NEED HELP WITH A RESEARCH PROJECT

[angelfish_1]

help an undergrad researcher out... PLEASE...need submissions by Sunday night This project is for SOC 462: Methods of Social Research. My research is focused on social movements, and for this project I am researching the Voluntary Simplicity movement. You may submit your answers anonymously if you wish. All submissions will be destroyed at the end

Comments

[reignkinge]

1.) When you hear someone refer to the "American Dream" what do you think they mean by that statement?

Classically the American Dream is to come up from nothing and with dedication, strength and a little bit of luck to feel as if you are in control of your life.

1a.) What does the previous statement mean to you?

My own view of the american dream is somewhat different from what I consider the "classic" view. To me, the american dream is about pride. It is the unifying spirit that binds so many americans into loving this country. The belief that though our way is not perfect, it is a good way.

2.) Similarly, when you hear someone refer to the "American Way" what do you think they mean by this statement?

The american way is lacking in a certain amount of style or class, oftentimes excessive in violence or bravo. It is rough, unfinished, young.

2a.) What does the previous statement mean to you?

Pretty much what i said above.

3.) How would you describe your overall quality of life (considering such aspects as time spent at school and at work, amount of free time, ability to participate in activities that you enjoy, amount of stress that you feel, relationships with friends, family, and significant others, etc)?

I would say that once certain requirements are met, IE food, roof, some luxuries, quality of life is up to the individual. Happiness in a job doesn't come from being in specific fields, so much as in accepting where you are a given time.

3a.) How do you think the areas in your life that you are unhappy with (if there are any) could be improved?

my life would be much improved if i could learn to accept that there are times in life where I will be hurt. If I didn't associate money with security and happiness.

4.) Are you currently in any debt? If so, how do you feel about this situation? If not, how do you feel about the growing problem of debt in America?

I am in approximately 2000 dollars of debt, not counting my car loan (currently 8000). I believe that I am at fault for this debt, as I misjudged my ability to pay.

5.) What are your feelings on consumption? Overconsumption? Luxuries and extravagant lifestyles? The importance of money in today's society?

I am a fan of consumption, and of luxuries. A certain degree of extravagance can certainly be entertaining. Money is God in our society. We slave for, mourn its loss, and cannot live without it. Though I do not like the importance of money in our lives, trying to live without it, seems as foreign to me as living without air.

6.) What are your feelings on large corporations? Mass media? The commercialization of society?

Large corporations are a natural growth of a open capitalist economy, and as such should be allowed. However, efforts have to be made to ensure that competition and growth is encouraged in areas dominated by large corporations.

I dont really know much about mass media or commercialization of society, but if you want to give me some info regarding, I will look up some more and get back to you about it.

7.) In what ways do you feel that the economy directly influences your life?

In every way imaginable. Love is hard to find if you cant afford to take someone out, or to have a cellphone to call them, or a car to get to them.

The only part of life more ethereal than love is perhaps faith. And in faith, money should have no part what-so-ever. Faith is internal.