Английский для социологов. Астафурова Т.Н. - 92 стр.

actually do if faced with such a dilemma. Try to reach a consensus
before you finalize your decision. Report your decision to the other
groups and be prepared to defend it. Then take a class vote on each
issue discussed.
      THE TOBACCO COMPANY
      You work for a multinational tobacco company. In spite of the
restrictions on tobacco advertising throughout Europe and the USA
and a strong anti-smoking lobby, your company continues to gross in
excess of $30 billion every year. You are, of course, aware of all the
arguments against smoking, but you also firmly believe in freedom of
choice and realize the huge social and financial benefits the tobacco
industry has to offer, particularly in poorer countries.
      The World Health Authority is proposing to put a substantial
“green tax” on cigarettes to offset the $60 billion a year tobacco use
costs society in terms of medical bills, lost income and reduced
productivity. This is bound to affect your sales and may result in
widespread layoffs in the Latin American countries where most of
your cigarettes are manufactured. You understand, however, that a
major political figure in the United States has promised to plead your
case with the W. H. 0.in return for sponsorshi p in his forthcoming
election campaign.
      Decide your course of action. What reasons lie behind your decision?
       THE CHEMICAL COMPANY
       You work for the chemicals division of an American multinational.
A recent explosion at one of your plants in India has resulted in
millions of tonnes of toxic gases being released into the atmosphere.
Hundreds of local workers employed at the plant were killed in the
accident with thousands more suffering from severe chemical burns.
But, with such high levels of contamination, the threat to the local
community is even more serious. Over the next five to ten years the
fatalities could run into tens of thousands.
       Obviously, a massive clean-up programme has already been put
into effect, but there is still the matter of compensation for the
victims and their families to be settled. Although you are well aware of
the scale of the tragedy, you also have your shareholders to think of.
As your Indian plant was inadequately insured, compensation claims
could bite deep into company funds. You might even have to pull out
of Asia altogether, which would mean thousands of job losses. Your


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