Discussion 1: Social Class
For this discussion, you must read Chapter 7 of the text, Sociology: Beyond Common Sense, and watch the two videos, Social Class in America 1957 McGraw-Hill text-films [Transcript] (an old video but great example) and How Class Works - Richard Wolff Examines Class. Then, review the document, Knowledge of Hidden Rules of Social Class. Read through the descriptions of daily activities and commonplace knowledge for lower, middle, and upper class people. Print it out and place an ‘X' next to the things you know how to do [you can also just note your ‘X' marks], and look to see how many ‘X' marks you have in each category [If you don't have children, use yourself and your siblings as a reference group.]. This will help you gain insight into the taken for granted or hidden knowledge you need to survive in various social classes. After completing these tasks, consider the following questions:
• Social Class in the US
How would you categorize the types of knowledge? How and where would someone acquire and learn this knowledge? How do you gain access to the people and places this can be learned? Is this access generally equal in the US?
• You as a Social Being
On which questionnaires did you have the most and least marks? Were you surprised by the outcome? Do you have equal access to the people and places required to acquire knowledge you currently do not have?
• Conclusions
What conclusions can you make about the nature of the hidden knowledge necessary to be successful in each social class?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
Discussion adapted from: Ashton, P. (2005) Discussion ideas on Social Class. Resources for Teachers. Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association.
Discussion 2: Social Construction
For this discussion, you must read Chapter 8 and Chapter 9 of the text, Sociology: Beyond Common Sense, the article The ‘Pink vs Blue' Gender Myth, and watch the three videos, Social Construction,[Transcript] RACE: Are We So Different?, and A Girl Like Me [Transcript]. [Note that A Girl Like Me uses words or language that are considered profane, vulgar or offensive by some viewers. Ashford University does not condone such content that may be objectionable; however, the video is being used due to its impact and education value in understanding social construction.] After reviewing these resources on varied perspectives of social construction, consider the following questions:
• What is social construction?
• Which example from the resources provided did you find most compelling in building your knowledge of social construction? Describe it and explain why you found it most useful.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.