W3.2 TANG YINI 탕이니

 1.Summary 

 Based on the information I have gathered, sociologists develop theories to explain social phenomena, which involve proposing relationships between two or more concepts. One example of a sociological theory is Robert Putnam's research on the decline in civic engagement. Putnam's theory suggests that the more television people watch, the less they participate in civic life. This example illustrates the fundamental purpose of sociological theory, which is to propose relationships between concepts and explain why or how phenomena occur. Sociological theories encompass various levels, ranging from macro to micro perspectives. The significance of theories lies in their ability to aid in understanding social phenomena, providing interpretations of data, and revealing relationships between concepts. Another example is Emile Durkheim's study on suicide, where he used data and theory to explain the phenomenon of suicide and proposed a relationship between religious beliefs and suicide rates. While sociology has many theories, several prominent ones are widely used and cited because of their adeptness in explaining social life. Although these theories may have their flaws, they offer profound insights into social phenomena.

2.Interesting points

 Robert Putnam's research proposed a striking theory: the more television people watch, the lower their willingness to engage in civic life. This viewpoint stimulates reflection on the influence of mass media on social behavior. 

3.Questions 

 What are some other examples that can illustrate the phenomenon of declining civic engagement?

Comments

  1. Cheng YatingApril 4, 2024 at 8:36 PM

    One clear indicator of declining civic engagement is decreasing voter turnout in elections. In many countries, there has been a steady decline in voter participation in local, national, and even presidential elections. Low voter turnout can reflect disillusionment with the political process, lack of trust in political institutions, and apathy among citizens.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirit Behind Wikipedia: Collaboration, Talk, and Trust- WANG YIKE 2.1

In a world overflowing with online information, Wikipedia stands out—not just for its vast range of content, but for how it is created. After watching “Why Wikipedia” and “How to Leave (and Read) a Wikipedia Talk Message,” and reading the introduction materials from Joseph Reagle’s Good Faith Collaboration, I’ve come to see that Wikipedia is more than a website—it’s a community built on trust, transparency, and a shared belief in the value of open knowledge. The “Why Wikipedia” video explains that Wikipedia is driven by a radical idea: anyone can edit. This openness has obvious risks, but surprisingly, it works. Why? Because Wikipedians follow a core principle called “good faith.” The idea is that editors assume others are acting with good intentions. They might disagree or make mistakes, but they are seen as partners in a shared mission, not enemies. This idea of good faith collaboration is explored deeply in Reagle’s writings. In the Foreword, Lawrence Lessig praises Wikipedia as an ...
Read more

LIN AIJIA Extra credit blog

China and Globalization The relationship between China and globalization is one of the most significant themes in 21st-century international politics, economics, and cultural exchange. As the world's second-largest economy and the largest developing country, China plays multiple roles in the globalization process: as a beneficiary, a driver, and a participant in shaping the rules.   Historical Background   Reform and Opening-Up & Globalization   China's adoption of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978 marked the beginning of its full integration into the globalization process. [1]   By introducing foreign investment and joining international economic organizations (such as the World Trade Organization), China gradually transformed from an agriculture-based nation into a global manufacturing hub.   Accession to the WTO   In 2001, China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) [2] , a critical milestone in the globalization process. Through mark...
Read more