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?

Journal Responses/Blog Post #2

Due: Monday, October 1st

Please answer at least one of the following questions:

Question #1: Chapter Two discusses the concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. Please provide one example in which you encountered a culture different from your own and describe which one of the two concepts you practiced when you experienced that cultural difference.

Question #2: Chapter Two explains that cultures have subcultures as well as countercultures. Please describe the distinction between the two and list an example of each. Further, do you feel that the distinction between subcultures and countercultures is cut and dry? Why or why not?

Journal Response #1 Due Friday, September 28th (please note this has been extended due to the instructor's delay in getting out blog invites)

Please answer at least one of the following questions:

Question #1: Chapter One discusses various schools of thought in terms of the role of sociologists in society. One view asserts that sociologists should simply study society while a second view espouses the belief that sociologists should use their research to reform society. Which do you feel is the role of sociologists and why?

Question #2: Chapter One discusses the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis (also called functionalism and structural functionalism) and conflict theory. First, please list the level of analysis for each theory (ie: micro or macro). Second, which of the three theories do you feel makes the most sense to you? Please explain why

Blog Post/Journal Response #1

Due Tuesday, April 3rd

Please answer at least one of the following questions:

Question #1: Chapter One discusses various schools of thought in terms of the role of sociologists in society. One view asserts that sociologists should simply study society while a second view espouses the belief that sociologists should use their research to reform society. Which do you feel is the role of sociologists and why?

Question #2: Chapter One discusses the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis (also called functionalism and structural functionalism) and conflict theory. First, please list the level of analysis for each theory (ie: micro or macro). Second, which of the three theories do you feel makes the most sense to you? Please explain why

Welcome to the "What's up with Sociology?" blog!

Welcome to the “What’s up with Sociology?" blog. This is an opportunity for your to share your thoughts and feelings on issues discussed in class with your peers via an online format. I hope that you take advantage of this opportunity!Please follow the instructions below for posting to this blog:

1. Click on the comments link for the question/discussion thread you want to respond to. This will prompt you to a screen where you can type in your comments.
2. If you already have a blogger account, simply log-in.
3. If you do not have a blogger account it will allow you to set up a user name and password.
4. Post your answer to the comments section of that particular thread/question.
5. In order to earn points for each assignment, you MUST post to that particular discussion thread. You may, however, start your own discussion thread if there is another topic related the course which you would like to discuss.
6. If you would like to start a new thread, then go to www.blogger.com and you can start a new thread.I am looking forward to reading your posts!