For those with an interest in Spirituality

Seems like most of the class is interested in some aspects of spirituality. You may enjoy this..

Latent functions - the twist of social paradox

• The manifest function of the law is to prevent transgression; the latent function of the law is to create transgressors.
• The manifest function of marriage is to form lasting unions of mid-level* support among adults and children; the latent function of marriage is to break those unions. The break comes from the insistence upon fidelity and mutual support, two ideals which are not always honored.
• The manifest function of social stratification is to parcel people into jobs that need to be done to maintain a group; the latent function of social stratification is to maintain class differences in distribution of social capital and thereby weaken the supply of the right individuals for jobs. Opportunity structures are family-filtered and strangle supply routes for individuals to positions.
• The manifest function of religion is to stop and calm people and unite them in peace with the force that is bigger than all of us and keeps the cosmic ecology intact; the latent function of religion is to divide people in groups that "think" they are better or that the other is worse. To be a group - to unite with some - is to divide from others. Think gangs.
• The manifest function of a democracy is to concentrate the will of the people into a small number of vessels (legislators) so that they can publically exchange ideas and make decisions; the latent function of a democracy is to control the masses of people through control of the legislators by the few so that their will rather than that of the people is done. When representatives become targets, some will fall.
• The manifest function of a formal organization with a reporting structure is to pursue its goal (e.g., manufacture something, make profit); the latent function of an organization with a reporting structure, particularly a large organization with a heavily bureaucratized authority structure, is to create entropy and to permit or disguise waste and corruption.
• The latent function of rationality is irrationality. think Pi.
• The latent function of overpopulation (population density) is population reduction through chaos and breakdown. (natural disasters, mass layoffs, divorce)
• The latent function of "the news" is to create fiction.
• The manifest function of distinguishing between manifest and latent functions is to clarify; the latent function of the distinction is to blur and blend social institutions into the complex and magical fabric of social life.

*mid-level: the "family" unit exists between the individual and the collective.

Lyotard

I found these two quotes by Leotard to be very interesting:
"Knowledge is and will be produced in order to be sold, it is and will be consumed in order to be vaporised in a new production: in both cases, the goal is exchange."
"One can decide that the principal role of knowledge is as an indispensable element in the functioning of society, and act in accordance with that decision, only if one has already decided that society is a giant machine."

Talk about doing gender...

I also heard that the Bisu do not necessarily have to be homosexual in order to be Bisu, they just have male and female qualities in balance. I'm assuming Bisu can be either male or female, just embodying male and female traits.

Movie choices

Check out this list compiled by the Writing Class. http://writingsoc.blogspot.com/2009/01/combined-movie-list.html Our class could have a lively discussion around the sociology in a movie.
2-12: I moved this up, by date - let's find a movie to view next week.
Only 17 people out of 47 voted, so I am using my executive priviledge to pick the movie. I had to time them to see what fit into our time slot. I, too, voted for Strangelove, so you could say it only got 3 student votes. It might leave some high and dry ... and I really like the descriptions of the Spike Lee movie ... Ghandi is far too long ... Debaters is great, but all in Writing just saw it and wrote about it ... so ... Spike Lee it is. We should all be able to relate. ~ Edited 2/18 8:30 am

Freedom

Have you ever sat down and thought about having freedom? whether it is at home, at work, at school, on the street or even just the illusion of what it means to be free? It did not occur to me that i have so much freedom in this country than what my parents had in their country when they were growing up until we had the discussion in class on Thursday. i can honestly say that i take allot of the things that America offers its people for granted. i have freedom of speech, religion, thought, sexual preference, education, so on so forth. I'm sure other countries have their own "freedom" rights, but America seems to cover all the ones that directly matter to a citizen. sure there are flaws in our constitution and some of the things do not make sense to us, because it was written so long ago, but it touches on allot of things other countries do not even consider to be a right for a citizen. the bill of rights amends all the rights i listed above plus many others. I'm lucky to live in this country and be able to express all the things that matter to me freely.

Midterm quiz instructions

You have 3 pages (~ 1.5 pages each question). It is due, typed, Thursday class time.
Scantron part the following week.
Do a good job being a Sociologist. There are no "correct" answers - but there will be more or less creative, insightful, helpful, organized, and responsible papers. Use the thinkers and thoughts that we have discussed to illuminate your thinking and to create your "case". Each question has options for answers: You pick the letter (A B C, etc.) you choose to defend as the best answer - and also rank the others. Explain your ranking, too. It's up to you as to how you divide up the 1.5 pages you get per question - whether more space to the top choice answer or more space to the lesser ranked answers. All the answers are correct. Your job is to make your answers come to life as young Sociologists.

Mid term: Qs & instructions

questions http://theory414.blogspot.com/2009/01/quiz.html
how-to http://theory414.blogspot.com/2009/02/midterm-quiz-instructions.html
Mon 3:30 - 4:10 in KH Lecture Hall 1: to launch the Sociology on-line journal - a place for you to publish your writing.

Questions: pick 2 out of 6

1. What is the central question of Sociology?
A. What is society? If so, what is it?
B. What holds society together: conflict or consensus?
C. Sociology asks: How can we classify and divide people up for understanding? What does classificatory division do? What is the latent function of rationality?
D. Sociology is an assortment of intersectional questions such as: all the categories that people tell you that you are in: black, white, brown, man, woman, rich, poor, immigrant, gay, straight - all these identities you have been given and you accept. Patricia Collins chapter might help you on "intersections." C.Wright Mills first used the word 'intersection' in The Sociological Imagination
E. How do we fix things? I.e., what goes wrong and/or what do we want?

2. A century - a time, an era, an administration - has a mission (Goal) and a manner (Latent Pattern Maintenance). What is ours? What is our mission, our way of carrying out that mission?
A. It is a time of change - and we don't know what is happening.
B. A moment in history when we will re-establish the meaning of being human, which is what America is.
C. Our time is about the growth and perpetuation of consumer society and our failure to understand our place in history: we buy in to our own oppression. What we do supports our oppressors. Education is the route out.
D. People just come together and work it all out.
E. Technology and rationality vie with magic: ways of thinking, ways of being are constrained because they exist "against" some other way. Culture and cultural awareness is heightened. Anything goes.

3. The power elite
A. Assumes a power outside me
B. Is correct - but so what
C. Was coined by C. Wright Mills, a popular Sociologist of the mid 20th Century
D. Consists of Military, Economic, and Politically blurred puppets, personalities, and veiled powerful phenomena
E. Are forces far greater than Sociologists see, such as population growth, number, energy systems, gender transformations, free will, creativity, order, desire, and God.

4. What thinkers go best with what quotes on www.sorenkerk.com home page (like a "match 'em" type question)
A.
B.
C.

5. Married to the soul of Gaia, Saved by the symmetry of heaven. Re-read the piece on "Romanticism" here: http://www.stuartwildeblog.com/perceptions/2009/1/30/romanticism.html
A. This line "Married to the soul of Gaia, Saved by the symmetry of heaven" is an example of Romanticism - Marx might call it an opiate for us, the masses - plus Classicism, which all the early Sociologists were inadvertantly expressing with their desire to find a unified theory
B. This 'poem' helps to express the distinction between macro and micro sociology
C. The difference between Macro and Micro Sociology rests in large part on Mead's understanding of the "I" and "Me" in the emergent self. (option provided by "eve")
D. You may make up your own option, as "eve" did in C above.

6. As Sociologists, is it our goal to learn for the sake of enlightenment and provoking thoughts in the minds of those who will change the world or are we changing the world simply by understanding and embracing it?
A. Understading is the mirror of change-Mead would argue it's both understanding and change, because as reflexive beings by changing ourselves we are slowly changing society-the world, melding new me-Is, balancing play and game.
B. This is the argument of the Marco versus the Micro Sociological theorists.
C. Marx would say it is foolish to understand and embrace a world that does not fufill our needs, therefore the only objective is change! And change will be quick, bold, and possibly violent, for controllers naturally go towards more control, not less.
D. Sociologists' goals of enlightenment or change can never be fufilled because sociologists' theories are tainted by our own glasses. (this excellent question #6 provided by "eve")

Reflecting on todays class..........

I've been able to travel to a couple third world countries in my life, I wasn't able to fullyappreciate the experience due to personal reasons and I would like to someday go back so I can really appreciate it, but was able to realize that we are verrrrry blessed to live in America. I think the ideals our country was built on are beautiful, we've done pretty shitty at times in our history in reaching these ideals, but all the same the ideals are beautiful. What makes the way this country is built, great is that we have the right to speak our minds, instigate change, rebel, revolt, protest, which in a lot of countries they don't have. I also think as Americans we are spoiled. We are whining about not being able to pay our credit card bills (which does suck) while there are children in other countries who are starving, living in war, and according to Ty in class, getting their heads bashed in by rocks. We have it pretty lucky!!! I know I'm kind of an idealist, but I like to think everything in life happens for a reason even if we don't know the what the reason is at the time. I think maybe our country is going through this economic crisis (I say going through because I believe our country will get through this) because as a country we need a change in conciousness, so we realize what's reallllly important.

Database: Track Bailout $$$$

I found this thing on LA Times that's tracking the bailout money: http://www.latimes.com/la-fi-tarp-database,0,6602720.htmlstory

Midterm quiz type

no one commented on the idea of having a creative take-home mid term rather than a Scantron type midterm. http://theory414.blogspot.com/2009/01/quiz.html These would be answered creatively with written responses.

The Future of Communication

I found this video on Youtube and found some Marxian attributes within it, plus it's kind of comical in a way. Would anyone else want to analyze through the context of our other theorists?

Stimulus Plan: Food for Thought...

I actually heard a really good commentary on the opposition to the stimulus plan and the almost unanimous contention to it in the house and senate by Republican representatives (which was something we discussed in class). It was theorized that the Republican Party has quietly agreed to immediately oppose big issue bills that cross the senate and house floors for the simple reason of limiting the power of the Democrats early on and diminishing the momentum generated by BOs race to the White House. If they were to instantaneously concur with the Democratic platform it would not only solidify the perception of complete negligence in the previous administration by the American public, but effectively demolish their future bid for not only seats in the house and senate, but also for the successor to BO.

Seems probable with the way our 2 party system functions. Not even the threat of economic meltdown is enough to put aside petty differences... what do you think?

Change & Choice

These past few days I have been thinking about our discussions in class regarding change and choice (free will) and I couldn't help but look up some of my favorite quotes to look share with the class.

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.- Maya Angelou

The shape of our lives is defined by our insertion into institutions and systems whose interlocking power generates the "virtual reality" we experience. Such 'knowledge' is so thoroughly a part of our worldview that it simply would not occur to most people to question it. Yet underneath this reality is another, subinstitutional reality in which very different responses are simply acted out. This is the reality in which everyone, until very recently, lived.
- David Schwartz

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. -Thomas Alva Edison

Our Emotions!

Do you ever find yourself full of reasons to breakdown and cry? Between all of your day-to-day stresses (getting to work or school, keeping your body looking fit and healthy, paying the bills, and lets not mention your lovelife) it just is simply too much. Everyday you will find that there is something out there that will attempt to hender you from your ultimate goal- Happiness. You can't allow these things to get the best of you. Life is hard, not just for you but for everyone who is living in this overwhelming society. Instead of looking at the world like there are no ways out, begin to think about these situations as tools to improve your life, while making you a better person. For instance; a person who is given everything without hard work does not know what it feels like to struggle, and work hard to make something work for them. It is possible that this person may never know how to handle extreme challenges when presented with them in the future. I strongly believe that everything that a person goes through is simply a developmental process which allows that person to build a stronger resistance to the bad, while mentally preparing them for the good. There is nothing wrong with crying. Sometimes you'll find that releasing your emotions with tears will allow space for newer and better emotions to surface.

Era of Change or Just a Slip?

President Obama represents physical and structural change in the Unites States. But is it because America is ready to see and treat all ethnicities equally? I don’t think so. Bush’s greatest legacy is to be the "one" who f_ _ked up so bad, it made the American people willing to try anything. In this case, the people elected a black man to be the Commander and Chief of the United States. Don’t get me wrong, President Obama is an awesome man who has charisma and intelligence. I believe he is the one to prove to America you don’t have to be white to lead the United States. I also believe that he is the one to unify the people regardless of ethnicity. However, I can’t help but wonder if this new face of America symbolizes a beginning to opening doors that have been closed for centuries, or will it be a standing pillar of tokenism?

Freewill or Fantasy?

I WAS VERY INTRIGUED BY OUR CLASS DISCUSSION ON FREEWILL AND WEATHER OR NOT IT IN FACT EXISTS OR IT IS JUST AN ILLUSION. WHAT I FOUND TO BE INTERESTING WAS THE VARIOUS OPINIONS OF MY CLASSMATES, SOME BELIEVED THAT THE UNIVERSE IS DETERMINISTIC AND THEREFOR FREEWILL CANNOT EXIST, AND OTHERS (LIKE OUR PROFESSOR) BELIEVED THAT FREEWILL IS SIMPLY THE CHOICES WE MAKE, WEATHER THEY ARE INFLUENCED OR NOT BY OUTSIDE FORCES, THEY ARE NEVER THE LESS A CHOICE THAT WE ALONE DECIDE IN OUR MINDS TO MAKE. I BELIVE THAT BOTH CAN BE TRUE. ALTHOUGH IT IN INEVITABLE FOR US TO BE INFLUINECED IN OUR ACTIONS BY MANY FACTORS SUCH AS FAMILY, SOCIETY ETC. WE ARE ALSO FREE TO THINK, DECIDE AND MAKE CHOICES THAT SOMETIMES MIGHT BE CONTRARY TO WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US. ANY DECISION CAN BE SCRUTINIEZED AND GIVEN SCIENTIFIC CONNECTIONS BUT I DONT BELIEVE THAT DIMINISHES THAT FACT THAT IT IS STILL OUR WILL THAT DECIDED THE ACTION. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

My E-mail

Hello everyone,
There is a possibility that my e-mail client has been sorting your letters and putting them in the spam folder. I've created filter that will make sure that I know I've received an e-mail from you, just make sure you have the word theory414 in the subject line of your letter. If you don't get a response from me within that day, try e-mailing me at pluu001@gmail.com.

Peter

Song

Peter dreamwalker936@gmail.com sent this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTaIsS6ZZPY
Peter is now Administrator of the Blog and is ready to help with technical or other issues - so write Peter if you need help or direction - or post and ask here for all.

A Proud American

I am so proud to be an American today.. It has finally come... an end of an era- or should i say an Error... it is now Obama's turn to lead our country into some what of an order that we can all follow.. I am so emotional, that a country like the US has to go through so much... We as a nation have failed to secure one another in this tragic time of need. WE steal, lie, hate, and cause other chaos just to survive, i can not wait until some peacefulness arises after the storm has settled. i do not know how Obama is gonna do it... but i hope he has the patience and power to figure out how the super power of the world is going to get back on its feet. He has made very big promises and i hope he will be able to at least accomplish some of them. this nation does not need another failure, but a president that is preaching about hope, change, wisdom... as Obama has been doing! i wish him much luck and success in his 4 years in office!

detect the tone of an era

by how President frames it at the inagural. <-- Click to Writer Post
Theory 414 people also check: http://sorenkerk.com/2009/1%20theory.htm
There will be a sign up sheet for your choice of topics/writers on which to focus. We'll get that all straight next week.

Choices Really?

As systematically put by Weber, "There is no Objectivity". As simple as it gets, one gets to wonder how Weber came up with that, and then using the phrase to understand life, and choices. It really begins to sink in; how free is the the idea of freewill if we live in a society that is molded by traditions and from that environment we develop what we like to think of as freewill, and claim to make choices. Further thinking of Weber's approach only makes me begin to think that, perhaps having no objectivity is Change. I say that because given the fact that every one else is so ritually trying to squeeze change out of the ritualistic perspective of objective, of freewill and choice that has become to monotonous that the harder they try to emphasize change, the more stuck they actually are to the ritualistic perspective that they sort to change in the first place.

Multiple Traits

After giving it some thought, I would say that Durkheim is aligned with the control/formal concept due to his functionalist perspective making him more like a lion. Yet Marx a conflict theorist would be a peacock because he definitely does not go with the flow/formal model. Unlike Weber, who appears to go with the flow/informal hypothesis because he does not believe science should be a directive but should bring about consciousness, in return can provoke change. This would portray a dolphin type individual. Simmel, on the other hand is more aligned with the opposite of the control/formal theory, making the theorist more like an owl because he theorizes on the patterns and forms of groups that bring conflict rather it be good or bad. I would be considered a lion but I possess some characteristics that fall under all four types of individuals. Needless to say, I believe some of the theorist especially Simmel would not be as easily categorized as one or another.

A Little Bit of Everything

In class yesterday I was catagorized as a dolphin, which I think is mostly true, however, in certain situations I believe I am more of a lion, or a peackock, or an owl. This seems to be true of our sociologists as well. I had difficulty in finding the sociologist who is mostly a dolphin. It could be Marx, because of his passion, however, he seems to mostly have lion attributes. It could be Durkheim because Durkheim theorizes about suicide according to interpersonal relationships or lack of interpersonal relationships, however, Durkheim also theorizes about social facts and rules which aren't dolphin characteristics at all. Weber is convincing because he theorizes about ideas, believing that, "Ideas can change the world." He also is saddening by leaving the age of enchantment, (an emotional era) and entering the age of rationality. He also believes the three major characteristics we use to make a decision are tradition, charisma, and rationality, all interpersonal characteristics. You know what....as I'm writing this, I'm realizing that perhaps this catagorization isn't so hard after all, I think Weber is defenitley the dolphin of these four clasical sociologists. An intersting dolphin/Weber question for the test could be to give some of the negative outcomes of leaving the age of enchantment and entering the age of rationalization.