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Essay / Sociological Concepts Through Personal Experiences
Table of ContentsFamily Dynamics and Social StructuresImpact of SocializationUnderstanding Social StratificationCreating Positive ChangeConclusionI have had the opportunity to study a variety of different subjects and disciplines. However, arguably one of the most interesting classes I've taken so far is sociology. The study of human social behavior has always fascinated me, and taking a sociology course gave me the opportunity to learn more about the subject and apply it to my own life experiences. In this essay, I will share my sociological autobiography, explaining how my own experiences have impacted my understanding of sociological concepts and ideas. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayFamily Dynamics and Social StructuresMy upbringing was fairly typical of many middle-class families. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of hard work and education, and encouraged my siblings and me to pursue our passions and interests. However, as I learned through my sociology classes, our family dynamics have also been shaped by larger social structures and phenomena. For example, our family's economic class helped determine the neighborhoods we lived in, the schools we attended, and the opportunities available to us. Additionally, our gender, race, and religion have influenced the way we interact with each other and the world around us. Impact of Socialization A sociological concept that particularly resonates with my own experiences is socialization. As a child, I was socialized by my family, my peers and my cultural environment. For example, my parents instilled in me values such as patience, kindness, and respect for authority figures. These values were reinforced not only by my family, but also by the society at large in which I grew up. For example, I was taught at school to respect my teachers and obey rules and laws. However, as I grew older and was exposed to different cultural norms and perspectives, I began to question some of the beliefs and values that had been instilled in me. For example, I began to wonder why certain groups of people were treated unfairly or unjustly, even though they supposedly lived in a society that valued equality and justice. Understanding Social Stratification Another sociological concept that has influenced my thinking is the concept of social stratification. As mentioned previously, my family's economic class played a significant role in shaping our experiences and opportunities. However, I also began to understand how larger societal structures and forces contributed to social inequality. For example, I learned about how race, gender, and sexuality intersect with people's class status to create different social opportunities and outcomes. I also became aware of how institutions like the education system and criminal justice system perpetuate social inequalities through systems of privilege and oppression. An experience that strongly influenced my understanding of social stratification was my study abroad experience in a developing country. During my time abroad, I witnessed the extreme poverty and economic inequality that existed in the country. I observed that local residents had very little access to..