#fieldworkassignment1

So these are my two Alex and Ani bracelets! I actually bought these for a birthday present for myself! #Treatyoself (If you get the reference, you are awesome). 

History of the item

Alex and Ani was founded in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian and the name of the company comes from the names of her two daughters. They create “bangle bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit”. Due to their high gross in revenue from 2010 to now, they now consist of 1,800 specialty stores such as department stores, 108 Alex and Ani stores and Amazon.

Where the item is made or manufactured

My bracelets were made in America which for me is awesome to hear because the majority of huge retailers leave the country and harmfully impact the countries they manufacture from, also known as flexible accumulation. They specifically manufacture in Cranston, Rhode Island and they aim to restore Rhode Island’s reputation as the Jewelry Capital of the World. On all Alex and Ani bracelets there are three small circle charms; one is their trademark, one is the recycle logo since their jewelry is made out of recyclable materials and one is the made in America symbol. Having their items made in America is a part of their definition of the brand.

Impact on my life

The two bracelets I have represent my astrology. One bracelet is called the Scorpio Two Tone Charm Bangle. The charm has my astrological sign on it. The other bracelet is called the November Birth Month Charm Bangle. The charm is a topaz crystal which represents by birth month. I wear these bracelets every day because my zodiac is a piece of who I am. It gives me a sense pride about the aspects of me and my nature when i wear it. Also, the bracelets stack on top of each other, which to me signifies that they go hand and hand.

Their Employees

Alex and Ani has more than 1,500 employees and the people who make them are fellow community members. They also vendor from their neighbors. Alex and Ani’s website states that, “But we don’t just make jewelry in Rhode Island - we make a difference in Rhode Island”. Each employee that works for Alex and Ani is given time off during work hours to volunteer for charitable organizations. The employee’s lives are comfortable and no one who works for Alex and Ani are being impacted negatively by them. They particularly live just like you and me.

Conflict theory looks at society as a competition for limited resources. The main focus through conflict theory is to focus on creating social change through the application of sociological principle. Karl Marx was a social theorist and author of “The Communist Manofesto”. Marx had stated that “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle”. Marx believed that saw human development as occurring due to a series of class struggles between high class, and the lower class citizens.

The underlying premise of the theory focused on the conflict between two classes. One of the classes was the “bourgeoisie” that represented the members of society that have the most wealth. The other class was the “proletariat” which included the poor working classes. Marx reflected that the “bourgeoisie” (high class/wealthy) would use their power and wealth to oppress the proletariat due to the rise of capitalism.

This conflict theory is the representation of a “pyramid” in which a few people dictates the others below them due to their control over resources, power, and terms and conditions to the large portion of society. The uneven distribution was expected to be maintained by the bourgeoisie who would control the proletariat by forcing them to accept current conditions.

These conditions have played out in today’s society during elections. For example a candidate running for a spot in office can have a better advantage over his opponent if he has more funding available.

This funding could potentially help the candidate have a better campaign by buying their way into office by bribing voters.

The U.S. society is a capitalist society which thrives off of the almighty green dollar. Whoever has the most money has more valid opinions, which is why everyone is working toward gaining more money daily.

What is this?

This is the doorknob to my Dorm room. This object was made in a warehouse, depending on the company. The university shipped it in from a particular company along with the door. This object has been very impactful to everyone, almost every place you visit has doorknobs on every door.

History

Door knobs have been around for centuries. Before door knobs locks and keys were used, however they were way too expensive. instead of a door handle or door knob, they would make a small hole in the door and insert a leather thong or piece of string or cord and loop it around the bar.

Door knobs were first manufactured around the mid 19th century with its most common, ball-shaped form. They can be made out of materials such as glass, wood, ceramic, plastic, etc. With glass using the most rare and faster manufacturing method.

Where was my item made or manufactured?

My item can particularly be made in a warehouse or even by a locksmith. Due to todays modern day technology many workers within factors have the processing materials and tools at the touch of an machine.

Making and manufacturing life?

Our door knobs are more than likely always metal. Always made with the most common type brass. Any raw material must meet the standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for each specific process. These door knobs go through skilled artisans who process the transformation of this raw brass using their time-tested technique, Heat forging.

Impact on my life?

What is it?

This is Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO). This has been known to help treat many ailments like Alopecia areata, a type of hair loss. The omega-9 fatty acids in Jamaican black castor oil works wonders for acne.

What is the history?

Jamaican black castor oil comes from the castor oil plant. The castor oil is extracted from its seeds. The are roasted and then pulverized in a mortar. Water is add, then mashed beans are boiled over a wooden fire. As an outcome there is a thick, and dark brown castor oil— Jamaican black castor oil. The plant can grow nearly 40 feet tall. The plant grows best in the eastern parts of Africa where the climate is dry/tropical.

Where is it made?

The manufacturer of Jamaican black castor oil is Jamaican Mango & Lime. The products were manufactured in 1996 using an ancient recipe of natural fruits and ingredients used by Rastafarians of Jamaican. It was originally used to maintain dreadlocks of the Rastafarians.

What impact does it have on your life?

Jamaican black castor oil has really been a blessing to me and my natural hair. When I first transitioned to natural hair I found out that my natural hair was Type 4c and required a lot of maintenance. My hair has low porosity which makes it harder for my curls to obtain moisture so I had to find an oil that would work with my hair. The more research I did I discovered that other naturals’ has been using Jamaican black castor oil. When I started using the oil my curls tend to look healthier.

Who are the people directly involved with making or manufacturing the item?