Paper Topic:

Sociology -

Sociology

Like most other people , I was influenced by culture from very early years of my life . Although cultural influences have changed over time most of them come directly from my family and friends , with school being a later influence . The values , norms , sanctions , folkways and mores absorbed in this way have made me to a great deal the kind of person that I am now

A typical American influence was the cultural value of egalitarianism the idea that everybody is granted the same rights no matter what their background or

demographic characteristics . I remember a Chinese girl who moved into our neighbourhood when I was about 10 . She spoke very poor English at first and I would sometimes make fun of her until my parents heard me doing so and reprimanded me severely for feeling superior . From then on , I thought it unfair to exploit my advantage . We even became friends , and I think I helped her get along in the new country quite well . This was also prompted by my parents who grafted the value of cooperation onto my character that further guides my behavior

As to folkways , there are surely plenty that I have picked up in the process of socialization - dressing properly on various occasions giving presents on birthdays and other events , shaking hands when meeting someone , and greeting people where appropriate . Sanctions that were applied to me in different cases also helped shape my behavior patterns . I remember , for example , my mother locking me up for a day for beating my little cousin , after which I realized that it is unacceptable to beat those who are weaker than oneself . My peers at school once used a sanction when I , after some quarrel that ended with a fight with one of my classmates blurted out before the teacher who started the quarrel They reacted to my action with a complete boycott for a week so that I was warned against even such impulsive whistle-blowing for the rest of my life

Overall , a diverse combination of influences enforced with sanctions or unconsciously absorbed from observations of reality helped me adapt to culture around . This process made me prepared to get along with peers and other people , knowing what to expect and how to behave in different situations

PAGE

PAGE 1

SOCIOLOGY

July 5 , 2006...

2 pages

25.5 KB

Free sing-up