Concluding Comments on Developing a Ground or Basis for Identifying Social Problems & First Family Exercise on "Affluenza"

A couple reminders before I get into the topics of this blog post: (1) you should start reading the book, "Affluenza," thru Chap. 3 for next Thurs.; (2) we will see the video, "Affluenza," in MAIN 122 NEXT TUES. 2/22 (NOT OUR REGULAR CLASSROOM); (3) some of you still need to post your comments on the "First Individual Exercise," which is described in the previous blog post.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS ON THE GROUND OR BASIS FOR IDENTIFYING SOCIAL PROBLEMS:

I wrappped up my observations about society by defining society as "an organized system of institutions." (and that institutions are organized systems of objects directed toward various human ends,and it is through institutions that we as individuals achieve our ends).

I, then began to consider what a healthy or well-ordered society would be like. And I began with the very general observation that in such a society institutions would function harmoniously (which is NOT the same thing as institutions functionally normally). So, let me pick up here with the remainder of my notes --

A. To push this point further, one would have to define the essential purpose of the basic institutions in our society, that is, what role each institution plays in maintaining that larger life (society) in which we all participate. It is also vital for us as individuals to consider our place, our role in this larger life. (For example, in Chapter 14 of "Affluenza" the authors ask us to consider what the economy is for, that is, attempt to define the purpose of the economy. And we will also consider this same basic question in our last book, "Plenitude.")

B. Since my sketch of society is largely based on the social thought of American philosopher, Elijah Jordan, I believe it would be appropriate to give him the last word on this -- a statement of what he calls "the law of morality" or a standard for determining what constitutes a healthy society:

"The good life posits a person or actor endowed by nature and by culture with all the capacities that are possible to him, with these capacities developed to their fullest possible degree; the person living in a world so organized and ordered as to guarantee to the person full and free access to all the means and instruments necessary to the adequate and appropriate expression of his capacities and to the realization of his acts in satisfying objects." (p. 59, "The Good Life")

1. Another nice statement of such an ethical standard can be found on p. 140 of "Affluenza," when the authors quote William Morris.

2. One can easily gather from such a statement that conditions such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, unemployment clearly represent social problems both for the individual and the larger society. I would stress, again, that meaningful work is crucial to individual and social health. WORK IS AN ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE OF LIFE. We build our lives around our work, what we do. When there is a lack of work, meaningless or unrewarding work, or work that undermines that larger order (such as marketing "affluenza") this is a serious social problem.

3. Insofar as our society, or any society for that matter, falls short of this standard of a healthy society, we can say something is wrong, that social problems exit, that we have work to do.
___________________________

FAMILY EXERCISE ON THE VIDEO, "AFFLUENZA":

After viewing the video program, "Affluenza," in class next Tuesday (2/22), which runs about 55 minutes, you will get together with your respective blue or magenta family members and discuss which ONE of the many "symptoms" of Affluenza presented represents the greatest threat to the health and well-being of our society. I want each family to come to a CONSENSUS on what you believe is the most adverse symptom. Each family will, then, designate a spokesperson to present your findings at the beginning of class on the following Tuesday, March 1st. I may give you a bit more time on Thurs., Feb. 24th to confer with your family members in class if you need it. I would also like each family to post as a comment your findings on this blog post. This should include the name of the symptom and some points in defense of your choice (or pretty much what you will present in class). ALL FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO EARN ACTIVITY POINTS FOR THIS EXERCISE. This exercise is worth 5 activity points.

The two families are: BLUE: Amber, Ross, Warren, Mary.
MAGENTA: Kelsey, Coleman, Stephanie, Sandra.
__________________
That's all. See you next Tuesday in Main 122.

Welcome & First Individual Exercise

WELCOME to this blog for Sociology 215: Social Problems. As I noted in class, we will be using this blog for a variety of individual and group activities. When I post some material on this blog I will let you know about it in class, but it would be a good idea to check it out a couple times a week regardless. Sometimes I may just post some follow-up comments after a class, or I may post something over the long weekend (Thurs - Tues.). In any case, know that this blog is an extension of what we do in class and an important part of this course in social problems.

FIRST INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE:
In the context of my opening remarks (Thurs., 2/10 lecture) about developing a ground or basis for recognizing social problems, I want you to identify some aspect of contemporary American society which you believe is commonly accepted or widely practiced, yet still could be considered harmful or destructive, that is, be considered a social problem. What I mean by "aspect" of contemporary American society is very open-ended: a popular consumer product, government policy, business practice, social ritual, form of media or entertainment, etc.. Briefly describe this aspect and tell why you believe it is a problem, despite its wide acceptance. I am looking for NO MORE THAN 2 PARAGRAPHS (no dissertations). Post your response as a comment on this blog post. Please do so by FRIDAY, FEB. 18TH. This exercise is worth 5 activity points.