Because Society tells us so.

We started out this week by learning about three very important figures in Sociology: Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber.

We used their fundamental ideas of Sociology (large scale patterns, patterns of power, and small group interaction) to analyze an episode of a T.V show called "Freaks and Geeks". Through the episode, we were able to observe how groups in the main character (Lindsay) shaped her life. For example, her family had their own values, and encouraged her to do well in school while also encouarging a social life by forcing her to go to the Homecoming Dance. On the other hand, the "freak" group tried to shape her by convincing her to skip school and smoke. We learned that her family is the group that has greater power in Lindsay's life because they provide for all her needs such as shelter, food, and clothing.

Also this week we learned about social construction of reality which is when society creats our feelings and experiences. We were given an example by comparing what the difference between "spit" and "saliva" are. Saliva is something in our body that helps us digest and even cleanse our throats. Spit is something sticky and gross that come out of people's mouth. In reality, they're the same thing. However, society has made it that spit is something gross while saliva is a biological term.

One example of social construction of reality is Americans' diet compared to other countries. Our American society has made it clear that we should not consume "man's best friend". However, its natural and common in certain Asian countries to eat dog for dinner. Many parts of China eat insects, and insects are well known for the protein that it provides. But in the U.S eating insects is a courageous act, or an act to be frowned upon. In these ways we learn that our society has views on what's "right" or "wrong". What's "good" or what's "gross". Different societies have different opinions on the same matter and have set a standard for the whole society that most people are expected to follow.