Ethnic identity, multiculturalism, and social inequality in Australia

Sociology Australia

Sociology, Ethnic Identity, and Multiculturalism

I would like to write about cultural sensitivity this week because it is integral to understanding of how individuals and groups function within their societies. This concept allows us to look at groups of individuals with an emphasis on the whole group rather than the individual personalities and perspectives. This can be applied to relationships and social connectedness particularly when dealing with gender and sex. However, there are also biological factors that influence these groups and it is important to look at where the two intersect in order to truly develop an understanding of how groups of individuals perceive and respond to their society. It is the true exploration of the boundaries of the natural and social aspects of a culture that allows us as sociologists to consider issues on both large and small scales. In this manner, culture can inform sociological thought processes.

Sociology and Global Influences

The concept that resonated for me this week was that of the shift from looking at social inequality from a population and geographic specific phenomenon to that of a globalized issue. This ability to look at social inequality without barriers or borders as the societal issue that it is and focus our attention to the human capital, financial capital, and products that exist reframes this issue and the course of action taken as a result. Historically the view of social inequality as occurring primarily in impoverished areas has led to interventions targeted to those areas rather than approaching the issue from a global standpoint where the most results may be achieved. Social inequality occurs on many inter-reliant levels including global, local, national, and domestic and interventions will need to do the same.

Sociology and Health

I enjoyed reading about health this week and understanding that a sociological perspective speaks to more than just the physical or biological health of an individual or society but also includes social factors. We often look at health in terms of the specific momentary physical ailments or diseases rather than whole person. When applied to women one can see that sociology can impact health beyond physical in the manner in which health services are delivered to this population. There is a significant emphasis on reproductive health in women who are in their reproductive years without attention being paid to the needs of specific groups of women. Looking through a sociological lens allows us to identify the connection between social factors such as income, housing, and education with physical health and overall well-being.

Sociology, Order and Power

My friends asked me what I learned in Person and Society this week and I explained that I was intrigued by the notion of conformity and deviance being social constructs. One often thinks of social norms as being understood in a given society but the leap is not often made to the inclusion of deviance a social construction as well rather we believe that persons who are deviant are somehow lacking in the moral values that other individuals possess. This allows for an individual emphasis rather than a society-based responsibility. Yet once processed it makes sense that if behavior norms are established by society then all behavior must be measured against these norms. The decision that a behavior is deviant therefore also falls into the category of a societal construct. This was a new way of frame the concept of deviance for me and this week has challenged me to look at issues through a sociological lens.