During this first unit, we explored a variety of several sociological concepts and themes.

Social construction of reality: This concept portrays the idea that a group of people, whether it be a group of friends at school or your family, are the ones in charge of shaping how an individual is viewed. Such a group "constructs" the image of the person and because of this, it becomes said person's reality. It prevents us fro being seen as individuals and instead we are seen through the eyes of others based upon our most defining characteristics. For example, when we did a role-play of "Abandon Ship!". we chose to see the woman without working arms as fragile, worthless, and unnecessary for our group--rather than viewing her as a whole, as a group we had decided to magnify her disability based upon our own preconceptions. Because of this judgment, it became the reality, regardless of her individuality.

Macro/Micro Sociology: For the most part, this concept is not a difficult one to follow--macro sociology focuses on a broader viewpoint of several situations and sociological observations, whereas, micro sociology pinpoints smaller details and nuances of the situation. For example, in our high school, there could be a broad categorization of the sorts of people at SHS: teachers, students, athletes, etc. However, if one were to look more closely, one may see that some teachers are more polite or caring, there are X number of male students and Y number of female students. Looking closely at the big picture (macro) means that we've delved into micro sociology.

Groups/Identity & Ingroups/Outgroups: For this section, I'll discuss A Bronx Tale in order to accurately explain the concepts involved. In and out groups are used in order to depict an idea of either belonging to a group (in) or not (out). In the movie, C's in-group was the group of gangsters in the bar by his house-he felt accepted by them and found that he belonged. On the other hand, C was also a part of an out group--he was not a part of the group of black children in the neighborhood were Jane lived. He could not relate to them, they did not accept him, and he judged them as a result. C identified with the mob guys because they were like him, Italian, and he found that he could be accepted into their group. 

In my personal experience, I've faced this concepts on numerous occasions. At work, I am stereotyped as the snobby, overly rich, obnoxious SHS student. At school, I belong to the group of art-involved students and not to the groups of football players or dance girls, or even video-game enthusiasts. We're all affected by stereotypes and groups, whether for better or worse, and because of this, we see how our lives are shaped and manipulated by those around us.

Hello blogging community :)

Rather than beating around the bush, I'l just dive straight into the prompt.

Sociological imagination and mindfulness have been key concepts we've been thoroughly focusing on thus far. Although they share similar themes, they happen to be distinct in their own ways. Sociological imaginations refers to the ability to see how outside factors, such as where you live, who you interact with, and what you spend your time doing affects you. It's a way to acknowledge that you are truly impacted by the world that is around you. Sociological mindfulness, however, targets an application of sociological imagination. Once we have attained said imagination, we are capable of allowing ourselves to shape the world around us using these observations. Once you attain an understanding of the different factors that affect us, you can utilize this understanding to allow yourself to impact the world; you are a part of society, so you have the capability to change society. Mindfulness, and being aware of the present moment and what needs to be preserved and what should be adjusted, allows us to connect with the world around us and create change.

Social construction refers to the idea that society is in charge of crafting our lives--society dictate what can and cannot be done. It differentiates right from wrong--supposedly. Saliva is a normal, bodily fluid, but spit is disgusting. Society sets that norm for us, for it constructs the norm.

Personally, I believe that sociological mindfulness and imagination are beyond crucial to a healthy, thriving, substantial community. If we are incapable of innately wishing to understand how to better ourselves and the community around us, then we can never truly progress as a population. This sense of higher thinking and being takes us away from raw, savage, kill-or-be-killed thought into sophisticated, caring, and healthy acts. Not enough people make the effort to act mindfully of others, and so, I personally believe it is beyond crucial to attempt to spread the mindfulness we acquire and the imagination we possess to those around us.

Because we are "society", then we can choose to construct it in any which direction pleases us. We need to embrace service and the caring for those with different fortunes from ours. We need to embrace one another's differences and congratulate our selves for being unique individuals. We need to become a better society.

Thanks for reading, Lianne :)