Essay on Perspectives on Television

Essay on Perspectives on Television Essay on Perspectives on Television Introduction to Sociology Reaction Paper 1 Perspectives on Television Symbols of status: iPhones, iPads, massive homes with huge payments, designer footwear,designer bags and lets not forget the massive SUV’s, advertised as built to maneuver on rough terrain and made for soccer moms. The general concept is to tell members of society that bigger is better; be it the price or the product. Television, when they first appeared, was a sign of status; perhaps in many ways, they are still symbolic of a persons place in society. However, when anyone can drive through rural areas, and see on practically every dilapidated home, a satellite dish, television has become something more. Sociologists â€Å"study the influence that society has on people’s attitudes and behavior and the ways in which people interact and shape society† (Schaefer 6). There are three ways in which a Sociologist will view society and it’s elements. The first is the perspective of a functionalist who views society as a system, with a unified structure, while the second, conflict perspective looks at who is in control that is constantly causing conflict. Last is the interactionist perspective that â€Å"generalizes about everyday forms of social interaction in order to explain society as a whole† (Schaefer 15). Functionalist View The functionalist will ask: what is the role of television in our society and what purpose does it serve?The functionalistview society as a living organism in which each part of the organism contributes to its survival. This perspective emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structures to maintain its stability (Schaeffer13). The functionalist also will look at manifest and latent functions as well as dysfunction (see fig. 1).Manifest functions are those that â€Å"involve the intended, recognized consequences of an aspect of society† (Schafer 14). The functions would be: Television provides entertainment. Television passes values and social norms from generation to generation. Television delivers information by way of news and educational programming. Advertising is also a form of information that helps the economy by promoting industry and goods. Television fosters consumption that helps the economy. Fig. 1 Table illustrating latent function and dysfunction of television Latent Functions Dysfunctions People and mostly children spend too much time watching television. Not enough physical activity, causing obesity in children which brings up health concerns and self-esteem issues. Promotes consumption with advertising. Environmental concerns of industry and consumerism and also, people incurring debt that often ends in bankruptcy. Promotes unrealistic idea of beauty and perfection for our youth. Eating disorders, body image issues, low self-esteem and an overall feeling of never measuring up to the constant pictures of perfection. Conflict View The dominant concept of the conflict view is that â€Å"people are shaped by power and coercion† (page 16). The conflict theorist will see television as an outlet and a tool to gain control over individuals and society. At the root of this perception is the idea that people are fighting over resources which creates divisions and conflict. One major theory of the conflict view is that of gatekeeping, which is defined as a select few who dictate what is allowed to be seen by the

Defining Active and Passive Transport

Defining Active and Passive Transport Active and passive transport processes are two ways molecules and other materials move in and out of cells and cross intracellular membranes. Active transport is the movement of molecules or ions against a concentration gradient (from an area of lower to higher concentration), which does not ordinarily occur, so enzymes and energy are required. Passive transport is the movement of molecules or ions from an area of higher to lower concentration. There are multiple forms of passive transport: simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, filtration, and osmosis. Passive transport occurs because of the entropy of the system, so additional energy isnt required for it to occur. Compare Both active and passive transport move materials and can cross biological membranes. Contrast Active transport moves materials from lower to a higher concentration, while passive transport moves materials from higher to lower concentration.Active transport requires energy to proceed, while passive transport does not require the input of extra energy to occur. Active Transport Solutes move from a region of low concentration to high concentration. In a biological system, a membrane is crossed using enzymes and energy (ATP). Passive Transport Simple Diffusion:  Solutes move from a region of higher concentration to lower concentration.Facilitated Diffusion: Solutes move across a membrane from higher to lower concentration with the aid of transmembrane proteins.Filtration: Solute and solvent molecules and ions cross a membrane because of hydrostatic pressure. Molecules small enough to pass through the filter may pass.Osmosis: Solvent molecules move from lower to higher  solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane. Note this makes the solute molecules more dilute.Note: Simple diffusion and osmosis are similar, except in simple diffusion, it is the solute particles that move. In osmosis, the solvent (usually water) moves across a membrane to dilute the solute particles.