Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sociology

Yesterday, I was against oppression. Today, I'm using it for my benefit.

jeanmari — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:57:02 -0800

Examples from history of groups who were oppressed becoming oppressors? I'm doing research on the writings of Paulo Freire and I am trying to create a...I don't know...rubric (?) for identifying when an oppressed group becomes the oppressor. This is not necessarily scientific, but will be a tool for facilitating discussion among college-age (or older) adults. The rubric will be more for me than for them so that I can encourage them to think about their opinions more deeply and thoughtfully and respond to the examples that they raise.

In order to apply what I am reading about the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, I'm trying to think of examples in history (contemporary or ancient history) where an oppressed group may have crossed the line to become an oppressor of another group. When a group has adopted the injustice, exploitation, or even violence of the group that oppressed them. I understand that the lines will be quite blurry in most cases depending upon individual perspectives and and that's fine.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Eye contact

punkfloyd — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:33:50 -0800

Why do (American) women tend to avoid casual eye contact with men as they walk by, enter an elevator, etc... I know there is the obvious issue of not wanting to appear “interested” or send a sexual signal...but does that explain everything? Please take a leap of faith and trust me when I say I ask ONLY from a sociological/ psychological perspective...and not from a “hey why won’t that chick look at me” point of view. I am happily married and not on the prowl! Just wonder what factors condition women to be this way. I mean, when two men walk past as strangers they commonly make eye contact and offer a quick greeting. In my experience, women rarely do the same.

Foucault's episteme vs. Kuhn's paradigm

coraline — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:14:03 -0800

Need help finding passages where Foucault concentrates on the concept of the episteme in his The Order of Things. Would also like some help with comparing this concept to Kuhn's paradigm idea. I'm writing a (short) paper comparing Foucault's concept of epistemes to Kuhn's concept of paradigms. I've acquired Foucault's Lets mots et les choses (The Order of Things), but I'm at a loss on where to start reading, having almost no previous knowledge on the subject. So I would like to know: Which specific chapters or passages are specifically related to describing the episteme?

I would also appreciate any comments on or references to articles and such comparing Foucault and Kuhn's two ideas. (Books are not so great, since I'm outside of the US and the paper is due in a week.)

Habermas

moorooka — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:34:15 -0800

Can anybody explain Habermas in brief? Or point me to some good resources (other than wikipedia)?

Sharif wore a cape, and other soch bio's.

elationfoundation — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:33:44 -0800

Are there books on the history of sociology (or social psycology) told through the sociologists? I finished Bill Brysons book "A brief history of everything" a few months back and enjoyed it. Today I heard an anicdote about my first love, social psycology. It mentioned that a snide remark from Freud to Gordon Allport about Allport being a dirt fetisisht helped to speed up the movement away from Freudian psych in America. I want more! Does a book like this exist?

Por favor: help me find "cultural immersion" podcasts

Piscean — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:34:14 -0800

I used to enjoy a podcast titled "Josh in Japan" produced by an ordinary guy living in Japan who talked about his daily experiences adjusting to Japanese culture. I am looking for other podcasts in this vein. I'm looking for podcasts in English, preferably by Americans living in foreign countries during the time of their podcasts (although I'd enjoy podcasts by non-Americans adjusting to U.S. culture as well). I don't want travel guides, documentary-style podcasts or those styled as lessons, nor do I want to listen to inanity or immaturity. Josh's podcasts ranged from funny to serious, and were conversational and engaging. Although he added a short lesson in Japanese vocabulary at the end of some episodes, this never interfered with the mood or energy of the podcast. Does anyone know of other podcasts similar to this? (They can be defunct, as long as they are still available).

Uh...hang on, just give me a minute.

Demogorgon — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:34:31 -0800

What is the most important scientific question of our time? I volunteer at an observatory for a local amateur astronomers' society and one of the guests at a recent star party came up and asked, "What do you think is the most important question science has to answer right now?" Obviously, there is no right or wrong answer, but after the party was over a lot of us were still talking about this question and I ended up learning a great deal from my fellow club members that I might otherwise not have.
The next time this question gets asked I want to be prepared to offer a variety of answers from differing fields and opinions. I don't expect to represent every answer as an expert, but I'd like to be able to give a few more examples than I was able to, and then correlate them to some book recommendations from the answers in this thread about introductions to your field.
I also think it is important to frame the question in a way that can be meaningfully answered, i.e. "What is the most important scientific discovery about to be made?" or something like that.
Of course, I had my own answer in mind, but as a relative layperson to that branch of study I had a really hard time articulating why it was so important to "science." Therefore, if you are uniquely affiliated with a specific field that you think will produce a game-changer, feel free to get as technical as you're comfortable doing.

Thanks!

Soch. Programs studying us and me

elationfoundation — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:50:22 -0800

What are some sociology phd programs where I would be supported in (where research is already being done) studying the interaction between social-psycology (micro-interaction) and culture. I am specifically looking for programs that will allow empirical and pragmatic research along side critical research, and has cultural sociologists and social psychologists.

I focus on the functions of social conflict and how individual conflict styles transform society. I would feel remiss if I did not produce research that could be used by practitioners and policy makers. This is why empirical and pragmatic research needs to have some support in the institution. A bonus for schools with a researcher or two who examines the history of social theory so I can work on examining the history of social conflict theory.

Baby fish mouth

bunny hugger — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:06:57 -0800

What are the traits documented to be universal across all cultures? Trying to google it, but with no luck. I was talking about baby talk with someone recently and he said that baby talk was one of the 13 things found in every culture. [Not sure about the number.] Meaning, we all do it. I thought was really interesting and would like to know more. He said he couldn't remember the other ones but thinks he read it somewhere. Does this ring a bell with anyone? I'd like to know the others. Thanks.

Recommend me some pseudo-scientific art please.

SebastianKnight — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:31:14 -0800

Looking for examples of artists using scientific, sociological, mathematical, ethnographic, or psychological devices in their practice. Bonus points for funny. I'm in the (very) early stages of planning an art piece and I'm looking for some inspiration and context. I'm casting a wide net, so give me whatever you can - I'll narrow down my focus as the project takes shape. If you can be fairly specific you'll save me some legwork - artists' names, specific works etc. If you suggest a movement in the arts please try to narrow it down a little bit - 'conceptualism' is far, far too broad, for example.

Don't limit yourself to the above categories - I'm grateful for anything tangentially related.

(By way of example, Sophie Calle and Gillian Wearing have both used pseudo-social-science in their practice. I'm tempted even to include something like Throwing four balls... by Baldessari, but that one's a bit of a stretch. I've heard a little about map-based psychogeographic works like The Shipping Forecast and 26 Different Endings by Mark Power, but they don't particularly interest me.)

Thank you!

Evolution of Disability Termiology a Class-based Struggle?

The Confessor — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:38:46 -0800

A few years ago I formulated a sociological theory about the evolution of terms used to refer to those afflicted by certain classes of disabilities, whether physical or mental, in which more functional members of the class resent being "bundled" with less functional members and are hence in a constant, mostly subconscious, quest for differentiation. This leads to development of ever more benign terms ("handicapable!") which themselves quickly become associated with the whole, therefore perpetuating the cycle. The theory seemed obvious to me when I thought of it, but I've yet to see it espoused or debunked elsewhere. Have you? Or, failing that, do you see any obvious arguments for or against it? Two examples, in case I wasn't clear enough with my explanation:

A paraplegic, for instance, might once have said of a quadriplegic: "I'm not a cripple, he's a cripple! I'm just a bit... disabled.", and a relatively high-functioning mental patient might once have said of a near-vegetable: "I'm not an idiot, he's an idiot! I'm just slightly retarded."

Looking for light sociological holiday reading material

FuckingAwesome — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:55:46 -0800

Looking for light, sociological holiday reading material... I am a second year Sociology degree student, currently on summer break. I'd like to read something relatively easy-going over summer with some level of relevance to my course. It doesn't have to be totally dumbed-down, just not extremely challenging! Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

"Rules of Thumb" and "Instincts" of the Human Mind

pbh — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:34:43 -0800

What "rules of thumb" or "instincts" of the human mind are commonly applicable? A few months ago, I was reading Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini. Cialdini seems to suggest that we have hard-wired instinctual responses to many types of situations. For example, he cites a religious organisation giving out flowers in the hopes of triggering a reciprocity response, where the receiver feels like they need to give something back. The message seems to be "if {someone gives you an item} then {you feel a social obligation to give something back, even if you don't know them}."

I am curious about two closely related questions:

What instinctual rules, in as close to an "if A then B" form as possible, govern human-human interactions?
What rules, again in as close to "if A then B" form, govern our own minds?

I am curious about pretty much any instinctual interaction that might occur in (my) daily life, from negotiation to introspection.

I have found that popular non-fiction seems to have these themes, but also seems to take a really long time to get to the point and sometimes does not explicitly cite scientific results. (Nonetheless, book recommendations would be OK.) Arguably, books like How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Game, Getting to Yes, and Never Eat Alone all fall into the mould of "if A then B" human-human interactions (though I don't have any particular emphasis on the self-help genre). In terms of our own minds, I suppose I mean things like Dan Gilbert's work, where he says things like "if {you are prevented from selecting among several alternatives} then {you will be happier than if you were given a choice}." Some rules might be easier stated in a direct form rather than "if A then B," for example Gilbert suggests that we vastly overestimate the effect of any particular event on our personal happiness.

I would also be curious about particular psychological experiments along these lines, but I still only want the brief takeaway point (possibly with some background/setup). For example, in the Milgram experiment it was kind of shown that "if {an authority figure tells someone to do something} then {they will do pretty much anything, up to and including killing someone}."

What do we know about gregariousness in human behavior?

bru — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:17:45 -0800

What do we know about gregariousness in human behavior? My Google-fu is failing me: I thought that I would find tons of studies about the role (or effect, or influence) of "gregariousness" in human social behavior and I find almost nothing. Sheep, mice, bonobos, yes. Human, no. (I also searched with sociology, psychology, anthropology, neuroscience, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins.) What am I missing?

What degree for a future mediator?

Danila — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:55:15 -0800

Choosing a bachelor's degree program if I want to be a mediator: social science or sociology (or something else?) I have an associate's degree in human services management (kind of fell into that and liked some of it). I am about to start at a new university for my bachelor's and I am trying to decide my major. I feel like I'm just blindly choosing no matter how much I read, because I am not currently working and not yet able to work due to disability. But I would like to work someday as a mediator.

Currently I am looking at a major in social science (which would include courses in psychology (social, organizational, etc.), economics, research and statistics, US and European history, some sociology courses, that sort of thing. Or I could major in sociology without all of the history or economics and a lot more sociology. I could also major in sociology and minor in psychology.

The one thing I DON'T want to do is go to law school for a number of reasons. If I go to grad school I am probably going for a conflict-oriented master's.

From the reading I have done on becoming a mediator most come at it with a law background obviously. There are also some conflict and peace studies degree programs but I cannot attend any due to various circumstances unless and until I go for my master's. So without going for either a law degree or something specific in the field, I don't know which to choose that could supply me with useful knowledge. I know I will have to get mediation training and experience but that is somewhat of a separate issue for me (I think). Right now I can't work or volunteer, I can only do school, but I want to make it productive.

Micro-sociologist hunt

elationfoundation — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:35:14 -0800

Where do i find some of the top professors and researchers (in universities) doing Micro-Sociology (interaction or social mechanism based). This is the level of research that I wish to focus my research on, I just cant seem to find the researchers using that level of analysis. Also, are there some seminal texts in the micro sociology fields. I want to start contacting researchers soon so I know where I want to apply in 5 or so months when apps are open. So, before then I want to get a better understanding of the micro-sociology field... and I don'twant to miss a great fit because I don't know the soch field that well yet.

Would you hire a new assistant professor from another field?

Anonymous — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:00:01 -0800

What are the chances that I will be able to get a job outside of my discipline following completion of the PhD? I am currently in a top 25 PhD program studying sociology. Unfortunately, I find myself increasingly dissatisfied with the direction of the discipline and the substantive topics that seem to draw the most praise and get published in the top journals. I find myself drawn more to political science topics (specifically comparative politics) and am wondering what my chances are of getting a job in a decent political science department with a sociology PhD? Assume that my research is inter-disciplinary, methodologically sophisticated, that I am far enough along that switching/transferring is not an attractive option, that I have a very supportive dissertation committee that shares many of my views, and that I have some pretty good publications in the pipeline.

I know that many people have courtesy appointments across both departments and that certain prominent sociologists actually have political science PhDs (e.g., David Meyer at UCI). I just don't know that I've seen anyone go the opposite direction.

I'm not that interested in hearing about experiences from outside of the social sciences because I feel this is fairly discipline specific. I feel somewhat confident that I could get a job in an interdisciplinary department such as international studies or something, but I'm curious about political science specifically.

I want to find Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

MrMulan — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:24:27 -0800

Is there anything in real life like Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, formerly Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters minus the mutants? I am not talking about international schools where expats, and diplomats' kids go, but a school(K-12) or institution that accepts bright/gifted kids from around the world.

I just want more information for my own knowledge if one or more exists.

If the answer is no, then why wouldn't something like this work?
Have a boarding school for gifted children, where the kids' come from all over the world, preferably from impoverished areas. The parents, and governments would agree to allow the child to study and board there.
Parents could request the child be sent back at any time. The school would provide airfare and lodgings for the parents 1 or 2 times a year. School would be mostly year round.

I have been thinking about this on and off for over 20 years while drunk, sober, sleeping, driving, ect.. and presently have it stuck in my head everytime I hear about Madonna and the baby adoption thing.

Please no chatfilter answers on why it should or shouldn't be done. Just, Has it been done? If not, can it be done? How or why not?

Who are the best feature writers out there?

reenum — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:21:10 -0800

Who are the best magazine and newspaper feature writers, past and present? I've been on a magazine and newspaper kick lately. I've gotten tons of articles by Michael Lewis, William Langewiesche and Jack Hitt. For sports, I love Gary Smith. I also like to read the in-depth articles put out by ProPublica.

Could you suggest others who write deep, delving pieces about a subject? The subject itself doesn't matter; I care more that the writer have the ability to engage a reader and explain a situation or subject in an interesting way.

Thanks!

Religious teachings on trust

arcticwoman — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:23:12 -0800

Where can I find religious publications (any religion) on the topic of trust? I'm looking for examples of how various religious denominations discuss the concept of trust in order to contextualize the findings from a series of interviews I've done. I found an LDS magazine with a good search function, and I'm looking for similar stuff for other groups. Published sermons, magazine articles, even sections of holy books - all are useful.

Sociology of subculture recommendations.

Ufez Jones — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:02:01 -0800

Can you recommend some books to me similar to the sociology-of-a-subculture style of Hunter S. Thompson's Hell's Angels, Sudhir Venkatesh's Gang Leader for a Day and Bill Buford's Among the Thugs? While I realize that the three samples I've given share a common theme of exploring a particularly violent subculture, that's not a prerequisite. I'm more interested in the "outsider meets group, befriends and hangs out with group, tells about experiences shared with group for x period of time" aspect. Any group is fine by me, so long as the book is well-written. Thanks.

CartographyFilter: Help me find a strange map

ecmendenhall — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:07:16 -0800

Some months ago, I came across a map created by (I think) a sociologist, depicting one student's daily travel routines in (I think) Paris. It shows clearly that the subject's life clusters closely around home, work, and university. It is not from Strange Maps, and Google is not helping. Has anyone else seen this?

Why/how do people cultivate mystique through Facebook profiles?

GIMG — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:53:40 -0800

Why/how do people cultivate mystique through Facebook profiles? So I see a lot of profiles on Facebook, MySpace, etc. that have aspects that I don't seem to communicate much of anything at all to me. For instance, here are a couple responses to "Religion" on Facebook:

*it's not as bleak as it seems (death-bed conversion)
*Rainbow Hearts, The Slicer
*Historical Materialism? Doesn't matter, all the cool kids are in hell.

My question is why? It seems like this phenomenon could be (a) obscure references to people 'in the know'; (b) simply an attempt to be unique; (c) a subversion of the identity that the profile format ascribes; or, what I'm interested in, (d) mystification of the self, i.e. attempting to NOT be understood as a way to cultivate mystique.

Obscure references could accomplish this - but there is obscurity for the purposes of signaling to the elite and there is obscurity solely to not be understood.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a manuscript must be in want of reference materials.

headspace — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:40:24 -0800

Can you please recommend some books on daily life, home life, and general society in the UK and the US in the 1840s - 1880s for me? I already have What Jane Austen Ate, and What Charles Dickens Knew and An Elegant Madness. It doesn't have to be specifically on daily life- creative nonfiction like Larson's The Devil in the White City or Johnson's The Ghost Map are awesome, too.

Learning Unfamiliar Cultures

netbros — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:35:38 -0800

Please help me learn more about cultures different from my own? Like many, I am excited about the opportunities for change coming from the new Obama administration beginning next week. Getting in the spirit of that change, it will undoubtedly be useful to learn more about cultures unlike my own. I'm looking for books, films, television, web sites that can expand knowledge and bridge cultural divides. For demographic purposes, I am a fifty-something white American male with no religious affiliation.

I would like to learn more about the African-American community, the Hispanic-American immigrant community, religious turmoil that makes peace in the Middle East seemingly insurmountable, and fundamentalist terrorism by all religious stripes so confounding. If you're from Asia or the South Pacific, tell me about societal shifts that are occurring where you are. Hope for change starts with understanding. Please give me some ideas.