Edgar Degas,
Portrait de M. Durante

Summary - Response & Discussion Topics

Unit 14: Social Movements and Public Sociology

Summary - Response Papers:

You will complete four (4) brief summary-response papers during the semester – due dates are listed on the course calendar. Your paper should be roughly 750-1,000 words – three typed double-spaced pages (12 point font). You may only choose 1 assignment from each "batch/block of units" of the class: one SR paper from units 1 through 3; one SR paper from units 4 through 6; one SR paper from units 7 through 10; one SR paper from units 11 through 14.

These writing assignments are to be submitted through Canvas. Click on "Assignments" located in the left hand panel on the course page. Next, click on the appropriate Unit - i.e., if you are choosing to submit a paper from this unit - click on unit 14 under Assignments. After clicking on Unit 14 you will see a Turnitin Assignment Inbox where you will submit/upload your paper.

Discussion Topics

Taking part in class discussions, though not mandatory, will let you earn "bonus points" that can add up to a full letter grade to your final grade for the course.

To contribute, click on "Discussions" located in the left hand panel on Canvas. Next, choose a discussion topic for this unit, click on it, read the prompt, and click on "Reply." Be sure that you add your name. For more sinformation on how to submit your comments and/or engage in the online class discussion, go to the "Frequently Asked Questions" page.

 

Unit 14: Social Movements and Public Sociology

In her article, “Blood on our Backs,” Karen Coates discusses the plight of Cambodian garment workers that produce clothing sold in the Western world – primarily in the United States by such stores as Old Navy, Target, Walmart and Kohl’s. In so doing, Coats outlines the contrasting perspectives of (1) the workers, mostly young women, who seek a safer work environment and an increase in their meager $80 monthly wage, (2) the garment manufacturers, who prefer to maintain their $5 billion annual exports and their current profit margin,  (3) retail stores/corporations such as Walmart that prefer that their costs remain low, and (4) western consumers who also prefer that prices for clothing at these stores remain low and affordable.

As the article indicates, each of these social categories of actors has different beliefs, values, attitudes, and interests. In other words, they inhabit somewhat different cultures and sub-cultures. As a result, they disagree over whether this objective condition really is a problem, what, if anything, should be done about the situation (i.e., whose behavior needs to change), and the likelihood that such efforts would be successful.

In your essay you will answer these four sets of questions:

(1) What are the different cultural perspectives (beliefs, values, attitudes, and interests) of the four categories of social actors listed above? Pay particular attention to the difference you find in their values and indicate how these differences affect their role and position in this state of affairs.

(2) How are these four categories of social actors, which represent regional, national, and global communities, connected in a larger system of relations and how do they interact on a national and global level?

(3) Whether you recognize it or not, your actions as a consumer play a part in the current circumstances in Cambodia. In your view, do you have any social responsibility to act – for example, to boycott stores that carry these products – in order to effect change? What other strategies would you suggest? What are the effects of you not doing anything?

(4) Given the competing interests and differences in power that are attached to the different collective social actors, a solution to this problem will not be easily devised. Cheap labor always seems to be available. And according to Ken Loo, secretary-general of the Cambodian Garment Manufacturers Association, in the end, a few boycotting consumers “can’t do anything.” Discuss what you believe to be the responsibility of each of the groups to solve the problems associated with the situation. In your view, are these difficulties insurmountable? Why or why not?


 

Discussion Topics
These are posted in the "Discussions" Section in Canvas

1. Choose a contemporary song that highlights a social issue. Provide the lyrics and a link to a recording of it if available. What impact, if any, do you think this song has?

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2. Choose a song that played a prominent role in a social movement of the past. Provide the lyrics and a link to a recording of it if available. What impact, if any, do you think this song had?

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3. Music has always played a role in the formation and perpetuation of social movements. Songs publicize social issues, and as they spread through the culture they not only inform the public about serious social issues/problems, they also contribute to a collective identity as movement members develop shared norms, ideologies and goals.  Demonstrate these points, referring to Graham’s Woody Guthrie Turns 100: The Folk Icon, His Music, and Social Movements and either (a) the music listed in the assignments under the headings labor movement, civil rights movement, anti-war movement, social justice or (b) the documentary Soundtrack for a Revolution.

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4. Herbert Gans, "More of Us Should Become Public Sociologists," and Karen Sternheimer, "The Promise and Perils of Public Sociology," discuss the notion of “public sociology.” Outline each of their arguments and discuss whether you think public sociology is something you agree with, or whether you think that sociologists should not take sides on social issues. What social factors affect the likelihood that someone would be an active participant in this new movement?

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