Topic outline
- General
- Course Information
Course Information
Sociology is the scientific study of society. As such, it closely examines human interactions and cultural phenomena, including topics like inequality and urbanization and the effects of these on groups and individuals. To do their work, sociologists rely on a philosophy of science called positivism. The philosophy of positivism asserts that authentic knowledge, or truth, can only be gained through empirical observations. In other words, we need to be able to experience our observations or use scientific measurement with a form of sensory experience, as opposed to using faith-based or emotional experiences.
Another central concept to sociology is that of the sociological imagination. The sociological imagination allows sociologists to make connections between personal experiences and larger social issues. For example, did you know the U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world? In order to understand this trend, sociologists use scientific methods to make concrete connections between social issues like sex education in schools, sexualization in the media, and poverty and the personal issue of teenage sexual activity and pregnancy.
This course is designed to introduce you to a range of basic sociological principles so that you can develop your own sociological imagination. You will learn about the origins of sociology as a discipline and be introduced to major sociological theories and methods of research. You will also explore such topics as sex and gender, deviance, and racism. As you move through the course, try to develop your sociological imagination by relating the topics and theories you read about to your own life experiences.
- Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology
Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology
In this unit, you will be introduced to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about the development of sociology as a field of research and discover various theoretical perspectives central to the study of society. You will also take a look at the process of sociological research and explore different ethical concerns social scientists and researchers face in their work. In addition, you will learn why it is worthwhile to study sociology and how sociology can be applied in the real world.
For example, did you know that sociologists helped the Supreme Court end "separate but equal" racial segregation in the United States? It might also interest you to know that the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Ronald Reagan, Robin Williams, and First Lady Michelle Obama were all sociology majors.
Sociologists have helped change and mold the social world we know today, and sociology continues to be an exciting topic to study because it teaches people how they fit into the bigger picture of society. We can look at ourselves through a sociological perspective to see how we classify ourselves and how others classify us. This is an invaluable tool for living and working in an increasingly diverse and globalized world.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 13 hours.
- 1.1: An Introduction to Sociology
1.1: An Introduction to Sociology
Read this chapter for an introduction to sociology.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Write down the definition of sociology. Also, focus on Mill's concept of the sociological imagination.
- Take note of important sociological figures, such as Karl Marx and Auguste Comte, as well as the bold terms.
- Take notes on the three major sociological theoretical perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
- Take note of the societal, as well as personal, benefits of studying sociology. How will studying sociology help you in your life?
- Write down the definition of sociology. Also, focus on Mill's concept of the sociological imagination.
- 1.1.1: Theoretical Perspectives
1.1.1: Theoretical Perspectives
Watch this lecture, which covers the theoretical perspective known as structural functionalism.
Watch this lecture, which covers the theoretical perspective known as symbolic interaction.
Watch this lecture, which covers the theoretical perspective known as conflict theory.
- Topic 5
- 1.2: Sociological Research
1.2: Sociological Research
Read this chapter for a review of sociological research.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of the bold terms throughout the chapter.
- Take some time to study Figure 1 and the accompanying text, which outline the scientific process of studying sociology.
- Take note of the differences in scientific approaches to studying sociology, including surveys, field research, participant observation, ethnographies, case studies, experiments, and secondary data analysis.
- Take note of the code of ethics and think about how these ethical standards are vital to conducting research about human subjects.
- Take note of the bold terms throughout the chapter.
- 1.2.1: Approaches to Sociological Research
1.2.1: Approaches to Sociological Research
Watch this lecture, which covers the scientific process of formulating and answering scientific questions.
- 1.2.2: Ethical Concerns
- Unit 1 Discussion and Assessment
Unit 1 Discussion and Assessment
After reviewing the unit materials and completing the assessments, please post and respond to the following topics on the course discussion board. Feel free to start your own related posts and respond to other students' postings as well. If you haven't done so already, you will need to create a free account at the link above to participate in the discussions.
- Explain how each of the three major theoretical paradigms discussed in this section (structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory) might be used in looking at the issue of inequality and share some examples.
- Using the sociological imagination, how might one explain the personal trouble of experiencing an eating disorder?
- How can sociological theories be beneficial when studying various groups or institutions within a society? Provide some examples which support your claims.
- Why is it so vital to follow ethical standards and guidelines when conducting sociological research? Can you think of a time when ethical guidelines were violated during scientific research? Please share some examples.
- Explain how each of the three major theoretical paradigms discussed in this section (structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory) might be used in looking at the issue of inequality and share some examples.
- Unit 2: Culture, the Socialized Self, and the Individual in Society
Unit 2: Culture, the Socialized Self, and the Individual in Society
This unit will expose you to some of the most fascinating aspects of sociology. You will be introduced to such sociological concerns as culture, social interaction, groups and organizations, deviance and social control, and media and technology. As you explore these areas of sociological study, you will gain insight into some of the most common unwritten rules for behavior in our social world. Then, you will investigate why these social rules are so significant in our everyday interactions. For example, what would happen if you deliberately distrusted social order by committing even a minor social offense like cutting in line, walking backwards, or wearing two different shoes? It's the unwritten rules (or normative behaviors) that do not permit this kind of deviance without reactions (sometimes hostile) from social actors.
Finally, you will be given the opportunity to think critically about how technology has affected our social interactions as well as how it has affected deviant behavior. Think about Facebook. While it is a virtual interactive world, it has very much impacted our social thinking. For example, friend has been turned into a verb, and we can use Facebook to like something, bridging our lives and experiences with hundreds of others in seconds.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 23 hours.
- 2.1: Culture
2.1: Culture
Read this chapter for a review of culture.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Write down the differences between culture and society.
- Focus on the bold terms, paying close attention to the differences between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. Then, write down some ideas as to why these two concepts would be central to studying societies.
- Take note of the bold terms in this section, focusing on the different kinds of norms as well as the significance of symbols.
- Take note of the different types of cultures as well as the effect of globalization on those cultures.
- Read this section while making connections to the three theoretical perspectives you studied in subunit 1.1.
- Write down the differences between culture and society.
- 2.2: Society and Social Interaction
2.2: Society and Social Interaction
Read this chapter for a review of society and social interaction.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of the Maasai village in Tanzania. How does this village differ from a rural American town?
- Take note of the different types of societies, making connections to the society in which you currently live.
- Take notes on Durkheim's functionalist approach, Marx's conflict approach, and Weber's symbolic interactionist approach to studying societies.
- Take note of the bold terms and how they contribute to your own construction of reality as well as how they affect larger social phenomena.
- Take note of the Maasai village in Tanzania. How does this village differ from a rural American town?
- 2.3: Socialization
2.3: Socialization
Read this chapter for a review of socialization.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of the definition of socialization. Can you think of factors (or people) that have influenced your socialized self?
- Take note of the main differences between the psychological and sociological theories of development.
- Focus on the nature vs. nurture section, taking note of the different skills that are innate and those that are learned. Pay close attention to the section about Chris Langan.
- Take note of the various agents for socialization, including family, peers, institutions, schools, work, religion, government, and media.
- Take note of resocialization and how it differs from socialization.
- Take note of the definition of socialization. Can you think of factors (or people) that have influenced your socialized self?
- 2.4: Groups and Organization
2.4: Groups and Organization
Read this chapter for a review of groups and organizations.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Focus on the three major theoretical perspectives in relation to groups and organizations.
- Take note of the bold terms outlining the different types of groups.
- Take note of the bold terms, focusing on the sections titled "Dyads, Triads, and Large Groups" and "Group Leadership."
- Take note of the bold terms and Table 1: Table of Formal Organizations. Also, pay close attention to the section "The McDonaldization of Society."
- Focus on the three major theoretical perspectives in relation to groups and organizations.
- 2.5: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
2.5: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Read this chapter for a review of deviance, crime, and social control.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Read this section for an introduction to deviance and social control. What do you think about the experiences of the two students discussed in the reading? Do you agree with the school's ruling about the dress code? Why or why not?
- Take note of the definition of deviance and how social control is enforced through types of sanctions (Table 1). Can you think of times when you have been affected by sanctions?
- Take note of the various theoretical perspectives typically used in sociology to describe or explain deviant behavior. Focusing on labeling theory and secondary deviance, can you think of a time in your life when a label assigned to you may have affected your behavior?
- Take note of the various theoretical perspectives explaining deviance in society. Take note of the examples accompanying each theoretical model.
- Read this section for an introduction to deviance and social control. What do you think about the experiences of the two students discussed in the reading? Do you agree with the school's ruling about the dress code? Why or why not?
- 2.6: Media and Technology
2.6: Media and Technology
Read this chapter for a review of media and technology.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of how a functionalist might explain the social purposes of media and technology.
- Focus on the bold terms throughout the reading. Have you ever experienced technological inequality? Can you think of ways to overcome technological inequality?
- Take note of the different types of media and their social impacts. What are some types of media common in your life? How might these mediums affect your everyday interactions?
- Take note of the differences between media globalization and technological globalization. After reading about the impact of cell phones in Sub-Saharan Africa, what are your initial thoughts on shared phone programs?
- Take note of the various theoretical perspectives pertaining to media and technology. In addition, Take note of the new theoretical perspective introduced in this chapter: the feminist perspective. Lastly, focus on how the social construction of reality will be affected by mass media.
- Take note of how a functionalist might explain the social purposes of media and technology.
- Unit 2 Discussion and Assessment
Unit 2 Discussion and Assessment
After reviewing the unit materials and completing the assessments, please post and respond to the following topics on the course discussion board. Feel free to start your own related posts and respond to other students' postings as well. If you haven't done so already, you will need to create a free account at the link above to participate in the discussions.
- What is the difference between culture and society? Please provide some examples.
- Discuss the roles nature and nurture play in the formation of the individual.
- Discuss how each of the following influence the socialization process in children: family, peers, and media.
- Define and discuss resocialization.
- Define primary and secondary groups. Then, provide some examples of primary and secondary groups in your social experience.
- Explain technological inequality and issues related to unequal access to technology. Please provide some examples.
- Provide examples of acts that are deviant but NOT criminal; and criminal but NOT deviant.
- Unit 3: Social Inequality
Unit 3: Social Inequality
In this unit, you will address the growing concerns of global and national inequality. You will explore questions like how did wealth become concentrated in some nations? And how can we address the needs of the world's population when we live in a world with more than 7 billion people?
You will also be introduced to institutionalized inequalities, such as racism, sexism, and ageism, and delve into questions like how do our own prejudices guide our interactions? And how might we overcome our preconceived notions that lead to prejudice?
In addition, we will discuss the differences between sex and gender, along with issues like gender identity and sexuality. In this phase of the unit, we will explore various theoretical perspectives on sex and gender in order to demonstrate a description of the topics as well as alleviate bias from the description (not always an easy feat).
Completing this unit should take you approximately 21 hours.
- 3.1: Social Stratification in the United States
3.1: Social Stratification in the United States
Read this chapter for a review of social stratification in the United States.
As you read each section, consider the following points:
- Read the introduction to social stratification, paying attention to Robert and Joan's story. Make guesses or connections between the example provided and why you think this example might be an introduction to stratification.
- Take notes on the bold terms as well as on the three systems of stratification. What stratification system is found in the U.S.? How might this affect one's life chances?
- Take note of the different classes found in the United States and the types of mobility. Other than homes or luxury items, what are some things money can buy that are not readily available to people living in the lower class? How might being in the lower class affect one's chances at upward social mobility?
- Read the two sections found in this chapter. In addition, you should spend a few minutes comparing the two photos in Figure 1, jotting down some thoughts on the photos and the accompanying text.
- Take note of the three different theoretical approaches to studying social stratification. How do you think Marx would view the Davis-Moore thesis?
- Read the introduction to social stratification, paying attention to Robert and Joan's story. Make guesses or connections between the example provided and why you think this example might be an introduction to stratification.
- 3.2: Global Inequality
3.2: Global Inequality
Read this chapter for a review of global inequality.
As you read through each section, consider the following points:
- Read about the UN member nations' goals to eradicate global inequality. While reading about these goals, be sure to consider "extreme poverty” in a global context as well as how we might be able to address the needs of the world's population.
- Take note of the terms global inequality and global classification. Also take note of high-, middle-, and low-income nations as well as factors contributing to a nation's classification.
- Focus on the differences between relative, absolute, and subjective poverty. Write down some ideas on the cyclical impact of the consequences of poverty.
- Read on the differences between modernization and dependency theory pertaining to global stratification. On a separate piece of paper, create a compare/contrast list of each of the theories. Then, look at the list you've made and draw conclusions as to how each of these theories attempts to explain global stratification.
- Read about the UN member nations' goals to eradicate global inequality. While reading about these goals, be sure to consider "extreme poverty” in a global context as well as how we might be able to address the needs of the world's population.
- 3.3: Race and Ethnicity
3.3: Race and Ethnicity
Read this chapter for a review of race and ethnicity.
As you read through each section, consider the following points:
- Can you identify areas in your life where race and ethnicity have an effect?
- Take note of the differences between race and ethnicity. Explore the idea behind race being a social construction, rather than a biological identifier. Take note of the definitions of majority and minority groups.
- Take note of the differences between stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Challenge yourself to think about some common stereotypes you might be familiar with.
- Read about how the major theoretical perspectives view race and ethnicity. On a separate piece of paper, make a list of examples of culture of prejudice. For example, when you see an actor of (presumably) Middle Eastern descent in a film, how often are they either the hero or the villain? When you're watching television and commercials come on, what are some common themes you notice in the racial categories of the actors? How about images in high fashion magazines? Often times, when women of color appear in these ads, they are eroticized in some way, creating a visual of someone who is less than human.
- Take note of the definitions of genocide, expulsion, segregation, pluralism, and assimilation. Also, pay attention to amalgamation and how it is somewhat similar to the classic melting pot theory.
- Focus on the different experiences of various ethnic groups in the United States. Due to the current racial stratification in the U.S., how might race or ethnicity affect access to valuable resources like education or health care?
- Can you identify areas in your life where race and ethnicity have an effect?
- 3.4: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
3.4: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
Read this chapter for a review of gender, sex, and sexuality.
As you read through each section, consider the following points:
- In the "Introduction to Sex and Gender," read about Harry's journey to becoming Hailey. Write a personal reaction to your thoughts on Hailey's parents allowing her to make this transition. Also, write a sociological reaction to Hailey's parents allowing her to make the transition. Remember: A sociological reaction will be one without bias or judgment.
- Take thorough notes on the differences between sex and gender. Which one is ascribed? Which one is achieved? Also, take note of gender identity and what populations of people fall under the transgender umbrella.
- Take note of how socialization plays a role in gender identity and gendered behaviors. Focus on the stratification of gender within the United States. In addition, explore the various theoretical perspectives on gender, taking note of feminist theory as it relates to gender-related issues.
- Take note of varying attitudes associated with sex and sexuality. Define sexual inequality. What has been the greatest influence on sexual behavior in most societies? How have those influences recently shifted? Also, take note of Queer Theory as it pertains to sex and sexuality.
- In the "Introduction to Sex and Gender," read about Harry's journey to becoming Hailey. Write a personal reaction to your thoughts on Hailey's parents allowing her to make this transition. Also, write a sociological reaction to Hailey's parents allowing her to make the transition. Remember: A sociological reaction will be one without bias or judgment.
- 3.5: Aging and the Elderly
3.5: Aging and the Elderly
Read this chapter for a review of aging and the elderly.
As you read through each section, consider the following points:
- Focus on various social factors affecting the aging experience. What does age represent other than just a number? How might this affect life chances?
- Take note of the phases of aging (young-old, middle-old, and old-old). Also, make sure you're able to explain the "graying" of the United States.
- Read about and take note of the biological, social, and psychological changes associated with the aging process. Read about aging and sexuality, comparing this phase of sexuality with those discussed in the chapter on sex and gender. How does the social construction of sexuality change when considering age as a variable? Examine the attitudes associated with death and dying.
- Read about the historic and current trends of poverty among elderly populations. Focus on ageist attitudes within individuals and institutions. Consider the question: How and why are the elderly so vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse?
- Read about various theoretical perspectives on aging. Make a list comparing and contrasting the theoretical perspectives to demonstrate the differences between the viewpoints on aging.
- Focus on various social factors affecting the aging experience. What does age represent other than just a number? How might this affect life chances?
- Unit 3 Discussion and Assessment
Unit 3 Discussion and Assessment
After reviewing the unit materials and completing the assessments, please post and respond to the following topics on the course discussion board. Feel free to start your own related posts and respond to other students' postings as well. If you haven't done so already, you will need to create a free account at the link above to participate in the discussions.
- Apply functionalist, conflict theory, and interactionist perspectives to social stratification. How are they different? Which one do YOU think is most beneficial when studying social stratification? Why?
- Explain the differences between stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Provide examples for each.
- Due to the current racial stratification in the U.S., how might race or ethnicity affect access to valuable resources like education or health care?
- What is the difference between sex and gender? How, as sociologists, might we explain the social construction of gender?
- Discuss various attitudes associated with sex and sexuality. How have these attitudes changed over the past several decades? Have we reached a point of equality? Provide some examples to support your argument.
- Regarding the elderly population in America, what are some special concerns this population is facing?
- What are the differences between the biological, social, and psychological changes associated with the aging process?
- Apply functionalist, conflict theory, and interactionist perspectives to social stratification. How are they different? Which one do YOU think is most beneficial when studying social stratification? Why?
- Unit 4: Institutions
Unit 4: Institutions
This unit will introduce you to some of the most powerful and influential social institutions: family, religion, education, and government. First, you will study the institution of family. Did you know the number of unmarried couples in the United States grew from fewer than 1 million in the 1970s to 6.4 million in 2008? Now, cohabiting couples account for 10 percent of all opposite-sex couples in the United States! This information is significant to sociologists (and you) because these numbers indicate dramatic changes in the structure of the American family.
Next you will take a look at religion. Religion, like family, is yet another significant indicator of social structures within a culture. It is important to note that you will be studying religion from a sociological perspective, not a religious perspective. For instance, sociologist Émile Durkheim studied the functions of religion within a society. Durkheim found that some people use religion for healing and faith, others use it for communal bond, and even others may use it for understanding "the meaning of life." All of these functions of religion will affect the society's structure and balance.
You will also study the American school and educational systems. In sociology, we understand education to be both a social problem and a social solution. You will learn how schools can be agents for social change - tools that can break even poverty or racism - as well as how education can be a social problem, like when schools become drop-out factories due to low funding or high levels of institutional disorganization. In addition, we often observe political and religious opposition to specific curriculum in schools, such as adequate sex education or the concept of evolution. These are the kinds of questions sociologists consider when studying schools and education.
Finally, you will learn about government and politics as well as work and the economy from a sociological perspective. In these sections, you will be challenged to define power - is it something you are born into? Is it something you earn? Who decides your level of social power? You will study power, work, and economy (one of the world's earliest social structures) by exploring various types of economic systems and their functions in societies.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 21 hours.
- 4.1: Marriage and Family
4.1: Marriage and Family
Read this chapter for a review of marriage and family.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Read about Christina and James as an introduction to the topic of marriage and family. When reading about Christina and James, consider their mothers' reactions to living together or getting married. How are their reactions different, and how might these attitudinal responses indicate social ideas about living together or being married?
- Take note of society's current understanding of the family. Recognize changes in marriage and family patterns, paying close attention to cohabitation.
- Read about variations in family structure, acknowledging and understanding the prevalence of single parents, cohabitation, same-sex couples, and unmarried individuals. Think critically about how the politicization of sexuality has affected the family structure as well as our social construction of the family.
- Take note of the social and interpersonal impacts of divorce, focusing also on children of divorce and remarriage. Also take notes on the problems of violence and abuse in the family.
- Read about Christina and James as an introduction to the topic of marriage and family. When reading about Christina and James, consider their mothers' reactions to living together or getting married. How are their reactions different, and how might these attitudinal responses indicate social ideas about living together or being married?
- 4.2: Religion
4.2: Religion
Read this chapter for a review of religion.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Read the "Introduction to Religion" section, paying close attention to the sociological definition of religion.
- Take note of the sociological view of religion and attempt to understand how each of the major sociological perspectives consider religion.
- List the differences between various types of religious organizations. Take note of classifications of religion, such as animism, polytheism, monotheism, and atheism.
- Take note of how religion can be used as an agent of social change. In addition, focus on trends in secularization and the significance of secularization on a fundamental social institution.
- Read the "Introduction to Religion" section, paying close attention to the sociological definition of religion.
- 4.3: Education
4.3: Education
Read this chapter for a review of education.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of the expectations and norms taught in American schools outside of the mandated curriculum. Can you identify any norms you've been taught through your schooling and education? How do they affect your actions and world view?
- Identify the differences in educational resources around the world. On a separate piece of paper, take note of the concept of universal access to education.
- Take note of manifest and latent functions of education. Focus on how functionalism, conflict theory, feminism, and interactionism view issues of education.
- Take note of historical and contemporary issues in education. How do sociologists typically view "No Child Left Behind,” and why?
- Take note of the expectations and norms taught in American schools outside of the mandated curriculum. Can you identify any norms you've been taught through your schooling and education? How do they affect your actions and world view?
- 4.4: Government and Politics
4.4: Government and Politics
Read this chapter for a review of government and politics.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- After reading about Prince William and Kate, make a list of how their political power differs from that of the President of the United States.
- Take note of the differences between power and authority. Identify and describe, on a separate piece of paper, the three types of authority.
- Take note of the common forms of government, including monarchy, oligarchy, dictatorship, and democracy. Cite examples of each.
- Take note of the significance of "one person, one vote” in determining American policy. How does voter participation affect politics in the United States? Explore the influence of race, gender, and class issues on the voting process.
- Focus on how functionalists, conflict theorists, and interactionists view government and politics.
- After reading about Prince William and Kate, make a list of how their political power differs from that of the President of the United States.
- 4.5: Work and the Economy
4.5: Work and the Economy
Read this chapter for a review of work and the economy.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of the bold terms found in this section. What kinds of goods and services do you rely on to function in life?
- Take note of the types of economic systems and their historical development. Explore how functionalists, conflict theorists, and symbolic interactionists view the economy and work.
- Focus on globalization and its manifestation in modern society. Take note of the pros and cons of globalization from an economic standpoint.
- Take note of the current United States' workforce and the trend of polarization. Concentrate on how women and immigrants have impacted the modern American workforce. Lastly, focus on the basic elements of poverty in the U.S. today.
- Take note of the bold terms found in this section. What kinds of goods and services do you rely on to function in life?
- Unit 4 Discussion and Assessment
Unit 4 Discussion and Assessment
After reviewing the unit materials and completing the assessments, post and respond to the following topics on the course discussion board. Feel free to start your own related posts and respond to other students' postings as well. If you haven't done so already, you will need to create a free account at the link above to participate in the discussions.
- Describe the differences between single parents, cohabitation, same-sex couples, and unmarried individuals. Who are some famous (or infamous) people that can be used as examples for each of these categories?
- What are some conclusions one can draw from the fact that there is a growing single population?
- Explain how Karl Marx and Émile Durkheim view religion. How are their views similar? How are they different?
- What are some manifest and latent functions of education? Provide examples.
- How would a conflict theorist evaluate education in American public schools? How might this affect factors contributing to the dropout rate for high school students?
- Define and differentiate between power, authority, and different types of authority. Provide examples.
- Describe the current United States' workforce and the trend of polarization. What are some examples in which we are seeing these trends occur?
- Unit 5: Social Change and Social Issues
Unit 5: Social Change and Social Issues
In your final unit for the course, you will learn about the great social issues surrounding health care, urbanization, and social movements. The sociology of health encompasses social epidemiology, disease, mental health, disability, and medicalization. You will discover that the way we perceive and treat medicine and health care constantly evolves. Furthermore, as you study the sociology of health, you will be challenged to answer questions like: What does health mean to you? How do you feel about legalized drugs? And are too many people on prescription medicines in America?
Also, in this unit, you will read about population, urbanization, and the environment. You will explore possible reasons for the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas as well as how these shifts in population and urbanization may affect the environment.
Lastly, you will study different types of social movements. Social movements are typically of a large scale and have great social impact; although, they usually start out as grassroots organizations, relying heavily on word of mouth. Grassroots movements that gain success, however, often become institutionalized and evolve into a more fixed and formal part of the social structure.
For example, the Second Wave of Feminism, which occurred from the 1960s through the 1980s, started as a grassroots movement to fight against inequalities between the sexes. Men and women who participated in this movement typically did not belong to formal organizations. Instead, they spread the word of their cause through conscious-raising groups in hopes of creating social change. One such group was destined to become the National Organization for Women (NOW). Started by a group of about 28 women in 1966, NOW remains one of the prominent political and social voices for women's rights today with a membership of over 500,000. Indeed, we are still witnessing changes instigated by the Second Wave of Feminism, such as stronger legislation protecting women from discrimination in the workplace and from abuse in the home.
As you take a closer look at social movements, you will explore the questions: How does collective behavior affect social change? How does social change differ on state, national, and global levels? And how do different theoretical perspectives interpret social movements?
Completing this unit should take you approximately 16 hours.
- 5.1: Health and Medicine
5.1: Health and Medicine
Read this chapter for a review of health and medicine.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Should parents be forced to immunize their children?
- What might sociologists make of the fact that most of the families who chose not to vaccinate were of a higher socioeconomic group?
- How does this story of vaccines in a high-income region compare to that in a low-income region, like sub-Saharan Africa, where populations are often eagerly seeking vaccines rather than refusing them?
- Take note of the term medical sociology as well as the difference between the cultural meaning of illness, the social construction of illness, and the social construction of medical knowledge
- Take notes of social epidemiology and various theories of social epidemiology used to understand global health issues. What are some of the differences between high-income and low-income nations?
- Take note of the application of social epidemiology to health in the United States. Also focus on the disparities of health based on gender, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Lastly, be able to define the terms stigma and medicalization.
- Take note of the different types of health care in the United States. How do these health care systems compare with those of other countries?
- Explore health care issues through conflict, interactionist, and functionalist perspectives.
- Should parents be forced to immunize their children?
- 5.2: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
5.2: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
Read this chapter for a review of population, urbanization, and the environment.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- What are your initial reactions to 12-year-old Todd Domboski? What might your reaction be if this was your son or brother?
- Focus on demographic measures such as fertility and mortality rates. Then, familiarize yourself with current population trends and patterns.
- Take note of the process of urbanization in the United States. Also focus on the function of suburbs, exurbs, and concentric zones and urbanization from various sociological perspectives.
- Take note of the bold terms in this section. On a separate piece of paper, be sure to make a list of challenges presented by pollution, garbage, e-waste, and toxic hazards. Also focus on real-world instances of environmental racism.
- What are your initial reactions to 12-year-old Todd Domboski? What might your reaction be if this was your son or brother?
- 5.3: Social Movements and Change
5.3: Social Movements and Change
Read this chapter for a review of social movements and change.
As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- The text asks: "What do Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the anti-globalization movement, and the Tea Party have in common?" Answer this question for yourself.
- Take note of the different forms of collective behaviors. Also take note of the different types of crowds.
- Take note of social movements on a state, national, and global level. Be able to distinguish between different types of social movements, and explore the theoretical perspectives on social movements, such as resource mobilization, framing, and new social movement theory.
- Take note on how technology, social institutions, population, and the environment can bring about social change. Also note the importance of modernization in relation to social change.
- The text asks: "What do Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the anti-globalization movement, and the Tea Party have in common?" Answer this question for yourself.
- Unit 5 Discussion and Assessment
Unit 5 Discussion and Assessment
After reviewing the unit materials and completing the assessments, post and respond to the following topics on the course discussion board. Feel free to start your own related posts and respond to other students' postings as well. If you haven't done so already, you will need to create a free account at the link above to participate in the discussions.
- Compare and contrast the cultural meaning of illness, the social construction of illness, and the social construction of medical knowledge.
- What are some disparities of health based on gender, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity?
- What are some real-world examples of environmental racism? Provide examples to support your answer.
- Where do you think one would expect to find the greatest urban growth rate in the world?
- What are some effects of migration from rural areas to urban centers in the United States?
- Describe different forms of collective behavior. Provide some contemporary examples of these forms.
- Explain how technology, social institutions, population, and the environment can bring about social change. Provide some examples.