Last class we ended with a discussion of several ideas which are implicit in the notion of social structure. Here is a quick review:
1) Human beings form social relations that are not arbitrary and coincidental but exhibit some regularity and continuity.
* Think of the friends, co-workers or other close personal ties that you may have with others. Think of the social structures that either inhibit or foster these relations. Socio-economic status, race, class, gender, and health are all examples of dynamics which narrow the margins of choice and organize social relations.
2) Social life is not chaotic and formless but is, in fact, differentiated into certain groups, positions, and institutions that are interdependent or functionally interrelated.
*However independent we may view ourselves, we live within, associate with, and rely upon groups of people which provide us with the social, emotional, spiritual and educational resources that we need to survive.
3) Individual choices are shaped and circumscribed by the social environment, because social groups, although constituted by the social activites of individuals, are not a direct result of the wishes and intentions of the individual members. The notion of social structure implies, in other words, that human beings are not completely free and autonomous in their choices and actions but are instead constrained by the social world they inhabit and the social relations they form with one another.
*Social groups influence personal choice. Latent to any social group is the draw of solidarity. All people involved wish to act in a way to insure their own participation. The way we act, dress, consume, relate and make decisions are all a reflection of the influence of the individual's prescribed social group.
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I found it very interesting to think about how much culture actually shapes a person. We, as Americans, do like to think that we can choose who we are, what we believe in, what we want to do with our lives, among other things, but the truth is that most of who we are is determined by where we are and the cultural norms and values of those who raise us. I have never thought about it in this way, so I thought it was really cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Krystal! Individualism is a big thing in our society. But our individual decisions and beliefs are often and rarely actually our own. The beliefs we have are mostly the things we were taught or learned based on our surroundings when growing up as a child. Its a hard thing to think about but its very interesting to see how easily society shapes the ideals of different groups of people.
ReplyDeleteOur society encourages individualism within the constraints of societal norms and values. We choose a career, yet at the same time, we are forced to choose, so is this really individual freedom? We have to work. We only have choice within that constraint. We choose how to express ourselves through our appearance, yet we are constricted to what our society accepts. To be accepted in society, we have to present ourselves in a certain way. Our only choice exists within that boundary. As different as we believe we are, commonalities are present within every society. Its interesting to think about this concept in reference to medicine and health issues. Our commonalities go as far as to dictate our health risks.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emily. Everyone is always saying how we have individual freedoms but it appears society is putting all of these constants on how we portray ourselves. From the way we look, to what we eat, and sometimes what career we choose.. It is all is 'constricted' in some way, by the different societies we live in. It doesn't seem right, but I think it is becoming worse rather than better..
ReplyDeleteIn class we talked about medical research being done primarily on males. I think that it is primarilydone on males because to do research on females can be seen as a risk to future generations. Females are seen as the reproductive control of the next generation. There have been instances where improper research into medications has caused damage to the female reproductive organs and their future offspring and the generations that follow. It is like the idea that females do not belong at the front lines of combat;there is too much of a risk in societies eyes.
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about the gender differences in regards to medical research... It doesn't really make sense that women are seen as the "reproductive control" because they wouldn't be able to reproduce without men anyways. Therefore, research should be preformed equally on both men and women because they are not the same. The example we used in class was the symptoms of heart disease in women versus men and why women are more likely to be misdiagnosed. With equal representation in research, things like this would be much less common.
ReplyDeleteExcellent points, everyone. Choice is certainly constrained.. All of you articulate your views beautifully! I'm looking forward to your papers, everyone :)
ReplyDeleteAfter the class discussions and the reading for thursdays class I find it unfortunate that even now with all the advancements some of our medical research is laging behind and biased depending on what race or ethnicity a person is.
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