Ms Woods

I have another assignment for y

Running head: SOCIAL BEHAVIOR EVOLUTION AND ARISING OPPORTUNITIES 1

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR EVOLUTION AND ARISING OPPORTUNITIES 21

 

 

 

 

The Evolution of Social Behavior and Opportunities That Arise

y

CA499

Prof

12014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract

Social evolution is inherent to human society since man is constantly interacting with technological, economic, demographic, and social forces. These changes do not follow a specific channel, but the result is creation of new social needs and wants. “Public good capitalism” dictates that though businesses emerge to make profit, they also need to meet a social need. The sexual revolution, the women rights activism, and the gay and lesbian rights movements agitated for rights equality, but they also created social vacuums, ergo creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Nonetheless, each social evolution creates unique needs and wants, meaning business opportunities are not uniform for all social changes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Evolution of Social Behavior and Opportunities That Arise

A defining feature of mankind is the ability to organize, and socialize with the immediate environment, which can either be the natural environment, social groups and organizations. While this feature largely relates to man’s propensity to make the best of most situations, such as living communally to offer greater protection to society members; it also relates to the innate nature of man’s curiosity. Yeats and Yeats (2007) observe that curiosity in man fuels the need to learn, and investigate, and can only be satisfied “. . . behaviorally through exploration”, and this in turn helps man attain goals and make decisions (p. 118). This also implies that man acts in specific ways due to the curiosity aroused within, and this leads to change in behavior over time, since man is always exploring new possibilities and ideas.

However, more than act out of the simple drive to quench curiosity, individuals in society also act due to other motives. Whitworth and Whitworth (2010) point out that man in society acts out of self and social interests, in both the natural and social world. Therefore, when an individual starts a business, the aim is to make profit, but at the same time, meet a social need. This is the reason in the first civilized nations, individuals decided to cooperate so that fighting enemies and securing food could be easier; thus in this instance, man cooperates with other people, in order to meet the selfish motive of self preservation. Whitworth and Whitworth (2010) add that human evolution paralleled social and technical evolutions, and is the reason man started living communally; social evolution dictated that forceful taking of items from other people was wrong, hence the commencement of simple trade.

Over millennia, social behavior has evolved, causing changes in social structures and paradigms. This is because individuals in society, who make up social structures and adhere to societal paradigms, primarily drive changes in social behavior. This is a premise Ross (2012) supports, stating that although explanations of social changes are en masse; the actions of the individual members of society are what explain the root cause of any social change or evolution. In addition, Ross (2012) argues that social evolution leads to increased individualism, which in turn spurs further change in social behavior and subsequent social evolution. This is the reason changes in social behavior have led to opportunities for companies and organizations because social evolution imply that new needs and wants are created by the change in behavior of all or part of society members. Thus, “public good capitalism” emerges to cater for the new needs brought on by changes in social behavior (Whitworth & Whitworth, 2010). Social behavior in man has been evolving in tandem with technical and organizational changes in society. This has led to societal wide changes in social behavior; and created new opportunities for businesses to fill gaps left by these changes; and therefore, the evolution of social behavior has over time been giving entrepreneur’s new opportunities.

Factors Affecting Social Behaviors

Social behaviors have been evolving for as long as man has been around. This is because changes in living conditions and the environment dictate that man adapts in order to optimize their chances of survival (Boesch, 2012). For instance, in the first civilizations; societies had to discover the “golden rule” of not pillaging each other in order to live peacefully, and instead chose to trade what they had with what they needed (Whitworth & Whitworth, 2010). This meant that individuals in society could live in harmony, leading to tighter bonds between members of the same community, and increasing the odds of survival. Boesch (2012) also supports this outlook citing an experiment on chimpanzees and human beings that showed both mammals usually changed their social behavior in order to solve problems, and care for weaker members of a social group. Therefore, the external environment is a great motivation for human beings to change behavior in order to maximize their chances of survival. Nelson (2006) adds to this premise, arguing that social evolution resides in culture itself “. . . as a body of practice, beliefs, values, and norms, that are broadly shared within a society” (p. 504). So, the direct interactions of human beings, their environemt, as well as cultural compomnents of society contribute to social evolution.

Apart from changing behavior in order to survive in the external environment, technological changes in the environment also lead to change in social behavior. The main reason for this is that exposing an individual to a new way of doing the same thing, implies that interaction with the process changes, leading to a change in behavior. This is an outlook Duckworth (2009) clearly states arguing that:

Behavior is thought to primarily drive evolutionary change because a change in behavior that results in a switch to a new environment or new way of interacting with the environment exposes organisms to novel selection pressures resulting in evolution of . . . life history and physiology. (p. 14).

Thus, implying that introduction of a new technology, gives individuals more choice on how to interact with the environment, and in extension other people because the technology has created a new social paradigm. This is a premise Greenwood and Guner (2010) buttress stating that social evolution relates to technological changes in society, which affect the production and consumption abilities; which create an incentive to individuals not to abide by social mores and customs. So, when people start changing their behavior in order to take advantage of new opportunities, societal wide changes emerge, leading to a social evolution (Greenwood & Guner, 2010). For instance, the development of the contraceptive pill in the sixties, led to the sexual revolution because attitudes on sex and the fear of getting pregnant changed since, a new technology (the pill) had shattered any fears of sexual activity before marriage (Greenwood & Guner, 2010).

Finally, an explanation of the evolution of social behavior is in cooperation in joint enterprises in society. De Silva et al. (2010) states that in cooperation in joint enterprises, individuals often act selfishly, looking to reap more than they put in such situations. This is because individuals try to make sure that they use as little personal resources as possible, yet gain as much as possible from the rest of society. However, in case participation in the joint enterprise is voluntary, participants will often join in even when altruism, where other people reap all benefits of a contribution, is strong (De Silva et al., 2010). Therefore, in the case of social change, such as the fight for racial equality, only a few individuals drive the evolution, because the social order of the day resists the sought after change and sanctions such as jail may be in the offing. Society members may also not join the movement if asked to, but if society members see the benefits inherent in the social change, then they are likely to participate in the social change, even though they personally may not live to see the benefits of the same. Therefore, the reasons why social evolutions take place are many and varied, ranging from technological and environmental changes, to innate factors in human beings such as the desire to create a better society.

The Revolution of Social Evolution

Social evolution in societies takes place over a long period. This is because though measured at a societal level, social evolution propagates through individuals in society. A premise Ross (2012) concurs with noting that “. . . actions of collectives must ultimately decompose into, and this be explained by reference to, actions of their individual members” (p. 3). Nevertheless, in order for social evolution to take place, there has to be a tipping point; a revolution that triggers the start of the social evolution. Rousseau (2006) argues that while specific historical changes are hard to predict, the major triggers of social change fall into four variables: technological, environmental, economic, and demographic.

To illustrate these variables Rousseau (2006) offers an example of a primitive society that is undergoing growth, in order to survive, the society forms a language so that communication becomes easier, and this can help that particular society survive since members of that society can communicate and direct each other to food, and warn each other on danger. Again, to illustrate the variable of environment, Wasielesk and Hayibor (2009) explain that in the establishment of organizations, values such as altruism, reciprocity and social exchange emerge because in the specific environment of the business organization, these values are important in helping the business survive. Finally, to illustrate the variable of technology, Cohen (2012) argues that when the contraceptive pill was developed in the sixties, sexual attitudes and behavior in society changed because the risk inherent in sexual intercourse; pregnancy, was removed and this liberated sexual activity to the masses; the married and unmarried who did not now face the risk of pregnancy. Thus, specific changes in social behavior emerge due to the need to adapt to new conditions of life, and these changes only begin with a trigger; a revolution that signals the start of a social evolution.

Evolutions in Social Behavior

Over the years, there have been major evolutions in social behavior in human society. These changes have either affected the whole society, or a part of society, and this is what has determined how fast adoption of changes in social behavior takes place. A number of factors have driven social evolutions over the years, and the speed at which the evolution has taken place has been determined by the technology of the era. This therefore, means that as technology progressed, social evolutions took place much faster, and adopted by the public at a slightly faster pace than the evolution preceding it.

The Sexual Revolution

The sexual revolution was one of the major social changes in society in the Twentieth century. This revolution challenged traditional outlooks of sex, interpersonal relationships, and sexual behavior and attitudes (Smith, 1990). The desire by women to break the chains of male dominance and servitude in social and sexual matters, and the development of new technology fueled the revolution. According to Cohen (2012), before the advent of the contraceptive pill, unmarried women had little say when it came to sex, because sexual intercourse carried the risk of pregnancy, which in turn could lead to unsafe illegal abortions, forced marriages and single motherhood; choices that society greatly frowned upon. Therefore, the invention of the contraceptive pill meant that erstwhile sexual mores were no longer valid because the risk inherent in sexual intercourse; pregnancy was removed. In addition, by having the power to engage in premarital sex, the sexual revolution driven by the development of the contraceptive pill meant that women had greater control over their lives, since they could delay marriage and having children. In fact, Cohen (2012) observes that the sexual revolution enhanced economic power among women, because delayed marriage and procreation meant that women could pursue their careers and other economic activities wholly. This meant that women became breadwinners, and competed on an almost level footing with men in the labor market.

Today, sexual activity and attitudes towards sex are more open than ever before. Sexual debut among teenagers and young people has considerably lowered, and more young people are having premarital sex than ever before. Greenwood and Guner (2010) point out that in 2002, around 75% of all teenagers had experienced premarital sex, compared to around 6% in 1900, mainly because sexual desire among women is no longer contained within the confines of marriage. In addition, this care free attitude towards sex has also led to serious social outcomes. Malhotra (2008) observes that today, 19 million Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs) occur yearly, with half of the cases occurring in young people aged 15 and 24. In addition, early sexual debut also leads to the inability to form healthy long term relationships and altered self esteem (Malhotra, 2008). Therefore, the sexual revolution not only freed women from the chains of male dominance, it also led to increased economic independence and forever changed the standards and attitudes that society applies to sex.

Women Rights Activism

The women rights activism was one of the most important social evolutions to man because it affected women from all walks of life, and from all over the world. In addition, the women rights activist movement is considered an important social evolution because more than agitate for the social, economic, and political rights of women, it also aided the rest of society in eliminating injustices in social, economic, and political spheres for all (Alonso, 1993). This is because attainment of rights by women could only be through change of policies so that all human beings could have equal rights. The women rights movement did not originate at a single point in time, rather it was a movement that started spontaneously by women from various spheres of life. Alonso (1993) observes that the women rights movement originated from churches, women clubs all over the country and other social movements such as the abolitionist movement in the nineteenth century. All these origins had a different agenda, but the common thread that linked them, and which ultimately led to the women rights movement was that they were all fighting for the equality of women in society. Nevertheless, the basis of the women rights movement was the blatant inequalities between men and women and society, and the lack of opportunity for women. Hawkesworth (2006) argues that issues such as coerced contraception, malnutrition, forced sterilization, unwanted sexual relations, violence at home, and poor maternal and child care were major triggers in the development of the women rights movement. Additionally, denial of rights to own property, gain custody of children, and even vote were also major triggers in the development of the women rights movement.

The women rights activism was a significant social evolution because it was a social change that not only led to society ceding rights to women, but also aided in the creation of a nation where all members are equal. Specifically, the women rights movement was key in agitating for the abolition of slavery. Alonso (1993) shows that as early as 1832, Elizabeth Chandler a women rights crusader was stating that slavery should end and women could help by standing for other women in enslavement. Furthermore, a number of women rights activists compared slavery to life as a woman because both were “. . . kept in subjection by physical; force” and considered more like property than human beings (Alonso, 1993, p. 32). Therefore, women rights activism helped push along the abolition of slavery and realization of equal rights for all.

Nonetheless, although the women rights movement are traceable to the nineteenth century, it is still ongoing as women continue for equality in all spheres of life, including education, and employment opportunities. For example, the fight to have the contraceptive available to all women regardless of marriage status relates to the women rights movement because it was a fight to give women control over their lives and sexuality. In addition, gender based affirmative actions also related to the women rights movement because it entails the struggle to have equal representation for women in education, employment, and opportunities in life.

Racial and Civil Rights Movement

Racial inequality and race have been important elements in the creation of the American nation. This is because the nation was built on the premise of political and religious freedom, as well as economic liberty. However, below the America dream, the nation was built on the shoulders of inequality, oppression, slavery and denial of fundamental freedoms based on race (Wright & Rogers, 2011). Today, minorities in the United States lag in virtually all areas of social life, likely to be poor than whites, earn 40% less than whites, get inferior education, live in poorer neighborhoods and generally have lower quality of life (Bonilla-Silva, 2013). This situation is made more glaring when most people in the United States claim that they are not racists, and neither do they condone it (Bonilla-Silva, 2013). Therefore, although the American society is one of the most democratic espousing values such as freedom and equality, it is still engaged in a fight with an unseen enemy: racism. Racism links to slavery on the premise that slave owners had to look for reasons as to why slaves could not be free. Thompson (2003) in a critical paper on racism states that the main slaves were though of as dim witted, and incapable of being let to live on the mercy of their limited mental capacity; therefore, it was necessary that that are enslaved to prolong their lives. It was for this reason, and more stereotypes that fueled the need for the racial evolution.

The drive of the racial evolution was the desire to have equal rights for all men regardless of race, gender, or social standing. In fact, this evolution is fundamental in today’s society because it espouses the most basic human right; freedom and as such other social evolutions like the gays and lesbians movements have staked their foundation on this evolution. Wright and Rogers (2011) explains the accomplishment of racial evolution was through the civil rights movement, abolition of legal segregation laws and statutes, and continuous breaking down of economic and cultural supports of racism. An example of the laws demolished during the racial evolution was the court case Brown vs. Board of Education, where the United States Supreme Court rules that segregating school children on the basis of race was tantamount to inequality and hence unconstitutional (Warren, 1954).

Nonetheless, the fight for racial equality has been a long struggle, and one that has reaped benefits because today, although inequalities still exist in income, housing, education and access to credit between whites and minority groups, these gaps have reduced compared to the fifties. In addition, gains in the political sphere have also been monumental, as illustrated by the election of a black president (Wright & Rogers, 2011).

The Fight for Gay and Lesbian Rights

ou. Using the paper I provided, I need an essay with the below:

Also the paper has to be in “APA” formatted paper the organizational culpability for the problem. (Approximately 500 -700 words)

Thanks

Armyvet101

 

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Organizational Culpability

In this assignment, you will explore the organization’s culpability for the problem you have defined:

• Is there evidence of corruption, prejudice and discrimination in the behavior of the organization or organizations that carry primary responsibility for the problem?
• Does globalization play a part in the problem? Why or why not? Be sure to explain the concept of globalization.
• What strategy has the institution that bears primary responsibility for the problem employed to legitimize their conduct? How have they justified their actions?
• What is the organization doing to reduce or alleviate the problem? Is it doing anything? What seems to be the motivation for this action? How is the action being reported to civic groups, governmental agencies, national or international monitoring bodies and the public? Do the efforts at remediation (if there are any) appear to be succeeding