#socialtheories

[thedearlydepart]

Consumerism and the American Dream

How Communitarianism Offers a Better Path

I identify most with communitarianism. Communitarian cultures prioritize the collective good over individual desires, emphasizing harmony and cohesion within society. While Thought Co. states that "Communitarianism is often considered the opposite of liberalism," (Longley, 2020) modern liberalism, particularly in leftist communities, seeks a balance that allows for self-expression while addressing societal needs to exist peacefully. In contrast, individualist cultures hold self-reliance and personal success in high regard, even if it comes at the expense of the broader community.

In communitarian societies, individuals are considered integral parts of a larger social construct, expected to contribute to the community’s well-being through social, family, and civic responsibilities. Individualist cultures, however, place the highest value on individual rights—such as freedom of choice, speech, and action—even when these rights conflict with the common good. As described by both Thought Co. and the Foundation for Economic Education, classical liberalism embodies these principles, which became the foundation of "liberal democracies" in the free world.

“These individualistic principles became the pillars of the social institutions that now characterize what we call the “free world” (hence the term “liberal” democracies).” (Carroll & Sanchez, 2022)

While individualists believe society exists to support personal freedom and autonomy, communitarians believe in acting in ways that benefit the group. Communitarianism does not reject individual rights like freedom of speech and action. Still, it insists that these rights should not supersede the safety and well-being of the community.

In today’s American society, particularly in Black communities and in the broader cultural context, individualism dominates. This aligns with our focus on capitalism and the "American Dream." While Etzioni points out that tightly-knit communities can hinder individuality and creativity, we've moved beyond that. We now operate in a society where, unless something directly affects us, we often choose not to engage—even within our families. This has led to a culture that breeds widespread unhappiness. One critic notes, "...Our idea of happiness has been transformed to make us better consumers... these values have been co-opted and used to normalize a deeply unjust and undesirable situation." (Illing, 2018)

References

Carroll, P., & Sanchez, D. (2022, July 2). Individualism: A Deeply American Philosophy. FEE.org. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://fee.org/resources/individualism-a-deeply-american-philosophy/

Etzioni, A. (2002, May). "The Good Society" by Amitai Etzioni. Seattle University School of Law Digital Commons. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sjsj/vol1/iss1/7?utm_source=digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu%2Fsjsj%2Fvol1%2Fiss1%2F7&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

Illing, S. (2018, September 4). A history of happiness explains why capitalism makes us feel empty inside. Vox. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/9/4/17759590/happiness-fantasy-capitalism-culture-carl-cederstrom

Longley, R. (2020, June 29). What Is Communitarianism? Definition and Main Theorists. ThoughtCo. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.thoughtco.com/communitarianism-definition-and-theories-5070063

[teresaflores]

Discover the fascinating life and teachings of Rudolf Steiner through Keryx International! This platform offers a wealth of resources, including Frederick Amrine's biography of Steiner and a range of articles exploring his ideas and insights. Whether you're new to Steiner's work or a seasoned scholar, Keryx International is the perfect place to explore the legacy of this complex and enigmatic figure. Check it out today!

Website- https://keryxinternational.com/ Email- amrine@umich.edu

[blackhistoryiseverywhereperiod]

Black History All Year 2021 . . After earning her M.D., Welsing stayed in Washington, D.C., pursuing a career in child and general psychiatry. Welsing spent nearly twenty-five years working as a staff physician for D.C.’s Department of Human Services, and also as the clinical director of two schools catering to children with emotional troubles. Welsing opened her own private practice in D.C. in 1967. Through her published works and her research, Welsing sought to help bring about a solution to the mental health problems of the black community by understanding racism. . . Welsing published her first major work, “The Cress Theory of Color-Confrontation” as an essay in 1974 while assistant professor at Howard University. In the controversial essay, Welsing argued that the drive for white supremacy and superiority stems from a pervasive feeling of inadequacy and inferiority. Welsing claimed that “whiteness” was, in fact, a deficiency, evidenced by the inability of whites and other races to produce melanin which generates skin color. In short, white people in America could not cohabit peacefully with their black peers, according to Welsing, because of a deep-seated jealousy of people with melanin and their embrace of racial supremacy to accommodate these feelings. The essay was controversial and, according to Welsing, prevented her from not only gaining tenure at Howard but in fact losing her teaching post. . . In 1991 Welsing published her most famous work, a collection of essays titled The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors, which discussed in depth the issues of white supremacy and racism in the United States. In The Isis Papers, Welsing delved deeper into her theories of melanin deficiency among whites as the driver of racism, white supremacy, and white segregation.  In the process of psychoanalyzing white racism, Welsing also discussed the importance of recognizing racial behaviors and symbols among blacks that were psychologically damaging and which needed to be countered and destroyed. . . #blackpsychiatrist #psychiatrist #blackpsychologist #publicspeaker #socialtheories #socialdistance #howarduniversity #humanservices (at Blackhistoryeverywhere) https://www.instagram.com/p/CO1UT73Jk2c/?igshid=1xlnlubxsmlbq

[clementlei-blog]

In this article by Robert Atkinson, the question at to why bid businesses have gone from American symbols of pride to that of “universal scorn”. Meanwhile, small business remain pure in view. Since being center stage, big businesses had committed “corporate scandals” such as manipulating derivative markets.

The article itself illustrates with its scandal example that big businesses hold a certain power not simply because it owns means of production. There are other factors which small business do not benefit from that cause these large corporations to have a large amount of control and power which connect to Max Weber’s social theory.

Not only are these large corporations wealthier, but that itself gives them more power. Controlling the market, creating a demand that never before existed, buying out smaller companies thus creating less competition and building up to monopolies. An example from the article that further illustrates the theory is that about the 1952 president of General Motors, Charles Wilson. Wilson was nominated by Dwight Eisenhower for secretary of defense. A nomination itself is only possible because of Wilson’s then status. On top of that, him being Secretary can and will absolutely intertwine with him being president of his company. Making debating policies and deciding on regulation in connection to his company to boost himself even further. His position as Secretary provides him with even more influence.

[testorials]

Sociological or Social Theory| Objectives| Types| Process| عمرانی نظریہ ...

[thechashow]

Today, Tuesday June 29th at 12pm EST, on IGTV Live, I get to have my mind expanded by Dr. David Townsend! @dtown36 Dr. Townsend’s research builds on theories of human agency to explore the acquisition and use of resources — financial, technological, reputational, social, and managerial — and their impact on the survival and performance of technology-based and social ventures. He has 17 published publications to date, including papers in the most recognized scholarly journals in that area. His work has been referenced in the popular press, including Business Week. David Townsend, assistant professor of management at the Pamplin College of Business, may not be able to settle the debate about whether entrepreneurship can be taught in the classroom, but he does recognize its core important in cultivating student innovators. Townsend, a Yorktown, Virginia native, returned to work in his home state in 2014 following teaching stints at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a doctorate, and at North Carolina State University. He landed at Virginia Tech after seeking a position at a university with a long-term growth trajectory in innovation and entrepreneurship. Virginia Tech “very much hits the sweet spot for me,” he explained. See you at noon! You’ll leave smarter and thank me for it!😉 #thechashow #seenandheard #werisetogether #roomandneed #inspirationalquotes #inspirational #inspirationalquote #inspirationalwords #inspirationalwomen #virginiatech #InspirationalSpeaker #inspirationalpost #inspirationalthoughts #InspirationalPeople #theory #socialtheory #inspirationalquotesandsayings #why #what #thoughtleader #vtech #professor https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtFnFwp0am/?utm_medium=tumblr

[wiseintelligent]

#KoolAidFacts the unapologetic flipside of #snapplefacts #ThisAintNoSippinTea #DontDrinkTheKoolAid #wiseintelligent #poorrighteousteachers #power #resources #money #getthemoneycontroltheresources #institutions #culture #people #race #socialtheory

[nyborbwerdna]

Rage Against The Machine were really just holding up a mirror with that song. . Follow @nyborbwerdna . . . . . . #fuckthepolice #revolution #classism #policebrutality #police #civilians #civilunrest #civic #darkart #blackandwhite #justice #inksketch #humour #irony #dailymemes #instadaily #doodle #reverse #anarchy #socialtheory #fascism #policestate #statepolice #hongkong #ratm #rageagainstthemachine (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ZKQZNA4i-/?igshid=2mcq5x8mv8gw

[pinkfilm]

wait fax………

[blackhistoryiseverywhereperiod]

Black History All Year 2020 . . After earning her M.D., Welsing stayed in Washington, D.C., pursuing a career in child and general psychiatry. Welsing spent nearly twenty-five years working as a staff physician for D.C.’s Department of Human Services, and also as the clinical director of two schools catering to children with emotional troubles. Welsing opened her own private practice in D.C. in 1967. Through her published works and her research, Welsing sought to help bring about a solution to the mental health problems of the black community by understanding racism. . . Welsing published her first major work, “The Cress Theory of Color-Confrontation” as an essay in 1974 while assistant professor at Howard University. In the controversial essay, Welsing argued that the drive for white supremacy and superiority stems from a pervasive feeling of inadequacy and inferiority. Welsing claimed that “whiteness” was, in fact, a deficiency, evidenced by the inability of whites and other races to produce melanin which generates skin color. In short, white people in America could not cohabit peacefully with their black peers, according to Welsing, because of a deep-seated jealousy of people with melanin and their embrace of racial supremacy to accommodate these feelings. The essay was controversial and, according to Welsing, prevented her from not only gaining tenure at Howard but in fact losing her teaching post. . . In 1991 Welsing published her most famous work, a collection of essays titled The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors, which discussed in depth the issues of white supremacy and racism in the United States. In The Isis Papers, Welsing delved deeper into her theories of melanin deficiency among whites as the driver of racism, white supremacy, and white segregation.  In the process of psychoanalyzing white racism, Welsing also discussed the importance of recognizing racial behaviors and symbols among blacks that were psychologically damaging and which needed to be countered and destroyed. . . #blackpsychiatrist #psychiatrist #blackpsychologist #publicspeaker #socialtheories #socialdistance #howarduniversity #humanservices (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_sB1S3gnCp/?igshid=1r65jyzk7l6w7

[petersierpinski]

Preface to section 2 of Douglas Hofstadter's Metamagical Themas. #hofstadter #meta #metamagicalthemas #bias #media #mediabias #sociology #socialcommentary #socialtheory #delusional #thought #ｔｈｏｕｇｈｔｓ #deceptionpass #deception #criticalthinking #criticalthought #thoughtoftheday #thoughtpatterns #reflect #openyourmind #carpet

[buffhort593]

"Menu" (2017) #canonrebel . . "...that which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction is the aura of the work of art." -W. Benjamin . . . There is a term out there - they're especially fond of it in sociology - "McDonaldization." Standardization and predictability are its core values. We see this in floristry work when, be it for a funeral or a wedding, you look through a book or catalogue (menu) to find what you want. And, behind the scenes, while surely there are a lot of "flowers" around, each flower has been grown and selected for its uniformly straight stems; and the assembly people trained to reproduce the same moves again and again. . . . What disappears with this way of making things is the magic that can become part of something when made freely by the hand and body. Not exactly sure what that magical something is, some in history have used the word "aura." . . . #floral #florallife #floraldecor #floraldesign #gardenlife #buffhort #buffalove #buffalony #buffalonewyork #716 #garden #gardens #gardening #design #designer #gardendesigner #landscapedesign #landscapelife #landscapedesigner #walterbenjamin #mcdonaldization #socialtheory #artistslife #studio #studios (at Elmwood Village, Buffalo)

[elhijoejuanamorales]

The Invisible Hook: How Pirate Society Proves Economic Self-Interest Wrong | Evonomics #economics #libertarianism #capitalism #hayek #evolution #socialtheory

The Invisible Hook: How Pirate Society Proves Economic Self-Interest Wrong | Evonomics #economics #libertarianism #capitalism #hayek #evolution #socialtheory

“David Sloan Wilson – 2017 December 21 I recently took part in a workshop titled “Tensions in the Political Economy Project of F.A. Hayek”. The Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek (1899-1992) is a libertarian God and the workshop was organized by George Mason University’s Mercatus Center, a Mecca for modern libertarian thought. Nevertheless, I knew coming into the workshop that its organizers and…

[social-theory-marketing-pvt-ltd]

Wishing everyone a very happy new year

May you all prosper in 2022 and all your dreams come true.

#2022 #happynewyear #happynewyear2022 #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #SocialTheory #socialmediamarketing #political #election #india #punjab #punjabelection2022 #goa #uttarakhandelection2022 #upelection2022 #trending #viral #wishes

[ucsd-comm]

Happy Juneteenth! #Repost @ucsdbrc • • • • • • Happy Juneteenth! Recognize, Celebrate, and by all means, REST! . . . Love, the UCSD Black Resource Center • • • • • • #ucsd #ucsdtritons #ucsdcommunication #college #undergraduate #mediaproduction #mediastudies #criticaltheory #criticaldesign #politicalscience #politicaltheory #democracylab #communicationsmajor #communications #ucsdcomm #journalism #socialtheory #disabilitystudies #scienceandtechnology #sts #storytelling #popularculture #juneteenth #blacklivesmatter #blacktranslivesmatter #blackdisabledlivesmatter (at UC San Diego) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBpHOtcDSxe/?igshid=1libbr0ixhsfv

[jaikrishnaponnappan]

"♫I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways...♫"   ~ #MJ P.S ~ No two weights #weigh or #feel the same. Everything in its pure #essence is inherently #unique. It takes #time, but as you #evolve, #learn to place your #Trust in the #Universe. You are a part of it. & Offcourse #HashTags GALORE!!! 💙❤💙 #SelfReflection #Contemplation #Meditation #Introspection #Goals #ThoughtForTheDay #philosophy #lifestyle #fitness #life #love  #dreams #wonderfullife #justdoit #life #dreamscometrue #youcandoit  #pscyhology #humanAnthropology of #socialtheory #pics  #socialContagion & #science of #selfies.. #философия #жизнь #мечты  #простосделайэто #подходящиймомент #творчество #люблю