Human societies of different nations and culture contain people (also
             social members and actors) that constantly interact with social
             institutions and organizations, primarily because these institutions
             achieve a common goal that is desirable and agreeable to an individual or
             group. The American Red Cross is an example of such organization, which is
             a humanitarian organization centering on volunteerism, and provides "relief
             of victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond
             to emergencies." This non-profit and independent organization offers
             humanitarian services such as blood donations, financial/monetary donation
             and funding, tissue donation, volunteerism, planned giving, and donation of
             As an independent humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross
             elicited help not only from concerned individuals in the society, but the
             help of other institutions and organizations as well. The American Red
             Cross is constantly in touch with the government and other non-profit
             organizations. Because it seeks to help individuals and groups in times of
             emergency, the ARC is considered one of the bastions of goodwill in
             However, despite the functional role that ARC plays in American
             society, some people and organization do not share the same cultural view
             that ARC and its supporters cultivatesâ€"that is, the tradition of altruism,
             defined as the "devotion to the welfare of others" (Microsoft Encarta
             2002). Coined by Auguste Comte, this term illustrates conduct that seeks
             goodness for the welfare of others, an act that is considered as moral.
             Using sociological theories of culture, three theories/perspectives discuss
             how people are prevented from sharing the ARC culture of altruism:
             hegemony, critical theory, and social distinction.
             Hegemony is a concept formulated by Antonio Gramsci, which represents
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