Chapter 7 Topics for Discussion

  1. In An Invitation to Sociology, Peter Berger tells us: "Where human beings live or work in compact groups, in which they are personally known and to which they are tied by feelings of personal loyalty", very potent and simultaneously very subtle mechanisms of control are constantly brought to bear upon the "deviant." Think about some of the ways social groups control their members. How many can you identify? Don’t forget mechanisms like ridicule, gossip, ostracism, and disapproval. How effective are these mechanisms? Why do you think they work?
  2. To what extent are we "creatures of our culture"? Do you agree with Benedict that our possibilities and impossibilities are predetermined by culture? Can you think of examples of why this might or might not be true?
  3. What career are you interested in? If you aren’t already in that career, what kinds of role changes do you anticipate undergoing when you enter that arena? Can you think of ways this role transition can be made easier?
  4. What advice would you give to a senior high school student who will be entering your school next semester? What do you believe he or she would need to know to be able to "fit in" and assume the student role as defined at your school? What does this tell you about the "ideal" student role identity at your university?
  5. Discuss specific social norms designed to help others "save face." Can you describe any situations you’ve been in where you had to help another save face? What did you do? How did you feel?
  6. Although we didn’t discuss it explicitly in the text, Goffman says there are times when we engage in aggressive face-work actions designed to make us look good at the expense of others. Has anyone ever done this to you? How did you handle it? In general, what are some of the ways people engage in aggressive face-work?
  7. Discuss some typical "lines" college students use to impress one another. Which are the most successful? Which are least successful?
  8. Box 7.1 discusses male/female sex roles. What is your reaction? If you had children, would you try to prevent or limit the amount of traditional sex role socialization they received or would you encourage it? Does it make a difference what toys and games a child plays with when young? Were you raised with traditional or nontraditional sex roles?
  9. How important are gender roles to your personal identity? When do you find yourself most influenced by gender roles? When do they seem least relevant? Do you ever put them aside?
  10. Think back to the stories that are told at the family celebrations you attend. What values and lessons do they contain?
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