Vignette 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vignette 1 - Essay Example This program will be a compulsory for all students in Mr Smith’s general science class which will be focused at improving their interpersonal skills. The proposed plan will revolve around one main aspect which will be to gauge the students’ interpersonal skills and also to get their views as to why they act dormant in the class so as to reason on what is the best step on improving the student-teacher relationship. In order for the selected instructional coaching program to be implemented effectively, there is need to ensure that leaders play a significant role in selecting coaches that are well trained, developing a well-structured coaching strategy and also making sure that the student performance levels will be met(Glickman, Gordon & Ross Gordon, 2010). Together with Mr Smith, will generate a proper selection and guidelines for the entire instructional coaching program. This will enable the program to start with a well-focused goal on improving the area of concern which is the minimal level of the student teacher relationship. With regards to the self-assessment process of supervision, Mr Smith will start off the process by regularly reflecting and self-analysing his teaching performance as well as incorporating supervision strategies. The strategies to be used will involve an analysis of Mr Smith’s videotaped instruction, peer observation, analysis of the students learning, implemen tation of the professional goals and participation in various self-assessment activities. To initiate the self-assessment process of supervision there is need to effectively use the coaching skills inventory and instrument. There are a lot of factors that are involved in the coaching skill inventory instrument. Such factors revolve around the incorporation of communication skills and the relevant resources. Therefore, this step will be steered up

Historical Roots of the Conflict Leading to Genocide in Rwanda Essay

Historical Roots of the Conflict Leading to Genocide in Rwanda - Essay Example There is a consensus about the multiplicity of the factors involved in the conflicts in Africa. Rwanda’s 1994 genocide case is not exception (Villier qtd. in Gaparayi 4).There are several views when it comes to defining the causes of conflict, major focus of this paper is to identify and analyze the historical roots of the conflicts that led to genocide in Rwanda in 1994. Brief Overview of Factors In order to identify the cause of conflicts that led to genocide in Rwanda, some argue that its root cause is embedded in pre-colonial political and social structures of Rwanda (Kangura 1995; J-J. Maquet 1961) while others argue that it initiated by the imposition of colonial powers which was a system of ethnic identity and political/administrative structures that led to division in Rwandan society (qtd. in Gaparayi 3).Moreover, colonial imposition was conserved by two Hutu regimes since independence which finally led to the conflicts and 1994’s genocide (Fundi qtd. in Gaparayi 3). Ethnic and Social Identities and Roots Rwandan people are composed of two major groups, Hutu and Tutsi. Hutu are in majority comprising nearly 85 per cent of the population, Tutsi are 15 per cent while a third minority group Twa or pygmies comprise 1 per cent of total population. Hutu are considered to be settlers from south and west while the Tutsi people came to Rwanda after Hutu people from the north and east. These two groups organized themselves in semi-autonomous communities and established links through trade, marriage, and other social engagements. According to estimates, nearly half of Rwandans today have both Tutsi and Hutu ancestors. Therefore, a group of scholars believe that the difference among them were social and economical rather than their ethnic identity (IJR 7).Despite similarities and shared culture, there are several factors that separated Tutsi and Hutu throughout history and kept the tension building. Tutsi Oppression Irrespective of their origins, these groups lived on same hills and shared simila r social and political culture where identities are divided more into clans rather than ethnicity. It continued until the second of half of nineteenth century. Tutsi King Rwabugiri (1860-95) intervened into the Hutu and Tutsi’s autonomous relationship by introducing a form of feudal labor. According to this setting, Hutu access to land was allowed in return for labor. On the other hand, it exalted Tutsi status to cattle farmers. However, historical evidence suggests that these differing lines between Hutu and Tutsi continually blurred. It is because laborers acquired upward social mobility and status of Tutsi by getting cattle though marriages, barter, and trade. At the same time, some Tutsi became Hutus because of their declining economic conditions (IJR 7). Colonial Roots The Rwandan conflict was historically

Safeguarding Policy for Childminders Essay Example for Free

Safeguarding Policy for Childminders Essay Safeguarding refers to keeping children safe – protecting them from harm/abuse, unsafe circumstances and impaired health/development, ensuring that they have the best possible opportunities in their lives. As a childminder it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of all children in my care. In doing so, I must:- †¢ Keep a confidential written record of any warning behavioural indicators/changes, signs/symptoms giving cause for concern. I will use body maps to indicate locations of bruising or other injuries to children who arrive at my setting with existing injuries. †¢ Not question children, allowing them to tell me things in their own time and their own way, using their own words. †¢ Ensure confidentiality – not discussing with any other party, particularly the parents of a child I suspect may need safeguarding if that may put the child at risk. †¢ Contact the local safeguarding or Social Services if I have concerns regarding the safety/welfare of a child in my care. †¢ Seek support for myself if I find a safeguarding situation distressing, whilst maintaining confidentiality. Mobile phones and cameras:- Any photographs I take in the course of my childminding work (to be used for the purposes of observing the children and keeping records of their development/progress) will be saved securely (with passwords) on my computer and be unavailable to others to view. Once printed these photographs will be deleted from my phone/camera/computer immediately. Others living in or visiting my home will be informed that, in accordance with this policy, they should not take photographs/videos in my home whilst I have children in my care. Regulatory requirements for safeguarding children in home-based childcare:- To comply with safeguarding regulations, as a registered Childminder I have completed the following:- †¢ Child Protection training. †¢ This Safeguarding Policy which is to be reviewed regularly and shared with parents of all children in my care. †¢ Enhanced CRB Disclosure for all adults (over 16 years) living at the registered property. Signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that cause concern in the context of safeguarding:- Physical abuse – bruises in unusual places, of different ages in the same place, of the same shape in different places; outline bruises (hand/belt/shoe prints); bruising of non-mobile babies; fractures; injuries which have not received medical attention; burns; bites; inconsistent accounts of injuries; reluctance to change clothes or uncover parts of body (eg rolling up sleeves). Neglect – dirty skin/hair; untreated headlice; dirty, soiled, ill-fitting clothing or that which is inappropriate for the weather; left alone/unsupervised frequently; lack of medical care/treatment; frequent hunger; frequent tiredness; stealing food; withdrawn behaviour. Sexual abuse – allegations made by child; inappropriate knowledge/play/actions displayed (incl provocative behaviour); speaking/drawing/playing displaying sexual activity; recurrent urine infections; unexplained recurrent stomach pain; severe sleep disturbance with fears, nightmares; eating disorders. Emotional abuse – low self-esteem (incl commenting negatively about self); self-harm; attention seeking/obsessive behaviour; inability to mix with other children; sleep/speech disorders; aggression/depression/extreme anxiety; changes in mood/behaviour (esp becoming withdrawn/unwilling to be away from carer); extreme shyness; nervous behaviour. In the event that I believe (with good reason) that any child(ren) in my care is(are) subject to abuse it is my duty to report this to the Duty Social Worker in my local authority area’s Local Safeguarding Children Board. Under such circumstances it will be necessary for me to share confidential information regarding the child(ren) concerned with OFSTED, Social Services and the Police if requested, superseding any confidentiality agreements held between myself and the child(ren)’s parents. Protecting my own position – I will keep clear records of any injuries sustained by children in my care, as well as any pre-existing injuries they have sustained outside of my care. Unless exceptional circumstances indicate that this would put the child at risk of harm, a child’s main carer will usually be asked to sign my notes as an official record of the injury. This does not indicate any negativity towards or suspicion of the child’s family or personal circumstances, but is intended as protection for myself and my own family/household members against potential allegations made about our treatment of the children in my childcare setting. Carers will also be asked to sign any entry made in my accident book in the event of their child sustaining injury whilst in my care, as a record that I have made them fully aware of the incident and any resulting injury. Useful telephone numbers:- Childcare Services (Access and Referral Team): Duty Social Worker: Police (Pennines): The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage states that:- â€Å"Registered providers must inform OFSTED of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working, or looking after children at the premises (whether that allegation relates to harm or abuse committed on the premises or elsewhere), or any other abuse which is alleged to have taken place on the premises, and of the action taken in respect of these allegations. Registered providers must inform OFSTED of these allegations as  soon as is reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the allegations being made. A registered provider who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence.† Should any allegations be made against any member of my household I will report this to OFSTED as a matter or urgency within the prescribed 14 days.

An Approach Of Scientific And Non Scientific Knowledge Philosophy Essay

An Approach Of Scientific And Non Scientific Knowledge Philosophy Essay The main Objective of this paper is that the difference between Scientific and Non -Scientific Knowledge and Examine the boundary is there between these two. In order to prove all these things, we need to start from the basic. So we start with definition , The Word Science comes from the latin word scientia known as knowledge .According to Websters New Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of science is knowledge attained through study or practice, or knowledge covering general truths of the operation of general laws, esp. as obtained and tested through scientific method and concerned with the physical world.[1]. Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. So, it is very difficult to provide a definite conclusion, to distinguish Science from non Science. Scientific Knowledge:- The Scientific knowledge is process of finding the actual knowledge through experiment and observation. It is logical and rational steps by through which scientists come to conclusion. Scientist use observation, hypotheses, theory, laws and deduction to make these conclusions. First learn the essential element of science by method of analysis. Characteristic of scientific knowledge lies on three factors objective, logical and systematic. It is transformation of deductive logic to hypothesis, then hypothesis to theory and theory to laws. These can achieve by learning from basic concept through assumption, variable, parameters and function forms [2]. Scientific hypotheses and theory are tested and verified by other Scientists, so that I can be accepted by the scientific community. Non Scientific Knowledge:- Non Scientific Knowledge is accessed via senses, intuition, revelation and experience. We know that, moving close to the fire will get hurt and burned. So, he or she gains the knowledge by physical sense seeing, sound, touch, smell and experience .Other gain knowledge by intuition and revelation. Intuition is the strong feeling or hunch and Revelation is supernatural source, such as god, divinity etc. knowledge obtained through experience, intuition, revelations are treated as private knowledge. Objective testing is not conducted on Non scientific methods. Non Scientific knowledge hold, that the world cannot be understood by science, but rather by religious revelations, mystical experience, or literary  deconstructionism [3]. Why we believe scientific knowledge rather than Non Scientific Knowledge? Scientific experiment can be repeated several times to prove the results are correct in all the cases of observation carried out. Scientific method uses method of trial and error. Trial and error is equivalent to scientific methods, Scientist use more details way of understanding of problem .Whereas in case of non scientific method, it is just prediction or forecasting the event with the help of hunch or strong feeling. This wont give the same result all the time. But there is no fundamental difference between two scientific and non Scientific(Barrow,1991) For Example, Car mechanic use his hunch to solve the problem arise in Car, but scientist solve same problem with details examination and causes for the problem. Sometimes Car mechanic can solve the problem so earlier than Scientist. From this, we cant predict scientific knowledge of no use. In order to prove this, Gallup Poll conducted survey in March 2001 among Americans, in topic -Creationism and evolution. In that survey nearly 57 % for Creationism, 33% for evolution and 10% are not sure about the problem (Gallup News Service, 2001). This shows the why scientific knowledge is credible? .first Unit covers, Science epistemological value and development of new Science. Best example is Physical Science, show why scientific knowledge is more credible and reliable knowledge than Non scientific knowledge. According to Lakatos, No scientific theories or hypothesis should be accepted without proper verification from other Scientist and Scientist community. Sir Isaac Newton who is the Father of Physics, so people had blind faith on him. Newton published the final version of his theory Opticks in 1704.Everyone accepted it without any reference and practical experiments (example for non Scientific knowledge). Same time, Christiaan Huygens proposed light was made of luminous particles called as ether .This made people to go against him, since his theory is against Newtons theory of Opticks. After Several years, Christiann Huygens theory was proved correct by Mr. Max Plancks Quantum theory and Albert Einsteins Theory of relativity through various experiment and observation [5]. How can we recognize the correct knowledge? By studying the history of the universe, it is possible to understand the natural hierarchical standard of the nature of organization (Bronowski, 1977). These levels are classified by stability, size and in built properties. These levels are made up of quantum, atomic and molecules of the universe (Silk, 2001). This Hierarchy, show the framework and Characteristics for all scientific knowledge. Some of the characteristics are: There is temporal relation between these levels for development of the universe. Steady and Stable process, to built these level from the basic Course of time is required for the development of the level and their hierarchy. Universe follow the natural algorithm of evolution (Dennett, 1995), for achieving these level of stability in all process and hierarchy. Using this knowledge, every concept of non major Science can be covered, by building a logical way of discussing the factor on itself. Best example is Biological evolution and modern synthesis (Darwin and Mendel). According to Kuhn, science is divided into revolutionary science and normal science. Normal Science is the collection of facts and it obeys all scientific rules and characteristics. Whereas, revolutionary science is overthrow the existing theory and make science in better way. In the beginning of 18th century Darwins Origin of Evolution was considered as revolutionary science. It predicts human race originates from Apes. His theory disobeys all the scientific characteristics and rules. So, no one at that time believed and accepted his theory. But now modern science has various proofs that, Darwin theory is right. [4] How can we integrate the knowledge into one? It is very difficult to accumulate and integrate the knowledge from the source of either Scientific or non scientific methods. Both Science and non Science play a vital role in Knowledge management. By bring the subject to real world and make a relation with the fact came from the experiment, observation and proposed laws to make it as whole one. Steps involved in Integration (Mackinson and Nà ¸ttestad 1998). Gather the required information from the both scientific (Hard data) and non Scientific methods (practical Data). Combine these data with the help of proper communication in all level (analysis, design and implementation) 1. Accurate within the domain 2. Increase the existing knowledge 3. Simple objective 4. Respect the difference in opinion 5. Stiff in opinion is always wrong Understand the complete problem as whole one. Relation of Parts and Unity of Knowledge: By gathering all the fundamental requirement, assumptions and laws (scientific knowledge), we can provide explain the conceptual way of any system as the basis of any non scientific terms, methods or knowledge. Epistemology is study of origin, methods and below the human knowledge. Coherence is epistemological term, in which Science has a logical connection between the theoretical and practical way of handling the methods, lead to cause and effect. Dividing Science into different disciplines, as the need for methodology and specialization (Greene, 1997). But this is not happened in real world. In reality, scientific knowledge is only one. This allows the individual to make specialize. Unity of knowledge is known as characteristic of scientific theory, which a gel of various area of study (Wilson, 1998). Example for unity of knowledge is mechanics in physics, classification of creature and their evolution in biology, Historic events etc. Unity of knowledge is a fruit for scientific an alysis and built a more ample environment to form a coherent picture of the world. When Non Scientific become Scientific? Non Scientific Method is analysis of problem with hunch or inductive or past experience. Truth in non scientific method is not examined, because results are not accurate or mere coincidence. Non Scientific method should follow some steps to reach as Scientific Knowledge. They are: Goal: What is to be done? Model: How it is done? Data: What are requirements? Evaluation: what is the output? Revision: how to improve? For Example: Cooking is the best example for Conversion of Non Scientific into Scientific terms. Microwave oven reduces most of our work, but however preparation of dishes begins with list of ingredients, recipe and instruction, mixing and cooking them. Even though all these things are perfect, well talented chef is required, to follow the recipe, modify the taste by adding ingredient according to the output (requirement of taste of the people). Modification are carried still, it meets the chefs approval. Any significant change in the recipe may be taken as permanent change and make it as food type itself in the nearby future. Scientific Method Template for Cooking GOAL To prepare a dish MODEL Recipe -type of food item going to prepare DATA Ingredients , vessels and other stuffs EVALUATION How it taste? REVISION Modification according to the comments or requirement Not a Science:- Day to Day life, people observe many thing, they treat everything as science. There are some of things, are not considered as science. They are:- Religion is not considered as science. Most of the religions followed some specific codes and methods, to make followers should obey to accept. There is no improvement in religion and no ways to measure it. Governments are established for some reason and goal. They are also allow set of rules to reach the goal. It is rarely a formal function for calculating the goal they achieved. Technology and Science are correlated. Science is used to develop the technology and technology is tool or application, developed from the knowledge of science. Astrology predictions are virtual. There is goal and model s, but criteria like evaluation, Data and revision are absent. Structure of Scientific Knowledge:- So Far, we have argued about the belief of scientific knowledge as a final conclusion, for coherent theories to growth and development. Scientific Knowledge is divided into Internal and External resource, which is implicit and explicit, explanation and concept of environment. The complexity of the problem, help us to deal with knowledge not based on the algorithm, but through set of rules to explain the importance and practices. These types of issues can view as first order module view. According to Scott Atran and Dan Sperber, classify knowledge module as a genetically specified computational device in the mind/brain that works pretty much on its own on inputs pertaining to some specific cognitive domain and provided by other parts of the nervous system (e.g. sensory receptors or other modules) (Sperber 1996, p. 120) The main motto of his postulate is, knowledge modules are providing the access to proper information in correct domain. The Structure is not standardizing, explicitly understanding of the fundamental principles for sensing or reasoning in the particular domain (Carey 1995, p. 274). According to Susan Carey, These knowledge modules are considered as empirical and conceptual problem. The empirical problems related on the data related to different catholicity. So, these data wont provide evidence for making clear decision. But these data help us to understand the fundamental and basic reasoning for characterize (Carey 1985).example for first order module view is classification of the flora and fauna. They are not domain specific. However the knowledge module is considered as the core domain knowledge. Scientific development through abstract knowledge:- According to Carey and Spelke put forward:- Processes for combining the representations from domain-specific systems of knowledge provide one potential mechanism of theory development and conceptual changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ studies of young children provide a promising means to study these processes (Carey and Spelke 1996, p. 528) Abstract knowledge can be obtained from conceptual change. But scientific knowledge is termed as Theoretical knowledge. Results of the observation are converted into theories, which are assumed as right (true). If terms of false result, scientific knowledge is assert the new one, by adding additional valid information in old theories. The change in theories is always good for the growth of the knowledge module in Scientific methods. But now days, sociologist claims, Science is elaborated field, in order to gain the scientific knowledge it is necessary to take cultural and social events as consideration (Biagoli 1993, Shapin and Schaffer 1985). Boundary between Scientific and Non Scientific knowledge:- Whether there is boundary between scientific and non scientific knowledge? In order to examine this, there are several factors and importance we need to notice, some of them are: Accepting the wrong conclusion, so that research is made to find the actual truth (knowledge). Boundary between Scientific and non Scientific is not imaginary, all research either lies on Scientific or non scientific Knowledge is based on the Science, naturally boundary will exist. Boundary is best indicator to explain the characteristic of any research work or fields. Factors involved along with scientific and non Scientific method, explain the characteristic of the research. To define the classical logic and standards, boundary is required. Mistake in applying Scientific methods: Scientist used the hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of any events or research, without finding or conducting experimental tests. We cannot prove the hypothesis, by conducting single experiment. If result obtained from the original hypothesis is differing from final result of the experiment, hypothesis wont change due to result difference. These factors relates on variable control, time, measurement, etc. Removing of unwanted data from the hypothesis is always a great mistake. Scientist always has strong belief, that their hypothesis is right. So it is human tendency, to change the data if results are against the hypothesis. Calculation of estimating the type, priority, number and classification of errors also lead to one mistake in knowledge gathering in scientific methods. Communication plays a vital role in development and sharing of Knowledge. Miscommunication, community override , personal or group bias are avoided , since experiments , test and research are carried out by different people from different culture , language, thoughts ,opinion etc. so there is always possibility for conflict and other human errors and mistake ( Wilson,1952). Summary:- If only theory and practice worked on the same lines, everything I read in the books wouldve been true!!! The scientific methods are closely related with science, which solve the human queries that penetrate the all level of knowledge management. Method are simpler and logic way of understanding the problem. In introduction, we distinguish science and its methods from all other forms of non scientific methods. Scientific method is examine through various step like observation ,prediction , hypothesis and experimentation , with all view of the philosopher like cloud, Spelke, Wilson ,Kuhn etc in each phase . In Terms of Non scientific methods, we discuss about the how it differs from traditional way (scientific methods)? , when Non scientific act become scientific one? . In later portion, boundary and difference between scientific and non scientific methods and knowledge, mistake committed by the scientist while during the hypothesis and other phase of analysis and experiment are discussed. For further details of this topic and other aspect may be found in reference listed below. Conclusion: All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree Albert Einstein [23] We have discussed about the growth of scientific knowledge, with all traditional practices, concepts, evolution of theories and other knowledge resource. The Scientific method view is play vital role in developing the standard and concept. Same way Non scientific methods and knowledge also lead to enrich our idea, since this only converted into scientific knowledge, by adding some favor like goal, evaluation, data etc. Both type of knowledge help us in conversion and development of conceptual system. Conceptual system is rich in cognitive knowledge development. This only required by the people or scholar to enrich society, community or individual.

My son, my executioner Essay -- Literary Analysis, Donald Hall

From a global viewpoint, the passing of generations of the human race is a smooth and natural cycle, one generation bringing another generation into this world, as they themselves begin to leave it. From the perspective of the individual, however, this cycle can bring about a mixture of feelings, from pride to depression, as they watch their own lives fall second to that of their children. Donald Hall’s â€Å"My son, my executioner† and Rita Dove’s â€Å"Daystar† describe how the birth and growth of a child is a massive turning point in a person’s life and can be looked at as either the continuance of one’s legacy or the withering of one’s own life, depending on the viewpoint. Donald Hall’s â€Å"My son, my executioner† describes the speaker’s acknowledgement that the arrival of the speaker’s son signals the beginning of the speaker’s own coming death, but muses that the child will carry on their legacy. The speaker holds the child â€Å"in [their] arms† (line 4) and reflects upon the situation. The speaker refers to the son as their â€Å"instrument of immortality† (line 6), its â€Å"cries and hunger† (line ...

An Analysis of The Dominate Perspectives of International Political Eco

In the world of international political economy, three dominant perspectives have emerged over time. The differences and similarities between the realist/mercantilist, liberalism, and historical structuralism perspectives are significant. In this essay, I will compare and contrast these dominant perspectives. First, I will give a historical account of how each perspective originated. Then I will outline the actors involved in each perspective, explore those actors’ interests, and outline which of those actors set economic and political policy. Lastly, I will explore how those political and economic actors relate to each other. History Among the three dominant perspectives, realist/mercantilist is the oldest and some would argue the most important and comprehensive theory . It was developed in Europe during the 15th to 18th centuries and was based on the premise that what best-supported national power and wealth was increasing exports and collecting precious metals, such as bullion . The states would then establish colonies, a merchant marine, and develop industry and mining to attain a favorable balance of trade . In order for the states to be able to fund their expansion, pay for their increasingly large armies and cover the growing costs of their government they needed to accumulate wealth. The state became more involved in the economy favoring export-oriented policies because in order to accumulate the much-needed wealth, the state needed to sell more than it bought, or export more than it imported . Governments started to impose import duties to protect local businesses and provide a source of revenue. Production was also increasingly regulated by the state and economic treaties were struck between states. The problem was; what good was all the accumulated wealth if they cannot protect themselves from invaders? The states quickly learned that wealth and security were intrinsically related and that in order to have and keep one you must have the other . Security, and the accumulation of wealth to pay for the costs of the security, is therefore now considered to be the most important aspects of realism/mercantilism and states now use the economy as a way to generate more wealth and more power .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Liberalism was a reaction against the policies of realism/mercantilism. The French philosophers ‘The Physiocrats’ condemned the in... ...he corporate sector guides the economic policies of the state and the state in turn regulates the corporate sector with favorable intervention. In summary, after examining the origins of each perspective, and exploring the main actors, which set policy and how they relate, it has become clear that while each theory has been put into practice and have all failed and succeeded to some extent, no one theory can accurately sum up the incredibly complex world of international political economy. Prepared By: Tim Delroy Bibliography Balaam, David and Veseth, Michael â€Å"Introduction to International Political Economy† (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001) Ekelund, Robert B. and Tollison, Robert D. â€Å"Politicized Economies† (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1997) Goldstein, Joshua S. â€Å"International Relations† (New York: Longman, 2001) Jones, Barry; editor â€Å"The Worlds of Political Economy† (London: Pinter Publishers Ltd, 1988) Magnussen, Lars â€Å"Mercantilism: the Shaping of an Economic Language† (New York: Routledge, 1994) Stubbs, Richard and Underhill, Geoffrey R.D.; editors â€Å"Political Economy and the Changing Global Order† (Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2000)

For the Love of Sports

In this paper, I will apply the functionalist theory to answer the question: â€Å"Why are people fanatically interested in playing and watching sports? † Culture, social structure, and social interaction play major roles in contributing to the reasons why people are fanatically interested in sports. Sport fans have a personal connection to their sport and/or team because it represents something that is important to them: city, state, favorite player, their past or future, hobby, and entertainment. Culture consists of the shared ways of life and the shared understandings that people develop as they live together (Coakley, 2009, p. 5). I grew up in a house with my two Uncles who were very influential to my fascination with playing and watching sports. They boxed and also played baseball. Their athletic abilities were exceptional and were represented by the numerous trophies that filled the trophy case in our home. It was no surprise that I took a liking to sports because I was surrounded by it everyday of my life. I would go to the baseball field and watch them play baseball and I went to the gym and watched them train for boxing. My Uncles would also set up pick up leagues for my friends and me. These actions by my Uncles contributed to me becoming a fan of sports. Today I have the same influence on my sons that my Uncles had on me. My sons grew up watching me watch, play and coach sports so it has become a part of their life. They are both athletes that watch and play all the sports that were part of their culture. Many athletes today grew up with sports in their home. Michael Jordon’s sons play basketball, Ken Griffey Jr. played baseball for the Cincinnati Reds where his father, Ken Griffey Sr. , once played and Bob and Brian Griese both won Super Bowls while playing in the NFL. Social interaction consists of people taking each other into account and, in the process, influencing each other’s feelings, thoughts and actions; social structure consists of the established patterns of relationships and social arrangements that take shape as people live, work and play with each other (Coakley, 2009, p. ). I remember when I was stationed over in Afghanistan. My friend and I would get up really early in the morning to watch football. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I really disliked the Steelers but would get up with him to watch them play because he would watch my games with me. However, through the social interaction with my friend I would catch myself cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers because they were his favorite team. Social interaction is a critical part of why people play and watch sports. Sports create opportunities for conversation that enable people to form and nurture relationships and even enhance their status as they describe and critique athletes, games, teams, coaching decisions and the content of media commentaries (Coakley, 2009, p. 18). Everyone in my office where I work is a sports fan. We will spend all day Sunday, while the games are on, texting each other talking about our fantasy football team. Monday mornings are our soap box to discuss all the football action from Sunday. Like ESPN analyst we break down each game and player and this goes on all day. The emotional intensity, group camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment that often occur in sports make sport participation more memorable than other activities (Coakley, 2009, p. 18). Every Wednesday the guys and I from work play very competitive but fun basketball. It has provided us with very memorable moments and camaraderie that is forever lasting. I was at my son’s football banquet yesterday and I bumped into to a friend of mine who use to play ball with us and we talked for almost 30 minutes about the basketball that we use to play on Wednesday when he was there. Sport is both a constituent, and a constitutor, of the broader social context in which it is located. It is a vehicle through which the forces and relations of societal power are covertly communicated and, if infrequently, explicitly challenged, to the benefit of some groups within society, yet to the detriment of others (Zirin, 2008, p. 29). Sport fans have a connection to their sports or sport teams because they represent their city, state and/or community. They watch their favorite team on television or attend the game live to cheer their team to victory over the other team and the fans that cheer for them. Sports and sport teams can, and often do, reflect and represent specific locations and local identities (Crawford, 2004, p. 52). Greenville High School and T. L. Weston were the two high schools that divided my town. Greenville High represented the north side and the south side was represented by T. L. Weston. It was considered a rival game whenever these two teams played each other. The communities for each team came out in full force wearing team colors and other replica to represent the high school in their community. Winning this game would give one side of the town bragging rights over the other. Both sides of the stadium were always packed with fans for both teams. A town divided by two football teams that represented their community but brought together by their love for sports. In conclusion, culture, social interaction and structures influence the actions and relationships of sports fans and contribute to their fanatic obsession with watching and playing sports. Culture can influence what team you cheer for, what sport you like to watch or play, and what kind of sports fan you are. Social interaction and structure provide a forum to discuss your favorite team, cheer with other sport fans, talk about the game you watched on TV, and the opportunity to play the game with friends who also enjoy sports. Many sport fans share the same values and that is their love for sports, even though they may not be cheering for the same team. Sports develop relationships, build camaraderie and gives sports fans something to own outside of themselves.