SI Analysis assignment
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Grand Rapids Community College *
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Communications
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Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Name:___________ Hallie Northup _______________
Social Institutions News Analysis You have three news articles to read. P&G Tripped Up by Its Assumptions about Diapers in China, Why South Koreans are Trapped in a Lifetime of Study, and Why the Vast Majority of Women in India will Never Own a Smartphone. Download and complete this worksheet as you read the three assigned news article excerpts posted above this assignment. Upload your completed worksheet to the assignment area. 1.
P&G Tripped Up by Its Assumptions about Diapers in China (Wall Street Journal)
a.
Why did P&G market low-end diapers in China? What assumption was this decision based on? P&G marketed low-end diapers in China based on the assumption that the Chinese middle class preferred frugal and cheaper options. The decision was based off the belief that consumers with lower incomes, in this case those earning salaries around $400 a month, would prioritize low prices over premium features. Their assumption led P&G to target what they perceived as a cost-conscious middle class in China. b.
China has a unique family form. Why? (Note that laws have changed in recent years). What market areas does this influence? How? China has a unique family form due to their historical one-child policy. This policy resulted in smaller families focusing resources on a single child, where the financial support of parents and grandparents were often centered around one kid. Families in China had increased purchasing power and a willingness to splurge on premium products, influencing markets such as
child-related products and premium consumables. Over the years there have been changes in the family planning policies in China, allowing for more children, however the historically smaller family sizes still continue to impact consumer behavior.
c.
Identify three social institutions in this article and provide a short explanation how each one influenced the diaper market in China. Government Policy: The one-child policy enforced by the Chinese government shaped the diaper market by creating smaller families with concentrated financial resources per child. This focus on a single child led to an increased demand for premium diapers, reflecting the desire for higher quality and influencing consumer preferences.
Consumer Behavior: Evolving consumer behavior in China, particularly a shift towards a willingness to spend on premium products, played a key role in shaping the diaper market. P&G initially assumed lower-income consumers preferred affordable options, but changing preferences towards high-end consumables shifted the company to introduce a premium diaper line to meet demand for quality over affordability.
Family Structure: The unique family structure resulting from the one-child policy influenced the diaper market by concentrating financial resources on a single child. With smaller families, households had the capacity to invest more in premium diaper products. This dynamic led to increased demand for high-quality diapers, shifting P&G to adjust their strategy and cater to the preferences of families with a single child.
Name:___________ Hallie Northup _______________
2.
South Koreans are Trapped in a Lifetime of Study (-South China Morning Post)
a.
Give a brief description about how the South Korea exam day influences businesses. What generally happens on this day? On the South Korean exam day, businesses and daily activities are significantly influenced. Airplanes alter routes to reduce noise, banks and financial markets delay trading, and
public transportation increases frequency to foster smoother traffic. By taking these measures, South Korea hopes to create a calm environment for the students taking the nine-hour exam. This
reflects the societal importance of academic achievement.
b.
How does the score on the exam influence students? What economic market is huge in South Korea because of this exam? (i.e., what do students do after school?)
The score on the exam heavily influences students’ futures. Achieving a high score is considered a testament not only to academic abilities, but also as a defining factor in their destiny. Only a small percentage of students gain admission to prestigious universities leading to fierce competition. The economic market driven by this exam includes extensive exam preparation industries, with students attending extracurricular study academies and cram schools for up to 16 hours a day. Many students aspire to secure top-tier jobs, requiring additional exams for roles in civil service, design, journalism, and positions at major companies.
c.
How does the South Korea focus on testing extend to life in the workplace? Provide two specific examples. South Korea’s focus on testing extends into the workplace, where passing exams and obtaining qualifications are often required for career advancement. Many jobs, even entry-level positions, require extensive examinations. For example, roles in civil service, design, journalism,
and positions at major companies’ demand passing various exams, earning certificates, and obtaining qualifications. Even after securing a job, South Koreans find the need for continuous testing, due to promotions within companies requiring specific grades or licenses only obtained through additional exams.
d.
How is this relevant to our focus on social institutions? South Korea's intense focus on standardized testing reflects social institutions shaping education, career paths, and societal expectations. Exams being life-defining events demonstrates
how social institutions, such as government policies and educational systems, impact individuals'
experiences and opportunities in South Korea.
3.
Why he Vast Majority of Women in India will Never Own a Smartphone. (Wall Street Journal)
a.
Why aren’t women in India likely to own phones? Women in India are less likely to own phones due to the deep-seated cultural and societal
norms that restrict their access to technology. Fathers and husbands often forbid women from having phones as they fear the potential negative consequences. In some cases, village councils have issued laws prohibiting unmarried women from possessing cellphones. This contributes to a
significant gender gap in phone ownership.
Name:___________ Hallie Northup _______________
b.
How does this influence women in other areas of their lives? The lack of phone ownership among women in India influences various aspects of their lives.
It hinders their ability to communicate, learn, and access opportunities. Women are restricted from crucial ways of interacting with the government, finding work, and upgrading their skills. The digital gender gap makes it harder for women to participate in economic, educational, and political areas. Women also face challenges in job searches, banking, studying, and other essential activities that many men in India perform with smartphones.
c.
What strategies are companies doing to overcome this?
Companies are implementing strategies to overcome the gender gap in phone ownership in India. Some phone manufacturers, like Micromax and Karbonn Mobile India Pvt., are designing phones with panic buttons for safety, addressing concerns that may convince families to buy phones for their female members. Telecom companies, such as the Indian arm of Telenor AS A, are creating financial incentives for men to get phones for female family members. Google's Helping Get Women Online program also provides free access to the internet, tablets, and smartphones, along with training on using technology, to empower women in rural areas.
d.
What institutions can you relate to your answers to the above questions? The societal norms and cultural beliefs that contribute to women in India not owning phones are deeply rooted in social institutions. The influence of family structures, village councils, and traditional gender roles shape the perceptions around women's access to technology. The restrictions imposed by fathers and husbands, as well as the cultural attitudes toward women's roles, are reflective of social institutions that contribute to gender disparities. Initiatives by companies and organizations to change the digital gender gap address the impact of these social institutions on women's access to technology and aim to bring a positive change.
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