brother by the name Eteocles is buried. The public in the play claims that Antigone is too self-righteous, even alienating while others claim that she is a feminist.

*Creon Creon is the one who helps in raising-up Antigone and her sister. He makes an opinion that Eteocles, who is one of the two brothers of Antigone to be honored with buried. The reason that she gave was that Eteocles was a major defender of Thebes. Creon proceeds in pointing out that the body of Polyneices ought to left without being buried and be food of the vultures. The play-writer describes Creon as the ruler of Thebes in the wake of war. She cherishes orders and loyalty above everything else in her life. He is depicted as selfiosh and does not recognize that other forms of law exist apart from the Thebes law. The play writer describes him as a proud person and he always condemns Antigone while he defies the gods and brings destruction unto himself. He is broken by the information about the death of his wife and is forced to confront the suicide of his wife.

*Polyneices and *Eteocles Both of them are brothers of Antigone. According to the play, they appear as casualties in a brutal war for power. They both die at each other’s hand.

*Ismene She is a sister to Antigone and described as the strong foil of the sister’s life. According to the play, Ismene is depicted as a weak woman and terrible of disobeying men especially in power. She does not belief that women ought to disobey the laws that are set by men even though they are against the human rights. When her brother Polyneices dies, she fails to offer assistance in burring him.

Chorus of Theban Elders The Chorus as described in the play comments on the interactions with Creon. The elders actively intercede with the advice of Creon at a critical moment displayed at then end of the play.

Sentry/Watchman He brings the news that Polyneices has been buried and he later captures Antigone. He has a powerful and interesting speech that captures the attention of the audience in the play. His speech signifies how the Greece people use rhythms and diction in their natural speech. He has self motivated attitude and is depicted in the play as a person who tries to protect his life in all means possible. He asks basic questions that contradict with the statements given by other characters.

*Haemon He is the son of Creon and Eurydice. According to the play-writer, he is engaged to be married to Antigone. He appears to defend Antigone from his father on the issue of burying Polyneices.

Eurydice She is the mother of Haemon and the wife of Creon. She plays a major role in bringing up Antigone after the death of her brothers. She commits suicide after learning the death of her son who also succumbs to death after killing himself.

*Teiresias He is a blind prophet who warns Creon that his regards concerning treating the body of Polyneices is not in accordance with the laws of the gods.

A messenger He is described as a servant who is courageous and activbe in his work. He reports the suicides of both Antigone and Haemon to the Chorus and Eurydice. The messenger leaves to follow Eurydice when she runs off in grief.

Second Messenger This is the second messenger who reports the death of Eurydice’s to the Chorus and Creon.

III.AFTER you have read the play, type your answers to the following requirements.

State what you think is the playwright’s thesis or theme(s) and support with action and /or characters.

The themes of the play include; state power is seen clearly since Antigone goes against the state and advocates burying her brother even though the state is against the norm. Antigone argues that burial rituals are personal issues and the state is not required to interfere. Despite the threats that anyone who performs the burial rituals will face a death penalty Antigone vows to go against the law and bury her brother in the best way she knows. Antigone refuses to allow Creon control what she can do with her siblings, for instance, she is seen telling Ismene about Creon proclamation, “he has no right to keep me from my own”. In the ancient times dispute between the state and individual was constant at times not agreeing with state laws resulted to murder and torturous behavior of the state to ensure other rebellious people to conform to laws. In this scenario Antigone actions eventually resulted to the king regretting his actions and promised to be a better king (Donaldson, 2010).

Civil defiance

This is seen in the conflict between Creon and Antigone , Antigone claims that she would rather respect God’s laws rather than state laws. Creon commands respect to set regulations he says that “there is nothing worse than disobedience to authority” but Antigone answers by saying that state regulations are not fixed hence it can be broken in civil defiance in intense cases in contrast the god’s laws cannot be broken in whatever circumstances (Donaldson, 2010).

Citizenship

The notion of citizenship emerge in the dispute between Creon and Antigone, in Creon opinion citizenship refers to supreme submission to the laws of the state hence Creon finds nothing wrong in accusing Antigone to death when he discovered that Antigone has forsaken her citizenship by defying him. Antigone on the other hand defines citizenship freedom to perform one’s wishes within the position of citizenship. In addition, citizenship defiance is also seen when Creon does not want to bury polyneices accordingly this also shows what it means to be a citizen. What Creon is doing means being a citizen means one is owned by the state and the government can do whatever it pleases with a person dead or alive (Donaldson, 2010). Greeks took burial rituals as a sign of identification of citizenship and attachment. In the story, it is thus normal for the people of thebes to not bury the Argives, but it is extremely shocking Creon’s actions of refusal to bury polyneices. Polyneices was a citizen of Thebes therefore it was normal for Thebans to perform burial rituals on him. In his explanation Creon claims that polyneices detached himself from them hence they are justified to treat him like a non-citizen hence burial rituals on him can be overlooked (Donaldson, 2010).

The act of Creon refusing to bury Polyneices as a normal citizen shows that Creon takes Polynieces like attackers that is Argives who when dead are not given burial rituals. Creon claims that Polyneices showed aggressive actions against the city thus invalidating his citizenship making him a foreigner. In Creon’s opinion citizenship is majorly based on devotion, it is annulled when a citizen acts against the set laws. In contrast, Antigone gives a different meaning of citizenship, Antigone agrees that Polynieces had deceived the state but the disloyalty does not permit the state to deny him the rights of a proper burial (Donaldson, 2010). Creon has convictions that citizenship is an agreement and thus if the agreement is broken, the parties have the rights of calling off the agreement. The contrasting views of citizenship, that citizenship is unconditional and unquestionable and otherwise that citizenship is based on specific manners are thus recognized as citizenship by character and citizenship by regulations.

Fidelity

Antigone’s willpower to perform burial rituals for Polynices originates from a need of devotion to her family, besides the gods. She continuously claim that she must do something to satisfy “those that are dead” since they have much importance than any other leader. In the scene that opens the story, Antigone makes a an touching petition to her sister Ismene claiming that they ought to defend their brother out of sibling’s love , even though he had betrayed their state. Antigone makes few notices of the gods, therefore it can be interpreted that are decisions for worshiping higher laws are laws of devotion to family not spiritual laws (Donaldson, 2010).

Although Creon denies Antigone to honor her family, he is seen to honor his family too. This is the only place whereby Antigone and Creon are seen to be on the sane side of reasoning. When Creon was addressing his son Haemon, Creon recommends that Haemon should respect the state as a citizen in addition to respecting him as his father. He goes further to note that “everything else shall be second to your father’s decision”. The posture seem tremendous, particularly in the radiance fact Creon advocates respect to the state above all else. It is not certain though how he would tackle the two values in dispute, it is certain that even for Creon, family has importance other than the state.

The place of women

Antigone’s action reflects clearly the impact of her actions. Creon also agrees that it will be hard to defeat Antigone in the dispute because she was a woman. Greek’s women were extremely denied the freedom women deserve. Antigone’s disobedient behavior is threatening to the state and it distresses gender roles imposed on greek citizens. Ismene on the other hand still believes that the men have a upper hand in every matter. She does not want a curse to be upon her caused by any disobedience behavior. She believes that men have great strength and thus should be respected. When Creon saw signs of defeat he did not want to give in since it will be against the state laws for a woman to win in a disput (Donaldson, 2010).

Pride

Antigone is seen to show pride and refuses to be defeated even when it is clear that her brother had betrayed the state and needed to punished, and that he was deemed to be buried as a foreigner rather than a citizen. The state in this story is governed by pride since the men are given an upper hand of making laws that contradict with spiritual laws. When Creon discovered that he had made a mistake of denying Antigone to do according to her wishes he still refuses to accept defeat (Donaldson, 2010). He experiences suffering of the loss of his entire family since he refuses to agree with them when they wanted him to agree with Antigone.

B.

Labdacus family

(Brothers)Oedipus Creon

(Sisters) Antigone Polynices Etocles Ismene Haemon (Antigone’s fiancée)

C.

1. Choral song in the play

The lyrical sung by Theban elders whose their main goal is to persuade Creon to burry Polynices and forget about the past. This lyrical song acts as a recollection of the past and advices the king.

2. Athenian tragedy

This during the play becomes less ceremonial where it explains the essence of gods in the society and especially to individuals in a group, which motivates the concerned individual to undertake great responsibilities.

3. Myths

These were half-truths held by the play’s society, which involved believing in gods as well as supernatural power and intervention. These myths about gods were believed to control and dominate nature even people’s actions.

Reference

Donaldson, W. J. (2010). The Antigone of Sophocles in Greek and English. New York: Publisher BiblioBazaar.

Anthropology- 15 Questions

Anthropology

(Author’s name)

(Institutional Affiliation)

Assignment One: Race

Race is defined as the classification of people into groups based on color shape and size. In most cases, this classification is influenced by culture and has been practiced since 1977 as part of a response to discrimination (pbs.org). For that reason, when used in reference to people, race has been defined as being a member of a particular cultural community. Accordingly, in America, race is divided into six categories including American Indian, African American, Native Hawaiian, Asian, Hispanic, and White. Relevantly, if a person belongs to any of the above communities, he or she is said to being of that racial background. According to the information presented in part one to four of the PBS documents, it is evident that race has been an issue that has affected Americans throughout history. The first factor that is evident from these documents is that racial discrimination is still existent in America today. Additionally, the documents reveal certain issues such as the fact that the wealth acquired by Americans today is based on their racial identity, as opposed to, individual hard work (pbs.org). Lastly, most Americans today are ignorant of the racial issues existing in their society, which plays a role in the existence of racial discrimination in the society.

The most surprising issues from these articles is the fact that racial discrimination still exists even in modern society. The American society is assumed to be the most democratic society in the world and the possibility of racial discrimination ended during the period of Martin Luther King. Having a holistic perspective on race allows individuals to respect each race, hence reducing the possibility of racial discrimination in society. Accordingly, having individual biological, socio-cultural, and historical perspectives regarding race will only allow people to have limited thoughts on race, which in turn, increases the possibility of racial discrimination in society.

Assignment Two: Significance of Anthropology

As a field of study, anthropology has been identified as being beneficial to the society at large. Not only does it assist academicians in understanding humanity and the human process, it also promotes the comprehension of the overall human society. Accordingly, anthropology results in more objectivity and critical thought regarding individual societies, cultures, and subcultures, as well as, the values, successes, and problems in each culture and society (Lewis, 1998). This is because anthropology allows the study of the human being, which in turn, allows individuals understand humanity much better. Anthropology allows the understanding of the formulation of cultural values and beliefs, which is normally considered as a way of understanding certain human behavior and practices. Anthropology allows individuals to critique how and why communities behave the way they do, and accordingly act in a particular manner. Communities and societies are exposed, thus allowing the comprehension of the way of life for those belonging to these communities (Harris, 1997). Additionally, anthropology encourages understanding of the various classifications of groups in particular cultures, thus the formation of sub-cultures. It allows comprehension of the determinants for these classification and groupings, as well as, the different applications in the societies through which they can be applied.

Assignment Three: Challenges of Anthropology

The ways in which anthropology is practiced today is far much different and complicated than it was in the past. This is because the anthropological process has changed from how it was practiced in the past, making it hard for anthropologists to conduct ethnographic research, thus affect understanding of anthropology. Anthropologists today face various challenges, which have in turn affected how the human being and his society can be understood. One of the problems faced by anthropologists today regards native anthropologists, who when carrying out ethnographic research may be forced into providing biased anthropological information. Native anthropologists are not equipped with the necessary knowledge to provide commentary on ethnographic data that is outside of their ethnographic background (Price, 2004).

Another problem facing anthropology today regards globalization and the increased economic, physical, and cultural connectedness of societies. Though this may not appear as an anthropological problem at first sight, it is considered as one of the greatest problems of anthropology today. Globalization has led to the dissolution of the uniqueness of most communities today, as people believe in letting go of their cultural differences and embracing the global community (Price, 2004). This has, in turn, forced communities to let go of the cultural values and beliefs that make them unique, thus making it hard for anthropologists to conduct proper ethnographic research. Another problem that has been associated with anthropology revolves around ethics when conducting ethnographic research. Just like all other field, anthropology has faced a problem of ethics, whereby ethnographic researchers have been accused of carrying out various unethical practices during field study. Accordingly, unethical anthropological practices have been carried out as a result of the fact that ethnographic research relies on human data that is easy to manipulate. Relevantly, another challenge that has been identified in relation to anthropology is unequal power relationships, which comes as a result of postmodernism (Price, 2004). The last challenge that has been associated with anthropology is andocentric bias, which refers to the emphasis of the male point of view in research, as opposed to, the unification of research finding in studies.

Assignment Four: Communicative Behavior

This study was carried out at Walmart, which is one of the busiest shopping centers in America. This particular retail store was chosen because it has a considerable number of customers visiting the premises on a daily basis, thus providing the necessary data required for the study. The study was conducted during on a Saturday afternoon, a time which the store receives the largest number of customers, thus making it the busiest time of the week for the retail store. During this time, there is plenty of traffic for the retail store, as many customers, all of different gender, age, and racial background, visit the store to purchase one or two products for their homes. Observably, most shoppers were shopping in groups, with the fewer numbers of shoppers engaging in purchasing activities on their own. Accordingly, the study observed various similar and different communicative behaviors between men and women shoppers. One of the observations was the fact that men tended to shop on their own, as opposed to shopping in groups. Additionally, men who shopped in groups were mostly in the company of children suggesting that they are parents, or elder siblings to the children. Women, on the other hand, had a greater tendency of shopping as a group. They were also observed to be in the company of children once in a while, hence the possibility of parenthood.

Male shoppers were observed to engage in very minimal communication with each other during the shopping spree, and the longest form of communication was during the actual purchase of goods at the counter. Women , on the other hand communicated frequently with each other at all times during the shopping spree with most of the conservations regarding other issues not related to the shopping spree. The observed communicative behaviors between the different shoppers at Walmart sequentially allow various conclusions to be drawn regarding gendered communicative behaviors. Conclusively, in terms of learning culture, this assignment demonstrates the different ways in which culture is learned and performed throughout one’s life.

Assignment Five: Language

Language, culture, and social identities have all been linked together in anthropological studies. Accordingly, one of the results of this linkage is the identification of the English language as the main language for Americans, thus forcing the American population to learn the language (Crawford, 2007). However, this identification has met a number of challenges from both critics and American communities who believe that because America is made up of various communities, it should, therefore consider the possibility of multilingualism as a representation of the various communities that the state houses. Some of the arguments in support of linguistic diversity include the concept that it represents all the communities making up the society, thus allowing them to feel as though they are part of the society.

Another argument in support of multilingualism is that it reduces racial and ethnic discrimination, as communities who do not speak a similar language as the rest do not feel as though they do not belong (Crawford, 2007). Contrastingly, the arguments against linguistic diversity state that multilingualism does not support national unity, which is the downfall of most nations. The issue of multilingualism invokes strong feelings for some individuals because language is part and parcel of cultural identity, which if taken away from them, would impact their identification in the society. Most critics argue that all bilingual countries experience dissent and a lack of national unity (Crawford, 2007). However, this is not the case, as others have used this multilingualism to promote unity through the representation of all members of the society. Accordingly, based on the ideas presented in each of the arguments regarding multilingualism, it is safe to say that the anthropological community would support the application of multilingualism, because it recognizes all the different communities that make up a particular society.

Assignment Six: Family Organization

Based on the information gathered from this unit regarding anthropological issues and factors in society, the concept of the family remains the centre of all anthropological knowledge. Additionally, various examples of the family structure are provided in Nanda and Warms, thus allowing further comprehension on the concept of family in anthropology. Various factors are highlighted in relation to family organization including geographical proximity, economic dependence, and division of labor. These can sequentially be utilized for the analysis of the family on a personal level.

Geographical proximity/household structure

My family is a family of five comprising of a father, mother, brother, and two sisters. The parents and their two daughters live together, whereas the son as moved out of the family house and is living about three hours away from the family. The reason for the son’s geographic distance is mainly because of work, and also because he believes that he should start his family far away from their home for better parenting and minimal family interference. In relation to my parents’ immediate family, my family lives very far away from them, with most of them living in a different town from each other.

Economic dependence/independence

Apart from the youngest daughter who is still in high school, the rest of the family members work, with the parents having the responsibility of providing for the family. The oldest daughter supports the family in case they need help, but most of the time is not tasked with the responsibility of providing for the family.

Division of labor

Labor in our family is divided along gender lines in that, the males in the family perform duties that are considered masculine, whereas the females perform feminine duties.

Evidently, my family setting is much different from my parent’s family’s setting during their time. This is because, the roles of family members were much different during their time, thus affecting their family organizations.

Assignment Seven: Gender

Anthropology and ethnographic studies cannot be considered as comprehensive without the consideration of gender and its influence in anthropology. Essentially, the concept of gender has been considered from two main perspectives including the biological and the cultural perspectives (Basow, 1994). The biological perspective defines gender in terms of the different biological characteristics possessed by men and women. The cultural perspective, on the other hand, defines gender based on the cultural perception that the society holds regarding men and women. The term gender role refers to the different duties and responsibilities assigned to the different genders that are existent in society today. As most would assume, gender roles vary biologically and culturally, with most cultures defining different gender roles for their communities (Basow, 1994). Whereas biological gender roles are similar across all cultures and may include giving birth, cultural gender roles differ from one another with the similarity being minimal across cultures.

Another term that is common to anthropological studies is gender stereotype, which refers to the classification of the different genders in terms of their behavior. Also used synonymously with gender discrimination, gender stereotyping is used to define the different perceptions people have regarding a particular gender, and why they would choose one gender over the other at any given time (Basow, 1994). It is the belief that a particular gender behaves and thinks in a particular manner, which in turn affects how that gender is viewed in the society. Conclusively, gender hierarchy is another term that is significant and common to anthropological studies. It refers to the chain of command that is characteristic of gender such as in the family setting where the father is seen as the breadwinner.

Assignment Eight: Anthropological Approaches to Consumer Behavior

Based on the case studies presented in their website, it is evident that the anthropological approaches embraced by this organizations range from language and signage, and consumer culture for the sale of their products and services. Specifically the organization has used packaging, building design, technology and the integration of pet shopping, as part of their strategies to increase sales for the company. In essence, their anthropological approach can be defined as anthropology to economic behavior, which has benefited the company in various ways (envorisell.com). Based on the information presented on their website, it is clear that the company has embraced the use of anthropologists in the determination of the various approaches to be used for the promotion of sales. This, in turn, illustrates the significance of anthropologists in consumer behavior.

Assignment Nine: World Civilizations

Based on the information provided in the Pearson Longman companion website, there are various world civilizations, all of which attained their civilization at a different time from the other. For this assignment, two world civilizations have been chosen including Rome and America. Both these states achieved their civilization at a different time form the other with the difference being only a few decades apart. Whereas Roman civilization was first recorded in years as early as 510 B.C.E., evidence of American civilization has bee traced back to 2000 BC (Pearson Longman Companion). The differences between these two civilizations is further illustrated in their economic structures, political systems, warfare and conflict, as well as, laws and social regulations. In relation to economic or subsistence strategy structure, the Roman economy was unequal in most of the period that characterized the Roman Empire. The northern parts of the empire were the most uneconomically productive, whereas Greece and the other parts of the empire yielded the best economic results for this empire(Pearson Longman Companion).

Economically, the Roman society was divided between noble landowners, town dwellers, and the rural populace. The American civilization, on the other hand, was much different from the Roman civilization in that it was not solely dependent on the state citizens for its civilization. Because America was developed from the migration and settling of various ethnic communities into the state, the economic structures were divided between the land owners and the slaves. The Roman political and leadership system was autocratic with the Roman republic being charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the region (Pearson Longman Companion). The American civilization, on the other hand, embraced a similar authoritative system of governance with those in charge being the influential land owners, as well as, other rich people in the state. Roman and American Warfare and conflict is differentiated in the choice of nations that each civilization chose to engage in warfare.

Assignment Ten: Poverty

All of the following information should be for the city where your primary residence is and be as current as possible.Please note what city you are using here: ___________________________________________

General – for your city:

Average household income (also called median household income):_______________________

Average individual income (or per capita income):_____________________________________

Poverty rate:___________________________________________________________________

Unemployment rate:_____________________________________________________________

Average home price (also called median home price):___________________________________

Current state minimum wage:______________________________________________________

US poverty threshold for a family of 1:______________________________________________

Earnings:B1. Look at the classified ads and list an assortment of the wages are being offered for jobs that do not require extensive experience in the following occupations:

Retail sales:____________________________________________________________________

Housekeeper (hotel or domestic):___________________________________________________

Restaurant service:______________________________________________________________

Secretarial/administrative assistant/clerical/office:_____________________________________

Construction or handy work:______________________________________________________

Other:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B2. Calculate the following earnings for work at a level just below that of full-time (38 hours, as fulltime employees are often given benefits and companies prefer to minimize benefit expenditures):

(Current state minimum wage + 3.50) x 38 = _____________________ weekly wages

Weekly wages x 4.33 = ________________________ monthly gross earnings

Monthly gross earnings x .10 = _____________________ in taxes

Monthly gross earnings – taxes = ____________________ after tax net monthly earnings

After tax net monthly earnings x 12 = _______________________net yearly earnings

How does this compare to the wages being offered in part B1? Mark one: Higher ______ Lower ________ About right _______

Basic expenditures – Shelter, transportation, food, clothing:

Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment:___________________________________________________

Utilities (phone, gas/electric, water, trash – whatever is not included in rent):________________

Monthly car payment on a dependable, economy vehicle:________________________________

Monthly car insurance:___________________________________________________________

Gasoline costs for one month (based on driving 15 miles per day to work round-trip, 5 days week):________________________________________________________________________

Monthly costs for medical insurance premium:________________________________________

Estimated monthly food costs (tip: keep your grocery and other food receipts for a week and multiply by 4.33):_______________________________________________________________

Monthly clothing expenses (including purchases and laundry costs):_______________________

TOTAL OF ALL MONTHLY EXPENDITURES: _____________________________________AFTER TAX MONTHLY EARNINGS (from Part B2): ________________________________How do these two figures compare?_________________________________________________

Poverty is defined as the state of having little or no money or material possessions to maintain the normal living conditions for a person or a family. In most cases, poverty is defined as living being incapable of supporting oneself in terms of meeting the daily needs and requirements. For that reason, individuals who are deemed as poor as the ones who lack access to one or all of the basic needs including food shelter and clothing. However, the modern definition of the poor person is one who lives below the dollar, that is, on a daily basis. The rationale behind such definitions is that poor people do not have access to similar things like everyone else. Different from the term poor, the term, middle class refers to the social and economic class that falls between the upper class and the lower class. The upper class defines the rich, and the people who have access to a surplus of the daily needs and requirements. The lower class, which is also defined as poor defines those that do not have access to basic necessities. Accordingly, the middle class defines those have enough money to sustain their attainment of basic needs and requirements.

Assignment Eleven: Ethnic Conflict

The term ethnic conflict is defined as conflict between two ethic groups, which normally results in wars. Ethnic conflicts have been existent in society throughout history as ethnic groups fight for identification and recognition in their respective societies (Monica, 2003). One of the most current ethnic conflicts in society today involves the conflict in Ethiopia-Somalia conflict that is about five years old. The conflict between the two has been associated with land disputes, especially issues related to the border line as the two states are both interested in extending the border so that they can increase the land for their countries.

As presented in the media, the conflict has been linked with the need for colonization and taking over each country by its rival. Accordingly, most people, are therefore, led to believe that the two states are interested in colonizing each other when in essence they want to expand their boundaries (Monica, 2003). The immediate results of this conflict have been identified as the mass deaths of the two ethnic communities represented in each country. Additionally, another consequence of these two conflicts is the formation of destructive militia groups that instead of bringing peace to the countries, they increase unrest, chaos and insecurity in the countries. Anthropologists would define this conflict as a conflict of racial identity and sustenance, whereby the two communities seek to make out themselves as the superior ethnic community over the other. The fight for land is, therefore, a way of assuring the communities of resources for their community, as opposed to the colonization of the other state.

Assignment Twelve:

Type of item Brand of Item Approximate Cost of Item Country where it was made

4 Years +

Coat

Athletic Shoes

Bag

Hat

T-shirt Mark and Spencer

Addidas

D&G

New Look

Madonna $78

$100

$200

$65

$20 Malaysia

Japan

China

Taiwan

India

1 Year or Less Dress

Jeans

Scarf

Skirt

Sandals Chloe

Levi’s

Mark Jacobs

Chanel

Jimmy Choo $250

$175

$100

$99

$200 USA

USA

Japan

China

China

Part 2:

USA JAPAN CHINA MALASYIA INDIA TAIWAN

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) $14.44

Trillion $4.34 Trillion $7.998 Trillion $400 Billion $3.304 Trillion $714.7 Billion

GDP per capita (per person) $47,504 $$34,100 $7,000 $15,200 $1.207 $31,100

Industries Telecommunications, Food Processing, Consumer Goods Automobile, Electronics, Textiles, Processed Food Mining, Automobile, Telecommunications Manufacturing, Mining, Agriculture Processing, Petroleum Production and Refining Textile, Chemicals, Food Processing, Mining, Transportation, Manufacturing Electronics, manufacturing, Petroleum refining, Textiles, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Products,

Exports $1.277 Trillion $746.5 Trillion $1.435 Trillion $200.7 Billion $187.9 Billion $254.9 Billion

Export partners Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, Germany, UK US, China, South Korea, Hong Kong U.S, Japan, South Korea, Germany Singapore, US, Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong US, UAE, China China, US, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore

Total population 307,212,123 127,078,679 1,338,612,968 25,715,820 1,166,079,217 22,974,347

Poverty rate % 12% 4% 19% 5.1% 25% 1%

Day of Independence 4th July 1776 1873 1 October 1949 31 August 1957 15 August 1947 10 October 1911

Assignment Thirteen: Western Models vs. Anthropological Perspectives

Western models of economic development are modernization refers to the modern or western definition of civilization as understood by man. With this definition of civilization, individuals are made to believe that civilization is a consequence of economic and industrial development, as opposed to other factors (Wallerstein, 2003). The anthropological perspectives on development, on the other hand, defines civilization from a different perspective including the integration or mergence of people and communities. In this perspective, civilization is seen as the result of the development of new communities as opposed to economic development. Anthropologists critique the western models because these models do not consider the human role in civilization. Instead, they examine the role of trade and industrialization, which do not necessarily present the actual factors that led to the civilization of countries and states. When civilization is considered from an anthropological perspectives, one can see how anthropology can change human understanding on what goes on around them. Additionally, an anthropological perspective will allow individuals to anticipate possible future civilizations that will come about as a result of human involvement and association. Evidently, anthropological perspectives are crucial for almost all aspects of human lives and can be used to explain some of the factors that occur in society today.

Assignment Fourteen: Making a Difference Through Anthropology

Anthropology, as a scholastic and an practical discipline, can influence the world in terms of appreciating the human experience, as well as, improving the human state through research and appliance (Nanda & Warms, 2010). As illustrated in their book, Nanda and Warm provide various ways through which anthropology can be used to help improve the lives of human beings, thus increasing the value of live for most people. In the case of AIDS prevention, anthropology seeks to figure out the various ways in which the problem of HIV/AIDS can be eradicated from the countries that the disease mostly affects (Nanda & Warms, 2010). Accordingly, anthropological research carried out on the spread of HIV/AIDS in countries will be focused on the role of the human mind in the spread of the disease.

Specifically, anthropological research, in such a case, will look at the human and culture based influences that have led to the spread of the disease in the different societies it affects. Anthropological research will examine how the different cultures of people living in these communities translate into the prevalence of the disease, as well as, how to manipulate these cultures into the eradication of the disease (Nanda & Warms, 2010). This is different from other approaches such as the economic model that links the economic stature of societies with the spread of certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Accordingly, there are various other problems that could benefit from anthropological research such as poverty, and ethnic conflict among other things. Anthropological research can be used to define the cultural and human influences of these problems, as well as, the different ways in which they can be solved.

References

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Retrieved from: http://www.languagepolicy.net/archives/LLPT1.htm

“Envirosell: Case Studies”. Retrieved from: http://www.envirosell.com/en/research/case-studies

Erickson, P. A. & Liam D. M. (2003). A History of Anthropological Theory. Broadview Press.

Harris, M. (1997) Culture, People, Nature: An Introduction to General Anthropology (7th

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Monica Duffy Toft (2003) The Geography of Ethnic Violence: Identity, Interests, and the

Indivisibility of Territory, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press

Nanda S. & Warms, R. (2010). Cultural Anthropology. United Kingdom: Cengage Learning.

Pearson Longman Companion. “World Civilizations”. Retrieved from:

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Answer to Question 1 Where the Funds are Obtained

Health Care Questions

Institution

Student’s NameAnswer to Question 1: Where the Funds are Obtained

Health care is provided by various distinct organizations in the United States. Most of the facilities are privately owned and largely operated as businesses. They are privately owned and operated health facilities, which provide own employment. In terms of health insurance covering all health sectors, employees are mainly made available by the government. About two thirds of all healthcare provisions, funding, and spending are obtained from health programs that include Medicaid, Medicare, TRICRE, Children Health Insurance programs, as well as from Veterans Health Administration. A significant percentage of all people under the age of 65 is insured by their employers or is provided by their family member. Sometimes people are expected to buy their own health insurance covers. Much of the funding to the health care services in the US is provided by health care insurances (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). The government employs economic policies that ensure efficiency in the health sector such as reduction in the level of infant mortality in the country. The efficiency being ensured makes the country is ranked among the top of the countries having low infant mortality rate.

The United States spends more on the country’s health per capita as well as in healthcare all that account for over 15 % of its GDP. The health care services are costly as compared to other developed countries. Insurance companies also help the government in providing the required heath funds in the sectors especially from those people who have health insurance. Unlike some other industrialized countries that offer guarantee to health care access, the United States hardly provides the same guarantee. All countries that are within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guarantee their population to health care access apart from the United States, Turkey, and Mexico. Over 98 percent of the US population is insured to have insurance cover that serves to ensure guaranteed access to health care facilities and services (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). In General, funds are obtained through mobilization, allocation to specific regions or population groups as well as funds for some specific health care types.

Answer to Question 2: Where the Funds goes

On the other hand, the health sector generates significant amount of funds through the gained profits from the services. Due to the increasing demand for health care services, people are demanding high quality services. Consequently, the costs of healthcare are getting higher each time leading to various adjustments in the US health care policy agendas (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). While the money comes from health insurance cover by people, through mobilization, and government funding, the profits goes back to the sector to finance various projects including researches on various medical issues. The money obtained through medical payments is used to improve the healthcare facilities. They are also used to fund innovative programs in the health sector. Sometimes the government requires its share, which is provided through taxation. The governments gains from the sector although the amount spend by the government in funding health care facilities and services is more than the amount it gains from the sector.

The government is responsible for providing employment in the public sector in health care. This means that the necessary compensations have to be done although the government obtains its funds from all sectors in the country and then spreads the funds to its various sectors including the healthcare sector. In health care, funds are said to go to the provision of payments for all the services in healthcare. This payment is done to specific care episode rather than providing payments to individual procedures or services (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). The funds are directed to a number of activities that a grouped to single healthcare episode, which include the various costs, test procedures, hospitalization, and some employee payments.

Answer to Question 3: Market Imperfections

The effect of market imperfections spreads to every transaction in the health sector. This happens in some way, which would lead to interference with the sector’s economic activities and trades that are made by rational individuals. Market imperfections within the health sector create imbalances between the cost of health care services and the quality in the healthcare provided by the healthcare facilities. The United States is said to be among the top countries in the amount allocated for health care sector but said to have a deteriorating trend in its health care quality. The US healthcare spending is said to have reached $2.8 trillion in 2012 by estimates (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). The overall growth in the health care sector is however said to be low but not in accordance with the budgeted amount. Only imperfections can lead to the fall in the size of the sector, a stagnating growth, or a slight growth as seen in the estimated growth of 3.9 percent in from 2010 to 2011 and only 0.1 percent growth from 2009 to 2010.

The health coverage in the US healthcare sector is hardly meant to insure individuals from health risks but rather, people make plans through health insurance in order to cover most of their healthcare bills, whether large or small. Individuals are therefore prevented from paying for these bills and other costs. While real insurance is characterized by low premiums, large claims, and infrequent claims, this aspect is not portrayed by the American health insurance. Families and individuals are paid their claims severally each year. These payments are done in small amounts. The health insurance has high premiums that increase the cost of insulating individuals from healthcare bills and other expenses. The direction of insurance funds to individuals rather than using them for medical cover creates situation market imperfections in the US healthcare. The extent of the imperfections could be seen whereby patient (consumers) give in to doctors’ recommendations and deals without any concern on the costs given that the insurance covers their entire healthcare costs (Kane, 2012).

Answer to Question 4: Market Failures in the US health care

Market failure constitutes a situation whereby resources are not allocated efficiently. The same situation is evident in the United States healthcare sector whereby inefficient allocation of healthcare resources has resulted to a constant situation of raising health care costs. A typical situation of market failure is brought about by one party having enough power to prevent efficient transaction from happening. The health insurance has generated some cases of market failure whereby people have adequate confidence about its compensations that they hardly negotiate on the high American costs in healthcare (Gratzer, 2007 ). Doctors and healthcare organization have also taken advantage of insurance provisions that they have elevated the costs of treatments to a socially undesirable level.

The NCSL and its 2011 State Budget update shows that six states had an over budgeted Medicaid or over budgeting in other programs in healthcare (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). Actions were being initiated with an aim of correcting the imbalances. The government controls the healthcare sector and market leading to market failures in various ways including high costs in health care. The high costs are caused by the existence of health insurance cover in the US health care sector as initiated by the government withdrawal from providing guaranteed access to health care. The costs ought to be felts by those individuals having insurance cover but are spread o all people demanding access to healthcare irrespective of whether they are in the health insurance program or not. This situation results to market failures in the sector, which brings about the elevated costs of accessing healthcare services and programs.

References

Gratzer, D. (2007 ). What’s Wrong With American Health Care? Retrieved March 30, 2013, from freemarketcure.com: http://www.freemarketcure.com/whatswrongwithushealthcare.php

Kane, J. (2012, October 22). Health Costs: How the U.S. Compares With Other Countries. Retrieved March 30, 2013, from pbs.org: HYPERLINK “http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/10/health-costs-how-the-us-compares-with-” http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/10/health-costs-how-the-us-compares-with-other-countries.html

National Conference of State Legislatures. (2013, March). The Forum for America’s Ideas. Retrieved March 30, 2013, from ncsl.org: HYPERLINK “http://www.ncsl.org/issues-” http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/health-finance-issues.aspx