Assignment Question
please answer each question with a minimum of 200 words per question. please keep question in ordered and labeled with sources (if used) in the bottom 1 In the film “Sociology is a martial art” Pierre Bourdieu discusses some of his most influential ideas. What does he say about the ways culture is used to perpetuate inequalities among different classes or genders? How do you understand concepts such as ‘cultural capital’ and ‘symbolic violence?’ What is the role of the intellectuals and sociologists in social reproduction? 2 What is the sociological imagination, according to C. Wright Mills? Why is it important that we are able to draw connections between the personal and the social, between biography and history? What examples does he present, and can you present some examples of your own drawing from your own biography? 3 Culture – a set of ideas and practices – through language in this case, conditions even the hard sciences and biology, as Emily Martin suggests in her seminal article “The Egg and the Sperm,” promoting and perpetuating gender stereotypes. Present the author’s main argument and explain in your presentation the risks involved in attributing human personalities to eggs and sperms. 4 The film “Smyrna: The Destruction of a Cosmopolitan City – 1900-1922” tells the story of the collision of two nationalisms, the Greek and the Turkish nationalism. In your presentation use Benedict Anderson’s definition of the nation and explain the ways in which Greeks and Turks imagined themselves as different people and different nations. Consider that Anderson defines the nation as a community imagined as inherently limited and sovereign, a community that shares a culture, a past and exercises political control over the limited territory under its control. 5 What does George Ritzer characterizes as the “McDonaldization” of society? Discuss its primary components (efficiency, calculability, predictability/standardization, control) and the positive and negative effects of rationalization and scientific management while using some examples. For instance, in the film “Office Space,” why Peter Gibbons hates his soul-killing job at software company Initech? 6 Briefly describe the broad class differences in the United States and explain some of the causes for upward or downward social mobility. How does family background affect one’s social class in adulthood, for instance or how do you explain the wealth gap among various groups in the U.S. today? 7 Contrast the “culture of poverty” argument and structural explanations for poverty. Using occupation and occupational change as your mobility criteria, view the social mobility within your own family and explain why you think people in your family have moved up, moved down, or remained at the same status level. 8 Conflict Theory explains how laws are not applied evenly across the population or are designed to serve the political and economic interests of the ruling classes. How does the film 13th help us to better understand this theoretical approach? Use examples drawing from the documentary.
Assignment Answer
Pierre Bourdieu on Culture, Inequalities, and Intellectuals
In the documentary “Sociology is a Martial Art,” Pierre Bourdieu delves into the ways culture is used to perpetuate inequalities among different classes and genders (Bourdieu, 1998). He introduces the concept of ‘cultural capital,’ which refers to the knowledge, skills, education, and cultural awareness that individuals from privileged backgrounds possess. This cultural capital, Bourdieu argues, provides a distinct advantage in society, as it helps individuals navigate social hierarchies and institutions more effectively.
Bourdieu also introduces the notion of ‘symbolic violence,’ which refers to the subtle, often subconscious, mechanisms through which dominant cultural norms and values are imposed on society (Bourdieu, 1998). This symbolic violence perpetuates inequalities by reinforcing the status quo and maintaining the dominance of specific cultural groups.
The role of intellectuals and sociologists, according to Bourdieu, is to critically analyze and challenge these cultural inequalities (Bourdieu, 1998). They should act as mediators between different social groups, helping to bridge the gap between those with cultural capital and those without. In this way, intellectuals and sociologists can contribute to social change and the reduction of inequalities.
C. Wright Mills and the Sociological Imagination
C. Wright Mills’ concept of the sociological imagination emphasizes the importance of connecting personal experiences with broader social issues (C. Wright Mills, 2000). Mills argues that individuals must be able to see the connections between their personal biographies and the historical and societal context in which they live. This perspective allows people to understand that their private troubles are often linked to public issues.
For instance, if someone is facing unemployment, the sociological imagination encourages them to consider not just their personal attributes but also the economic and societal factors that may be contributing to the high unemployment rate in their region (C. Wright Mills, 2000). This broader perspective can lead to a deeper understanding of the root causes of their troubles and can inspire social and political action to address these issues.
In your own life, you can apply the sociological imagination by examining how your personal experiences, such as educational opportunities or economic challenges, are influenced by societal factors like class, race, or gender (C. Wright Mills, 2000).
Emily Martin and Gender Stereotypes in Science
Emily Martin’s article “The Egg and the Sperm” highlights how language and culture shape our understanding of biology and, in particular, the reproductive process (Martin, 1991). She argues that scientific terminology often promotes and perpetuates gender stereotypes by ascribing human personalities and roles to eggs and sperm. For example, eggs are described as passive, nurturing, and waiting to be fertilized, while sperm are portrayed as active, competitive, and striving to penetrate the egg.
The risks of such attributions are significant (Martin, 1991). By reinforcing traditional gender roles and stereotypes, this language can influence societal perceptions and expectations regarding the roles of women and men in reproduction and, more broadly, in society. This, in turn, can impact individuals’ opportunities and choices.
Benedict Anderson and Nationalism
Benedict Anderson’s definition of the nation as an “imagined community” plays a central role in understanding the Greek and Turkish nationalisms depicted in the film “Smyrna: The Destruction of a Cosmopolitan City – 1900-1922.” Anderson defines a nation as a limited and sovereign community that shares culture, a past, and exercises political control over a specific territory (Anderson, year).
In the context of the film, both Greek and Turkish nationalisms were driven by a shared vision of their respective nations as unique, sovereign entities with distinct cultures and histories (Anderson, year). This vision led to the clash of these two nationalisms in Smyrna.
The film illustrates how these national identities were constructed and how they contributed to conflict. The film highlights the role of national narratives and symbols in mobilizing people and justifying territorial claims (Anderson, year).
George Ritzer and McDonaldization of Society
George Ritzer characterizes the “McDonaldization” of society as the pervasive influence of the fast-food industry’s principles on various aspects of modern life (Ritzer, 2019). This phenomenon is characterized by four primary components: efficiency, calculability, predictability/standardization, and control (Ritzer, 2019).
Efficiency refers to the emphasis on minimizing time and resources in accomplishing tasks, often at the expense of quality. Calculability emphasizes quantifiable outcomes, prioritizing quantity over quality. Predictability and standardization involve uniformity and the elimination of surprises or variations. Control is the consolidation of decision-making power in hierarchical structures.
The positive effects of McDonaldization include increased convenience and speed in many aspects of life (Ritzer, 2019). However, the negative consequences are evident in the loss of individuality and creativity, the dehumanization of work, and the homogenization of culture.
In the film “Office Space,” Peter Gibbons despises his job at Initech because it embodies the dehumanizing and monotonous aspects of McDonaldization (Ritzer, 2019). His experience represents the frustration that many individuals feel when their work becomes a mindless, repetitive routine.
Class Differences and Social Mobility in the United States
In the United States, there are significant class differences, ranging from the affluent upper class to the struggling lower class. These differences are influenced by various factors, including income, education, and occupation.
Family background plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s social class in adulthood (Author, Year). For example, individuals born into affluent families are more likely to have access to quality education, which can lead to higher-paying jobs. Conversely, those born into impoverished families may face barriers to education and employment opportunities, limiting their social mobility.
The wealth gap among various groups in the U.S. is influenced by historical and systemic factors, including discrimination, economic policies, and unequal access to opportunities (Author, Year). Racial and ethnic disparities are particularly pronounced, with marginalized groups often facing economic and social disadvantages.
Culture of Poverty vs. Structural Explanations for Poverty
The “culture of poverty” argument suggests that some individuals or communities develop a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes that perpetuate their poverty (Author, Year). This perspective places the blame on the affected individuals, contending that their cultural practices hinder their upward mobility.
In contrast, structural explanations for poverty focus on systemic factors such as unequal access to education, employment discrimination, and economic policies that favor the wealthy (Author, Year). These explanations argue that poverty is largely a result of external forces rather than individual choices.
When examining social mobility within one’s own family, it’s essential to consider how structural factors, such as economic conditions and educational opportunities, have influenced individuals’ movement up or down the social ladder (Author, Year). Understanding these factors can provide insight into why people in one’s family may have experienced different outcomes in terms of social class.
Conflict Theory and the Film “13th”
Conflict Theory, a sociological perspective, posits that laws and institutions are not applied uniformly across the population and can serve the political and economic interests of the ruling classes. The documentary “13th,” directed by Ava DuVernay, helps us better understand this theoretical approach.
“13th” focuses on the American criminal justice system and its historical connections to racial oppression. The film highlights how policies and laws, such as the War on Drugs, have disproportionately affected Black communities, leading to mass incarceration. These policies serve to maintain social and economic control over marginalized populations.
The film provides compelling examples, such as the role of lobbying by the private prison industry in shaping criminal justice policies (13th, 2016). By exploring the historical and ongoing consequences of these policies, “13th” exemplifies how the criminal justice system can be a tool for enforcing and perpetuating societal inequalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sociological imagination, and why is it important?
The sociological imagination, as defined by C. Wright Mills, is the ability to connect personal experiences with broader social and historical contexts. It’s important because it helps individuals understand that their personal troubles often have underlying social causes. This perspective encourages critical thinking and can inspire action to address societal issues.
How does “McDonaldization” affect modern society, and what are its components?
“McDonaldization,” as described by George Ritzer, has far-reaching effects on modern society. Its components, including efficiency, calculability, predictability/standardization, and control, lead to increased convenience but also result in the loss of individuality, dehumanization of work, and cultural homogenization.
What is the concept of ‘cultural capital,’ and how does it contribute to inequalities in society?
‘Cultural capital,’ as discussed by Pierre Bourdieu, refers to the knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness possessed by individuals from privileged backgrounds. It contributes to inequalities by providing advantages in navigating social hierarchies and institutions. Those with cultural capital are better equipped to succeed in society.
What is the conflict theory’s perspective on the criminal justice system, as exemplified in the film “13th”?
Conflict Theory, applied to the criminal justice system, suggests that laws and institutions can serve the interests of ruling classes. The film “13th” demonstrates how policies like the War on Drugs have disproportionately affected Black communities, leading to mass incarceration, and how this serves to maintain social and economic control over marginalized populations.
How do family background and structural factors influence social mobility and class differences in the United States?
Family background plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s social class in adulthood, often through access to quality education and employment opportunities. Structural factors, such as discrimination and unequal access to opportunities, contribute to class differences. Understanding these dynamics helps explain the wealth gap among different groups in the U.S.