SOC 101 All Discussions (Week 1, Week 3, Week 4 & Week 5)
WEEK 1
DQ 1: There are three primary sociological theories discussed in Chapter One of the text, .next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=CDMS&redirectUrl=https://content.ashford.edu/ssologin?bookcode=AUSOC101.11.2″>Introduction to Sociology. Those sociological perspectives are also introduced in the Making Sense of Sociological Theory video. After reading Chapter One of the text and watching the video, briefly describe each theory and the major differences across the Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic Interaction perspectives. Be sure to discuss the weaknesses and strengths of each theory.
DQ 2:Vissing (2011) explains culture as an organized system of living and thinking. It contains shared attitudes, values, goals, and behaviors that are present in individuals, groups, organizations, or regions of the world (p. 24). After reading Chapter One in the text and The Relation Between Culture and Social Structure, summarize some of the ways that the role of culture can shape our expectations about how people are supposed to behave. Moreover, discuss how culture is involved in the consequences when a person does not behave as one is supposed to. Be sure to use the following terms in your explanation: values, norms, material, status, groups and roles.
WEEK 3
DQ 1:Identify a social problem Summarize the social problem from the lens of:
The Functionalist perspective
The Conflict perspective
The Symbolic Interaction perspective
Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
DQ 2: For this discussion, you must read the article, Durkheims Classic Contribution, and the Anomie Theory reading. After reading the required resources, consider the following question: Why do you think Emile Durkheim alleges that if we didnt have deviants, we would create them? Support your answer with detailed examples.
WEEK 4
DQ 1:According to conflict theorists, the persistence of social class inequality can be linked to the educational institutions in the United States. Although education is asserted to be a social equalizer, many argue that the educational system is a mechanism of social reproduction that maintains social inequality rather than ensuring equality of opportunity. In this discussion, you will read Chapter Four of the text, Introduction to Sociology, and review the articles, Foundations of Educational Inequality.
Answer the following questions:
What factors influence the quality of education that an individual receives?
How is social class reproduced through the educational system?
How is this continuing educational inequality impacting other social institutions?
DQ 2: Vissing (2011) states, a society needs a variety of social institutions in order to function adequately. However, it does appear that not all citizens have equal access to participation in them, and that ones social class and ascribed characteristics may limit ones ability to benefit from them. This disparity results in unequal access to all that the institutions have to offer (p. 197). Review the various social institutions discussed in Chapter Four of the text, .next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=CDMS&redirectUrl=https://content.ashford.edu/ssologin?bookcode=AUSOC101.11.2″>Introduction to Sociology. In your opinion, which of these institutions do not provide equal access? If you were asked to implement changes from a sociological perspective, what changes would you suggest? Support your answer with detailed examples. Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length.
WEEK 5
DQ 1:Social movements can change the world. After reading article, Sociology and Social Movements, discuss the social movements that have been noted in the United States in the last decade. Moreover, discuss what implications those movements have had on todays culture. Finally, hypothesize what current social movements could transform the future of the world.
DQ 2:The future of the world is uncertain. In fact, there are those who predict a wonderful world where technology and creativity provide a good quality of life for most people, while others predict a world of competition, conflict, and strife. Read the article, The Digital Divide and What To Do About It. Then, watch the video Wade Davis: Dreams from Endangered Cultures. After reading and viewing the required resources, use the sociological theories to explain why these polar opposites could both occur, and what needs to happen for peace and prosperity to result.