"The self-made myth is both popular and seductive because we are attracted to the idea that each of is the master of our own destiny. There is something comforting in believing that you can be whoever and whatever you want to be. Sociologists are less likely to endorse this perspective because we recognize and acknowledge the power of the social world in shaping individual lives. The sociological position does not negate or deny that each of has some agency or individual initiative that we may wield; however, we are cautious to not to
swing the balance too far to the individual-only side. Whether one is a
suspected terrorist, a billionaire, or a recent college graduate, I would
resist the moniker “self-made” and instead speak of the socially-made person. It’s not as convenient, catchy, or snappy as self-made but it is definitely more accurate."
"Images of perfect bodies, flash new cars or cheap fast food are researched, tested, designed and plastered everywhere to make you feel anxious, insecure or become obese. Adverts are not there to inform but to sell one thing: unhappiness. They work because they make us dissatisfied with what we’ve got or what we look like. They make us want the next new thing, until of course the next new thing comes along. They help sow the seeds of mental illness, insecurity, humiliation, debt, brand bullying at school and, through the remorseless use of resources they inspire, they threaten the planet."
- Ban outdoor advertising | Neal Lawson (via sociolab)
(via feministsociology)
"
You may have learned by now that Sociology majors don’t make the best movie dates, and odds are we Soc majors have probably annoyed our friends on more than one occasion. Those of us trained to think sociologically simply can’t accept anything at face-value, even when we desperately want to. Furthermore, we possess the annoying habit of explaining this fact to others.
You begin to notice times when your family laughs at a commercial while you’re debating the effects of its use of gay stereotypes. Your friends might be moved to tears during a heart-warming drama, but you’re busy identifying the replication of racial power dynamics. And when you get roped into playing dolls with your little cousin, you interrogate a five-year-old about why boy dolls can’t cook dinner, too.
Even if we spoil a friend’s favorite Disney movie, those things aren’t necessarily all bad – and thinking in a sociological style is important. No matter the field you ultimately end up in, there is tremendous value in questioning a presented “fact,” in understanding different viewpoints, and in recognizing the social assumptions existing within the seemingly mundane. Learning sociology shouldn’t be about memorizing solutions to social woes, but examining the world from a lens that aggregates each piece of the puzzle, and seeing the big picture when most do not.
So remain critical of the world around you. The beauty of the sociologically-enthused is that we aren’t know-it-alls with every answer, but we do know, before we accept anything, what questions should be asked.”
"- Is sociology ruining your fun? » The Editors’ Desk (via thosehearts)
(Source: sociolab, via feministsociology)
The term paper
Papers are presented in three formats to socialize students into the professional expectation of presenting papers at conferences. These can then be presented at the Graduate Research Symposium at Sam Houston State University or a regional conference. The term paper is presented in three professional formats: First, as a paper, written in article style; Second, orally in a 15 minute conference style presentation videotaped on Tegrity; and Third, in conference poster format.
1. The texts provide a Sociological theoretical background that students use to provide a critical Sociological examination of a current gender issue. This paper is to be submitted in written format, a 20 to 30 page paper, Submit to the dropbox which includes Turnitin. Plagiarism will result in an F in the course. (Paper total 150 points).
2. Paper is to follow ASA Format; formatted Double Spaced Times New Roman 12 font with 1” margins with your name in the footer along with the page number.
3. Paper is to follow the format of a professional paper.
a. Title page
b. Abstract -10 points
c. Introduction (poses the thesis of the paper; what is the research question and how this will be examined; the sociological theoretical perspective and the literature review; how have others examined this question or argument) 35 points
d. Method (detailed specifics of how will you examine the research question(s); list the hypothesis; data i.e. census or survey data; participant observation; historical analysis; discourse analysis; unobtrusive observations -define the variables examined; type of statistical analysis) 35 points
e. Results 25 points Tables and/or figures (if necessary)
f. Discussion (importance of findings, research is entering a conversation with earlier research how this study supports/challenges early studies; limitations of study; suggestions for future research) 35 points
g. References 10 points (primarily Sociological academic references, current within 10/preferably 5 years, unless seminal works in the field/ usually the Sociological theoretical argument.) Use at least ten references, cited correctly following ASA style.
2. 20 minute conference Tegrity video format (25 Points). Each student will act as discussant of a peer’s paper, in conference format.
3. Poster format (20 points); and example will be posted.
GULP
