Implications of Diversity in the Economy of Roseburg - Case Study Example

Sociology 14 December Implications of Diversity in the economy of Roseburg, Oregon Audience and Purpose Sociology and anthropology are two distinct bodies of science that both deal primarily with the society (Merriam-Webster 864) and human beings in relation to many different aspects of his life like his origin, races, social relations and culture (Merriam-Webster 37). Since this involves human behavior and his relation to the environment around him, the audience of this research is therefore not contained and limited only to a certain group but to the vast of humanity that continuously faces challenges with regards to social interactions and concerns in economics, politics and social pillars. This study serves the purpose of knowing the economic status in terms of diversity in Roseburg and its implications and impact on the fullness of its economy as a whole. Also this will lighten the views and understanding of the society regarding economics and their participation that plays an important role in the fluctuation of it. The study will be done using the ethnographic fieldwork method. Ethnography is a qualitative method aimed to learn and understand cultural phenomena which reflects the knowledge and system of meanings guiding the life of a cultural group. It is often employed for gathering empirical data on human societies and cultures. Data collection is often done through participant’s observation, interviews, questionnaires, etc. Ethnography aims to describe the nature of those who are studied through writing. In the biological sciences, this type of study might be called as a field study or a case report. The demands are met through two major research techniques: participant observation and key informant interviewing. Participant observation is based on living among the people under study for a lengthy period and gathering data through continuous involvement in their lives and activities. As an ethnographer I began with a systematic observation and kept daily field notes, in which the significant events of each day were recorded. Initial observations focus on general, open ended data gathering derived from learning the most basic cultural rules and usually the local language as well. This initial orientation process is important to help anthropologist gain rapport with the informants (“Method and Theory in Cultural Anthropology”). Participant observation and interview method will be utilized in gaining relevant information from randomly selected subjects, who have different views and opinions on the current economic status and their participation in it. This will aim to answer questions as to the demographic profile of respondents to illustrate the level of their understanding of the situation of the economy and the impact of its diversities. Moreover, the incidence of discovery of the different economic issues needs to be addressed as perceived by the majority of the respondents. This research is a hope that will answer the questions in the assumption of whether diversity in economics can impose different threats and the advantages and disadvantages it bears. The founding fathers of modern sociology- Marx, Durkheim and Weber, have different ideologies and influences in sociology. It would be hard to underestimate the influence of Marx in fields such as social stratification and mobility, education, economic development, the state, culture and media. The influence of Durkheim is on his pioneering the use of quantitative analysis, using statistical method in the investigation of the society. Weber, on the other side, inaugurated the tradition of interpretative sociology which takes human individuals, their ideas and actions the starting point for sociological analysis ( Hughes, Sharrock, and Martin 3). The views of these sociologists can help us better understand culture, as viewed by Hollins, as the guide for feeling, thinking and behaving and is central to school of learning (14). THEORY OF CULTURAL DETERMINISM views that people are what they are conditioned to be. According to this theory, human beings are passive creatures and do whatever their culture tells them to do. This explanation leads to behaviorism that locates the causes of human behavior in a realm that is totally beyond human control. This helps me view circumstances around a person as a result of what they have permitted to happen. This puts man in total control of his current condition. Setting: The focus on economic diversity has often been promoted as a means to achieve the economic goal of stability. Few empirical studies have been able to relate higher levels of diversity to both economic stability and overall levels of economic activity. Diversity measures, as used in these studies, have tended to be narrowly defined, usually emphasizing on the distribution of employment across industries. One approach to measuring diversity is in terms of respondents’ level of knowledge which is outlined and computed. The data collected and tallied reveals the causes of economic diversity: poverty, wealth, disability, age, unemployment, culture and education (Wagner & Deller 1993). Economic stability has been an issue concerning every members of the society, this aspect paved for the provision of such topic. Since economic can be felt by everyone, the majority of people from different sectors of the society would be less of a problem heeding for an unbiased result from all the sectors of the society. Methods: The topic needs collection of data from respondents by the process of collating their ideas by taking notes with the use of a question and answer tool. By personal approach and explanation of the basics of the study to the respondents we avoid misconception from the subject matter and somehow grasp their trust. Group approach can also be applied to lessen the conflict of time and efforts. Primary respondents were randomly chosen from all levels of the working society, the purpose of which is to gather unbiased opinions in general. However, the question of honest, just and participatory answers from the respondents is a challenge at large. Anthropological/Sociological question is the question relevant to socio-anthropological view point. It is deemed relevant, to be sociologically and anthropologically wise, to have an answer to the question: How human behavior affects economics and vice versa. Provisional Conclusions Economic diversity predisposes to economic stability. The current situation an economy is withheld affects the people in its society. Stability would mean a stronger economy in terms of production and monetary stability. By this more jobs will be available to set a more profitable situation for the society. Furthermore, stability will increase state profit which would mean more government funds for the utilization of more useful projects that will be made available in service of the public. Not to mention the great deal of educational funds the state can accommodate to send children to school for free or for a lesser cost. Economic stability would likewise provide its constituents with lower prices of goods and commodities. This would also address the never ending issue of poverty as the root cause of instability. It is in our social responsibility to be aware of what is going on in our community, and it is what the study would like to put an answer to. Many of us today are indifferent of the situation we are faced. Our participation in the evaluation of our status quo is greatly solicited. It is highly important that the views of the people from the different sectors of the community are collated and heard so that unbiased data will be available from all class of the people. Moreover, a hope is passed on that similar studies can be made to find out more about society, the economy and the world to help the general public have a clear understanding of their participation and address issues concerning the betterment of the society they belong. Works Cited Hollins, Etta R. Culture in school learning: revealing the deep meaning. Routledge, 2008. Hughes, J., W. Sharrock and P. Martin. Understanding Classical Sociology: Marx, Weber, Durkheim. SAGE, 2003. Sociology Central . sociology.org.uk. 13 December 2011 . Uiversity of Manitoba-Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts. www.umanitoba.ca. 2011. 13 December 2011 . Wagner, J. and S. Deller. A measure of Economic Diversity: An Input-Output Approach. University of Wisconin-Extension, 1993. Read More