Sociology concepts and topics

Sociology T1

How does the Eternal Jew film clip relate to Thomas's Theorem?

The way the film relates to Thomas's Theorem is to demonstrate how the definition of something will influence the present. In this case, the Germans are showing the Jews as selfish individuals, who will hide among the different segments of society for their own benefit. According to Massey (1989), this is a process known as hyper segregation. This is when individual groups are separated based upon the different social beliefs and attitudes about them. Moreover, EO (2003) determined that a particular group will have specific characteristics which help them to have a sense of pride. In this aspect, these ideas are showing how the film is depicting the Jews as vermin. That has no respect for cultural traditions. This support Thomas's Theorem by illustrating the how the film is changing the definition of them and their contributions to civilization. ("The External Jew," 1941) (James, 2003) (Massey, 1989) (Philips, 2013)

How does equating humans with rats effect how we react to/interact with those kinds of humans?

The equating of humans with rats is used to show one group as nothing more than rodents. They will multiply and live off society for the benefit of themselves. From the social creation of reality perspective, this is illustrating how they must be stopped in order to change everyone's perceptions about them. (Massey, 1989)

What stereotypical or bigoted words or language do you use or hear used by others that fit into Q1 and Q2?

There are a number of stereotypical words included such as: rodent, vermin, filth and selfish. In the film, these ideas are changing perceptions and creative negative views. When this happens, no one will feel sorry for them and support more aggressive actions against the Jews. ("The External Jew," 1941)

Are the people in the Zimbardo, Milgram, and Abu Ghraib film clips evil people?

No. They are showing how the group can become caught up in the momentum of the situation. From a socialization and cultural perspective, these insights are used to illustrate how normal people can become involved in various atrocities. This occurs with them being influenced and desensitized about what is occurring. ("Abu Ghraib," 2008)

Why is science not the same as common sense?

The reason why science is not the same as common sense is from it using verifiable facts and observing what is taking place. Common sense is based upon individual experiences and the person making their own deductions about what is happening. These inferences can create contrasting conclusions about what different events mean. (Goreham, 2010)

How are scientific experiments conducted today?

Scientific experiments are conducted by looking at prior research. This provides actuaries with a background on the subject and a way to build off of this information. They will then, conduct their own experiment using a control group and independent variables. This will allow them to see what changes are occurring and how it is influencing the outcome. (Goreham, 2010)

Do the Milgram and Zimbardo experiments violate codes of conduct in the scientific community today?

Yes. This is because the code of conduct requires that all humans in experiments be treated humanely. At the same time, they must provide their informed consent and allow the individual the option of not participating. The fact that they were not following these procedures is a clear indication that they were violating these principles. These basic standards were developed after World War II. This is because many Jew were used by the Nazis to conduct scientific experiments in the death camps. These atrocities highlighted how some kind of standards must be implemented to prevent these kinds of abuses in the future. (Hessenbruch, 2000) ("Abu Ghraib," 2008)