The Utilitarian Social Theories as a Reflection of the Fundamental Values in the United States - Term Paper Example

Values and Policy Beginning the 1950s, the utilitarian social theories obtained from economics dominated the politics of the USA. This doctrine dictated that the people's behaviors are determined by individual interests, [Fow14]. In this case, the operational values are only those attached to specific individuals or groups. Nevertheless, from the 80s, the utilitarian social theory has received criticism from various scholars producing their evidence that other values also shape the politics of the day. Some of the contention amongst these scholars is that both self-interest and other such develop policies as the observation of the principle of ideology, philosophy, and religion. Weber described self-interest as fuel that catalyzes the operations while different values as switchmen who made a decision on which rail the train would pass through. In this case, in shaping educational policy or proposal policy consideration of self-interest is paramount. However, people should always move beyond self-interest borders to even other values and also general belief systems that advocate policy. Individual behaviors are shaped by self-interest plus alongside other values. In looking into matters related to education policy values, self-interest value is significant. In the economic value, it should be noted that individuals are driven by their self-economic interests or for the team they are associated to. When analyzing an education policy, one should put into consideration who is going to benefit economically from the policy and those who are going to be penalized by the policy, [Fow14]. For example, in the case of education policy people who will gain are individuals, there could be organized groups like teachers union or even a broad group of people such as business people. These groups may benefit from taxes, salaries, remissions, increase in fringe benefits and many others. In most instances, people or teams focus on increasing their power. In analyzing education policy, one should always put into consideration the beneficiaries of power as a result of the policy and who loses control on the other end. Power is often hidden in a manner that is not exposed much. Examples of benefits that come with power are a power of vital decision, serving for longer terms, right to new law, information access, channels of communication access, advising decision-makers authority and job security assurance. In general social value of order states that individuals would always require safe and secure environment for themselves and their property. The government is mandated in maintaining social order in most cases. In American schools, the order is highly valued and therefore it is a necessity. Individualism, on the other hand, is rooted in the American cultural beliefs,[Fow14]. In this case, individualism implies considering the individual person and his or her requirements before those for groups. Individualism also emphasizes on being self-reliant and in fact, the way the USA. Democratic values include liberty also known as freedom, choice or freedom. It advocates for democracy and freedom is not restricted, but on the other hand, every freedom comes with limits. For instance, in an education setting, every teacher has the freedom to religion but do not have the right of converting their students. When evaluating freedom concerns of policy, you should consider the effect of that policy on political freedom of speech, press, association or assembly of either the teacher or learner or even both. It should also look into how the policy affects the number of choices that are open to both students and parents. Finally, how the policy affects the freedom of religion of learners and school. The democratic value of equality states that all people are equal, [Fow14]. However, people are not similar regarding intelligence, power, wealth and physical strength. It primarily refers to people are equal humanly and hence, are equal before the law and have equal opportunity to live their lives not far away from their social norms. Equality is also known as equity or social justice, and there are various forms of equality such as political which states that individuals have equal right to participate in the political system while economic equality indicates that equity in wealth distribution. Most Americans do not embrace the idea of justice since there is an inconsistency with their achievement, [Fow14]. However, there is an opportunity to have similar better education and decent jobs and America has made excellent progress in it, for instance in the 19th C every child has access to primary education, and at the start of 20th C, it has expanded to secondary schools, [Fow14]. At late 20th C minorities such as girls and people living with disabilities have access to education. Democratic value of fraternity talks about solidarity, social capital or brotherhood. It means that individuals view other people in their society as brothers and sisters and to take care of them responsibly. Also, to turn to each other at times of difficulties for help. It also calls for the integration of various races and inclusion of minority learners in learning centers. Economic values such as quality talk of world-class, excellence and high standards which are sold by policymakers. Quality value include policies like valuable instruction improvement, helping learners grow in their skills in critical thinking and advancement in the study of science, technology, and science. Economic efficiency is another value which advocates for cost-effectiveness by obtaining high profits on in investment with fewer resources, [Fow14]. In the education policy, education should aim at excellent achievement and fewer expenses. Makers of policy concentrate much on cutting cost in school with a slogan of doing more and with fewer resources. In this instances, the outcomes are the proficiency tests from the state, financial motivation for higher scorers and teachers getting paid on productivity. In economic growth, the focus is on production maximization, stimulation of local consumption and expansion of foreign trade. In policymaking, education will be considered as a pillar to economic growth that will produce the workers who are well skilled, and the schools are consumers of plenty of items and learners are today and tomorrows consumer of products and services. Clean Dream Act of 2017 was formed to coerce the government of the USA to reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative which was ended by President Donald Trump, [Fow14]. The ending of the program left 800,000 beneficiaries to face future with uncertainties. The Clean Dream Act calls on the Congress to come up with a budget and policies that will show their values and that fight for the individual's dignity and to protect the neediest ones. In the line to what has been discussed earlier on in this paper, what the value that should be put in consideration in designing the policy of the immigrants should look into the following: self-interest values which include economic and power. For example, Clean Dream Act is asking the Congress to observe law both international and domestic in protecting the refugees and asylum seekers, [Fow14]. In short, USA has the economic power to protect the two minority groups and therefore, the government should be at the forefront defending the team and not sending it away. In policy formulation, the Clean Dream Act requests the Congress to uphold the value of equality. The group asks for the creation of legal status of citizenship and hence, in its policy making, it should consider all individuals are equal, and they should be accorded equal opportunities. The Act asks the government to uphold the value of fraternity. This value addresses the issues of brotherhood and sisterhood. It is requesting the government to maintain the family ties and bringing accountability and encouraging community participation in making border policies. In conclusion, Clean Dreamers Act should reflect all the four fundamental values in the United States such as self-interest values which include economic and power. There is also general social values which consist order and individualism. Additionally, there are democratic values that comprise liberty, equality, fraternity, and fraternity and finally, there are economic values which include efficiency, economic growth, and quality. These values should guide the government in shaping immigrants policy. Read More