Introduction to Sociology

Question 1: Examine the role of the family, schools, and peer groups and their influences on the presentation of self. Why might someone present themselves in a different manner within each of these groups?

Question 2: How important do you believe social interaction is in the socialization process? Examine and explain the idea of a status, and determine which one you believe is most influential in socialization. Make sure to provide rich, beneficial examples.

Question 3: Through various examples, describe several benefits and downfalls of the bureaucratic organization. Address the three different types of organizations in your examples: utilitarian, normative, and coercive. Do NOT use examples from the textbook.

Question 4: How do you think Erikson's Eight Stages of Development could affect how someone constructs reality? For example, in Stage 4: Preadolescence, if a child fears that he/she does not measure up, it could affect how he/she views his/her world. (Look at the social construction of reality as a reference.)

Question 5: How do different groups influence a person's presentation of self? Take into account the different factors of a group, such as group size, leadership, group conformity, and social diversity. You do not need to go in-depth about each, but address a few.

Question 6: Examine the challenges related to the evolution of formal organizations. How does the changing nature of work benefit (or hinder) the employee?