When I was growing up, my father moved to the suburbs of Massachusetts. My family wasn't invited into the community with open arms. We were the only and first Hispanics living there. But my father wasn't going to let them put us down nor out. For being Puerto Rican, we have a very strong culture. We stick together as one. For many years we had to prove to the community that we were a caring, well educated, and hard working family. Till this day my father still lives in the same community for over 20 years, but now he is highly respected. If it wasn't for my culture and what we stand for, we probably wouldn't be living in that community. I'm proud to be who I am. My culture taught me to be a strong, hard working, respectful, and caring person. And I see it like this... all cultures makes this one world.

Repsone to Question #1

I feel that both roles are crucial to sociology. Sociological analysis is important because it is necessary to have sociologists that research sociology and document it. It is important that the knowledge is shared throughout the sociological community. However, I can't say that I could support "pure sociology" without social reform. An example to support my opinion, when scientist look for a cure to diseases, they do not only document their findings, but they use them to help save or better lives. It would be senseless for them to find a cure and not use it to better lives. It makes very little sense to research society and then do nothing with the results. That is why I feel both roles are very important. The role of social reformist is to use the research to help change and better society. So while I can understand both perspectives, I don't think that one makes much sense without the other.

Blog Post/Journal Response #2

Due: Thursday, October 4th


Please answer at least one of the following questions:

Question #1: Chapter Two discusses the concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. Please provide one example in which you encountered a culture different from your own and describe which one of the two concepts you practiced when you experienced that cultural difference.

Question #2: Chapter Two explains that cultures have subcultures as well as countercultures. Please describe the distinction between the two and list an example of each. Further, do you feel that the distinction between subcultures and countercultures is cut and dry? Why or why not?

Journal Response #1

Journal Response #1 Due Thursday, September 27th

Please answer at least one of the following questions:

Question #1: Chapter One discusses various schools of thought in terms of the role of sociologists in society. One view asserts that sociologists should simply study society while a second view espouses the belief that sociologists should use their research to reform society. Which do you feel is the role of sociologists and why?

Question #2: Chapter One discusses the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis (also called functionalism and structural functionalism) and conflict theory. First, please list the level of analysis for each theory (ie: micro or macro). Second, which of the three theories do you feel makes the most sense to you? Please explain why.

Welcome to the "What's up with Sociology?" blog

Welcome to the “What’s up with Sociology?" blog. This is an opportunity for your to share your thoughts and feelings on issues discussed in class with your peers via an online format. I hope that you take advantage of this opportunity!Please follow the instructions below for posting to this blog:1. Click on the comments link for the question/discussion thread you want to respond to. This will prompt you to a screen where you can type in your comments.2. If you already have a blogger account, simply log-in.3. If you do not have a blogger account it will allow you to set up a user name and password.4. Post your answer to the comments section of that particular thread/question.5. In order to earn points for each assignment, you MUST post to that particular discussion thread. You may, however, start your own discussion thread if there is another topic related the course which you would like to discuss.6. If you would like to start a new thread, then go to www.blogger.com and you can start a new thread.I am looking forward to reading your posts!