Roskin Ch. 5

In the beginning of the text when it was referring to the Meiji Restoration of Japan in 1868, I can't help but to think about the economy it has now. Upon looking at the attached link, I feel that Japan is following a similar pattern as their ancestors did during this time period. They seem to only desire to ensure the growth of their country, not gaining more power. This is seen when they try to do trades with countries such as China and Europe to increase the revenue they can get compared to just trying to survive as a stand-alone country. Another thing that I am reminded of between the readings and this current event is the sociological term "economic determinism". The term refers to the idea that social changes, conditions, activities, and institutions are factors towards the economy, with this being said Japan is being influenced by its culture. The people of Japan are very competitive and strive to be the best, with this being said the reason for them to want Japan to simply prosper instead of gaining power over other countries has helped it to achieve its dream and to make it a country that has others depend on it.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/foreign-direct-investment-in-china-rises-16

Roskin Ch. 4

I find it interesting that the people of Germany find relief in a cartoon picture of a Swabian woman. I feel that they are still in the mindset of a successful communist economy. The reason I say this is because in the text by Roskin, Germany has tried to make an economic conglomerate with the east and west parts of it before to keep the east side of Germany afloat. Sadly it is apparent now in the link provided that this plan is not working. They are struggling and are failing to create any plans to increase possible revenue for the future. I am reminded of Malthus' Theory of Population. Malthus is a sociologist that believes that a population increases far more than its food supply. Ignoring the food supply part I feel that the economy is moving too slow for the dramatic population change that occurred. Combining a struggling economy with one that is in a neutral state eventually made it crumble, since the one that was neutral was dealing with only one side of Germany.

Link:  http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21595503-views-economics-euro-and-much-else-draw-cultural-archetype-hail-swabian?zid=307&ah=5e80419d1bc9821ebe173f4f0f060a07

Roskin Ch.3

        Upon reading the chapter on France, I find it somewhat confusing on why many of its citizens in the link below are leaving France when they could learn from their past and perhaps fix France instead of leaving it to rot. As it states in the book the French economy was good because it was based off of “earning a good living, with no intention of growth”(112 Roskin)** of the country. I feel the sociological term integrationist perspective or a “crowds behavior emphasizes how people in crowds reinforce and heighten on another’s reaction”(497 Basirico)*** applies. Many people from France are leaving due to word of mouth of how Israel is flourishing economically due to the small business. This is because they get people that move from France to make quick short term profits that will help immigrants at first but would only be a quick fix to get out of debt. This however is impacting Israel on a positive note at least.

Link:   

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/immigration-to-israel-slowing-except-from-france/2014/01/24/162861b8-8416-11e3-a273-6ffd9cf9f4ba_story.html

Source:   

*** Basirico, Laurence A., Barbara G. Cashion, and J. Ross. Eshleman. Introduction to Sociology.                                                                   Redding, CA: BVT Pub., 2009. Print.

**Roskin, Michael G. (2012-10-28). Countries and Concepts: Politics, Geography, Culture (12th Edition) (Page 112). Pearson. Kindle Edition.