Blog Post #7

Due: Wednesday, November 7th



Please answer the question below:

Question: After reading the selection “Making it by Faking It” by Robert Granfield (Reading 10, Life and Society, Henslin) please respond to the questions that follow. Previously in class we discussed how rules differ among social classes. What working class rules did these college students find as barriers during their experience at an elite law school? Do you feel that upward mobility could make one feel separate from their original class culture? Have you experienced class differences in your own life? How significant of a role do you feel class issues play in individual’s lives? How might you be sensitive to class differences in your role as a professional?

Blog Post #6

Response Due: Friday, November 2nd

Please answer the question below: Question: Chapter 9 discusses social stratification and global inequality. If we conducted a simulation exercise in class, 15% of you would represent the high income group, 30% of you the middle income group, and the remaining 55% the lowest income group. These percentages are based on approximate real world percentages of people in these various groups. This simulation would demonstrate the vast inequality that exists in our world. The United Nations Development Program reported in 1998 that the world’s 225 richest people now have a combined wealth of $1 trillion. That’s equal to the combined annual income of the world’s 2.5 billion poorest people. Further, in 1998, 20% of the world’s people living in the highest-income countries accounted for 86% of total private consumption expenditures while the poorest 20% accounted for only 1.3 percent.

What theory or theories might a sociologist use to explain this vast disparity? What do you feel is the cause of this? What are some potential solutions which leaders in the field cite to address this problem of inequality?

Blog Post/Journal Response #5

Response Due: Wednesday, October 24th

Please answer the question below:

Group think is Irving Janis’ term for “a narrowing of thought by a group of people, leading to a perception that there is only one correct answer, in which to even suggest alternatives becomes a sign of disloyalty.”

Please provide at least one historical example of group think and explain what characteristics of the event made it an example of group think. Further, please provide an example of a time you might have experienced group think in your own life (workplace, school, community group, etc.). Do you feel that group think can be dangerous? Why or why not?

Thought-Provoking Question #4

Due: Wednesday, October 17th

Please answer the question below:

Question: Chapter 4 discusses the major components of social structure, which include; culture, social class, social status, roles and groups. While it is important to identify each of these components, it is critical to understand how a person’s social location in the social structure underlie his or her perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and actions. Please use a character in a movie, television show, book or other appropriate medium as an example to illustrate the importance of social location.

Journal Response #3

Due: Wednesday, October 10th


Please answer the question below:

Question: Chapter Three explores “nature” (heredity) versus “nurture” (the social environment) in terms of how our human characteristics are developed. What are your feelings on this? Would you attribute the development of human characteristics to nature, nurture, or a combination of both? Please cite examples from class, the text and your own personal experiences to support your position. How has sociological research/observation responded to this question?