Monday, October 23, 2023

History and Art Tell Us About Economic Development (Integrated Scientific Development)

 Economic history is important in understand economic thought and the underpinnings of societal development. Economic history mixed with economic art helps us delve into how people lived their lives and some of the deeper social mechanics of the era. As we move further into the Digital Era we should consider how our past has created our present and what art can tell us about the history of that development 

"Michael Kremer holds that the roots of economic growth lie in the drift of the long run of history: growing populations intent on improving productive efficiency added to the accumulated knowledge behind technological innovation, adaptation and deployment." Economic History and the Roots of Growth (2016)

The Iron Rolling Mill
1873–75
Adolph Menzel
Art tells you about the past, the person
who created it, and the people who 
ponder it.

These same mechanics exist today as the Industrial Era led to standardization and preparing the workforce to work as part of a larger economic system. It also led to the era of science in human and industrial problems that furthered development. The Info Age/Digital Era was based off of prior eras down a long line of development that was forced through necessity of COVID to make a decade truncated leap in digital advancement. Economic Development of Platforms (2014)

When we study economic art we can see what the people at the time saw and how they constructed their understanding of society. While we have access to a great amount of information during this era we can use art to understand prior eras. For example, 1.) art and history can tell you about the past, 2,) psychology, sociology, and anthropology can tell you about human nature in society, and 3.) economics and technology can tell you about how tools are used to master our environment, 4.) the world will tell you the problems we face and what tools we will develop to overcome those challenges.

Difference scientific fields come together and solve problems through integration of knowledge. As new data and science intertwine so will faster discoveries and solutions. We may be moving beyond mastering our environment to innovating the environment we live within (i.e. pollution, global economies, space exploration, energy fusion, pandemic management, etc.).  Integration of Scientific Fields (2019) Who says renaissance thinking doesn't lead to renaissance development?

Why it is important to tackle online and offline hate based behaviors?

Hate is a powerful mechanism of damaging communities and singling out our fellow Americans. There are many reasons why people spread hate rumors that range from exploiting perceived differences for political-ideological, financial-economic, thwart accountability-deflection, or racial-religious reasons. When we see these problems arise we should consider methods of tackling them to ensure that we maximize our human capital in society. Why We Hate(2018)

Hate can be online or in face-to-face groups that share similar dislike and disdain for those who do not prescribe to their beliefs or background. When such groups move from general immaturity to official positions it creates a double or even triple risk for targets as illegitimate behaviors become legitimized. Thus tracing back to the root is helpful to understand and thwart behaviors in the future. Online Hate Speech Propagators(2023)

Because hate is a learned social pattern based often on the influence of toxic social leaders we can say that behaviors were likely many years in the making through social acceptance and lack of controls. Where criminal behaviors occurred and continued we may further experience other victims coming forward when given an opportunity to air their grievances in a safe venue. This becomes especially true where intimidation has been used to minimize freedom of speech and religion. (Might make a case for a local hotline in areas of concern to deal with corruption and hate to see what the eyes and ears of the community tells us.)

From a sociological perspective based on the recent understanding and research in domestic extremism, there is a trajectory line to a greater push by the next generation for more accountability on groups seeking to exploit hate and create divisions in society based on protected classes. In places were different rules for different people exist it will likely give way to a more universal perspective of governance. It falls into alignment with our democratic development and is something we should encourage as a society. Defuse Hate (2016).

Were Men the Only Hunters in Early Human Societies? It may not be completely true in all societies.

In the past we assumed that man was the only hunters in early society and that carries through today.  In the U.P. we have lots of male hunters and we even have some female hunters. Research helps us see that the role of women was not as socially constructed as it is today. We should take from this that gender role differences may be somewhat unrelated the realities of the past. Nothing is conclusive but you get the point. Body mass and strength of men might make a difference but it isn't the only difference.

Research on the Myth of Man Hunter

Human Capital Theory and Development in 2023

Human capital is one of the best ways in which we can develop the capacity and ability to generate wealth and opportunities for companies and nations. Think about human capital and how education and training improve the capacity to meet emerging changes in the market. It is helpful as executives to look at human capital theory and changing trends to make decisions about how to manage your own workforce. Consider the World Economic Forum report on these trends. Growth Summit 2023 Human Capital Trends

The following were quoted from the report and provide a solid overview: 
  • Technology adoption will remain a key driver of business transformation in the next five years.
  • The largest job creation and destruction effects come from environmental, technology and economic trends.
  • Within technology adoption, big data, cloud computing and AI feature highly on likelihood of adoption.
  • The impact of most technologies on jobs is expected to be a net positive over the next five years
  • The human-machine frontier has shifted, with businesses introducing automation into their operations at a slower pace than previously anticipated.
  • The combination of macrotrends and technology adoption will drive specific areas of job growth and decline
  • Analytical thinking and creative thinking remain the most important skills for workers in 2023
  • Employers estimate that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years.
  • Six in 10 workers will require training before 2027, but only half of workers are seen to have access to adequate training opportunities today.
  • A majority of companies will prioritize women (79%), youth under 25 (68%) and those with disabilities (51%) as part of their DEI programs.
  • Forty-five percent of businesses see funding for skills training as an effective intervention available to governments seeking to connect talent to employment.

You can also review a more in depth discussion on the background of education and human capital from a governmental standpoint. Intro to Human Capital in the U.S. 

I found this video which gives a solid overview from an HR perspective. 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Students are flocking to STEM fields

Students are flocking to STEM field. Let us retain the best talent in the U.S. Surge in STEM Degrees. Personally, one might consider going for the fields they like, have the skills, and are likely to find long-term employment opportunities in emerging upswing fields. 

Antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes on the rise in the U.S.

No matter our religion or race we are a one people and we don't need these problems. I encourage any person seeing people targeting anyone whether they we Jewish, Muslim, Christian, White, Black or any other to report it right away. This is where we can step up as a community and help our local law enforcement agencies tackle this problem. We are free in this nation and no one should make someone feel they are not wanted, accepted or unsafe for racial or religious reasons. It is in all of our best interest. Communities must stand together. Report Hate Crimes

U.S. Ranked on Inclusivity Index: 118th in Race and 108 in Gender Opportunities

We are in a place right now where accountability for wrong doing is often very difficult and can be elusive in some places. That becomes especially true where minorities find themselves the target of extremists. We have work to do as a nation and that starts with convincing people that inclusivity and opportunity are the best strategic path to a strong future. We know this on one level but must believe it and act on it in a way that draws people to a shared vision as a universal democracy. 

You can learn about the Inclusivity Index. You can read another explanation at NBC Inclusion Article

The Inclusiveness Index is an annual ranking of nations and states that examines the experiences of different groups across a number of different factors. 

U.S. ranks 77 overall. There were 126 nations included. 118th in race, 108th in gender, 16th in LGBTQ, 27th in religion, 70th in disability, 84th in general population. Compare that to 2016 numbers of 8th in race, 61 gender, 9th LGBTQ, no data religion, 1st disability, 138 general population

I believe very much that these numbers will begin to rise as we become aware of the pain and sorrow of hate and take measures to change that. A fresh perspective is rising and it will illuminate our hearts and minds in a way that uplifts our souls and the American dream to its highest perch. 

Human capital development and fair treatment leads to new economic and social horizons. We have crossed a precipice and much more aware of the needs of the next generation that have no problem with interacting with people of different races, faces, and places. Gen Z Stats

In other words, we need leaders that are less parrots and more eagles to protect our young eagle eggs from generation to generation. Democracy relies on commitment to our American ideals from generation to generation.