How important is your social environment for your understanding of violence? What social groups
were the most important for your development? Using the symbolic interactionist and micro sociology
perspectives, please explain to what extent society can use their findings and ideas to intervene in
contemporary problems faced by children?
In our social environment for understanding violence can play a big role in kids today. It can be a big deal
because kids learn from there social environment. If that environment has a lot of violence in it then
they tend to be more violent in their everyday life and interactions. Same goes for the opposite if it is a
happier friendlier environment, they tend to be friendlier and nicer. In the article there said the years
that negative social environment can affects kids the most is 1-2 years of age. When kids watch too much
tv it can be over-stimulating for the brain, and it can lead to cognitive difficulties. I think what society can
do to help with the problem is instead of putting kids in front of the TV all day as a distraction have them
play a game or build something with blocks. There are different ways to make sure that kids are
entertained and still stay healthy. Watching TV can affect kids in dramatic ways by making them less
social, more violent and struggles with communication. Watching some TV is not bad, but the
recommended time is no more than 2 to 3 hours a day.
What are the main ideas of the theory? Why does this appeal to you? How did you perceive
these ideas before you read the chapter on the theories?
I read Harriet Martineau on the sociological theory that she was famous for in Chapter 1 of the
textbook. Harriet's main ideas were on women rights and different issues she was fighting for.
Harriet was a feminist and did not like or encourage slavery at all. She main goals were that she
wanted women to have the same rights as men do. This idea appeals to me because if people like
her do not stand up for their rights or had fought for women rights, I would have no rights as a
woman in society. If I did not have rights than I would not be taking this class, working full time,
or be able to vote in the next election. The one thing I did love is she published several of books
in her lifetime. Before I read the chapter on the theories, I had never really thought much about
my rights as a woman. I have never really been thankful for what the women did in society to get
the rights that they did in their time. I am very thankful I have rights and for what they did. I am
able to get any job that I want and not be overlooked by a man because he is the superior gender
compared to skill level. I can do what I want to do in life. If I want to travel I can I do not have to
be tied down to one thing or one person to support me for the rest of my life.
Choose one of the theories listed in chapter 1 and briefly describe it's major tenets. Analyze
Du Bois' work through the lens of that theory. How would [chosen theory - conflict,
functional, symbolic interactionism, or feminist] theorists respond to Du Bois' work?
Would they say he was correct in his analysis of African Americans in the U.S? Why or why
not?
I chose Harriet Matuneau as the theories from chapter 1. She talked about feminist and how she
wanted the women to have the right that they deserved. She helped start a revolution to fight
women imprisonment in their social life. She started the spark in many people to fight for their
rights and fight for their freedoms. Because of this woman gained the right to do just about
anything a man can do. Harriet was able to take a stand for women and help them understand
books that may have been hard. She translated a book that most could not understand and helped