Overview
This discussion is taken from the readings in Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 and asks you to think through the challenges of social norms and power structures in society which can support or hamper social change. In this discussion you should respond to the following prompts:
- In Chapter 6 you revisit social norms and how they can affect your role as a member of society and within individualized social groups. What do you think life would be like without social norms? Would it even be possible? Present why or why not.
- In Chapter 7 you review power structures in society in relation to social change. This question considers how power is structured and your access to these levels of power. Think of an issue you would like to see addressed, and conduct a power analysis of who controls the decisions about that issue and how you might influence them. For example: what if your desire was that your local coffee shop serve only fair trade, organic coffee? Who makes the decision of what type of coffee is served? How might you convince them to switch to fair trade, organic coffee?
- Social structures in society also create stratification and distinct social classes in society and obtaining a college degree has been seen to be a primary way for citizens to move up the social structure (social mobility). When you consider the college degree you are about to obtain, how will it affect your social class? Explain why you have made this determination.
Should be at least 350 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
This discussion is taken from the reading in Chapter 8 and Chapter 9 and asks you to think through the experiences of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality in society today and how intersections of these identities can create even greater issues for those who hold multiple identities that experience inequality and discrimination. In this discussion you should respond to the following prompts:
- Do you have a good friend who is of a different race to yourself? If so, how did you meet? With this friend, do you ever talk seriously about racial issues? Explain why or why not. Do you think you fully understand the impact of race on your friend(s)? Explain why or why not. If you do not have any friend(s) whom are of another race, why do you think that is?
- How can sociology be used to (a) recognize, (b) publicize, and (c) combat racial discrimination? Be specific for each and clearly explain your response.
- Explain what ‘equal rights’ means to you. How much equality is there in US society between men and women?
- Why should men be interested in promoting equal rights and opportunities for women? What are some appropriate ways for men to help women gain greater social, political and economic power?
- Describe how women of color are ‘doubly oppressed’ and lesbian women of color are ‘triply oppressed’ in our society. Does your friendship circle include people of various genders and sexual orientations? Explain why or why not.
Should be at least 350 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
This discussion is taken from the reading in Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 and asks you to think through how institutions impact social issues and social change. In this discussion you should respond to the following prompts:
- In Chapter 10, the social institutions of the family and economy are discussed, along with how they can interact. How do you think the changes in the economic institution (for example: inflation, fewer jobs that pay a ‘family’ wage, the growing need for a college education) are affecting the social institution of the ‘family’.
- Describe the relationship between the economic, family, and educational institutions in your own life. What do you think would happen to you if you did not have access to a college education? How would that lack of access affect your economic position and your ability to support a family?
- Politicians can have a significant impact on the institutions that immediately impact us as citizens. Before this discussion, did you know the names of your US senators and representative? Do you know their party affiliations? Present why or why not. Why is it important to know who your civic leaders are and how they vote and support social change?
Should be at least 350 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.