Virtues That Pharmacists Should Possess Literature review

Virtues That Pharmacists Should Possess - Literature review Example It is proposed that a review of relevant literature, focus group interviews to narrow possible virtues in good pharmacists and a survey of pharmacists and students to cater for perspectives with a reasonably large sample (

Collective Selection Theory and Class Differentiation

Collective Selection Theory and Class Differentiation Selection argues that fashion as a force in culture, collective selection substitutes class differentiation as a motive for its dynamic change. The elites (buyers and designers) are the ones that move but do not affect the fashion system thus causing collective selection. This occurs because buyers and designers are intertwined in a mesh of a uniform culture where they read the same trends and have the kind of influences to each other. The collective selection forms part of a new movement towards newer tastes with driving forces of fashion being historical continuity (newer fashions arising from older ones), modernity, collective taste from social interaction and finally psychological motives which Blumer (1969) acknowledges but does not favour. From his examination, he observes fashion as a central force that affects cultural sociology. His form of fashion is semi-autonomous which responds to but it is not influenced by opinions and taste of elites. This was a first attempt by socio logists to take the topic of fashion seriously. Georg Simmel in his 1904s class analysis of fashion had given a casual examination of the topic. Introduction Fashion is among the most creative and important industry in the world.  Everyone participates in development of the fashion industry to a certain degree. Fashion is a subject that periodically rediscovers itself and it is fascinating in its dynamics of humanities and social sciences. Social thinkers over time have treated the fashion industry as a window for social change and social class. Fashion has been viewed to embody characteristics representing modernity and culture. Some sociologists argue that it is hard to fathom a social life be it in arts, sciences, politics, entertainment, academia, business, law or morality without exhibiting elements of fashion in one way or another. Society tend to flock to styles, ideas, methods and practices that appear new and exciting to them, and after a period of time, the intensity of the fascination diminishes when newer ones emerge. The need and desire to be in fashion is manifested mostly in dressing. This is characterized by a pull of th e societys or inividuals continuity and the also the push to adopt new innovations. A cultural analysis of fashion is essential in understanding the dynamic shift in trends over time. Unlike the trickle down theory by Georg Simmel in 1904 which did not observe fashion first-hand, the Blumers collective selection theory gives attention to the whole process of meaning to society with focus on practices that are contemporary. An observation is made from the above two theories that fashion setters are the ones who mainly benefit from the intertwined relationship whereas followers benefit a little bit. Blumer asks fellow sociologists to take seriously the topic of fashion. He argues that this is so because fashion is more than clothing. Fashion is natural as it did not appear to society that in history as fashion but achievements that were up-to-date. He further states that fashion is important socially because where it operates be it in philosophy, business or science, it assumes a central position. Blumer asserts that fashion is a behavior that is rational. Fashion has its respectability because people respond to its character that is of distinction and propriety. Simmels (1957) view of fashion as style in his trickle-down theory provided insights such as the relevance of prestige in fashion operation and the proper identification of the realm of fashion as a form of change which is natural as opposed to aberrant. This analysis however falls short of catching the real position of fashion as a wider social happening. Simmel adds that fashion is taken up by social elites for the reason of classifying themselves from the other lower class. The lower group or class adopts the style of the upper group. When new fashions emerge, the upper class shifts to flee from their counterparts hence causing a continuous trickle-down effect characterized by the need for the upper class to distinguish themselves. In a nutshell, fashion is influenced by need for social stratification and social mobility. Though there has been wide criticism of the social class theory as being simplistic and also one-dimensional, it has had broad influence on todays fashion becaus e observation of fashion trends of many consumers show that high status people and the wealthy set the trend in fashion. For instance fashion magazines show images of items that are highly priced and outside the reach of lower class group, this cause a drive for the ordinary group to imitate and emulate the rich. However, it is not the wealth and prestige of the elite that makes the very design fashionable, but it is the designs potential fashionableness that allows the elites prestige to be attached. This is possible because the elite, rather than set the trends/fashion, they struggle and strive to follow its direction. This is based on the fact that people will consume fashion but not because of their wealth or prestige of their social class but just to show fashionability. Moreover, the elite have to make a decision of choosing between competing trends in fashion and that the choice they make is not always dependent on prestige of the innovator of the same fashion. In addition, c lass structure of the 20th century was different from the subsequent centuries. The contemporary societys class has a diversified structure and puts emphasis on fashion modernity. Zeitgeist theory Blumer (1969) expands on the views of Simmel by outlining all the societal conditions of fashion appearance because fashion emanates from societies. On the theory advanced by Herbert Blumer, fashion comes from a process that is collective where people adopt collective tastes expressed in trends in fashion. The driving force of fashion is not always imitation of the higher class people per se, rather they follow trends in fashion because of their desire to be fashionable. Consumers make a choice among various options available in the fashion market. People think of choices of their fashion as personal style and expressing individuality. As the selection goes on at individual level, it also occurs in aggregation into tastes that are collective. As selection and aggregation process in fashion goes on, a zeitgeist theory of trend is reflected. Individual choices in fashion spark a movement which has collective character implications on society. For example a style observed by a public figure may manifest the zeitgeist trend. The theory is a critique of the trickle-down effect of imitation of people of high status. The theory views fashion and trend as a collective or aggregation of choices of individuals in the society. It emphasizes not imitation or copying, but the desire by an individual to be fashionable. For instance, the desire to be in fashion does not necessarily mean emulation of values, lifestyle, or status of the group that sported the style first. Such individuals may opt to be in a collective moment which does not require imitation of what others are wearing. A status theory in trends might suggest that joining a trend is copying. Moreover, fashion rises as emulation then follows by a decline when early adopters try to stratify themselves from the masses by adopting new style. It then follows that, if one tries to equate joining a trend with copying, then the conclusion is that copying is a driving force for fashion. However, the trickle-down effect or status theory does not completely exhaust all the motivations for trends in fashion. According to the zeitgeist theory, imitation of elites and copying does not completely define fashion. Therefore, the theory disaggregates fashion from copying and that it moves not because the market is saturated with copies. In a nutshell, copying in fashion change may play a small role but it is not the engine without which the industrys innovation would stagnate. Social construction element of fashion in a society Blumer argues that fashion as a form of change is not linked to any field arbitrarily but it may affect or influence the content of that particular field which it operates. Fashion is the linkage to the past, the present and the future of the followers of fashion. Blumer (1969) gives six features which are basics of fashion which underline the function played by time in the whole fashion process. First is the readiness and willingness to change particularly in the area and the people through their practices, beliefs, attachments and they must also be ready to accept new forms of social order which thrusts them into the right direction in the future. The assumption and presupposition is that the area of fashion change is in passage, it will responding to changes around it and it is geared towards remaining abreast of current and new developments. Secondly, new proposals or models compete for them to be adopted and embraced. The models for adoption should be diverse by covering a range of viewpoints, themes, doctrines, practices, lines of preoccupation and artifacts use. Thirdly, there has to be relatively free room or opportunity for making a choice between the proposals or models. Fourthly, the selection should be made based on response to the interplay or incipient taste rather than rational considerations, merit or utility. This brings the difficulty of determination of merits because the guiding principles of fashion are not utilitarian or considerations that are rational. Fifthly, is the topic of presence of figures who are prestige and who espouse upon themselves the competing proposals. Blumer (1969) adds that what is perceived to be up to date is better than mere promotion of trends in fashion of certain figure that is prestigious (actor, organization, individual). The sixth element or feature is the area of applicability of the fashion. It should be open to emerging new interests in response to effects of outside situation/events, new participants being introduced in the fashion area and shift social interactions. Blumer argues that a course of fashion development must be present so that a given model is solidified and socially lifted which is important for a certain time frame (Blumer, 1969: 288). According to Meyer and Rowan (1977) as fashion comes and goes within the context of institutional environment, as long as they are accepted and institutionalized as standards in behavior, they can be regarded as institutions. A critique of fashion mechanism features Viewing fashion mechanism from the perspective of a continuing process of fashion that is of collective selection in a competitive model brings a different picture of social analysis. The elites in fashion form part of a collective process which responds to a shift in sensitivity and taste. Features such as historical continuity, modernity, collective taste and psychological motives which affect fashion mechanisms are discussed below. Historical continuity Fashion grows out of predecessors. The innovators of fashion always consider prevailing fashion for purposes of embracing, elaborating or departing from it. A continuity line is thus formed which typically has a trend. This continuity means that no extreme change occurs. On the other hand Blumer calls the popular adornments which lack successor as fads. Modernity Blumer refers to modernity as zeitgeist. Fashion is modern and seeks to remain abreast of modern times. Fashion is always sensitive to changes in developments. Fashion becomes responsible and responsive to trend, to developments in ornamentation, fabrics, and fine arts. Collective taste Collective taste is a force that ensures a process which selects, sets limits and provides guidance and also undergoes refinement through attachment to social forms. Taste is tri-fold in nature. It operates like a selector by giving basis for rejection or acceptance. It is also an agent which guides the growth of action lines and by shaping objects for the purposes of meeting demand. Fashion change occurs frequently in societies where there is more interaction between people and where the newness of the change is most valued rather than feared. Fashion is also not individual but social in nature. Psychological Motives Earlier scholars have traced fashion to be desires for notoriety and personal prestige. For instance, some define it as the effort towards increasing the self attractiveness under conditions that impair ones integrity of the ego. According to Blumer (1969), such explanations are shallow as they singly or either collectively, has been unable to account for trends in fashion because they do not show how the different feelings lead to fashion process. The definitions fail show fashion as a collective selection process as it is. In summary, there are many factors influencing fashion change. Fashion change is selected collectively through interplay between public taste that is dynamic and desire by the elite group to shape modernity which is part of the public. Fashion, according to Blumer (1969) appears as a collective class or grouping for the near future than a movement that is laid down by the prestige figures. Conclusion Blumers (1969) analysis of fashion as being social rather than individual in nature is a holistic attempt by a sociologist to explain the topic. Blumer (1969) concludes that fashion helps individuals and society in general to deal with the dynamics and potential complexities of modern world. Through the process of collective selection, social order is achieved. Fashion brings into fore a measure of uniformity and unanimity in a market that would have been fragmented. It introduces some order in the present. It does so by establishing a model that limits variability hence ensuring uniformity. Secondly, fashion serves at detaching the grip of past events in a dynamic world. This calls for option to move towards new directions hence it cannot be referred to as old-fashioned or out-of-date. Finally fashion operates as preparation that is orderly to the future. It offers elites the chance to give their models and at the same time adopts the ones that withstand collective selection. The ab ove three ways help society move in a unified and orderly manner. Fashion should be viewed as a pivotal mechanism which informs social order in a modernized society. Sociologists should strive to analysis fashion without irrationality and inconsequential behavior.

Jeanette Wintersons Written on the Body and Caryl Churchills Cloud Ni

Jeanette Winterson's Written on the Body and Caryl Churchill's Cloud Nine In Jeanette Winterson’s Written on the Body and Caryl Churchill’s Cloud Nine differences between male and female roles in society become distinct. Through these differences, an intricate web of male and female characters seems to be woven, and we can see the clarity between gender roles. With the support of Churchill’s Cloud Nine by Jeffrey Barber, â€Å"You see, I am no stranger to love†: Jeanette Winterson and the Extasy of the Word by Celia Shiffer, and â€Å"Body Languages: Scientific and Aesthetic Discourses in Jeanette Winterson’s Written on the Body,† the idea of love and gender roles present in Jeanette Winterson’s Written on the Body and Caryl Churchill’s Cloud Nine become alive, and we see how these characters both form to and break from their assigned roles. The roles of the characters are exemplified by distinct differences between the genders through the presence of love and gender stereotypes, the dominant idea of nature, and the struggle between male and female characters with specific reference to sexual relationships and marriage. Gender stereotypes seem characteristic in both Written on the Body and Cloud Nine. Clearly the women are expected to be submissive, while the men are to be assertive. The first time we see the idea of these gender stereotypes in Cloud Nine is with Edward and his sister Victoria’s doll. Dolls are clearly not toys for boys; they are only for little girls. And so, when Edward is caught playing with the doll, his father and mother show disappointment in him because it is not proper for a boy to play with a doll. Edward gives the doll up unwillingly. The second time Edward is caught playing with the doll Betty says ... ...tinguishable, often seems figures as a condition of being human rather than coded with female specificity† (Shiffer 33). Schiffer draws our attention to a very important concept brought about throughout the two novels; the concept of loss. Love can only be measured by loss, and in Written on the Body the narrator realizes the importance of Louise and the impact she had on her life only after she is gone. However, when Betty leaves Clive in Cloud Nine she realizes all that she can do for herself, which furthermore signifies Clive’s irrelevance to her life. Both of these works explicitly work for and against one another both forming to and breaking from very intricate connections. Through both texts, we can see how each of the characters wants to conform to certain stereotypes, and how ultimately, many of the characters end up breaking from the stereotypes set forth.

Theories of Relativity

Waheed Ahmed The book I have chosen to complete my ISP journal on is Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard. The second half of the book begins with Dylan planning a trip to Murdock to try to move in with his grandparents. However, this plan fails miserably when he discovers that his grandmother has died and his grandfather is soon to follow. His situation only worsens when he returns to Toronto; Dylan is brutally beaten by Brendan’s men for his attempt at running away with Jenna. To help cope with the pain of broken bones and sore muscles from the beating, Dylan accepts some mysterious pills from Jenna. He soon becomes addicted to them and longs for more. He then realizes that he has been betrayed by Jenna and soon finds himself indebted to Brendan. Due to the severity of these events Dylan begins to reflect on the type of life he is living. He is fed up and realizes he needs to turn his life around. After being denied another loan from Glen, Dylan takes the first step to turning his life around by accepting a job offer as tutor at a computer lab. The main themes of this book would be family relationships, homelessness, nature versus nurture and always staying true to one’s moral values. Dylan’s character is very similar to another character named Jesse Pinkman from the television series â€Å"Breaking Bad†. Jesse is a drug addict and a recent high school dropout. Jesse finds himself living in the streets after his parents refuse to financially support him. Jesse’s parents forbid him from reentering their household because they believe he will act as a negative influence on their seemingly perfect son, Gale. However, Jesse has a very good relationship with his younger brother. Interestingly, Jesse feels as though Gale is his personal responsibility once he discovers that Gale is experimenting with marijuana and headed towards a bad pathway. The relationship between Jesse and Gale is almost identical to Dylan’s relationship with Micha and Jordan. Jesse feels responsible for Gale because he has experienced that lifestyle and wants to ensure that Gale doesn’t follow in his footsteps. Both Dylan and Jesse feel that the parents are not doing a suitable job and want to intervene for the betterment of their siblings. Making the connection between these two very similar characters allows one to make a more accurate judgment towards why people act the way they do. This connection helped me see another side of Dylan and understand why he cared so much about the wellbeing of Micha and Jordan. All his efforts were to ensure that they did not end up in his situation. On that same note, Jesse had made the mistake of experimenting with drugs and didn’t want his brother to make the same mistake. A major difference between both these characters is that Jesse’s parents were very supportive and helpful, whereas Dylan’s were the complete opposite. Ultimately it did not matter how their parents raised them because their environment would mold them into different people. Personally, I can also relate to how Dylan and Jesse felt about not being able to help their siblings. In my case, my cousin’s parents were not very strict on practicing Islam, the religion that we both shared. I felt as though it was my duty to educate my cousin about the basic principles of Islam because I felt he was deprived of something truly valuable. He was labeled a â€Å"Muslim† but did not have the basic understanding of what it meant to be one. However my efforts rendered useless as my aunt did not appreciate me teaching her son about Islam because she was Christian and her husband did not have a say in the matter. It was not my obligated duty to help my cousin; nevertheless I only took the responsibility because I felt his parents were not doing a suitable job of educating their son about either religion. I felt like the parents were just an obstacle between me helping someone. Ultimately, the parents had more authority than me so I was to do what they asked. This experience helped me understand the mindset of both Dylan and Jesse. No matter how much Dylan detested drug abuse, ultimately it was not in his control. He became addicted to drugs due to the environmental circumstances. This is the subject of nature versus nurture that Theories of Relativity is structured around. The author shows the reader how an environment such as Dylan’s can change any person regardless of race, gender and certainly not age. The author demonstrates just how vulnerable the human mind is to assimilation. The messages the author conveys can also apply to the real world situation of homelessness. Society doesn’t realize the harsh realities of living on streets and our views are solely based on what we see visually and what the media feeds us. Over 7 000 people are homeless in Toronto as of 2012. After doing some research, I was astonished by how accurately the author has depicted the issues discussed in the book. Issues like prostitution, drug abuse and homelessness are very prominent in my own city! The author also raises many important questions in the book. For example, can an immoral deed like stealing be justified if it is committed when one is severely desperate? Normally I would automatically disagree because taking someone else’s belongs is extremely wrong. However, in Dylan’s situation he only stole exactly what he needed to survive, basic necessities. He would steal when he was desperate and there was no other option. In my eyes, if you are young and healthy, like Dylan then you have the ability to work and support yourself. Based on the book, I believe Dylan did not persevere as he stopped trying after his first job interview failed. If Dylan kept trying he could have been hired and in doing so he could have avoided many problems. On the other hand Dylan had the option of many other illegal and immoral sources of income like selling drugs but he stood true to his morals and declined those offers. In relation to the real world I think that the government should create more programs aimed to help under-aged homeless people. These programs should be more inviting to the homeless and serve as a viable escape route from the street life. It is ridiculous that in a developed country like Canada over 300 000 people are homeless! (Bri Trypuc â€Å"Homeless in Canada†) I think after reading this book, we as a society should come together in collaboration and help these homeless people get off the streets and become contributing members of society.

Manipur Reasearch paper Essay

INTRODUCTION Manipur is situated on the North-eastern part of India, and is a part of the seven sister states .Manipur is one of the seven states of Northeast India. The state is bound by Nagaland in the north, by Mizoram in the south, by Assam in the west, and by the borders of the country Burma in the east as well as in the south. The state capital of Manipur is Imphal. The state lies at latitude of 23 °83’N – 25 °68’N and longitude of 93 °03’E – 94 °78’E. The total area covered by the state is 22,347 km ². The capital lies in an oval-shaped valley of approximately 700 square miles (2,000 km2) surrounded by blue mountains and is at an elevation of 790 metres above the sea level. The slope of the valley is from north to south. There are four major river basins in Manipur State, the Barak River Basin (Barak Valley) to the west, the Manipur River Basin in central Manipur, the Yu River Basin in the east, and a portion of the Lanye River Basin in the north. The total water resources of Barak and Manipur river basins are about 1.8487 Mham. The overall water balance of the state amounts to 0.7236 The Barak river, the largest river of Manipur, originates in the Manipur Hills and is joined by a number of tributaries such as the Irang, Maku, and Tuivai. The Manipur river basin has eight major rivers: the Manipur, Imphal, Iril, Nambul, Sekmai, thchakpi, Thoubal and Khuga. All these rivers originate from the surrounding hills. These rivers are corrosive in nature and assume turbulent form in the rainy season. Flora and Fauna:- Manipur has a good flora and fauna and is among the most scenic states of India. Blessed with an amazing varieties of flora and fauna ,the hills covered by forests constituting 67% of the geographical area of Manipur, hold the tourist spell bound. Nong_in is the state bird of Manipur .The most unique animal is Sangai-the brow antlered and vegetation on the Loktak Lake sustains small herds of this endemic and threatened cervid in the world. Manipur has two major divisions Imphal and Churachandpur . Imphal is a large city compared to other cities in Manipur. Imphal has a good tourism potential with scenic rivers flowing through its terrain. The tourism department is making efforts to make Imphal exciting and bring in tourists  from across the country. Shopping centres are slowly making their way into Imphal. Imphal is also developing on the economic front, with entrepreneurs trying to tap the business potential in Imphal. The Loktak Lake is a popular floating lake in Imphal, where people come in large numbers to relax on comfortable boat houses. Tourists are bound to be fascinated by the calmness which surrounds the lake, and is a preferred destination for tourists requiring break from their hectic schedule. Churachandpur is another better developed city in Manipur, only second to Imphal.. The town of Churachandpur remains unexploited by tourists, because of the rugged terrain. The town attracted many investors during the late nineteenth century. Tourism in the town hasn’t developed to its potential. A lot of scenic and beautiful locations remain inaccessible, which is a cause of concern for the authorities. Tourists need not be disappointed because these sites are opening up and provide a lot of opportunities for tourists. The great tourist discovery:- The wondrously little Shangrila and â€Å"a jewelled land† Manipur is a veritable paradise on earth where mother nature has been extra generous in her bounty. Manipur promises to be the great tourist discovery of the 21st century. With an oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills ,rich in arts and tradition it has inspired description such as the â€Å"Switzerland of the East’ with tripping rivers ,carpets of flowers ,exotic blooms and lazy lakes. The people and the tribes of Manipur includes Meities ,Nagas and kukis ,chin-Mizo groups and other colourful communities which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. Cultures and traditions: Manipur is a state which has different culture, when compared to the other parts of India. The people here speak Manipuri and are very warm and friendly towards tourists. Manipur is a mosaic of traditions and cultural patterns .In the field of art and culture.The state is best represented by its classical and folkdance forms. A spring festival ,the â€Å"Lai Horaoba† held in April/May is symbolised by a traditional, stylised and ritualistic dance performed for peace and prosperity. Theatre and society in Manipur are  intimately linked, as in many parts of the world. Manipuris are a culturally enthusiastic people. Cultural spirit has never been allowed to be blown out despite the area’s remoteness from the outside world. This is why it still thrives in the Manipur valley. Major tourists attractions:- The major tourist attractions in the State, amongst others, are fascinating lakes, breath taking green hills and landscapes, historic monuments. Apart from the above mention tourists attractions of Manipur. The shree shree Govindajee Temple near the old Palace of the Maharaja of Manipur attracts large numbers of pilgrimage tourists. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To find out how the natural beauty of Manipur could become a major attraction for the tourists. To identify and explore the art and culture of Manipur as an attraction for the tourists. To study the present status of tourism in Manipur. To find out how tourism can be developed in Manipur. To identify the obstacles in tourism development. To propose a plan to develop and improve tourism infrastructure in the state, along with a marketing strategy. PRIMARY DATA 1. I will be collecting information through a questionnaire. 2. Name of the tourist:- Sex:- (a) Male ( ), (b) Female ( ). 3. From which part of India do you belong ? a) North ( ), b) South ( ) c) East ( ), d) West ( ) 4. Whether he/she is coming for the first time, (a) Yes( ), (b) No( ) 5. Why you have chosen Manipur? (a) Natural beauty ( ), (b) Adventures ( ), (c) cultural heritage( ) & (d) Others ( ). 6. What mode of transport did you use to reach Manipur? Surface transport:- (a) Railway ( ), (b) Bus ( ) Air transport:- (a) Aeroplane ( ) 7. How long did you stay in Manipur? (a) 3 Days ( ), (b) 1 Weeks ( ), (c) 1 Month ( ). 8. How do you feel or think about the local peoples of Manipur (a) Friendly ( ), (b) Hostile ( ), (c) Indifferent ( ). 9. Would you like to pay repeat visit to Manipur? (a) Yes ( ), (b) No ( ) 10. How was the taste of the food you had in Manipur? (a) Excellent ( ) , (b) Good ( ), (c) Poor ( ). 11. Are you satisfied with your visit to Manipur? (a) Yes ( ), (b) No ( ). 12. In your opinion what steps should be taken up to attract the tourists in visiting Manipur. a) Improvement of infrastructure b) Better publicity and marketing of Manipur tourism c) safety and security of the tourists. SECONDARY DATA Secondary data collected were; reports, articles, publications, books and other documents and also websites. News paper Megazines Journals Books Analysis of data: Both primary and secondary data will be analyse and highlited on the project reports. Tentative chapterization Chapter – 1: Introduction Chapter- 2 : Natural heritage of Manipur Chapter- 3 : Cultural heritage and attractions of Manipur i: Various sites and destinations ii: Art & Crafts iii: Fairs & Festivals iv: Other culture activities Chapter- 4 : Present state or status of Manipur tourism Chapter- 5: Proposal plan or policy for tourism development in Manipur. i: Infrastructure ii: Promotion (attraction,activities area) iii: Strong tourism plan Chapter- 6 : Conclusion REFERENCES Northeast Today. Retrieved 25 Dec,2012 Manipur Tourism ,published by Tourism Department, Govt. of Manipur A Tourist paradise: E.Ishorjit singh,B.R publishing cororation,2005 Manipur past and present,naorem sanajaoba www.manipurtourism.nic.in www.Tourism_manipur www.Manipur_tourism_policy_2011