sociology

Sociology is the complex study of the development, structure, and function of human society. Unlike many of the other social sciences, the study of Sociology utilizes impersonal empirical and critical analysis to develop an understanding of human social interactions. Through distinguishable methods from notable sociologists such as C. Wright Mills- whose concept The Sociological Imagination, known as, “...the vivid awareness of the relationship between experience and the wider society,” is used when trying to theorize the dynamics of a society. Many modern societal issues are approached using this method; one that has been questioned for more than half a century focals around unemployment rates within two specific ethnic groups.The Bureau of Labor reports that African-American men aged twenty and older have a national unemployment rate that nearly doubles that of white male counterparts, staggering at 12% in comparison to the latter 5.5%. When juxtaposing these vastly different statistics one must perceive the issue whilst withholding their own personal experiences ultimately stepping inside the Sociological Imagination. When viewing societal issues within this mindset, one must separate themselves from their own rituals and perceptions in exchange for the ability to perceive things on a more grandiose scale-unveiling mechanisms operating within economical, political, judicial, religious, academic, and domestic institutions. Within these institutions lie race and gender relations; dynamics that comprise our society. Racial discrimination within all of the social institutions, also seen within The Bureau of Labors qualitative findings, is still very much present. Let us work our way up from the most basic to the most complex instit...

... middle of paper ...

...es are comprised of certain elements such as language, normatives, beliefs, and values. Language is a reflective pattern of race/class/and gender equality. Normatives are specific to races, genders, or any cohorts with common beliefs/values. The African-Americans were ripped away from their homeland and brought to the States to act as slaves. Though some of their culture cultivated within the elders and were passed down, much of what now exists was created from scratch. The language of the majority of blacks is underdeveloped and filled with slang. Normatives seen with the Black cultural include traditional hair styles, dances, and aesthetics. Though sociologists believe that cultural differences may be accredited towards the unemployment rates, it can be argued that much of the tradition African culture is no longer existent for they have adapted the American way.