Society Archives

John Rawls’s Theory: The 3 Rules Society Should Follow

What is John Rawls’s theory of justice as fairness? What would citizenship under the justice as fairness paradigm look like in the real world? Justice as fairness is the theory of justice resulting from the original position: a hypothetical scenario where a group of equals envisions a just society by means of unbiased, rational debate. Rawls argues that a fairly just society should allow people to live however they like, albeit with a few exceptions. Here are three areas where Rawls believes society should enforce certain duties and values.

Be Happy for Others’ Success: Benefits of Celebrating Others

Why should you be happy for others’ success? What Buddhist concepts relate to this philosophy? Finding happiness in life isn’t just about celebrating your own successes. According to Chris Hadfield’s book An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, you’ll be happier if you celebrate other people and their milestones. Discover why being happy for others’ success boosts your overall mood.

How to Accept Compliments and Praise as a Woman

Do you have trouble accepting compliments? Are you uncomfortable with receiving praise? Women are often taught to not accept praise because we’re meant to make excuses for our achievements in American society. But in Shonda Rhimes’s book Year of Yes, she wants to subvert this. Learn how to happily accept compliments as a woman below.

Why Black Homeowners Face Discrimination in Appraisals

The Millionaire Next Door and Wealth-Building

Why do Black homeowners face discrimination in appraisals? Have you or someone you know experienced bias in the home appraisal process? Black Americans regularly receive lower home valuations and suffer a host of economic, social, and educational consequences as a result. To address the discrimination that Black homeowners face in home valuations, the first step is diversifying the appraisal industry, which is 97 percent white. Read on to learn more about why Black homeowners face discrimination in home appraisals in the U.S.

Psychology Behind True Crime Obsession: Know the Red Flags

What’s the psychology behind true crime obsession? What are the warning signs of being obsessed with true crime? From anxiously awaiting updates on the college student murders in Idaho, to bingeing the latest episodes of My Favorite Murder, we love a true crime story. However, the psychology behind true crime obsession reveals the problems this obsession can cause and how to avoid them. Read on to learn the consequences of true crime obsession and the psychology behind it.

Mythologies by Barthes: Overview & Primary Themes

Is there a hidden message in the meme you just liked on social media? Is myth essentially propaganda? According to Roland Barthes, myths occur when society’s dominant institutions imbue an image, object, or phrase with meaning. By forming these associations, the dominant social institutions create and reinforce cultural beliefs and values that are unconsciously adopted by the masses. In Mythologies, Barthes aims to open our eyes to these manipulations and teach us how to avoid them. Here’s an overview of the book.

How Myths Are Created & Used: Roland Barthes on Mythmaking

Is there a myth behind children’s toys? What symbolic meaning does the Jeep brand carry? According to Roland Barthes, myths occur when society’s dominant institutions imbue an image, object, or phrase with meaning. Because myths are used to shape society, he believes it’s important to understand how myths are created and how they function. Keep reading for Barthes’s ideas on mythmaking.

Elements of Myth: Roland Barthes on Form and Concept

What makes myths powerful? What’s the relationship between myth and meaning? Roland Barthes says that the images, objects, and stories we’re confronted with throughout the day are myths that contain subtle messages that subconsciously shape the way we view the world. He discusses the two basic elements of myth: form and concept. Read more to understand these basics of myth that inform how it’s used to shape society.

Roland Barthes: Myth’s Creation, Function, & Dangers

What’s a myth? How is a myth made and used? Are myths dangerous? According to 20th-century French philosopher Roland Barthes, myth is all around us. In Mythologies, he discusses the process of mythmaking. He identifies the basic components of myth and explains what function they have in society. He also warns that myths can pose certain dangers. Continue reading to understand Barthes’s take on myth.

Cultural Myths: What We Learn From Roland Barthes’s Essays

Are there hidden messages in the way news is reported? What myths does Hollywood perpetuate? Many of Roland Barthes’s essays provide concrete examples of how myths are used to reinforce cultural norms and values. Particularly, these essays seek to unmask class, gender, race, beauty, and political constructs. Read more to see how Roland Barthes’s essays shed light on cultural myths.