We’ve started down the sociological trail by first taking inventory of our Social Location. Viewing ourselves as subjects and the important experiences we’ve had by using the Sociological Imagination allows us to begin the process of sociological analysis. The next stage is to take critical inventory of how our social context shapes the perspectives we form about the world around us. Simple stated, a perspective is a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something (‘point of view’). Perspectives are being continually shaped throughout our lives and are most consistently influenced by the regular experiences we have and the context within which those experiences take place. As stated in the BARKAN text, the sociological perspective takes “the view that our social backgrounds influence our attitudes, behavior and life chances” (p.4). In order to unpack those backgrounds we must employ critical thinking.
To do this, we will be exploring the concepts expanded by sociologist, C. Wright Mills; Personal Troubles and Social Issues. A Personal Trouble primarily affects the individual and those in their immediate social sphere of influence. Often, personal troubles stem out of some quality of the individual’s character. Along a different vein, a Social Issue (or Social Problem) negatively affects a large number of people and stems from a social cause rather than the direct result of an individual’s character. As such, a social issue can only be addressed through social action and collective work.
For this Digital Discussion, you will think about a Social Issue in society. Answer the Following Questions:
How are you familiar with this particular Social Issue? (i.e. heard about it in the media, have a friend or family member affected by it, or experience on a personal level, etc.). Apply the core concepts from the article, “Weltanschauung (aka Worldview)Preview the document View in a new window” to describe what your worldview about this social issue was prior to researching it
Who do you think is most prone to be affected by it? What do you think could be some consequences of this issue for individuals or the larger society?
Focus on your immediate reactions when beginning to think about this issue. Try not to filter, but just record first impressions without any judgment on your answers or yourself.
Next, think about your perspective going into researching this social issue and chart yourself on the Theoretical Basic Orientation grid (Figure 1.3 & Table 1.1 in the article “Introduction to Sociological TheoryPreview the documentView in a new window”). Describe the directional ways in which you think about this issue: individual/ rational, individual/ nonrational, collective/rational, and collective/nonrational.
Lastly, using Table 1.1 (from the article “Introduction to Sociological TheoryPreview the documentView in a new window”) as a reference, devise your own question, and then give hypothetical answers that reflect the four basic theoretical orientations: individual/ rational, individual/ nonrational, collective/rational, & collective/nonrational.
For instance, why do 16-year-olds stay in (or drop out of) school? Why might a man or woman stay in a situation of domestic violence? What are possible explanations for gender inequality? Why are you reading this book? I will upload the 3 articles later. At least 5 paragraphs long. Make sure you cite all your sources
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