As noted in my first lecture, sociology is the study of human social interaction as it relates to social institutions. In many ways, this suggests that human social interaction will change, depending upon the social institution (or institutions) one finds oneself within.
In other words, think of institutions like different weather conditions; not only will one interact differently within them, one will also prepare, dress, adjust, and the like, in an attempt to navigate through these differential conditions. Along these lines, one’s environment (or social conditions) is as significant in dictating one’s life outcomes as the individual choices one makes. If this is the case, it appears incredibly important to both understand these social institutions and maintain some control over how they affect an individual.
In this discussion, focus on one social institution and explain how both an understanding of it and control over it could serve to personally benefit you and your life. For example, marriage is a social institution; to understand it and control one’s participation within it might yield positive results. Perhaps understanding the principles of consideration, appreciation, affection, etc. might improve one’s life. More, perhaps controlling the the urges, temptations, or even human instincts to operate outside of marriage’s parameters would be equally advantageous.
Whatever your chosen social institution, please remember to explain how you can ‘get it to work to your advantage’ through a sociological understanding.
One page and is due January 26 by 11:59 PM