Introduction
Sociology is useful for travel planning or migrating to other countries outside the United States because applying sociological concepts will help acquaint an individual with the social behavior and way of life of people in a particular destination or country (Korgen, 228). When traveling or migrating to another country, an individual is expected to make adjustments because of cultural and social features in these countries or destinations. Hence, applying sociological concepts to study behavior and way of life in a particular country will help an individual know what to expect and anticipate changes or adjustments that he or she would need to make to cope and assimilate in a new environment.
Life course is an important aspect of sociological studies. The life course approach is a means to explore the cultural and sociological structure of people's way of life (Mortimer & Shanahan, 3). Outcomes of exploration or analysis influence decision-making and guides the course of life based on information gleaned about cultural and social conventions inherent in a community or country. An individual's decision to travel or move to another country, for instance, would be influenced be his or her knowledge about cultural and social structures in other places or locations. The succeeding discussion is an application of the life course approach. The discussion explores factors that influence decisions and the application of sociological analyses in order to shape life course, particularly in relation to aging and retirement.
Social Orientation
People's behavior and views or perspectives are influenced by their values and morals (Kendall, 4). Consequently, these values and morals influence or shape an individual's social orientation such that his or her moral views and values affect the way that he or she would go about life, behave especially in public spaces, and engage with other people (Brinkerhoff, Ortega & Weitz, 31; Kendall, 4).
Awareness of one's social orientation is highly significant as a means to understand oneself, particularly our views and intentions. One of the ways to determine our social orientation is to assess how we view various issues or situations. Another way is to take a test that measures social orientation. The World's Smallest Political Quiz assesses an individual's social orientation based on one's responses to a few questions. The test determines whether one is a conservative, a liberal, a statist, or a libertarian. Moreover, the test indicates an individual's cultural and economic views or values.
Based on the World’s Smallest Political Quiz (The Advocates), I am a conservative. My personal issues score is 40 percent while my economics issues score is 80 percent. As a conservative, I value economic freedom. Nonetheless, this does not translate to other issues such as social behavior because I would demand a restriction on types of behavior that violate traditional values in society.
In terms of cultural orientation, I value tradition. Hence, when it comes to behavior, I value morality because I understand that doing so will maintain the moral fiber of society. Changing too much and straying away from traditional values often changes the dynamic of culture and leads to the loss of morality. I understand the value of change or transformation, however, as a means to evolve and improve society.
In terms of economic orientation, I value economic freedom and believe that the government must not restrict the economy, particularly in trade. Furthermore, the government must play an important role in creating opportunities for people to take control or at the least influence their socio-economic status. When it comes to trade, I believe that the government should also offer opportunities for businesses or corporations to engage in international trade.
Considering the outcomes of assessment, I would agree with some points raised by the results. Perhaps my views and perspectives on culture and the economy are conservative but I do think that conservatism does not entirely represent my values, morals and perspectives. I believe that my apprehension about the results of the assessment may have something to do about the reputation of conservatives in a modern society. Nonetheless, I am in agreement with some points in the outcomes of assessment that represent my views, opinions about issues and values. In terms of cultural orientation, I may hold conservative views about some things but I am similarly open to change as I acknowledge the need for society to evolve alongside drastic changes around the world resulting from contemporary and popular culture and the impact of globalisation and technological development. My view on social media, for instance, is part conservative and part liberal. I acknowledge the importance and role of social media in a democratic society and as an instrument for social change. Through social media, people may express their thoughts and views about people or things, including crucial issues concerning politics and society in general. My conservative views about social media, however, manifest because I believe that online activity must be regulated in light of incidents such as cyberbullying. I have an issue with the concept of "too much freedom", especially as it applies within the realm of social media, because it takes away discipline and respect.
On the other hand, my economic orientation supports economic freedom especially for individuals or citizens. One of the questions on the test include economic freedom for people to make choices when it comes to retirement and insurance. I agreed with this point in the test. I also support open international trade to boost the global economy. Nonetheless, I also think that the government should regulate taxation for businesses.
The foregoing discussion illustrates my cultural and economic orientation. In terms of my general social orientation based on the outcomes of the test, I hold conservative views because although I understand that change or transformation is necessary, I believe in the preservation of traditional morals and values that have kept society civilised over the past decades or centuries.
Theory
Since this research and analysis focuses on cultural and social structure that affects life course, an exploration of American society is also necessary. Doing so is important to evaluate the influence or impact of American society on one's life course. This is important because cultural and social structure could influence people's decisions when it comes to traveling and migrating to other countries.
People leave their own countries for various reasons. In the United States, some people choose to leave and live somewhere else primarily due to the state of the economy. In recent years, for instance, Americans can still feel the impact of the economic recession in 2008. The US has not recovered completely from the decline of the country’s economy. Consequently, economic recession has affected the income and buying power of consumers in the US. For this reason, some Americans choose to leave and live in other countries where they can gain better buying power considering exchange rates and quality of life. Expatriates, for instance, choose to relocate in worse economies compared to the US economy so they can limit their expenses.
Others leave the US for gainful employment abroad. Due to widespread outsourcing in the corporate industry, many Americans moved to other countries to handle business there. Americans also leave to travel in other countries, particularly in less fortunate countries or regions such as Africa and Asia. Americans who do so consider travelling a learning experience. Other also move to other countries to take advantage of medical tourism opportunities, which is more affordable in other countries. Overall, Americans’ decision to move to other countries is a result of economic issues and problems.
Culture and lifestyle in the US could also be one of the reasons why people choose to live. America is a capitalist society, which means that it thrives on consumerism. The pressure to keep up in a capitalist society when income distribution is unequal and poverty is growing could take its toll on an individual. One of the ways to relieve pressure or stress is to reject the prevalent consumer lifestyle and voluntarily adopt a simple life.
Voluntary simplicity refers to simple living. An individual lives a simple life by rejecting consumerism and materialism in favor of practicality, simplicity, and even minimalism. Voluntary simplicity can provide great inner richness because an individual learns how to live simply and in a practical manner. In doing so, an individual learns how to control spending and develop discipline. Moreover, people who live simple lives often find fulfilment in feeding their inner mind and soul, which could be a good source of greater richness.
I took the Voluntary Simplicity Test (The Great Office Escape) and answered five “As” and only one “B”, which means that I am a “down-shifter” or that I would be willing to live a simple life. I am uncomfortable with debt so I avoid it by similarly avoiding overspending or buying unnecessary things. I also live within my means.
A change of perspective is necessary in adopting or developing a simple life. Realizing the outcomes of effect of materialism and understanding waste, for instance, are good perspectives that will help one live a simple life. If one understands the amount of waste produced due to consumption as well as the impact of this on the environment, then one might be motivated to change lifestyle and priorities.
On my part, my decision to travel or move to another country may be justified by comparing my social orientation to American society's cultural and social structure. As formerly noted, outcomes of the assessment show that I am a conservative. Considering the implications of this, the American economy could be one of the reasons why I would decide to travel or move to another country. My decision would also be influenced by the incompatibility of my social orientation with the cultural and sociological structure of American society, which has transformed into a predominantly liberal society over the years. Since I am primarily a conservative, moving to other countries with a cultural and sociological structure similar to my social orientation would be appealing.
Expatriation Destination Description
The need to study sociological aspects of a culture or community will be applied by exploring a potential retirement destination. For the purpose of this research, the target destination will be Ireland in Europe.
If I were to relocate to another country, I would want to move to Ireland. I selected this country because of the inherent culture and sense of community, as well as the landscape in Ireland. The culture in Ireland intrigues me because it is something new and unfamiliar to me. I am also interested to explore nature in Ireland as the landscape in this country looks spectacular in pictures in films. In terms of selecting a city, researching Ireland’s capital, Dublin, would be interesting.
Based on the CIA Factbook, Ireland is located in Western Europe, specifically the west of Great Britain, and bordered by the Athlantic Ocean. Ireland’s landscape is primarily composed of low hills, mountains, and sea cliffs. The country’s climate may be described as temperate maritime. It is cool during the summer season and is relatively warmer during the winters unlike other winters in countries such as the US. The government is parliamentary since Ireland is also part of the United Kingdom. Although the judicial system in the country was influenced by British Government, Ireland implements laws and policies based on their own customs and culture. As of July 2014, Ireland constitutes 4,832,765 people, which grows by 1.2 percent. The dominant religion is Catholicism with about 85 percent of the entire population Catholics.
For Americans planning to relocate to Ireland, there are accessible banks in the country such as the Bank of America. The presence of an American bank subsidiary in Ireland makes it convenient for Americans living in the country. The economy in Ireland is thriving and holds promise. The primary reason for this is because of the country’s reliance on technology and trade. This facilitates investments and further economic growth and development in the country.
Human Capital
An assessment of my knowledge, skills, and competencies show that I may not possess requisite skills to secure a job in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, where industries prevalently hire technologically skilled people such as Information Technology (IT) experts and consultants. Nonetheless, other opportunities exist for future employment. I must, however, work on acquiring requisite skills and competencies to fill in the job gaps in Dublin. I can combine acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies with my strengths so I would be able to gain employment in Dublin.
I took several tests to determine my strengths and weaknesses. Based on Jung’s Typology Test (Human Metrics), I am predominantly an introvert and intuitive in nature. I would rather think rather than feel, and I prefer judging over perceiving. Outcomes of the test reveal that I work better in Information Technology (IT) and natural Sciences. Based on this outcome, I should be able to gain employment in Ireland if I learn more about IT or computer engineering. This course not only matches my personality but also in demand jobs in Dublin. The self-reliance test, on the other hand, reveals that I am emotionally stable and I am capable of looking out for myself and looking for opportunities to develop my skills and competencies. Considering outcomes of assessment, I should consider dabbling into IT so I would be able to gain knowledge and skills in handling computers and other technologies. In doing so, I would be able to gain requisite knowledge and marketable skills in Dublin, Ireland.
Economic Orientation
One of the major economic concerns of moving to Ireland upon retirement is the United States government’s stance on taxation of expatriates in all countries all over the world. Americans living in other countries such as Ireland, for instance, need to pay their taxes to the US government even if they have been living in another country. Aside from income taxes, one should also pay for other fees following transactions with foreign banks and financial accounts abroad. Based on a report released by US Expat Tax Help, American expatriates living in Ireland need to process several tax and finance related documents. This is problematic because the rate of taxes will significantly affect one’s capital. Processing documents from Ireland and the consequent deductions from an individual’s capital will limit buying power and value of money abroad.
Selecting Ireland as the retirement destination also means trading off capital with quality of life. I can select other countries, especially countries in Asia or South America, for instance, where the value of a dollar is significantly higher based on exchange rates. Nonetheless, selecting Ireland trades off this benefit because one US dollar is equivalent to almost 1 Euro, which is the currency in Ireland. Hence, by choosing to retire in Ireland, I would be trading off potential increased capital. I would still choose to do so, however, because of the quality of life in the country.
Despite the foregoing challenges, retiring in Ireland is still a good choice because of the quality of life in the country. Ireland was once commended because of the quality of life in the country. A comparison of happiness levels in countries around the world in 2004 revealed that Ireland is an ideal country to live in because “it successfully combines the most desirable elements of the new with the preservation of certain cosy elements of old” (Bowcott). I find this interesting because it reflects my social orientation. Even as a conservative, I understand that change is necessary but I also believe that preserving traditions is equally important.
Even a report by the Central Statistics Office prove that the quality of life in Ireland in 2013 is one of the best around the world. Results of research is particularly important in this discussion because Dublin, the target city, is named as one of the cities with the highest disposable income per person (Central Statistics Office). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also supports this
Cultural Orientation
Since we formerly discussed the disconnect between my social orientation and the social structure of American society, one of the issues that I must be concerned with is consumerism and materialism. If I were to ‘drown out the noise’, so to speak, and simply ignore pressures from society to figure out what I really want in life, I would say that I simply want a stable job that not necessarily pays well but pays enough so I can provide for my needs and help with my family’s needs, as well as earn savings that I can use in the future. I am willing to lower my expenses and simplify life. In fact, I value minimalism as I believe it is a more fulfilling life. I find that I do not like being burdened by things or objects that in the long run lose their value. One of my goals is to travel. In fact, if I can earn a living traveling around the world and living in a suitcase, perhaps, I would jump at the chance. In terms of what I need, particularly material culture, I would say that I do need the Internet because I find it useful when I need to know more or learn about people, places, and things. I also need the basics – food and shelter, enough clothing, and funds to access services such as health care insurance among others. Aside from these, I do not strongly depend on material things. I do not watch television or feel that I need to purchase various devices or gadgets. I think there is freedom in purchasing what you need and sometimes spending on what you want but not excessively. It brings about peace of mind.
Sociological Synthesis
Cultural and economic orientation significantly shape trends in expatriation. As formerly noted, the cultural and economic orientation in a place, such as the United States could be one of the reasons why people would more likely move to another country. If cultural and economic orientation do not match an individual’s social orientation, then he or she would more likely move to another place. Similarly, an individual’s human capital would be a factor that influences one to move abroad. If there is demand for one’s skills and experience abroad and moving in another country offers an opportunity to improve one’s quality of life, then it would influence people to move.
Expatriation Plan
Conclusion
One of the best lessons that I learned by doing this activity is the presence of opportunities around the world to live a life that suites or matches our own values or beliefs. We can plan for a life course that would allow us to follow the kind of life that matches our goals and objectives. To do so, we need to be aware of cultural and sociological structures so we can understand various cultures and determine those that matches our own culture and personal beliefs.
Bibliography
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