Answer each question and topic in more than 300 words.
1. The authors describe the 3 theoretical approaches to the study of Sociology (Structural-Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism). Briefly describe each approach, and describe which approach makes the most sense to you, and why?
2. Compare the culture of your household, with another culture or subculture. Compare and contrast using the “cultural elements” from the book and/or discussed in class. You can use film, TV Show, book, or article, etc., for your cultural comparison, just be sure to cite the source.
3. If you were to read about a study, which form of research would you find the most persuasive and/or productive? Why? And If you were to do social research, what form of social research would you find most interesting and/or appealing? Why?
4. Assume that Socialization includes all forms of learning that shape our lives and behaviors. Each of the Agents of Socialization involves formal and informal learning. School is an example of formal learning. This week, observe a situation that involves informal learning. (You can use the Agents of Socialization as a guide.) Note the details of learning that you observe. You could also compare and contrast your observations of informal learning with your experiences of formal learning in school. For example, one student was baby-sitting a relative’s pre-school child. She described in detail her observations of the child watching TV, and how quickly he picked up things from watching television, both positive examples (from Sesame Street) and negative examples (bad language and gestures from action movies). Other examples might be on-the-job training or learning to cook from a parent. Be sure to describe lots of details and examples of your observations.
