Discwk2.docx

Complete all questions with in-text citations and references.

1. Many sociologists argue that socialization is needed to make people human- that without socialization we would never gain the pro social skills needed to build society.  Discuss how social changes like technology have impacted our socialization. How does that impact our "humanness"?

2. There has been a lot of debate about the value of the Internet over the last few years-

On the positive side it has been argued that the Internet provides rapid inexpensive exchange of information. That it enables people to meet, discover information on their own, and learn in ways that are revolutionary and new.

On the other hand, many have argued that the Internet is a big waste of time- there is too much information available on the Internet, which makes it impossible to determine the truth or actual value of that information- resulting in less educated and informed individuals. Online social networking has created isolation of individuals and diminished the strength of social ties and social institutions.  Access to the Internet is still limited for some minority groups resulting in inequality, and that some of the information on the Internet is harmful.

However very little commentary or analysis looks at it from the standpoint of social groups- using the information from this week’s lecture (as well as your book and course modules) develop an argument about the Internet and group processes- is the Internet good for group organization or bad? What is social control like on the Internet? What are the consequences of the social control or lack or social control on the Internet for groups? For individuals? For society?

Note: make sure you are using class concepts for these answers. Do not get caught up in the idea of the internet to the point that you forget that the purpose is to discuss class concepts of group behavior. Group behavior theories and concepts were developed using face to face interactions. I want you to apply them to online interactions. Also note social networks in sociology is not the same as the common use of social networks online. 

3. We have painted society as mostly compliant and seen studies that indicate that people comply- particularly with authority

However, there is plenty of evidence that people are regularly deviant

In studies 50 to 70 percent of students say they have cheated

Many people commonly cheat- on their taxes, on their partners and spouses, at games

So, is conformity an illusion?

Under what circumstances do you see people are more likely to comply- when are they less likely?

If deviance is so common why is it still not socially acceptable?

Real world application

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/img/lp/pixel.gif
Step 1 this week- go to the movies (seriously) or watch a movie at home. You can choose a movie if you would like but this week we are talking about socialization, groups, social control and deviance so choose something that you think will work well for that assignment. An ensemble film will be better than one with one main lead. If you are not sure what to watch a film that is perfect for this assignment (and I highly recommend watching at some point) is 12 angry men embedded below. Please note if you choose the same film as another student and post after then, I expect you to expand on different concepts and use different examples for theories. This will make your job harder if many people choose the same film so keep that in mind when selecting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDKUTCdts3E

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DkI2I0W5i8

2. write a brief synopsis of your film (if it is new in theaters try not to spoil it for those who have not seen it)

3. Chose at least 3 terms from the socialization concepts list and 3 terms from the group concepts list below and talk about how they apply to /are used in your film. (this means explaining the term, giving and example and explaining how the example relates to the term)

4. Evaluate your film plot or characters from at least 2 of the 3 theoretical perspectives (again give more than an example- show how the example relates to the perspective)

5. Identify other socialization or group processes that are evident in the film

Socialization concepts

Role

Status

Ascribed Status

Achieved Status

Role Set

Role Strain

Role Conflict

Presentation of self

Sanctions (positive negative, formal informal)

Values

Conformity

Deviance

Ethnocentrism

Culture shock

Group concepts

Peer group

In-Group

Out-group

Reference group

Peer pressure

Leadership (explain type of leader expressive/instrumental- authoritative laissez-faire etc.)

bureaucracy

Labeling theory

Group think

Remember you should be using and citing class resources

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