The Role of Culture in International Marketing

Introduction Culture of a given market represents the way different people in such a market behave and carry out their daily endeavours. In a black box perspective, culture is a representation of a population’s way of life. Markedly, cultures vary from state to state and community to community.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on The Role of Culture in International Marketing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Whites, Blacks, Arabs, Hispanics, and other divisive groups exhibit different cultures. Values, norms, traditions, customs, and beliefs represent some of the elements exhibiting cultural differences. Businesses require utmost care in developing adequate understanding of the impacts of culture on consumer behaviours. Developing an intricate understanding of the different types of cultures that exist across the globe enables business franchises to create ample marketing systems that improve the rate of sales. In understanding the cultural setup in a market, businesses require analysis of key elements that inform cultural practices within a given market. Developing products and services becomes irrelevant without proper marketing strategies. Therefore, implementing these strategies in the global market require putting into consideration consumer differences in terms of values, beliefs, thought processes, and traditions (Cateora and Graham 2007, p. 35). Equally, different cultures appreciate different languages, religions, and symbols. Understanding all these facets within the confines of a marketing strategy enables business entities to win the hearts of many consumers, thereby improving the chances of higher profit margins. This paper seeks to explore the different elements in culture that inform marketing strategy in local and international business franchise. Similarly, the paper seeks to understand the role of consumer culture in marketing and effects of culture on advertis ement. Dimensions of Culture As Czinkota and Ronkainen (2007, p. 128) demote, many scholars argue that individuals develop cultures from interaction with different characters within a society. Characters, behaviours, traits, and customs within which an individual duels create a systematic and predicable way of life congruent to the interactive elements.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More From the development and conformity into a given culture, different individuals begin to develop tastes and preferences for different products and services (Byrd and Megginson 2013, p. 44). Most cultural groups stick to their behaviours and customs since developing a contrary way of life creates animosity within the society. For this reason, several cultures remain reluctant in embracing foreign ways of life, hence creating serious hurdles for international business franchises seeking pene tration in a new market. According to Hofsede (2001, p. 73), for business franchise to develop an adequate understanding of the cultural structures for successful market penetration, understanding the different cultural dimensions within such markets becomes compulsory. Individualism versus collectivism Individualism draws inspiration from the school of thought that believes that individuals hold absolute rights over their lives. Due to this, each person in a given society holds lives his/her life based on personal choices that he/she considers best (Allik and Anu 2004, p. 46). Such choices and preferences translate into the market trends exhibited among the different groups of products and services. Individualism in the investment perspective represents the capitalist nature such as the US economy. Collectivism, on the other hand, relies on the concepts of communal and/or societal ownership of life. In a society practicing collectivism, individuals’ lifestyles draw direction s and instructions from a set of pre-set societal and communal customs as Jeannet and Hennessey (2004, p. 82) observe in their work on marketing strategies. Communist economies such as the former USSR represent some of the countries whose economic policies appreciated collectivism. For international marketing to penetrate into a new setting, understanding the different personal and communal structures and tendencies remains paramount (Reynolds and Siminitiras 2000, p. 840). Power distance Kotler (2000, p. 187) describes power distance as the quantity of authority spread out in business management through cultural practices and customs of a society. Power distance describes the culture of power sharing between the business management units and the subordinates.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on The Role of Culture in International Marketing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Such power distributions define the t ype of relationship that exists throughout the business entity’s organisational structures and culture. In business settings with lower power distance, there exists more interaction between management units and subordinate employees. Such entities engaged in highly devolved systems of duty allocation (De Mooij 2009, p. 42). Business entities with high power distance on the hand, boasts of minimal interaction between management personnel and the subordinate staff. They exhibit highly centralised system of responsibility allocation. In lower power distance set up, lower cadre employees get opportunities to dictate the kind of product and service offered as well as decisions implemented in the running of the entity. The high power set is relatively dictatorial with management holding the absolute power over the business management decisions. In the US, for example, most companies practice low power distance cultures while in Saudi Arabia and China, the business management system s are relatively dictatorial (Onkvisit and Shaw 2009, p. 97). In order to explore a new marketing strategy, business development officers need to understand the different power distance structures existing within the market in question. Understanding these culture forms a prerequisite for successful evaluation and implementation of a business marketing strategy. Masculinity versus femininity Different societies hold different opinions on gender balances and equality. In the Asian societies, for example, male domination in various development sectors continues even as the Western World appreciates affirmative actions and integrates women empowerment in job distributions and management positions. International marketing, therefore, requires an in depth understanding of the role of different gender in a given society before venturing into market penetration plans. Similarly, in the advertisement segment of marketing, understanding the conservative opinions of a given market structure o n gender issues entices the target audience, thus improving the rate of sales. Notably, an increase in sales volume holds the likelihood of high profit margins (Mullins and Christy 2011, p. 69). Uncertainty avoidance In many cultures, people avoid engaging in activities with little assurance on the probable benefits of such engagements. Directing energy to low risk activities with great prospects on benefits remains the basic driver of investors.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Equally, in the consumer world, several individual enjoy the use and association with product and services that presents the value for prices (DeWulf, Gaby, and Dawn 2001, p. 38). This culture remains rampant in the Western World and the capitalist nations. In Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and Japan on the hand, uncertainty avoidance becomes irrelevant in the investment arena. This implies that such economic offer markets with high degree of tolerance to risks and low emphasis on the rates on return on investments. For this reason, several multinational agencies from the Western World find it easy to access, invest, and penetrate markets in Asia under minimal risks while the Asian investors find it difficult to enjoy business in the Western World. Understanding the level of uncertainty avoidance in the market helps business franchises understand the culture of market and economic systems thus improving the rate of adaptability resulting into high speed of market penetrati on (Brad 2006, p. 32). Period of orientation In some cultures, individuals focus on long-term goals at the expense of short-term objectives. Such individuals find it easy to sacrifice short-term achievements in order to pursue longer objectives in the market. In such as setting the culture becomes highly dependent on the values of persistence and perseverance. In the short-term cultures, individuals stress the need for present goals at the expense of the future objectives. High rates of obsessions with short terms goal confine business investment success (Malhotra 2008, p. 218). For example, in case a multinational entity seeks to explore a market composed of consumers with short-term orientation, difficulties arise if the probable impacts of the business franchises are exhibited in the end. Likewise, in long-term orientation market structures, business franchises with short-term goals on the impacts on consumers face difficulties in market penetrations (Keegan and Green 2013, p. 53 ). Elements of culture In order for business entities to develop strategic marketing structures, there exists a need for adequate understanding of the elements that underscore the cultural and societal setting. With globalisation and advancement in technologies, emerging trends in business marketing strategies employ the use of advanced communication systems to reach a large number of people simultaneously (Onkvisit and Shaw 2009, p. 74; Hofsede 2001, p. 69). In case business entities fail to recognise and appreciate the cultures of the target audience, the likelihood of the market strategy receiving a backlash from the market remains high. Understanding the different elements that inform human and consumer culture helps rectify this situation thus providing a base for successful market penetration. Language Language plays a vital role in communication. As a component of culture, language defines the interactive relationship between service and product providers and the consumers. D ue to this, marketing managers need to understand every language and communication culture within the target market before initiating a market penetration strategy. Both verbal and non-verbal component of communication encompass the close relationship between consumer cultures and market structures. Adequate understanding of the different language facets enables marketing managers to improve interaction levels with consumers thus developing a sense of mutual benefit between the two parties. If a marketing manager seeks to explore market within an English speaking country, it is upon the manager to develop an advert in English language lest he/she creates a communication barrier. Communication barrier impedes consumers’ understanding of the product thus reducing chances of buying (Solberg 2006, p. 7). Religion As an element of culture, religion informs consumers’ lifestyles, beliefs, values, attitudes, and ways of life. Since different market structures appreciate diffe rent religious doctrines, evidence shows that these differences appear in the consumer likes and preferences. For international marketers in the business world, understanding a country’s religious beliefs helps develop and in depth understanding of the consumer taste and preferences thus creating an ample avenue for market penetrations (Aiyeku and Nwankwo 2002, p. 29). Some religions forbid the sales and distributions of certain goods and services. This means that in case an entrepreneur launches such as product in areas, which religion prohibits its distribution and sale, there exists high chances of product failure. In the Islamic culture, for example, sale and consumption of pork and its related products is an abomination. For entrepreneurs in the pork industry therefore, penetration in the Islamic states like Saudi Arabia remains impossible. Engaging in such a venture leads to business failure. This implies that any investor who seeks entry into such market must develop a n adequate understanding of the religious orientation of the target market to reduce chances of business failure. As Aiyeku and Nwanko (2002, p. 66) argue on their analysis of international marketing strategies, marketing therefore requires a pre-entry study into the religious beliefs and doctrine within the target market to avoid backlash for the target consumers. In developing an exclusive study into the role of religion in marketing, Usunier and Lee (2005) considered religion as a cultural system with predetermined symbols and meaning. In Africa, for example, they claim that traditional religions, Christianity and Islam, form the major religions in Africa. This implies that in developing a market penetration within the African setting, understanding the confines and doctrines of these religions offers an advantage for the success of a business (Hsu 2003, p. 204). In essence, religions influence consumption behaviours and purchase patterns of individuals. For example, in the Niger ian Christian south region, sale and distribution of alcohol remains legal while in the Muslim North, alcohol consumption remains an offence with gross charges upon conviction. On the same note, religion defines the gender roles and activities within certain communities and markets. For example, in the Muslim North region of Nigeria, movements and women activities remained confined to houses as opposed to the Christian dominated region in which women enjoy freedom of movement and purchase (Babor 2010, p. 103). All these differences influence the rate of purchase of good and service. Therefore, an international marketing manager needs an in depth understanding of the religious disparities before implementing a market penetration plan in any market (Essoo and Dibb 2004, p. 709). Values and attitudes Values represent judgments that individuals make in terms of what activities, products, and services they consider vital to their lives. Despite the operating benchmark lying within the le vel of human basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, these judgments over things valuable to an individual’s vary from one culture to another. Taking into account Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, people with high security value several things in comparison to individuals operating within the survival level. This implies that marketing managers need to understand the different values and status of consumers in the target market before introducing their products or services (Keegan and Green 2008, p. 29). Attitudes refer to the psychological states that command people to act or behave in particular ways. Attitudes draw inspiration from individual characters in the society. Likewise, issues such as work, wealth, security, and other human needs affect individual attitudes. Western countries value individualism and personal achievements, while in most Asian and African countries, people value communal and collective stuffs (Beller and Patler 2005, p. 47). Education Edu cational and literacy level in a country defines the level concept grasp among the populations in that particular country. Areas and regions with low literacy levels require communication strategies with relatively less complicated concepts. In the areas with high literacy levels, concepts with complex structures present less problems to the populations (McNall 2011, p. 38). To avoid communication barriers, international marketing managers need to understand the education levels of the target markets in order to come up with the most viable forms of communication. Areas with low literacy levels appreciate visual advertisement structures with minimal written documents, while areas with high literacy level, document advertisements and other sophisticated imitation styles of advertisement present the most viable method of advertisement (Keegan and Green 2013, p. 182). Legal and administrative structures Different countries have different economic and business policies. Some countries b oast of liberal market structures while in other nations businesses remain restricted and under the control of government officials (Friesner 2014). Understanding these differences form the starting point for investment and market penetration. In the Western World, market liberalisation and capitalism encourages individual investment while in the Arab world, investments in the business sector remains relatively under the control of governments (Terpstra and Sarathy 2006, p. 224). Understanding local policies and regulatory frameworks governing the business sector in a country helps the marketing managers to carry out business activities smoothly without interference from the government and other stakeholders. Conclusion Culture exists in varied dimensions. Understanding the facts that underscore the culture of a given market structure enables business entities easy access and penetration. Initiating goods, products, and services in an area under which culture denounces or prohibits such goods and services is a clear market failure for a business. Despite the fact that only a bunch of business franchises carry out adequate cultural assessment of their proposed market, culture continue to define the levels of business success. Analysing and understanding cultural setups of prospective markets enable investors to evaluate the prospects expected from the investments, thus improving the chances of business success. References Aiyeku, J. K., and Nwankwo, S 2002, Dynamics of Marketing in African Nations, Greenwood Publishing Group, Portsmouth. Allik, J., and Anu R 2004, ‘Individualism–Collectivism and Social Capital’, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, vol. 35 no. 1, pp. 29–49. Babor, T. 2010, Alcohol No Ordinary Commodity, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Beller, K., and Patler, L 2005, The consistent consumer: Predicting future behavior through lasting values, Dearborn Trade Pub., Chicago, IL. Brad, K 2006, International Marketing, Cen gage Learning, London. Byrd, M., and Megginson, L 2013, Small business management: An entrepreneur’s guidebook, McGraw-Hill, New York. Cateora, P. R., and Graham, J. L 2007, International marketing, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, Boston, MA. Czinkota, M., and Ronkainen, I 2007, International marketing, Thomson/South-Western, Mason, Ohio. De Mooij, M 2009, Global Marketing and Advertising: Understanding Cultural Paradoxes, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA. DeWulf, K, Gaby O.S., and Dawn, I 2001, ‘Investments in Consumer Relationships: A Cross-Country and Cross-Industry Exploration’, Journal of Marketing, vol. 65, no. 8, pp. 33–50. Essoo, N., and Dibb, S 2004, ‘Religious influences on shopping behaviour: an exploratory study’, Journal of Marketing Management, vol. 20, no.8, pp. 683-712. Friesner, T 2014, International marketing and culture, https://www.marketingteacher.com/international-marketing-and-culture/ Hofsede, G 2001, Culture’s Consequences, Sage, Tho usand Oaks, CA. Hsu, H 2003, National culture and clothing values: A cross-national study of Taiwan and United States consumers, Prentice House, New York. Jeannet, J. P., and Hennessey, H. D 2004, Cases in global marketing strategies, Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Keegan, W. J., and Green, M. C 2008, Global marketing, Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Keegan, W. J. and Green, M. C 2013, Global Marketing (7th ed.), Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J. Kotler, P 2000, Marketing management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J. Malhotra, N 2008, Review of marketing research, M.E. Sharpe, Armonk, N.Y. McNall, S 2011, The business of sustainability: Trends, policies, practices, and stories of success, Praeger Publisher, Santa Barbara, California. Mullins, L. J. and Christy, G 2011, Essentials of Organisational Behaviour, FT Prentice Hall, Harlow, England. Onkvisit, S., and Shaw, J 2009, International Marketing: Strategy and Theory, Routledge Publishers, London. Reyn olds, N., and Siminitiras, A 2000, ‘Towards an Understanding of the Role of Cross-Cultural Equivalence in International Personal Selling’, Journal of Marketing Management, vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 829-851. Solberg, C 2006, Relationship between exporters and their foreign sales and marketing intermediaries, Elsevier JAI, Amsterdam. Terpstra, V., and Sarathy, R 2006, International Marketing, Northcoast Publishers, Garfield Heights, OH. Usunier, J. C., and Lee, J 2005, Marketing across cultures, Financial Times/Prentice Hall, Harlow, England. This coursework on The Role of Culture in International Marketing was written and submitted by user Dust to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

A Brief Analysis of William Blakes The Fly Essays

A Brief Analysis of William Blakes The Fly Essays A Brief Analysis of William Blakes The Fly Paper A Brief Analysis of William Blakes The Fly Paper William Blake has a very loose structure, and uses a trimester rhyme scheme. The purpose of using trimester is for the short lines to symbolize the brevity of life. The first of the five stanzas describes an innocent fly being thoughtlessly killed by a human being. The second compares a man too fly and a fly too man. The third and fourth explain how flies and humans are similar, and the fifth affirms that man is indeed like a fly. Death is repeatedly referred to as a hand. The fly is killed by being brushed away by the humans thoughtless hand. The human is killed by the blind hand of death. Blake uses the technique of Juxtaposition of the fly and the speaker. The human sees the fly as powerless, and then realizes that humans could be seen in the same manner by a higher order. He says he is fated to live his life Till some blind hand/ Shall brush my wing, comparing his death to that of the fly. The iris stanza uses the imagery of the human placed in a God-like position when he kills the fly. When the human speaking from the point of view of a human, the fly symbolizes those below the speaker In society. The theme of The Fly is mans extreme weakness in comparison to God/death/fate. The poem also uses a common theme of Flakes: innocence and experience. The fly is totally innocent and powerless. The speaker realizes that human beings are powerless In the same way, and this passes him into the realm of experience.

Using the French Expletive Connard in Conversation

Using the French Expletive Connard in Conversation The French noun connard  (pronounced kuh-nar) is an informal term commonly used as an expletive. Loosely translated, it means idiot or jerk, although most people understand it to mean something more obscene. As with all slang, its important to understand what youre saying before you go using it in everyday conversation. You and your friends may toss around expletives like connard  knowing that youre joking. But you probably wouldnt want to use such language in a formal situation or in front of strangers. Translation and Usage A more direct translation of  connard  would be ahole or any number of variations on the f-word. A French person searching for a synonym might choose imbà ©cile  or  crà ©tin.  There is also  a feminine version:  une connarde / une connasse  for cow. Examples of Usage Here are a few examples for context. To be clear, we are not recommending using this term. But it will be useful to understand it because it can be overheard on the streets of any French city or town. Cest un vrai connard ! Hes a real jerk!Tu es le  connard  de lautre nuit.  Casse-toi ! Youre the [expletive] from the other night. Get away!Et je suppose que le sale  connard  veut quelque chose en à ©change.  Ã‚  And I assume the dirty  [expletive] wants something in return.Ecoute, tu devenais un incroyable  connard.   Listen, you were becoming/being an unbelievable jerk.Babe Ruth à ©tait un  connard, mais le baseball reste gà ©nial.  Ã‚  Babe Ruth was  [expletive], but baseballs still  beautiful.Tu peux pas me parler, espà ¨ce de  connard.   You cant talk to me, you son of an  [expletive].Cest pas toi qui pose  la question,  connard.  Ã‚  Youre not asking the question,  [expletive].Vandalisme, arme blanche : Ten prends pour six mois,  connard.   Vandalism, deadly weapon. You get six months in lockup,  [expletive].Ouai, ben, soul ou sobre, tes toujours un  connard.  Ã‚  Yeah, well, drunk or sober, youre still an [expletive].

Organisational behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organisational behaviour - Essay Example Generation Y comprises of people born between 1981 and 1994 with some others extending the period to 2002. They are depicted as ethnically diverse people who are optimistic, achievement oriented, confident, independent, and digitally savvy and dislike being micromanaged (Tapscott, 2009). Millennials are joining organisations in large numbers and may presently contribute to the largest percentage of employees in a company. As they join the workforce, new demands are emerging in order to meet their requirements, which seem to differ from those of the boomers and the Generation X employees. Therefore, companies are creating models based on evaluation of Generation Y’s values, characteristics, and aspirations, then applying them with some well-known theories to incorporate this generation into the workplace (Pepermans and Kerpel, 2008:907). Analysis of the Main Issues facing Management at Rising Entertainment Rising entertainment has a few problems when it comes to the management of Generation Y employees. Firstly, the Generation Y and Generation X employees seem to be in a dispute. The Generation Y wants the Generation X employees to immediately adopt the new ideas that they possess. Josh introduces the idea of marketing the new series on websites, blogs and You tube because he thinks that it would improve sales. Sara, on the hand, nods in agreement but quickly brushes off the idea making Josh feel insignificant. The Generation Y employee has great ideas, but forgets to make further plans like the fiscal capacity needed for implementation. Josh seems to possess a pool of new ideas but in his haste, overlooks planning and protocols, a characteristic associated with the Generation Y. Generation Y employees are creative and forward thinking as depicted in the case of Josh (Erickson, 2008). Generation Y employees are impartial towards protocol and traditional power structures that exist within an organisation. This leads to distrust between employees (Erickson, 2008). Josh meets the company’s C.E.O., Sam, and immediately talks about his marketing ideas and how they would increase sales. Sam tells Josh to give a presentation in a meeting scheduled on the following day. Josh is not even aware of the meeting for he is not scheduled to attend. He is not prepared either. Generation Y employees seem to disregard protocol as Josh did, thus conflicting with the other employees. They are in always in a hurry to get push their ideas and see most of them implemented, therefore, going to the extent of bypassing relevant authority. After finding out that Josh contacted Smithson, Sara gets angry because Josh did not follow the right channels (Erickson, 2009). Generation Y employees await daily feedback about their performance and continuous recognition for their contribution. They feel that they have valuable knowledge and should take credit for it (Erickson, 2008). After getting recognised, Generation Y employees want rewards, which are in this case, promotions and flexible calendars. The flexible calendar ensures that they have some free time off the job to enjoy life (Munro, 2009:7). Josh wanted his ideas taken seriously and implemented so that he could be rewarded. Josh can be seen yearning for some free time to enjoy Los Angeles nightlife. He thinks that he can get a senior position by

Foreign Exchange Rates and Exchange Rate Risk Essay

Foreign Exchange Rates and Exchange Rate Risk - Essay Example The rates therefore are either determined through the market forces or by the central bank of the country to maintain and manage them at a reasonable level. It is also important to understand that when global firms deal in foreign exchange they also expose themselves to various risks. Every firm which deals in foreign currency therefore have to fact these risks and use different hedging methods. These methods vary depending upon the needs of the organization as well as the nature of the transaction. It is however, critical that each firm has to face these risks and must also manage them in order to avoid losses or reduce the risks and manage it at acceptable level. An exchange rate is the rate at which one currency is actually converted into another currency. It is also the value of currency of one country in terms of the value of the currency of another country. The value of two currencies is mostly determined in the open market in which many buyers and sellers actually determine the value based upon overall demand and supply of each currency. It is important to note that there are usually 2 types of exchange rates i.e. spot rates and forward exchange rates. Spot exchange rates are the rates which are offered on the spot for the buying and selling of any particular currency. However, forward exchange rates are determined for the currencies to be purchased or sold in given future date. When international organizations actually receive their payments in foreign currency, they contact foreign currency dealers to offer them either spot or forward rates. Foreign currency dealers however, always quote two different rates i.e. the rate at which the dealer will buy the currency and the rate at which he will sell the currency to the organization. The difference between the bid and ask price (buying and selling price) is considered as the

A Comparison of Dulce Et Decorum Est and Exposure Essay example -- Wil

A Comparison of Dulce Et Decorum Est and Exposure Traditional war poetry gives the idea of patriotic idealism of war. This style of poetry implies that war is patriotic and that people who fight for their country are honorable. But many of the poets do not portray war as it really is, by glossing over the gory details with attractive images. Many traditional war poems were written before the war to persuade and encourage young boys to become loyal soldiers. Many of the soldiers were taught to believe that they were the chosen few and they were delighted to take part. They even thanked God, ‘Now, God be thanked, Who had matched us with His hour’. The capital ‘H’ on ‘His’ implies the importance; meaning that ‘His hour’ is God’s war. This makes the soldiers even more delighted and thankful. And the worst occurrence would be death. But as it says in ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke, death doesn’t last long and everybody shall die at one point, so why not die honorably for your country? Owen and many other ww1 poets were a contrast to traditional poems. They wrote about war realistically. They wrote from personal experience. They include horrific details of death and injury. They also criticized those who were running the war. Wilfred Owen was born in 1893 into a middle-class family. His family came under financial difficulties and his education was stunted. Nether the less his ability of poetry writing grew fuelled by his reading of romantics. In his twenties he went through life going from one badly paid job to another. During this time he had little spare time to concentrate on writing poetry. In August 1914 Wilfred Owen found himself with a stable job as a private tutor of a French family in the ... ...ir personal, first hand experiences of the war. Owen met Sassoon at Craiglockhart War Hospital near Edinburgh. The two men worked together to write ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’, this partnership worked particularly well as both men had experiences of war and could express themselves in their poems. Although ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ and ‘Exposure’ are different poems, they have their similarities. They are both written by a man who was awarded the Military Cross for bravery at Amiens, they both have the same theme (war and the effects, both short term and long term) and both are superbly written. Wilfred Owen experienced the terrors of war first hand and filtered his experiences into his work. That is why ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ and ‘Exposure’ are such wonderful, emotive and interesting poems. Their writer had first hand experience of the horrors of warfare.

Adolescents Happiness and Academic Success Essay

Adolescents’ happiness and academic success; How it is affected by Divorce Abstract The challenges faced when a family is going through divorce can have a large impact on a teenagers overall ability to succeed in every day activities such as school or extracurricular activities. This may be caused by feelings of overwhelming stress and pressure to take full responsibility of other siblings or distraught parents, therefore taking time away from school work. On page 362 in the sixth edition of Psychology themes and Variations, it shows the results of Holmes’ and Rahe’s theory of life-changing events and their connection with stress levels. On a scale of one to one-hundred, divorce rated a seventy-three. We decided to study how students at Mountain Crest are academically affected by divorced parents. We found that a slightly higher number of students with married parents participated in healthy extracurricular activities and obtained better grades than students with divorced or separated parents. But the results were not as drastic as we expected. Introduction â€Å"Life changes are any noticeable alterations in one’s living circumstances that require readjustment. † (Pg 362, sixth edition of Psychology themes and variations). There are many different events that cause change in one’s life, a common alteration being divorce. We wanted to study how the performance of high school students is affected by family situations, such as divorced or married parents. We predicted that students who come from broken families (divorced and/or remarried parents, step-siblings, ect. ) have a lower level of peace and a higher level of contention in their home. We hypothesized that this would affect their scholastic accomplishments and they will have lower grade point averages and less involvement in healthy extracurricular activities such as school sports and clubs. Method We conducted our survey at Mountain Crest High School in Hyrum, Utah in April of 2008. First, we asked people if they would take a survey for us. In larger groups such as full classes, we asked for the teacher’s permission to conduct a survey in their class. We took our surveys in general/required classes such as computer technology and history creating a widespread mix of students. Before passing out the survey’s we instructed the sample to hold the survey in the air when they were completed, and ensured them that no one would know what they had marked. This was to attempt to eliminate distortions in self-report caused by peer pressure. When the sample group agreed to take our survey we passed them to the volunteers. When each person was finished with their survey we went around personally and collected their survey. We surveyed a total of sixty students, ranging in ages 15-18. We selected random classes with a variety of students of different races and gender. After collecting the surveys, we divided them according to their parents’ marital status. We then tallied the results of the students’ grades and involvement in extracurricular activities in each pile. Results ResultsExtracurricular activitiesGrade Point Average YesNo3. 0 or higher2. 9 or lower Married 28173213 Divorced/separated7887 †¢We found that 62. 2% of adolescents with married parents were involved in healthy extracurricular activities, while 53. 3% of students with divorced or separated parents were not. †¢71. 1% of students with married parents maintain a grade point average of 3. 0 or above. 46. 6% of students with divorced or separated parents obtained a lesser GPA of 2. 9 or lower. Discussion Our data didn’t turn out to be as drastically contrasting as we expected, in fact some of our statistics argued against our hypothesis. This has a lot to do with the place that the experiment was performed. Because we are in Utah, we experienced a large sample bias considering Utah (especially Cache Valley) is a highly religious community. If we conducted the same experiment at a different high school or somewhere outside of Utah, our results would be dissimilar. This being because Mountain Crest is a predominantly high achieving school in the area of academics, and also because most students at MC come from LDS families with strong belief in family unity. This resulted in a low number of students from broken families to survey, and a high number of students from functional families to survey. If we were to do this experiment again, we would survey an even number of students with divorced parents and students with married parents, so our results would be more accurate. We might also consider surveying students from other schools to get a broader variety of students. We believe that the reason kids from broken families aren’t as successful in academic activities is because they don’t have the same amount of support from home that other students with happily married parents have. We assume that the students may have more stress from heightened contention at home. Students coming from functional families are more capable of maintaining a higher GPA because of higher support levels from family members. They also have less stress because they don’t have the worry of dealing with issue of balancing separated parents and siblings.