Sociology Final Field Work

Conformity


Imagine a society where right was wrong, left was right, and day was night. It would be totally confusing considering our current knowledge of these ideas. Let us pretend that everyone from this society knew since birth that night was bright and day was dark because of socialization; if the idea has been active for generations it's no wonder why they grew up believing it! If everyone we asked told us that it was "day" when we know that it was obviously night time; we would eventually begin believing others' accepted standards and beliefs in a process known as conformity.

In Henslin's textbook "Essentials of Sociology," a similar situation occurred. Conformity was measured in a test best known as the Asch Experiment. Dr. Solomon Asch, a Polish social-psychologist, tested peers on how they would respond to peer pressure (Henslin 134). What Asch discovered from this experiment was surprising. His findings from fifty volunteers showed that thirty three percent (one third) gave in half the time, responding with what they knew as the wrong answer due to the pressure to conform. Forty percent (two out of five) responded incorrectly but not as frequently. Twenty five percent (one out of four) stuck with their own ideas and chose the right answers regardless of peers (Henslin 135).

As we can see, the power of conformity is great enough to make decisions of wrong over right. This is evident in yet another well known experiment as touched upon in Carole Wade's textbook "Psychology." In the early 1960s, Stanley Milgram designed a study that tested individuals on situations of obedience. In the study, the participants drew slips to decide their roles. Both slips were rigged to guarantee that the participant would always be the teacher. The teacher and learner were split up into different rooms where they could not see each other. Afterwards, the teacher was given a list of word pairs by the which he was to teach the learner. The learner would then press a button to signify his response. If the response was incorrect, the teacher would deliver a shock to the learner. The voltage would increase in 15-volt increments for every incorrect response (Wade 264). The subjects thought that each incorrect response gave actual shocks to the learner. In reality, there were no shocks. After a number of voltage level increases, many participants wanted to stop and check on the learner. Some participants paused at 135 volts and began to question the purpose of the test. A few participants began to laugh nervously or display other signs of stress once they heard the screams that came from the learner. Most participants continued after being convinced that they would not be held accountable (Wade 265).

So how do these two experiments tie together? In Mitch Albom's article "We Talk About Our Culture," the protagonist assists an ill elderly man, Morrie, whom is close to dying. At one point the Morrie tells the young protagonist how conformity can be handled. Morrie said, "Take my condition. The things I am supposed to be embarrassed about now---not being able to walk, not being able to wipe my ass, waking up some mornings wanting to cry---there is nothing innately embarrassing or shaming about them. It's the same for women not being thin enough, or not being rich enough. It's just what our culture would have you believe. Don't believe it. Every society has its own problems. They way to do it, I think isn't to run away. You have to work at creating your own culture." (Album 87)

Albom's story intrigued me so much that I built a survey based on the topic of conformity. It has always fascinated me how these many influences can change our decisions and beliefs. So I prepared enough copies so my family and friends could be able to participate, as well as fellow Porterville College students. For most of my family I had to vocally translate the survey into Spanish, and for some people mostly strangers I chose to ask, I had to explain a bit more because they were unsure of the whole process.

As I calculated and brought together the results from the surveys I realized a few patterns. Most of the younger (18-24) survey participants disagreed on question seven. Contrary to that, most of the older tended to agree. Another interesting pattern that I found was that there were a lot of Christians who were influenced by their families. Interestingly, individuals affiliated in other religions tended to be influenced by themselves more. Overall, I think it's very interesting to know how one's religion can affect our influences!

To sum it all up, conformity is both a good thing and bad thing. It allows us to feel like a part of a group, while at the same time it has the potential to influence us drastically. Conformity can be used to change our ideals and beliefs as explained in the first paragraph of this essay. A little bit of conformity in a society is not bad, but beware of too much.


This survey is completely confidential and voluntary.

1. What is your gender?
Male 11
Female 19

2. What is your age?
18-24 12
25-31 3
32-38 5
39-45 4
46-52 2
Over 52 4

3. What is your ethnicity?
White 10
Latino 7
African American 4
Asian American 2
Native American 1
Other 6

4. What is your religious affiliation?
Christian 13
Jewish 3
Muslim 0
Atheist 8
Something Else 5
No Preference 0
Unsure 1

5. In what category does your annual income fit in?
Below $10,000 13
$10,001-$25,000 5
$25,001-$40,000 2
$40,001-$65,000 2
$65,001-$80,000 0
Over $80,001 0
Unsure 8

6. Which of the following do you consider to be the most influential on your personal decisions?
Family 13
Friends 2
Teachers 1
Boss 0
Media 4
Yourself 6
Other 4

7. I do what is expected of me because I fear how people would react if I did not.
Strongly agree 4
Agree 6
Disagree 10
Strongly disagree 5
Unsure 5

8. I feel that obeying the rules will benefit me directly in the future.
Strongly agree 8
Agree 10
Disagree 5
Strongly disagree 3
Unsure 4

9. Friendships and relationships with my peers are important to me.
Strongly agree 16
Agree 9
Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 0
Unsure 3

10. How often do you have the opportunity to do what you truly want to do?
Always 3
Often 13
Very Rarely 7
Never 1
Unsure 6


Works Cited

Albom, Mitch. "We Talk About Our Culture." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 85-88. Print.
Henslin, James M. Essentials of Sociology: a Down-to-earth Approach. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2009. Print.
Matson, Ronald R. The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. Print.
Wade, Carole, and Carol Tavris. Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print.

Labels:


Logbook Essay

The island of sociology is wonderful, yet some is still uncharted. Sociology’s commonality with other subjects is evident, but I learned firsthand how unique it can be as well. What I experienced is far from what I actually expected during my time in class; I got more than I bargained for, which in this case, is a good thing. The commonality shared amongst several sociologists is their viewpoint of life that may differ from the everyday human. Sociologists study how a society functions and how its members cope no matter how taboo it may seem. An amazing piece to consider; not only do sociologists study society, they also inhabit it (Berger 8).
I am experiencing a whole different world in education as a college freshman. This can relate to the sociological perspective, which is described in both textbooks. Henslin begins the chapter explaining how the sociological perspective is a motivating force within sociologists' lives, because it grants a new look at recognizable worlds (Henslin 4). For example, one of my field work tasks was to observe couples naturally hold hands to find hints about any dominant or passive behaviors. At first, I did not comprehend much about couples holding hands, but after the assignment it gave me a new perspective on the matter.
Sociologists do not solely explore within their perimeters. They travel to various countries, both lavish and primitive, to observe how the divergent groups coexist. Although, we do not have to travel any further than a street block to see how our own groups coincide. For example, the film "True Colors" by Mark Lukasiewicz & Eugenia Harvey reveals how our society's dominant groups (whites) and minority groups (African Americans) discriminate on the basis of race (Henslin 226-231). Fundamentally, sociologists study how the myths and reality of race affect a society as a whole. (Henslin 226)
Societies are like flower gardens. A few are small and undeveloped while others are vast and fully blossomed. Regardless of size, they all are fragile. An example of how fragile societies really are was the September 11 incident; the country as a whole felt insecure and feared other attacks. Even through difficult times like these, a society brings a sense of identity. City life offers two contrasting models. One model is alienation within the city, which establishes a sense of impersonality. On the other hand life in the city also has a sense of community. This is apparent in subsections within the city. Communities create a feeling of familiarity and association. (Henslin 416,417)
In closing, every piece of everyday interaction between humans is notable. Sociologists play a role of observant, while residing as a entity. Even simply playing the role of sociologist for a day may open one's eyes to a different perspective. From field working in the local community to observing couples at a different city the field work helps us better understand how society's function or dysfunction. Is a day of loathing in the mall more beneficial than a few hours helping communities at the local soup kitchen?

Labels:


Social Action Log

Friday October 29, 2010

5:00 pm
8:30 pm
Tonya Hall
Music On Main Street
Centennial Park 291 N Main St
Community organization
Equipment Assistant

1.) What research method does this assignment represent?
The research method used for this assignment was unobtrusive methods, since I observed the people around me without having to interact in any way.
2.) What is the overall function of the organization?
The function provides free entertainment to any whom wish to enjoy and listen to live musical acts every Friday evening in the fall and spring.
3.) What are some of the more interesting things that you observed during your work time?
At the time I began working there I noticed that the majority of residents who come to see the live musical performances are elderly. The vast majority were elderly couples whom arrived together.
4.) How did you feel as you were working? Explain.
While helping out the Parks and Leisure services coordinator set up and take down the chairs, I felt like I was helping more than I was actually doing. It felt good to take some time off on Friday to help someone in your community whether it be a small helping hand or a big help.
5.) What other social issues are related to those addresses by your service work? Explain.
Having Music on Main may feel like an alternative to other entertainment such as the movie theater, bowling alley, and relaxing with friends.
6.) Has your work helped you clarify the dynamics of any social issue? Explain.
It helped me clarify some of the aspects of community events, but I don't know if my work was long enough to identify some soft of dynamic social issue, due to my limited time helping. Although I was quite shocked that many younger people rarely come to spectate.
7.) How does your work connect to something that you have read in the course? Explain carefully, and use appropriate MLA style page citations.
Henslin explains that teamwork brings recognition from others. (Henslin 104) I think this is true, because my supervisor thought I was doing this because of punishment, but when she found out that I was doing it voluntarily she said, "Oh you're just a nice guy huh." Also, the atmosphere at the event felt like a little community, where everyone was familiar with everyone since a few regulars went to see Music on Main every Friday. This is somewhat similar to Herbert Gan's research findings. (Henslin 416-417)

Labels:


Sociology Logbook

Logbook Cover Page
Logbook Reading Logs #1-#9 & #15
Logbook Lecture/Event Log
Logbook Deviance Log
Logbook Film Log
Logbook Yearbook Log
Logbook Couples Observation
Logbook Social Action Log
Logbook Essay
Logbook Works Cited

Labels:


A Day Without A Mexican

Labels: ,


Logbook Yearbook Data Log Summary

2009-2010
8th Grade
Summit Charter Academy Redwood Campus
Porterville, California

Yearbook Data Summary

1. Which research method does this assignment represent? Unobtrusive measure, documents, or content analysis.
2. Which average subordinate gender display score is the highest? The group with the highest circled number is the group which displayed more subordination than the other group, and more than the grade overall. Females with 2.4.
3. How does subordination differ from dominance? Use a dictionary to give the definition and then explain it in your own words. Dominance is the state that exists when one person or group has power over another; "her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her" Subordination is the quality of obedient submissiveness. Basically dominance and subordination are opposites. One group has "the power" and the other doesn't.
4. How do the gender displays observed indicate subordination rather than dominance? Females in this study are more subordinate than the males, due to their high amount of submissive gestures.
5. Is it surprising to you that this group showed more subordination than the other did? Explain. It isn't really shocking because males in this time period tend to behave more dominant like our culture tells them to be and a vast majority of females act how they are supposed to act as well.
6. How do your findings relate to your main textbook? Remember to use MLA style page citations and quotes as appropriate. The findings here link to Henslin's chapter about Race and Ethnicity; the gender groups are regarded as either dominant or singled out. (Henslin 227)
7. How do your findings relate to another reading in the class? Remember to cite your information whether you quote or paraphrase. Judith Lorber's article "Night to His Day" from the book "The Spirit of Sociology" by Ron Matson talks about gender roles and how gender is constructed in society. (Lorber 294)

Labels:


Film Long "True Colors"

Film Log
Prime Time Live(underlined)
1992
Mark Lukasiewicz & Eugenia Harvey

Two best friends John, a male European American male, and Glen a male African American. Both of them are observing treatments from various people that they encounter in St. Louis, Missouri. Glen and John went to a car sales location, an apartment opening, and several other sale like locations. John often was neglected, treated rudely, and even over watched to make sure that he wouldn't commit a crime. On the other hand, Glen, the white male, received a much nicer response from the same sales people that John spoke with. He received almost immediate service, discounted prices, and unearned privileges that Glen would probably would never receive.

In addition, Henslin explains that discrimination is a reason why some groups get unfair treatments. At the same time, other groups get preferential treatments. That might explain why John was treated better than Glen. The establishments that both of the males visited were prominently filled with white workers. The rare occasion of a African American worker still didn't make a difference in the treatment to Glen. Groups have the power to discriminate against their own kind as well as others. (Henslin 231-233)

Labels:


Logbook Cover Page

Sociology P101 Logbook
SOCI P101-50
CRN 72571
Fall 2010

Labels:


Sociology Works Cited Logbook

Albom, Mitch. "We Talk About Our Culture." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 85-88. Print.

Berger, Peter. "Invitation to Sociology." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 5-10. Print.

Colomy, Paul. "Three Sociological Perspectives." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 32-42. Print.

Elliot Liebow. "Tell Them Who I Am: The Lives of Homeless Women." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 43-49. Print.

Glassner, Barry. "The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Fear the Wrong Things." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 69-78. Print.

Henslin, James M. Essentials of Sociology: a Down-to-earth Approach. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2009. Print.

Kimmell, Allan J. "Ethics and Values in Applied Social Research." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 50-62. Print.

Matson, Ronald R. The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. Print.

Mills, C. Wright. "The Sociological Imagination." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 11-20. Print.

Miner, Horace. "Body Ritual among the Nacerima." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 79-84. Print.

Rubin, Lillian B. "The Approach--Avoidance Dance: Men, Women, and Intimacy." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 151-59. Print.

Stephens Jr., W. Richard. "Careers in Sociology." The Spirit of Sociology: a Reader. By Ronald R. Matson. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008. 21-29. Print.

Labels:


Extra Credit: Habeus Corpus

Contreras1
Daniel Contreras
Professor Jeff Keele
POLS P101
CRN 72530
25 September 2010
The Writ of Habeas Corpus
The Bill of Rights contains many of the undeniable privileges of the citizens. These rights
are commonly referred to as the ten amendments of the constitution. What lays not too far off are
the protection laws: Bill of Attainder, Ex Post Facto Law, and Writ of Habeas Corpus. (Wilson
23)
In Latin, Habeas Corpus literally means you shall have the body. This is a fundamental
protection right that grants a meeting with a judge to discuss the case and penalty. This is crucial
for deflecting, or bringing to light, unreasonable and illegal treatment or imprisonment for a
certain cause. Even though it is a shared right, it may be revoked or denied in certain
circumstances.
The criminal justice system is supposed to be unbiased and fair. Sometimes however,
social class can play in someone's advantage or disadvantage. (Henslin 213)
For example, if a wealthy upper class person where to get convicted, their trial could be
different trial than that of a lower class and unprivileged person, due to the availability of
resources such as money. However, both of them have the right to Habeas Corpus. Overall,
Habeas Corpus is an important protection right that everyone should know about, or even
exercise when the time is right.
Contreras1
Works Cited
Henslin, James M., and James M. Henslin. Life in Society: Readings to Accompany Sociology, a Downto-
earth Approach, Eighth Edition. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon, 2007. Print.
Wilson, James Q. American Government: Brief Version. Boston: Wadsworth, 2009. Print.

Labels: , ,


Couples Observation Log

Observation Data Log Summary
Location: Tulare Fairgrounds
Time: 12pm - 9pm
Duration: 9 hours

1. Which research method does this assignment represent?
Unobtrusive Measures
2. Which average dominant gender display frequency is the highest? The group with the highest circled number is the group which displayed more domination than the other group, and more than the grade overall.
Male, 18.
3. How does subordination differ from dominance? Use a dictionary to define it, then explain it in your own words.
Subordination means that something or someone is not as important. Dominance is the most important thing or person, since they are the ones who control.
4. How do the tie signs you are observing indicate dominance than subordination?
The dominant people tend to show some affection, but appear to be in charge at the same time.
5. Is it surprising to you that this group showed more dominance than the other did? Explain.
It wasn't really that surprising to me that males where going to be the dominant. In the setting they are on, in this case the fair, they like to make their partner feel secure around all the strange people.
6. How do your findings relate to your main textbook? Remember to use page citations and quotes.
There are dominant groups and minority groups. Race and social status can make its own group as well as gender. (Henslin 229)
7. How do your findings relate to another reading in the class? Remember to cite your information.
This reminds me of Simon Davis’ article about how men and women are treated as objects. (Matson’s “The Spirit of Sociology page 301)

Labels:


Extra Credit: Mexico 2010

Lecture/Event Log
15 September 2010

Jay Hargis, History Professor.
"Mexico 2010: The Birth of Mexican Independence in Myth, Memory and History 200 Years Later"

The Mexico we have grown to know today is dramatically different from the Mexico that existed two hundred years ago. On the 16th day of September in the year 1810, the father of Mexico Miguel Hidalgo ultimately decided that a rebellion against the colonial government was needed. He assembled the people of Dolores, near the church, to overthrow the New Spain government. The rebellious army marched to strike for their independence, later to be shared with all the criollos (people born on that land).

This independence didn't occur overnight though. A long chain of events led to the all famous Grito de Dolores. Events tracing back all the way to the French Revolution in 1789 which abolished the French Monarchy and in place established a new republic. After that, the Peninsular War of 1807, fought between Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom against France for the Iberian Peninsula urged Hidalgo to take action. Henslin's text says that colonialism was a widespread process that affect many less established countries for sources of goods and materials, mainly through the use of the less powerful country's labor force. This was the case with Mexico and Spain. The people of Mexico were not treated equally. Also, Spain misused too much Mexico's resources like petrol, gold, and precious gems, all harvested for the benefit of Spain. The people of Mexico did not want to follow a king that was isolated from them, so they decided to be break away and become a new independent. (Henslin 190)

Labels: ,


Sociology Assignments

The Social World
Karen Bishop Professor of Sociology
Soci P101-50 CRN 72571 Fall 2010 Thursday 6:50 --- 10:00 p.m.
Office Hours (SM-122B): Thursdays 1:00 --- 6:00 p.m. & by appointment
Phone: (559) 791-2340 email: kbishop@portervillecollege.edu

Assignment Name \ Date Assigned \ Due Date

Sociology Logbook - 8/23/10 - 11/25/10
Logbook Yearbook Log - 9/30/10 - 10/14/10
Logbook Film Log - 9/30/10 - 10/7/10
Logbook Works Cited - 9/30/10 - 10/7/10
Logbook Cover Page - 9/30/10 - 10/7/10
Logbook Lecture/Event Log - 9/17/10 - 9/25/10
Logbook Couples Observation - 9/9/10 - 9/23/10
Extra Credit: Mexico 2010 - 9/9/10 - 9/23/10
H.W. Study Questions #1 - 9/9/10 - 9/23/10
Logbook Deviance Log - 9/2/10 - 9/9/10
Logbook Reading Logs #1-#9 & #15 - 8/26/10 - 11/25/10


(Assignments from top to bottom: newest to oldest)



Flying bat in a marquee



Labels: ,


Three Sociology Questions - September 9th

(Double Spaced, Times New Roman, 12 sized font.)

Daniel Contreras
Soci P101 50
23 September 2010

Henslin Chapter 4
Question #22 Answer: In college you are to complete the tasks assigned and get good grades. Some are students, teachers, deans, principals, etc. You basically learn to transmit your knowledge and skills across generations. In family however, you are either a daughter or son, father or mother, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, or grandparent. Roles are important because they regulate reproduction, allowing families to have only as many children as they can afford. They also protect and socialize within families, especially with children. Some examples of values are respect for parents, providing for your family, and keeping a house clean. (Henslin 92)

Lillian Rubin
Question #4 Answer: Rubin and Henslin both talk about roles in society. In this case it's the gender roles of males and females. At a very young age, men and women are taught separately how to properly function and behave within a society based on their gender. Girls are taught to be more emotional and expressive with their feelings while men are usually told early on how to be a man by being the less expressive, somewhat closed in, and more logical person in order to keep a sense of control in order to not become or feel vulnerable.

Boswell & Spade
Question #1 Answer: In low rape-risk setting there usually is a friendly atmosphere. There are more conversations between male and females that show that they are close. Couples are apparent due to all the kissing and display of affection. There is almost no yelling, fighting, or cursing within low-risk settings. On the other hand, high risk-settings tend to expose more drinks. There is a less friendly environment, alternatively replaced with a more hostile environment where males and females do not participate in group conversations as much and there is more "dirty dancing" occurring. (Boswell & Spade 204)

Labels:


Reading Logs

Reading Log #1
James M. Henslin
"Chapter 2: Culture"
Henslin explains that everyone is ethnocentric, whether we know it or deny it. Ethnocentrism means that an individual has a preference of one group over another. Ethnocentrism has both positives and negatives. A positive is that individuals have more pride and show it towards their group. A negative is that an individual may discriminate because of one's ethnocentric ways. (Henslin 37)
All groups have values, desired or undesired standards. For example Americans may consider individuality, freedom, and handwork as desired standards. On the other hand Americans may consider some values such as laziness, inequality, and oppression as undesirable.(Henslin 44-47)
The dominant isn't all one solid chunk of identical groups. A culture is one solid unit; it may be composed of smaller and much diverse groups known as subcultures. The general culture also hosts countercultures, whose values differ than that of the general culture. (Henslin 48)
Opinion: I wonder how it would feel to grow up in a totally different culture than our own.

@00465752
Reading Log #2
James M. Henslin
"Chapter 3: Socialization"
Males and females receive messages about their role in society from several social institutions. Each gender is put on a different path of life and they both are taught how the proper boy or girl should behave. This process is called socialization into gender, and it starts from the day the child is born. The family is the primary institution. Depending on the gender, a child may either receive dolls or action figures, cuddles or playtime, maternal or paternal care. As the children grow they may now be included in peer groups. Peer groups could be friends, the kids in the neighborhood, and classmates. A few more examples are the mass media: television, movies, and video games; religion, and day care among all of the institutions. (Henslin 70-74)

@00465752
Reading Log #3
James M. Henslin
"Chapter 4: Social Structure and Social Interaction"

@00465752
Reading Log #4
James M. Henslin
"Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control"

@00465752
Reading Log #5
James M. Henslin
"Chapter 8: Social Class in the United States"

@00465752
Reading Log #6
James M. Henslin
"Chapter 9: Race and Ethnicity"

@00465752
Reading Log #7
Peter Berger
"Invitation to Sociology"
Berger's article "Invitation to Sociology" is self explanatory in the title. This article is an invitation to a field broad enough for many new discoveries that are yet to be made in our social world. Sociology is the study of the social world or society that one lives in. Their occupation allows them to study how their own and other peoples' lives function, connect, and cooperate to form a functional society. Although sociologists, like people who study other fields, have a line that separates their occupation from their personal lives. (Berger 8)
As is it inevitable for a Sociologist to study their own lives, is it also inevitable to sometimes bump heads, compare, or unite with a person from another study field. Sociologists however, must continue on with the social observations and experimentation to get the answers to the questions that bring them to the unvisited realms of the social world. (Berger 6)
These explorers have a keen interest in human interaction which is an essential trait in every Sociologist. (Berger 9-10)
Opinion: What I basically got from Peter Berger's article, or more precise, a letter of invitation into the field of Sociology. Berger pretty much explained what sociologists think, believe, and do as their choice of lifetime career. They aren't permanent jobs forced upon them or anything like that. They just possess a trait or natural interest in Sociology that consumes them entirely. Berger believes that if you do not possess an absolute and honest interest in human society you probably won't truly enjoy Sociology.

@00465752
Reading Log #8
C. Wright Mills
"The Sociological Imagination"
Mils' idea of the sociological imagination explains people sometimes tend to place themselves in an incorrect identity. In reality, they are in a much narrower view of their position in the structure of the social world. (Mills 13)
People's sociological imagination is capable of so much. Ranging from ways to new thinking about society to the ability to from a self-identity with a group. (Mills 15)
The sociological imagination is equipped with a tool of distinction that distinguishes how "the personal troubles of milieu" differ from "the public issues of social structure." (Mills 15)
Opinion: In this next article following Berger's introduction it really gets more descriptive of what sociology really is. Mills' article somewhat confused me. I didn't follow his main idea so it threw me off completely and left me more lost than educated. One concept that I did manage to grasp from Mills' reading was that opening one's perspective into what things really are makes one feel more hostile or trapped than they did before finding the truths of society, buried beneath it's surface.

@00465752
Reading Log #9
W. Richard Stephens, Jr.
"Careers in Sociology"
Stephen's "Careers in Sociology" beings with an explanation of why a student is taking Sociology in college. Most students have never even heard of the subject matter or want to actively pursue it for they are simply taking it as a requirement for their general education. Students may feel forced at first, but as they proceed studying the material and applying some of the sociological ideas into their lives it becomes less as a chore. (Stephens 22)
Students who enter college knowing that their desired major is Sociology are extremely uncommon. It is unlikely that they look at Sociology as a job worthy career. In reality, Sociology can offer careers from a wide variety. (Stephens 24-26)
However, in order to advance in the field of Sociology one must note the character profiles of existing and working sociologists. These employed sociologists embrace, search, and actively create change in their careers. Like change, sociologists also actively search for opportunities or make them when time calls. (Stephens 28-29)
Opinion: Richard Stephens explains that relatives, more specifically parents, worry about their investment in such a course like criminal justice. In sociology there are many reliable career paths to choose from. Whether it be working for a phone company or general products and services. Sociology will not only lead you to a rewarding career, but will show you new and beneficial experiences. Sure you are feeling like you're taking a risk in such a new ideology, but the field of sociology provides a safe and stable living while at the same time granting you knowledge on the way.

@00465752
Reading Log #10
Mitch Albom
"We talk about our culture"
In the article "We Talk About Our Culture" by Mitch Albom, the author explains that some rules are crucial in a society, but not all of the people in a society should be forced to follow set expectations and artificial goals. As a person within a society, one must build their own subculture for themselves best suited for one's own custom benefit, regardless of inconsistency with the mainstream culture. (Album 86-87)
Album explains that people aren't as different as culture paints them out to be. Everyone goes through birth apparently; everyone goes through death as well. Males, females, whites, blacks, catholics, and protestants are all essentially human so why are they all divided and treated differently? If one looks past the stereotypes and prejudices then one can establish an effective and wide human branch with others from human civilizations throughout the world. (Albom 87)
The article explains that infants and elderly people depend on others to survive, but the people in between depend on others for survival as well. That is why belonging to a family is essential for any individual or culture to survive. (Album 88)
Opinion: This particular reading makes me look at our culture in a different way. Mitch Albom's passage was very much like a short story. The character in the story is a close friend of a seriously ill elderly man who is in a very difficult medical condition. He is recollecting his experience with people he has met during his life and regards them as people that were "threatened" by their society. Society has the potential to make you have morals and values that are almost self destructive. One must build their own culture and replace the flaws.

Labels:


Deviance Log

Date: September 5, 2010
Location: Macy's
Folkway Broken: Facing the Elevator Door
Research Method: Participant Observation

Deviance Log
(What you did)
For my Sociology deviance project I attempted to break an elevator social norm. Normally, people stand looking at one particular direction, mainly towards the elevator door. Why they do it is unknown to me. Before I broke the norm I rode on the elevator and faced the door. Standing beside me was a older woman, and she didn't seem to mind and everything went completely normal. After she left I decided to break the norm and faced the window-side of the elevator, opposite to the door.

(Reactions)
I attempted this about three times. The first group that went in the elevator where quiet and didn't give much of a reaction. The second time only one woman got on the elevator. She seemed to quite nervous and she clearly avoided eye contact to me. The second elevator ride was very awkward to say the least. You could feel the tension! Lastly, the third round I was standing in front of a young adult male. He was with a similar aged woman and standing next to each other. The man scratched his head a couple of times and the woman gave me quick glances. Clearly they were not comfortable with me looking their direction.

Labels: