Question 1: Berger and Luckmann state that we are born into an 'objective social structure' and that we have only a limited ability to subjectively appropriate and interpret it for ourselves. Discuss...

Sociology Class


Question 1: Berger and Luckmann state that we are born into an 'objective social structure' and that we have only a limited ability to subjectively appropriate and interpret it for ourselves.  Discuss how the categories of race, gender, and class predate any one individual, and how we are bound to identify ourselves in relation to them.  To what extent can an individual redefine themselves in relation to these categories, and what are the possible social sanctions they may face for doing so? Answer: The categories of race, gender, and class serve as a dual-edged sword in the sense that they con-tribute towards both the shaping our self-perception, and the societal perception which others develop of us. Whether we choose to define ourselves as a part of the categories or not (as they are largely subjective), we will still face the inevitable categorization into them at the hands of others. Present-day, there is also a taboo which surrounds this desire to abstain from self-labeling in the sense that other members of any given category which we fall into see it as somehow a rejection or shame of wanting to be grouped in with them when an individual chooses not to adhere (ex: when someone is not straight but does not choose to explicitly identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community, often times those who do categorize themselves as a part of it will frown upon the person and call them “self-hating” and/or accuse them of some-how further perpetrating homophobia by not standing with others who experience their same non-straight attraction). We are bound by our identities, because even breaking beyond the mold in terms of self-identification of what it means to oneself to have or to not have a place in an existent subgroup sets you into a sort of alienated subgroup itself (from the others who do identify as a member of x group). Not to mention the fact that fluidity in self-identification does not miraculously render you immune to the categorization of others’ perception based off your outward appearance(s). The extent that an individual can redefine themselves fully is solely within the realm of self-identification, because not only will people form misconceptions - they also may lack a full understanding of who you are self-identifying as due to they cannot relate and have never really experienced non-conformity themselves Question 2: Though Sociologists have long studied race, class, gender, and other categories of identity, those who argue for the merits of Intersectional Theory claim that it offers a distinct advantage in understanding the power of such categories.  What do you believe is that advantage?  Put in terms of this course, how would studying diversity through the lens of Intersectional Theory give you a better understanding than studying diversity without it? Try to make your answer around 500 words, and cite any pertinent sources from the course.   Question 3: Matters of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality are often in the public eye, and tend to be at the center of many passionate (and unfortunately even violent) conflicts. While discussing diversity in the context of institutions and organizations remains important, it is as important to ask to what extent we accept diversity and difference as a society. One such case occurred August 11th, 2017 when a white nationalist group marched in protest of the potential removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee from the campus of the University of Virginia. Local organizations such as the NAACP and citizens of the town had argued that the statue (erected in 1924) needed to be removed as it was a symbol of the enslavement and oppression faced by blacks in the South. You may read more details of the case at the following link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/13/us/charlottesville-rally-protest-statue.html Using the knowledge you've accumulated in this course, write a short letter to the editor of your local newspaper arguing why or why not you believe the removal of the statue from public view is in the interest of cultivating a more diverse society. Try to make your response between 750-1000 words, and cite at least two scholarly sources from course readings or your own research to support your argument.