The first two weeks of sociology class have been remarkably interesting, and I have really enjoyed them. Typically, learning the "basics" of such a broad field like sociology can be dry and sometimes very boring, but learning about the fundamental theories and classical theorists has been very engaging. Mostly, I believe, because basically everything we are learning can be applied to everyday situations. Furthermore, I think that by applying it, I am understanding the theories more. I am finding that a sociological imagination is something that can be utilized very often, and that by doing so, I become a more open-minded individual.
As an example, yesterday I was watching the footage that the BBC released of an 'uncontacted' tribe in Brazil (http://www.uncontactedtribes.org/brazilphotos). While I watched it, I used my sociological imagination to think about what it would be like to be a member of the tribe and see a plane, or what 'first contact' would be like, or more importantly, if I would want to make contact or to be left alone. I also thought about operational definitions, and wondered what 'uncontacted' was defined as. It could be argued that by seeing a plane, this tribe had had 'contact' with the outside world. By utilizing the skills and information I had learned in class, I was able to think more critically about what I was watching.
After the first two weeks of class, I am excited to learn more about sociology.
I just wanted to comment on what you said real quick, because i totally agree. It seems to me like sociology is going to be a fun subject to study, just because of its practical uses in everyday life. It is a science that overlaps with many other sciences, from biology to psychology to criminology and on and on. As a history buff, i like to use my "sociological imagination" to rationalize whats happened in the past. Some things from history don't make sense until you put yourself in their "shoes", and the same thing goes for cultural differences of the present. anyways, nice post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, learning about sociological imagination has brought has made me change my perspectives on many things. Before I would only think that the way our society does things is the universal norm. Though now I am able to actually try to relate more with the differences in societies.
ReplyDeleteSociology has been great so far for me, too. I thought at first it was going to be boring but once we started learning about the different theories and perspectives, it changed my mind.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to agree with you that applying the theories we have learned, such as sociological imagination, makes learning sociology much more interesting and engaging. And like you say, this theory specifically helps us view the world and its different societies in a much more objective and positive way.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Nora. I have not used my sociological imagination yet but after reading our blog I thing I will look for something tomorrow outside of my culture and apply that theory to the observation to see what perspective I gain.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I am psyched about the class and opening ourselves to interesting subjects and listening and debating subjects.
ReplyDeleteNora, you have definitely raised some insightful reflections and questions, especially with your reference to the link addressing an "uncontacted" society in Brazil near the Peruvian border. Not only is it important to reflect on whether or not they want to be "contacted" in the first place; but it would also be interesting to reflect on how the photos and video presented on the website of "uncontacted tribes" might inadvertently perpetuate this concept of "otherness." Although, the intention might be to protect them from the potential risks that the work of loggers and miners in the area may cause in endangering this "uncontacted" society, it is important to understand exactly what procedures and/or consequences might such a protection entail and how sociological imagination would be applied.
ReplyDeleteI am also especially happy to hear that some of you in the class feel that the subject material is engaging and interesting to you. Not only is it important to make sure that you're interested in issues and theories relevant to sociology, but that you realize that you can also apply them to practical matters and everyday life situations, as some of you have shared. :-)