Discussion Topics
These are posted in the "Discussions" Section in Canvas
1. As stressed in the lecture, sociology seeks to uncover social patterns, explain how and why they developed and their consequences for future action and behavior. Deborah Tannen, examining how both men and women "talk," believes that fundamental differences exist - that there are distinct "genderlects." This was also illustrated in the Friends video where Ross and Rachel's first kiss is described quite differently by each. Do you agree or disagree with Tannen's argument? Can you think of other differences (i.e., do women gossip more than men?). Please provide examples that support your position.
________________________________________________________________
2. Nearly all sociologists believe that by adhering to the strict rules of the scientific method they are able to provide clear, objective, and “factual” data about the social world in all its facets. Do you agree that social scientists have more expertise when it comes to describing, analyzing and interpreting the world we live in than do politicians, who are typically trained in business and law and that, moreover, the expertise that social scientists possess give them a special obligation to comment on the problems of their times? Also, as shown in the video on wealth inequality, peoples' perception of social reality often departs in significant ways from the actual state of affairs. Do you think that the common man or woman's understanding of the world - which is typically based on their personal and idiosyncratic experiences as well as unsystematic exposure to information - is of equal value to that attained by social scientists and should their opinions count as much?
_________________________________________________________________
3. In a cosmic sense, each day – each twenty-four hour period that corresponds to the earth rotating on its axis – is precisely the same as any other day. But each “day” has a different socially constructed “feel” to it that imposes a rhythmic beat on the vast array of our social activities, including work, love, and play. Why do you think suicide rates are highest on Mondays, yet lowest on weekends? Why do dates on Wednesday night “count” less than those on Saturday nights? What are the different meanings that you attach to the days of the week and how do the days of the week impose a rhythmic beat on the vast array of our social activities, including work, love, and play?
____________________________________________________________________
4. We typically account for why someone acts as a "snob" or engages in "gossip" by using psychological explanations and/or personality defects. Yet each of these is a distinctively "social act" and is greatly affected by all sorts of social factors. Do you think that age, sex, social class, race, or geographical location affect the likelihood that someone would engage in such behavior? Using concrete examples drawn from your personal life, discuss how they might contribute to this behavior.