In reflecting on the ten units in this course, my biggest take away is that the nature of how human beings interact, both at an individual and organizational level, is incredibly complex. By actively participating in this course, completing the commentary, reading the text, writing the learning journals, I have gained an appreciation for the complexities involved in our social settings and interactions – how each and every one of us has different experiences and different socialization factors that have influenced and shaped our positions and outlooks. I find this incredibly interesting. It also humbles me a little bit; in nearing the end of an introductory level sociology course I recognize the depth and complexity of the subject.
I know academics study sociology for a lifetime and there are still new concepts and new understandings to be identified. Prior to this course, I knew the presented social concepts existed, but I didn’t fully understand the impact they had on an individual’s position in society. The self reflection I’ve undertaken to complete the required learning journals in this course is my greatest take away, particularly with how I’ve been impacted by socialization. I think it’s also worth a mention that since I’ve committed myself to this course and the content, I find myself viewing human interaction from a different perspective. As an example, I find myself thinking more critically about the promises of politicians, listening more attentively for microaggressions from customers in fast-food line-ups, or even having a more critical eye when viewing the weekly messages posted in the work lunchroom. I’d like to think developing that nuanced understanding to our social interactions is the desired outcome behind this course’s content and something I’m demonstrating in my everyday life.
The part in the text that discusses the nature of deviance and crime was an important topic and one that I found informative. Before this course, when I thought of the word deviant, I would think of being verbally reprimanded as a young child when I was acting out of line. The depth of the deviance concept presented by author John Steckley was eye opening to me. Behavior and identity factors that act outside of the majority’s accepted views are often treated with distain and initiate reactions that are not positive or welcoming. Unfortunately, these reactions are often brought on from factors that are visual or surface level. Acting outside of “normal,” is often viewed with distain in society but it shouldn’t be. Deviance shouldn’t be a harmful or derogatory term; the broad and diverse make up of society is not a threat and should be accepted.
A few of the concepts I’ve discussed in the course’s learning journals have stuck with me. In learning journal number one we examined the concept of a “social fact.” This provided me with the opportunity to reflect on the expected behaviors I have abided by throughout my life. This has had a lasting impact on my behavior and influenced how I intact with those around me and society as a whole. I would not have gotten to this understanding without this course or without the learning journal assignments. In writing about my reflections on this course, what I’ve learned and how it has impacted me, I have to mention the Unit Six: Social Inequity and Stratification content that detailed the concept surrounding class consciousness. This is an important concept in the discussion of sociology and how we as humans interact with one another. One’s social status is going to greatly impact their views, perspectives and general outlook on the world around them, not to mention how they interact with other individuals and society. Learning about my particular social class and how it developed was incredibly important. Reflecting on course content, I came to understand my family’s privileged middle-class position and how this has impacted my upbringing and social status.
In Unit 8: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality the topic of gender was covered; this is a topic that has stood out to me ever since. Prior to this course, I had not given much critical thought to my gender identification and how it has impacted or influence my life, both in terms of the decisions I’ve made and my treatment in social interactions. I understand now that I was likely treated different in grade school as a male than my female classmates. The teachers may have demonstrated more patience and attentiveness when interacting with me. While it is not the only one, gender is one character aspect that impacts our social standing. Gender impacts our lives greatly, more than I ever thought before this course. In creating change for the better and improving the interactions and relationships we have with others, we need to understand how these types of interactions – the biased manner in which gender is approached – can be harmful and the negative impacts they cause.
Another concept that I learned in this course and one that I can tie into past learning is the acronym NIMBY and its relevance in terms of global environmental issues. This term, which stands for Not In My Back Yard, relates to individuals, communities or countries expressing a desire to have harmful environmental processes actioned away from their home, community or country. In terms of environmental degradation, the Canadian practise of exporting plastic waste to developing countries would fall under this concept. I have read about this export process in the media; I have also written a research paper on the Canadian practise of exporting plastic waste. Before this course, I did not however, connect the dots to see the connection of environmental racism. I see it now. By exporting waste and accepting that the environmental degradation will occur in another country, in my opinion, Canada is committing an irresponsible act. Canadian authorities should know that a developing country will not have the technological resources to dispose of the waste responsibly. The course teachings here have provided me with a new perspective to a practise I was familiar with. There is something comforting in that; it’s proof I learned, it’s proof that the course was beneficial.
This course highlighted for me the complexities of our society and the multitude of ways in which our outlooks are formed, and interactions are influenced. Throughout this course I have learned about sociological theories, like Conflict Theory and Feminism, I have learned about socialization and inequity, as well as how certain personal identifying characteristics can be interpreted as deviant if they are not accepted by a dominant culture. These topics represent a small collection of what makes up the study of sociology, which would take more than an introductory level course to fully grasp. But I now have a more thorough understanding of the concepts guiding our relationships, both on an individual level and an organizational level