Discussion – The Sociological Imagination, Theory, and Methods
Now that you have viewed the film on “Making Sense of Sociological Theory,” you should be familiar with the three main sociological theories; structural-functionalism, conflict, and symbolic-interaction. You will want to also make sure you have done the assigned reading on sociological theory before attempting this discussion board. The film showed you three different ways to explain the medicalization of our society.
Part 1: Initial Post
There are two parts to the initial post.
First, I would like for you to choose a social issue or problem and explain why it exists by using one of these three main sociological theories. For example, you may choose the rising rate of obesity among children and use the conflict perspective to explain it. Now that I used that example, you must choose another topic!
For ideas about social problems or issues, look at news headlines, magazines, media to get some ideas of socially relevant topics. I would like to see the following in your initial post:
- That you understand the theory you are using and can explain it. You may use knowledge gained from the film and the reading to support your discussion.
- You have given adequate explanation of how the theory fits the social issue you have chosen.
Second, after viewing the three short videos on C. Wright Mills, Sociological Imagination (in the Reading and Viewing section), and seeing the general in particular, reflect on what you learned about the sociological imagination. In your initial post, discuss the following:
- In your own words, explain the sociological imagination as if you were a teacher explaining it to students (provide your own example).
- Select an example from your own life or larger society that applies the concept of “personal problems as public issues.”
- What theoretical perspective would you choose to explain the issue?
- To conduct research on this social issue What research method(s) would you use? Explain why you chose it.
Three short videos on C. Wright Mills:
Discussion Guidelines:
Length• All postings should be succinct, clear, and purposeful.• Each post should be 6-8 sentences.Quality• All discussion postings should be your original work.• All postings should demonstrate an in-depth reflection on and synthesis of the readings and the videospresented in the course materials.• Viewpoints and interpretations should be insightful and well supported. Clear examples should beprovided, where applicable.• Comments on peer posts should stimulate further discussion by building on peer responses.• The initial response should address all the questions in the discussion prompt.• Be sure to cite all sources following proper citation guidelines. **
