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Showing posts with the label Cheng Yating

【Week 15.1 June 10(Mon)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It provides an overview of the study of populations, their structures, and dynamics. It explains key demographic concepts and measures such as birth rates, death rates, fertility rates, and migration patterns. It delves into the significance of population studies in understanding social phenomena and the impact of demographic changes on societies. It also covers demographic transition theory, which describes the transition from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country develops economically.   2) Interesting ① Demographic Transition Theory: it consists of four stages: Stage 1: Pre-industrial society with high birth and death rates, resulting in a stable population. Stage 2: Early industrial society where death rates drop due to improvements in healthcare and sanitation, while birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. Stage 3: Mature industrial society where birth rates begin to decline due to changes in societ...

【Week 14.2 June 7(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It explores the sociological implications of technological advancements, particularly focusing on the internet and virtual environments. It discusses how technology has transformed social interactions, communication, and the structure of society. The text examines the impact of the internet on various aspects of life, such as education, work, relationships, and identity. It also addresses the digital divide and the inequalities that arise from unequal access to technology.   2) Interesting The concept of "digital dualism," which refers to the false dichotomy between online and offline lives. The text argues that the digital and physical worlds are increasingly intertwined and that online activities are a significant part of our real-world experiences. This challenges the notion that virtual interactions are less genuine or meaningful compared to face-to-face interactions.   Another intriguing aspect is the discussion on virtual worlds and online communi...

Is there ethnic cleansing or genocide happening today? If so, where?

Yes, ethnic cleansing and genocide are happening in several regions around the world today.  In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there are warnings of mass ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in Gaza.  Recent military actions by Israel have led to severe casualties, displacement, and destruction, raising alarms about potential ethnic cleansing under the guise of self-defense. To address these atrocities, international communities must intensify diplomatic efforts, impose sanctions, and ensure accountability for those committing these crimes. Enhanced humanitarian support and protection for affected populations are also crucial steps toward mitigating these crises.

【Week 14.1 June 3(Mon)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It offers an in-depth look at the sociological concepts of race and ethnicity, exploring their definitions, significance, and impacts on society. Race is defined as a social construct based on physical differences, while ethnicity refers to shared cultural practices, languages, and heritage. It discusses how race and ethnicity influence social identity and group membership and how they are used to establish and maintain social hierarchies and inequalities. It also examines the historical and contemporary manifestations of racism and ethnic discrimination, highlighting issues such as systemic racism, prejudice, and institutional discrimination.   2) Interesting The concept of "symbolic ethnicity," which refers to a nostalgic allegiance to the culture of the immigrant generation or that of the old country that is not usually incorporated into everyday behavior. Symbolic ethnicity is expressed through cultural practices such as celebrating ethnic holidays or p...

Gender roles - or what is expected of men and women in home and workplace?

Gender roles, which are socially constructed expectations for men and women, influence behaviors and responsibilities in the home and workplace. Traditionally, women are expected to be primary caregivers, handle domestic chores, and provide emotional support, while men are seen as financial providers, household maintainers, and authoritative figures. In the workplace, women have been channeled into support roles and are expected to balance career and family responsibilities, while men are encouraged to pursue leadership positions and prioritize career advancement.

【Week 13.2 May 31(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It offers a comprehensive overview of how gender is socially constructed and the implications of gender differences in society. It discusses the distinction between sex (biological differences) and gender (social and cultural differences), emphasizing that gender is not inherent but rather learned through socialization processes. It explores various theories and perspectives on gender, including functionalist, conflict, and feminist theories, each offering different explanations for gender roles and inequalities. The text also examines the impact of gender on various aspects of life, such as family, work, education, and media representation. It highlights how traditional gender roles are perpetuated through social institutions and cultural norms, often leading to gender inequality and discrimination. Additionally, it discusses the concept of intersectionality, recognizing that gender intersects with other social categories like race, class, and sexuality, creating comple...

What is the function of stratification?

1. It helps to allocate roles and responsibilities in society. Different positions require different skills and talents, and stratification ensures that these roles are filled by individuals best suited to perform them.  2. Stratification establishes and reinforces societal norms and values. People in higher strata often serve as role models, setting standards for behavior and lifestyle that others may aspire to. Also it can help maintain social order by establishing clear social roles and expectations. People understand their place within the social hierarchy, which can reduce conflicts and promote stability.

【Week 13.1 May 27(Mon)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It provides an overview of the disparities in resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. Social inequality is examined through various dimensions such as economic inequality, gender inequality, racial inequality, and educational inequality. It discusses how social stratification systems, such as class systems and caste systems, contribute to and perpetuate inequality. It also highlights the role of institutions and social policies in either mitigating or exacerbating inequality. Furthermore, it explores the consequences of social inequality, including its impact on health, crime, and social mobility.   2) Interesting The concept of intersectionality, which refers to the way different forms of social inequality, such as race, gender, and class, intersect and create unique experiences of oppression and privilege. This concept helps to understand the complexity of social inequality and the need to consider multiple dimensions of identity when analyzi...

what can be done to improve the fertility rate in Korea or China? What will happen if that rate is not improved?

Economic support for families, such as provide direct financial support to families with children, such as child allowances, tax breaks, and subsidies for childcare and education. Also promote gender equality in both the workplace and at home. Encourage men to take on more household and childcare responsibilities. Consequences of Not Improving Fertility Rates: Aging Population, Labor Shortages, Smaller family sizes and fewer social connections.

【Week 12.2 May 24(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It provides an overview of the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in societies based on various dimensions such as wealth, income, social status, education, and power. Social stratification involves the classification of people into different strata or layers, which results in unequal access to resources and opportunities. It outlines different systems of stratification, including class, caste, and meritocracy, and discusses the theories and perspectives used to study social stratification, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. It also explores the impact of social stratification on individuals and society, highlighting issues related to inequality and social mobility.   2) Interesting The concept of "meritocracy," which refers to a system where individuals are rewarded and advanced based on their abilities and achievements rather than their social background. The ideal of meritocracy is often contrasted with...

Read about female infanticide or female infanticide in China... How serious is this problem? What consequences does it have for the affected societies? What can we do to solve this?

It will cause an imbalance of genders and available females of childbearing age resulting in a decline in population and births. Also it will lead to the rise of sex trafficking and bridal kidnapping of females or importing brides from other countries. We should prevented sex identification of the fetus and prohibited the use of technology for the use of selective abortions based on the fetus's sex in law. Also we are supposed to advance the status and rights of women.

【Week 12.1 May 20 (Mon)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It explains a sociological perspective that conceptualizes social interactions as theatrical performances. This approach, developed by Erving Goffman, views individuals as actors who perform roles in everyday life, managing their expressions to create specific impressions on their audience. Key concepts include the "front stage" where individuals present themselves publicly, and the "back stage" where they can express behaviors and emotions suppressed in public.  Goffman also discusses the "performance team," a group of individuals who cooperate in staging a performance, and the importance of maintaining "face," or social dignity.   2) Interesting The idea of "impression management," where individuals actively control the image they present to others. This involves manipulating settings, appearances, and mannerisms to influence how they are perceived. Another intriguing aspect is the distinction between front stage an...

What is a drama? Please try to describe theater as if you were explaining this concept to a person who never heard of it.

I magine a special event where people gather to watch a story come to life. 1) This event takes place in a large room called a theater, which has a designated area called a stage where the story is performed. The stage is set up with various props and backdrops to create the setting of the story, whether it's a castle, a forest, or a modern city. 2) Actors are people who take on different roles in the story, pretending to be characters with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and emotions. They wear costumes and makeup to help transform into these characters. The actors speak lines of dialogue, which are the words written for them to say by a writer called a playwright. These dialogues help tell the story and reveal the relationships and conflicts between the characters. 3) The audience, or the people watching the performance, sit in seats facing the stage. They observe the actors as they move, speak, and interact with each other. The actors' performances are enhanced by light...

【Week 11.2 May 17(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary Symbolic interactionism is a sociological framework that emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in human interactions and social processes. Developed from the work of George Herbert Mead and furthered by scholars like Herbert Blumer, this theory focuses on the subjective meanings that individuals impose on objects, events, and behaviors. These meanings are created and modified through social interaction. Symbolic interactionism views society as constructed through ongoing social interactions where individuals continuously interpret and redefine their social reality. Key concepts in symbolic interactionism include: symbols, language, meaning, interaction, self and identity.   2) Interesting One interesting aspect of symbolic interactionism is its focus on the micro-level of social interaction and how it shapes individual identity and society at large. Unlike macro-level theories that look at large-scale social structures and processes, symbolic interact...

【Week 11.1 May 13(Mon)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It provides an overview of the concept of social networks within the context of sociology and social sciences. It defines social networks as structures made up of individuals or organizations connected by various types of social relationships, such as friendship, kinship, professional ties, or online interactions. Additionally, it discusses different types of social networks, including personal networks, organizational networks, and online social networks, and explores their characteristics, functions, and implications for individuals and society.   2) Interesting The differentiation between strong and weak ties within social networks. Strong ties denote intimate relationships characterized by frequent interaction, emotional support, and mutual trust.    In contrast, weak ties signify more distant connections characterized by infrequent contact and lower emotional intensity. Recognizing the significance of both strong and weak ties offers valuable insig...

What is more important: the actions of individuals or the environment that influences them?

I think the environment has a bigger impact because when everyone is born, they are the same, but because they grow up in different environments, they create different personalities. The environment in which individuals live, work, and interact plays a crucial role in shaping behavior and outcomes. Moreover, people are easily influenced by the environment. For example, environmental factors such as social norms, cultural values, economic conditions, institutional structure and natural environment have a strong influence on individual choices and actions.

【Week 10.2 May 10(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary This text delves into the concept of social structure in sociology, which encompasses the patterns, relationships, and institutions that shape social life. Furthermore, it examines various components of social structure, including social institutions, statuses, roles, groups, and networks. It underscores how social structure serves as a framework for comprehending the organization of society and the interactions between individuals and groups. Additionally, it explores how social structure influences social behavior, norms, and inequalities.   2) Interesting An intriguing aspect is the differentiation between ascribed and achieved statuses within the context of social structure. Ascribed statuses are those inherent or involuntarily assigned to individuals at birth or by societal factors such as race, gender, or socio-economic class. In contrast, achieved statuses are acquired through personal efforts or accomplishments such as occupation or education. Understandi...

Why inequality creates disorder?

Inequality creates conditions that undermine social cohesion, economic stability, and political legitimacy, contributing to social disorder and unrest.  For example, when there is significant inequality in wealth and income distribution, it can lead to economic instability and insecurity for those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.  This instability can manifest in forms such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic resources and services, which can fuel social unrest and discontent.

【Week 9.2 May 3(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary It discusses the sociological concept of deviance, which refers to behaviors, beliefs, or characteristics that violate social norms and expectations. Deviance can take various forms, ranging from minor rule-breaking to serious criminal acts, and can be influenced by cultural, historical, and situational factors. Moreover, It explores different theories of deviance, including structural-functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory, which offer contrasting explanations for the causes and consequences of deviant behavior. Additionally, it discusses how social institutions, such as the legal system, media, and family, contribute to the construction and enforcement of norms and the labeling and stigmatization of individuals as deviant.   2) Interesting The concept of primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to the initial act of rule-breaking, which may be relatively minor and go unnoticed or quickly forgotten. Secondary deviance occurs w...

How does media teach is how to act and where we fit in the society?

The media often portray and reinforce various social roles, identities and stereotypes of social norms and expectations. Through characters and images, media present idealized or stereotyped images of gender, race, class, age, and other social categories that influence individuals' perceptions of acceptable behavior and social roles. For example, when the media introduces a woman, it often depicts her appearance, but it does not do this to a man.