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Reflection:

Sociology is very important throughout our lives. Personally, I didn’t realize how important it was until I took this course. I think this course is often overlooked. It was interesting to see that what we do and say impacts our society as a whole. I also think it helped me better understand the world around me. For my future career as a registered nurse, it will help me better understand other’s and why they do things the way they do; such as people of different races and religions. It will also help me understand why people feel so strongly about such things like racial discrimination and women’s rights. Throughout this entire course, I think what had the biggest impact on me was the film “Killing Us Softly.” I think many people don’t realize the harmful effects media has on being a female and how it negatively shapes our society. To me, I often think females are only looked at for what they look like, not for everything else (besides beauty) they have to offer. The film was very eye opening, and I think if more people watched the film and were educated on the concept, then such harsh portrayals of women would decrease. All in all, I think the most important thing is that many of the topics covered throughout this course are interconnected. 

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The American working and middle class has been left behind by globalization. We live in a world now where the wealthiest 62 people have as much wealth as the poorest 3.6 billion - half the planet! In the United States, workers don’t have jobs, people can’t afford to pay back their college loans. The one thing that left right and center are clear about is that the system is not working, and the system can’t fix itself.

Tom Morello, famed musician, social activist​ and member of Prophets of Rage (via indizombie)

I think all that is said in this post is something that most American’s really do not realize. What they don’t realize is just how messed up our society is. The wealthiest sixty two people have as much money as the poorest 3.6 billion people in America. Some people believe in globalization, other’s think it is ridiculous. On the other hand, some just don’t know what globalization is.  Globalization is “the process of international integrating arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture.” (Courses.lumenlearning.com, 2017) One of globalization’s focuses is free trade, meaning there are no barriers. Yet, there are many barriers within the world of free trading, such as added taxes. Many people argue that it has made the rich richer and the poor poorer. In reality, globalization only seems to benefit the people who are higher up in social classes. In order to produce cheap goods here in America, safety standards are often ignored. Also, commonly, our work is sent to plants overseas to make the products even cheaper. The jobs are sent to countries that are not as developed as what America is. This often puts hard-working American’s out of jobs. If their jobs are still available, they usually suffer from pay cuts. The middle-class commonly ends up feeling as though there is no job stability and end up struggling to make it go. The problem is that I think most Americans are in denial about how much of an impact has on American’s and our society. 

Courses.lumenlearning.com. (2017). Globalization | Boundless Management. [online] Available at: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-management/chapter/globalization/ [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Social movements are when groups of individuals focus on specific political or social issues. Common social movements include the feminist movement, civil rights movement, pro-life movement, gay rights movement, etc. The social movement that intrigues me is the environmental movement. I love nature and strongly think it should be protected. The above picture is of a man protesting in hopes of protecting our planet. His sign is very powerful. As with a lot of things in our lives, we get second chances. However, we only get one planet as we only get one life to live. How we take care of the planet, greatly impacts our overall health and our society as a whole. This movement began in the 1960′s and continued through to the 1970′s. What impacted this movement was what happened in Cleveland's Cuyahoga River. It had lit on fire due to being filled with harmful pollutants. Not long after, there was an oil spill in California. (Dykstra, 2017) Events such as this, is why the movement was focused on decreasing pollution and used to promote clean air and water. It was also used to promote the harsh effects of disposing of wastes. Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, opened the eyes of American’s because her book was about the harmful effects of nature. Along with the environmental movement, came Earth Day. Earth Day is celebrated every year in April to remind others just how important, yet fragile our Earth is. Although we still struggle with keeping the Earth clean, we still strive to do what we can to protect it. 

Dykstra, P. (2017). History of environmental movement full of twists, turns - CNN.com. [online] Cnn.com. Available at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/12/10/history.environmental.movement/index.html [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Lately, immigration has been a commonly talked about sociological issue. Many people here in the United States have very differing views on immigration. Some are for, and as with any issue, some are against it. In order for us to know how many immigrants have made their way to America, we must use quantitative research methods. Quantitative research methods are “methods that seek to obtain information about the social world that is already in or can be converted to numeric form.” (p. 47) However, there is another commonly used research method known as qualitative methods. Qualitative research methods “attempt to collect information about the social world that cannot be readily converted to numeric form.” (p. 47) Research is done so we as a society see how our individual lives impact other’s around us and society as a whole. Since 1965, the number of immigrants residing in America has quadrupled; reaching over forty-three million. Yearly, about one million immigrants come to America in hopes of a better life. The researches also studied the entire population of US immigrants, instead of just a sample of them. Many of these immigrants come from Mexico. Others often come from the “Caribbean, Central American, South America, and the Middle East.”  (López et al., 2017) Most of them end up living in California, Texas, and New York. To their benefit, they usually up finding jobs, gaining stability, and starting their lives over after coming to America. 

López, G., Bialik, K., López, G. and Bialik, K. (2017). Key findings about U.S. immigrants. [online] Pew Research Center. Available at: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/05/03/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/ [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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In order to think like a sociologist you must include every single aspect of one’s life and the society around it. This quote explains that perfectly. Throughout sociology, there were many important sociologists who gave us a greater understanding of the world around us, why things are the way they are, and why we do things the way we do. That includes (but is not limited to) Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Karl Marx, and C. Wright Mills. Basically, these sociologists helped us understand how the events we encountered and will encounter in the future shape our lives positively and negatively. With that in mind, not only are our own lives shaped, but we continue to shape our society as a whole. In order to have a full understanding of sociology and it’s importance, you must be able to look at issues from the micro and macro levels. If you look at a sociological issue from the micro level view, you are focusing on face to face encounters. However, if you are looking through a macro level perspective, you are looking at the bigger picture. They may be studying a large group of people in society. There are three common perspectives in the study of society. That is through the functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and the sociological interactionist perspective. All in all, it is important to realize that in order to answer society’s questions, you must “make the familiar strange” as you use your sociological imagination to better understand the world around us. (p. 41)

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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This meme is very fitting for social class issues here in America. Often the higher up’s of big companies and corporations forget that they are where they are because of the hard-working middle class. Many people want to succeed in life and truly be happy, but with poor working conditions and wages it is very difficult. If you watch the movie “Inequality for All,” it has very eye-opening, yet realistic facts. Back in the day, and even nowadays, many Americans find themselves in loads of debt because they can’t afford to live comfortably. With that being said, it is difficult for middle class families to attend college and further their education. Even though they are classified as “middle class,” they really don’t feel as though they are actually in the middle class. Contrary to popular belief, wages have not increased in quite some time. The upper class is doing well and flourishing, yet the lower and middle classes incomes are at a stand still. The average middle class earns a little more than fifty thousand dollars, which is roughly the same amount that was earned about twenty years ago. (Long, 2017) The middle-class people are the ones who keep businesses in business. Often, the middle class is overlooked by the upper class. However, those in the middle class play a significant role in keeping our economy functioning. We are the job creators! 

Long, H. (2017). The U.S. economy: 10 key facts to know. [online] CNNMoney. Available at: http://money.cnn.com/gallery/news/economy/2016/06/15/us-economy-2016/4.html [Accessed 26 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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The upcoming holiday’s and my love for Christmas inspired me to find different Christmas traditions worldwide. Many different countries have many different cultures and ways to celebrate holidays. We tend to be ethnocentric beings. Meaning we often have the “belief that one’s own culture or group is superior to others, and the tendency to view all other cultures from the perspective of one’s own.” (p. 80) Until we are put in the situation to experience a different culture, we often only think of our own as “normal.” For example, here in America most of us grow up believing in Santa Claus. Christmas from an early age, is often associated with gifts, a lit Christmas tree, warm cookies, time spent with family, and sometimes snow. Often, we get so caught up in the different Christmas celebrations, that we forget the real reason behind Christmas. However, if you compare our Christmas celebrations to that of France’s celebrations, you will see just how different cultures are around the world. Christmas is known as Noel in France. And unlike here in the United States, they celebrate by burning a log from December 24th to January 1st. Families burn this log to ensure good luck in the upcoming year. Traveling to France to celebrate Christmas would probably put some of us in a cultural shock. Without doing research on the Christmas holiday in France, we wouldn’t know what to expect. We may even experience some anxiety because who would’ve thought burning a log for seven days meant good luck? Just as if we brought someone from Greece to America during the holiday season. Unlike us opening gifts on December 25th, the Greeks open their presents on January 1st, also known as St. Basil’s Day. For more information about how Christmas is celebrated throughout the world, read the above article. I think it is important to compare our norms and differences to that of others around the world. 

Staff, H. (2017). Christmas Traditions Worldwide - Christmas - HISTORY.com. [online] HISTORY.com. Available at: http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/christmas-traditions-worldwide [Accessed 26 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Given what most people think, sex education should be talked about as early as possible. Although most parents and/or guardians usually hold off on sex education talks until it is absolutely necessary (usually in the teenage years), it’s important to address such a thing to refrain from assuming gender roles. Gender roles are “sets of behavioral norms assumed to accompany one’s status as male or female.” (p. 289) Forcing gender roles is known to cause many problems in adolescents lives - mentally and physically. It can increase the risks of suicide, mental illness, and a distorted self-image. (Emanuella Grinberg and Victoria Larned, 2017) The study, in the above article, was conducted throughout 15 different countries, with 900 subjects being used. All of the findings had relatively similar themes. Commonly boys are raised to be “dominant,” while females are raised to be “sensitive” and “vulnerable.” The belief that men are dominant is known as hegemonic masculinity. For example, it is known to be “girly” for a guy to wear nail polish or clothing of the opposite sex. As it is for females who display masculine characteristics. However, the only reason it is this way is because of forced gender roles. Such strict gender roles, has many adolescents struggling to conform. The overall message is for society to realize that gender roles shouldn’t be forced, and that it’s important to be true to you -- whether that be being more masculine, more feminine, or a mixture of both. Gender roles shouldn’t be the only thing used to define who you are as a person. 

Emanuella Grinberg and Victoria Larned, C. (2017). This is what happens when gender roles are forced on kids. [online] CNN. Available at: http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/20/health/geas-gender-stereotypes-study/index.html [Accessed 26 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Racism has been around for ages, and sadly still is. Racism is the “belief that members of separate races possess different and unequal traits coupled with the power to restrict freedoms based on those differences.” (p. 325) Racial discrimination is present everywhere; especially within the workforce. In the above article, a study was conducted to see how government officials racially discriminated. Many people tend to be ethnocentric. Meaning they evaluate other’s views and culture by the standards of their own. Here in this case, those who had African American sounding names were either ignored or received an impolite response. (Wolfers, 2017) This type of discrimination in the workforce is known as institutional racism. Many people may think other wise, but institutional racism is a common thing. Many employers claim they are “equal opportunity employers,” yet still discriminate between those of different races. However, it is important to realize that the workforce is not the only place that discriminates; it is also present in the criminal justice system. Discrimination can happen anywhere, anytime, and at any place. Racial discrimination shapes our outlooks and views on life. It is important to understand the harsh effects discrimination has on those of other races. The world would be a better place if those who are discriminatory would take a look in the mirror and realize how hurtful it is. In order to stop/prevent such a thing, it is important to look at everyone as though they are equal - no matter what color of skin they have or what background they originate from. 

Wolfers, J. (2017). Pinpointing Racial Discrimination by Government Officials. [online] Nytimes.com. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/06/business/economy/racial-discrimination-government-officials.html [Accessed 26 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Social deviance is on the rise. Social deviance can be “as minor as farting in church or as serious as murder.” (p. 191) Adolescents aspire to fit in; whether that be in school, in a gang, on a sports team, etc. The extremes these teens may go to to fit in is often astounding. Many teens in Illinois (and other areas of America as well) join gangs in order to be involved in an activity. Often these activities revolve around committing street crimes. These crimes include rape, murders, beatings, etc. Drugs and alcohol is often associated with many gangs. Being involved in deviant behavior for some is an intense adrenaline rush. They continue committing these crimes in order to feel the rush, and to feel as though they belong to someone/something. With such harsh crimes being committed, these young adolescents often find themselves in total institutions. Total institutions are used to help those in need readjust to become beneficial members of society. Examples of total institutions includes; jails and mental hospitals. As a society, it is our job to help children make smart wise decisions; whether that be making sure our children are hanging out with the right groups of people or checking in to see what they do with their free time. It is important to emphasize how crucial it is for adolescents to be involved with the right groups of people. After all, they are shaping the future for not only themselves but for everyone else in society. It is beneficial to set good standards so less adolescents are out on the streets making decisions they will regret for the rest of their lives. 

Forrest, S. (2017). Study: Street gangs, crime serve as deviant leisure activities for youths. [online] Phys.org. Available at: https://phys.org/news/2017-05-street-gangs-crime-deviant-leisure.html [Accessed 26 Nov. 2017].

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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I personally feel as though this meme speaks volumes about today’s society. With such great (and some not so great) advancements in technology, we have almost become completely dependent upon it. Commonly, cell phones are used in the work place; and even places where they shouldn’t be used, such as being in the hands of people while driving. With such a high dependence upon cell phones and various forms of social media, face to face communication has greatly decreased. With that being said, we often socialize ourselves to keep up with the ever-changing demands of society. Such as the man in this picture; in order to get away with using his cell-phone at work, he purchased a cell phone case that resembled the side of his head. Older generations, however, tend to have to resocialize themselves. Resocialization is “the process by which one’s sense of social values, beliefs, and norms are reengineered, often deliberately, through an intense social process that may take place in a social institution.” (p. 131) With technology quickly advancing, it’s almost crucial that everyone stays caught up. For example, most paper work is sent via email instead of being sent in the mail to be filled out manually. This means, if you don’t have access to a computer/printer at home, you’re going to experience a role conflict. On the other hand, the future generations to come, will have little to no problems with the advances because they will grow up around all different kinds of technology.

Connely, D. (2017) You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Advice for Future Students:

To the upcoming students taking Sociology 201:

First, stay on top of your assignments. Second, read your textbook and watch the lecture videos; it will be very beneficial for you come quiz and discussion time. Also, give yourself time to think everything through. A lot of the topics covered throughout this course are ones that are meant to be thought about, allow yourself the time to do so. While responding and answering discussion questions, really think about what you’re saying. Not only does this benefit you, but it also benefits the students who are reading and responding to your posts. I only say this because, if you are clear and concise in your writings, you may be able to help someone understand certain topics more clearly. For this Tumblr assignment, make sure you give yourself weeks to complete it. You don’t want to find yourself waiting until a few days before it is due to start working on it. Personally, after each section is covered in class, I would begin blogging about the topics that need covered. This is not an assignment you can complete in about an hour, it is time consuming. Yet once you reach the end, you will see that all of the time you put into this was worth it. Last but certainly not least, what you get out of this course is what you put into it. 

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Introduction:

Hello! My name is Emily Fawver. I am a nursing major, and am excited to begin clincal component of the program come January. Currently, I still live at home with my parents and my older brother. We all love vacationing and traveling. My favorite vacation spot is Disney World. I also love the beach; that’s my second favorite place to go. I enjoy being outdoors, shopping, reading, and spending time with my family/friends/significant other.