Soc 2 Midterm

SOC 2 Sec. 004

Prof. Benson-Silva

October 18, 2012

Mid-Term Review Questions

1) How do Zigmund Bauman and C. Wright Mills view the discipline of sociology

respectively? What distinguishes the sociological perspective from common sense

according to each author? Can sociology objectively study societies? Defend your

answer.

2) What is the problem frame in the news media? Explain how the problem frame used

by the media increases fear in American society? What factors contribute to the news

media’s selection of content? How does Media limit or expand our perception of reality?

What social impacts have the advent of mechanical reproduction had throughout history?

What does mechanical reproduction eliminate or destroy according to Berger? How does

mechanical reproduction affect the representation of power or authority?

3) Taking in to account Annette Lareau’s “Social Class Differences in Parent-Teacher

Relationships”: discuss the influence of class and social status on student’s achievement

at school. Describe differences in between poor and middle class families involvement in

their children’s education. How does social and cultural capital influence these

interactions? Provide examples.

4) Succinctly trace the evolution of the American Family from colonial times to today.

What are the most salient features that have changed? Why is the “traditional family” a

historical anomaly? What social and economic forces helped create the myth of the

“traditional family”? Why does Giddens argue that changes in contemporary family

structures are a global democratizing force?

5) How does Media limit or expand our perception of reality? What social impacts have

the advent of mechanical reproduction had throughout history? What does mechanical

reproduction eliminate or destroy according to Berger How does mechanical reproduction

affect the representation of power or authority?