Capitalism And Consumerism Of Society

Capitalism And Consumerism Of Society Present society in the west is characterized by a capitalist economic system that is founded on private ownership of property and a profit driven economy. This economy has consequently produced few super rich individuals and further stratified the western society, (Banish the bloated overclass, p. 71). Capitalism is different to a socialist economic system where ownership of property is by the state or communally (Shachtman, p.96). The profit driven economy encourages businesses and enterprises to exploit the market for the sole purpose of making a profit. The marketing strategies of capitalism have therefore created a society of consumers whose benefit is through consumption on the individual level while the monetary profits go to the capitalists. Capitalism has created a society that consumer based and the new phenomenon has been labeled as consumerism. Consumerism has extended even into those areas, which were previously under state control as opposed to being under the control o f private corporations. These include the health sector and education among others. The presence of numerous corporations which provide all kinds of services and merchandise have expanded the choices available to consumers. This has created societies, which are based on consumerism as opposed to the earlier societies, which were work based. A consumer society can be identified by the consumption habits of individuals while a work based society’s identity lies in the citizenship and occupations of individuals, (Shachtman, p.101). In addition, the consumer society has evolved into a new culture, which has diverse and often contradicting principles to those of work and citizenship. Consequently, capitalists, out to maximum their revenue realization venture into global markets to exploit new markets. This will eventually lead to a single global culture based on consumerism, and individual consumer patterns based on cultural uniqueness and other such factors will be eliminated. As capitalists devise new ways of maximizing their profits, the consumers in a society based on consumerism look for goods of high quality and with the lowest cost. Consequently, both the consumers and the capitalists are not driven by social responsibility and do not try to deal with issues that are created by capitalism and consumerism. Social responsibility is in the hands of the government and the society but the culture of consumerism and capitalism encourages individualism as each entity is in pursuit of its own goals without considering how some of these goals might be affecting others and the society in genera, (Shachtman, p.106). The nature of the western society made it possible to be targeted for consumer society. A society full of egocentricity, deceptive advertising, nihilism, and values subjectivism to academic goals is easier to sway to the path of consumerism. In such a society where economic growth is the only important thing to any individual and has the capabilities and the power to displace or degrade moral values as we traditionally knew them, the gauge of self worth is always buying power. Those in a position to buy and own property have a more reinforced worth in a society upholding consumerism. The contribution of the media can not be ignored as it continues to create an image which everyone in the western society tries to fit in thus distorting the self worth and self awareness of each person. It is the goal of every capitalist to seduce a large television audience into identification of his personality with specifically designed consumer ideas and advertising fantasies. We no longer possess the ability to do our things independent of consumerism justification. Advertising duplicity and consumerism are now potential threats to the individuation process and consciousness regardless of continued linking of capitalism to the beginning of consciousness. Social cultural meaning diminishes as it is exploited further by media which siphons inex pressible content in order to attract more consumers.

INFORMATION SOURCES IN BUSINESS (STOCKS) Assignment

INFORMATION SOURCES IN BUSINESS (STOCKS) - Assignment Example Common stocks are units of ownership that carry with them voting rights that can be used in making some of the vital decisions in the corporation (Investor.gov, 2015). The shareholders receive their dividends and vote during meetings to make vital changes in the companys operations (Hafer & Hein, 2007). Conversely, preferred stocks are not associated with voting rights; hence, the shareholders are not directly involved in the corporate decision-making structure. The privileges include the priority in the case of liquidation and receiving of dividends before the common shareholders (Mrzygłod & Nowak, 2013). According to (U.S Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), 2015), stocks can be traded through stock funds, full-service brokers, direct stock plans and dividend reinvestment plans. The stock market can be affected by different fiscal policies such as taxes and other regulations by governments. It can be defined as a market where publicly owned companies trade their stocks on various exchanges and are found in free market economies (Parameswaran, 2011). The size of the market can be determined by jurisdictions based on various country borders. Stock indexes can be classified as an underlying stock security used in the future and options derivatives. The derivatives rely on the price of the underlying stocks in the markets. Additionally, stocks have also been to represent financial value; hence, can be regarded to as a form of current (Parameswaran, 2011). For example, a company can own part or full ownership of another during mergers and acquisitions through the exchange of stocks an d equities. They are many listed associations listed under self-regulatory organizations that control fiscal and monetary policies in the stock markets. Examples include the Japan Security Dealers Association (JSDA) that is found in the Japanese securities markets. Launched in 1940, JSDA

Benefit from reading newspapers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Benefit from reading newspapers - Essay Example Knowledge plays a key role everywhere. The world has transformed into a global village through knowledge-based system and processes. Needless to say that knowledge has become a center point of all activities whether in office, manufacturing, services, research and development or even for household functions. And it is equally important to note that newspapers and magazines are a good source of knowledge for any individual to grow, develop and survive. School syllabus or curriculum just cannot suffice the purpose. Importance of newspaper reading can be gauged from the phrase of Emerson when he referred newspaper reading as the â€Å"second breakfast† of Americans (Lehuu, 134). In the following paragraphs, several benefits of reading newspapers and magazines are described; however, the list is not exhaustive. Newspapers provide a variety of information that ranges from current political events to economic affairs, from social to educational issues, from sporting activities to cu ltural events, from business to commerce, from fad to fashions, from weather reports to climate changes due to increased emissions and pollution impact. The list is unending as far as information and knowledge is concerned. Magazines and newspapers provide information on varied subjects much in detail presenting all pros and cons in black and white. Reading all of this, and that of our interest, boosts our knowledge enormously. Newspaper reading has other major benefits in improving our language. Newspapers help us not only in enhancing our vocabulary but also it informs how to use them correctly. Everyday reading of newspapers and magazines can increase our word power manifold related to a variety of subjects in a short period of time; that is a big task indeed! Expressing ourselves effectively, verbally and in writing, is certainly a daunting task. It is an undeniable fact that language skill is one the most useful and needed skill in one’s life regardless of position and n ature of work (Garrett, 2013). All good speakers such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King were voracious readers. It is true that they were natural speakers but much of the speaking skill was acquired by them over time through widespread reading. One who wants to become a leader needs to have a powerful and impressive oratory to communicate and put their point across effectively. Newspaper reading certainly sharpens the skill, if tried diligently. Regular newspaper reading improves one’s language comprehension skills because the reader comes across a variety of writing style, expressions, word usage, arguments; this makes the reader familiar with several ways of expressions. At times, it could be a plain and simple language on a given topic and at some other times, the piece of writing could be full of sarcasm with implied meanings. Satirical writing, full of humor is more directed towards the politicians and bureaucrats. A detective p iece of writing leaves a space for readers to make out what author wants to convey. In the beginning, a novice has to read again and again to understand the real meaning of what has been said but more we read more we increase our ability to comprehend (Garrett, 2013). Those who want to build their careers in the fields such as journalism, politics, report analyst, or a teaching profession; they need to cultivate the habit of reading newspapers and reputed