For this assignment, find a specific social setting and observe how reality is socially constructed, as defined in your Blumer and Goffman readings from the first study in Unit 1. Write an essay applying key concepts from Blumer and Goffman to demonstrate your understanding of the social setting.
Instructions
You may choose any social setting where there are people engaging in a social exchange.
In your observations, pay particular attention to gender, race, age, and expressions, body language, or other sign vehicles. Take careful notes.
After you observe the situation, write an essay that reports your findings.
In your essay, include an analysis of the social setting in terms of Blumer and Goffman’s concepts. Also, discuss how symbolic interaction theory would interpret the noted observations. Analyze the interactions taking place in terms of social roles, social rituals, social forces, norms, and social structures.
Briefly describe the setting. Describe what you noticed in this setting that is different from what you would have noticed before reading Blumer and Goffman.
Your essay should be at least two pages in length.
Due Date: End of Unit 4.
Percentage of Course Grade: 8%.
Note: Your instructor may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide feedback on your writing. In the tool, click on the linked resources for helpful writing information. Analysis of a Cultural Setting Essay Scoring Guide Grading Checklist Activity Weighting
Describes observations from a social setting, including details such as gender, race, age, facial expressions, and body language or other sign vehicles. 14%
Analyzes the interactions in a social setting, using sociological concepts. 14%
Describes observations from a social setting that support application of concepts. 14%
Describes a social setting in terms of symbolic interactionism. 14%
Applies Goffman’s theory and concepts to interactions observed from a social setting. 14%
Applies Blumer’s theory and concepts to interactions observed in a social setting. 14%
Integrates and references literature from readings using APA style formatting. 16%
