[A-List] Classroom exercise

["Craven, Jim" <JCraven@xxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Message

Here is a classroom exercise I do illustrating some of the contradicitons of capitalism. I asked students, which of the two personality types would you prefer to have--and would likely generate the most sales and profits--were you a capitalist. They always say person B. Now which personality type would you prefer to have as a neighbor in the middle of a flood or which would you prefer to have in a military unit in combat; they always answer person A. Then we get into "physical versus social capital formation/accumulation" under capitalism; atomism/ultra-individualism  versus social awareness/action etc.

 

Jim C.

 

 

Person A                                                                           Person B

1.  Able to delay gratification                                                1. Unable to delay gratification

2.  Unconcerned with Status or Fads                                     2. Obsessed with Status and Fads

3.  Pays cash only (no frivolous use of credit)                         3. Willing to run large debt for immediate gratification

4.  Cooperative in temperament                                             4. Super competitive

5.  Willing to think of welfare of others                                    5. Self-absorbed/narcissistic

6.  Motivated by transcendent causes                                    6. Motivated by self-gratification

7.  Future oriented                                                                7. Present oriented

8.  Non-materialistic/non-acquisitive                                       8. Ultra-materialistic/acquisitive

9.  Views world holistically                                                    9. Views world in ultra-reductionistic terms

10. Principles and morality govern behavior                           10. Narrow and selfish interests govern behavior

11. Extended time horizon in decision making                       11. Short-term and narrow time horizon in decision making

12. Data/Evidence/Reasoning-based in thought and action      12. Emotional/Prejudiced/Superficial in thought and action

13. Willing to help without reciprocity                                    13. Unwilling to help without reciprocity

14. Satisficer                                                                       14. Maximizer 

 

James M. Craven

Blackfoot Name: Omahkohkiaayo-i'poyi

Professor/Consultant,Economics;Business Division Chair

Clark College, 1800 E. McLoughlin Blvd.

Vancouver, WA. USA 98663

Tel: (360) 992-2283; Fax: (360) 992-2863

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