Exam - Spring 2009

Sociology of Life Cycles
Exam -- Spring 2009
Due Date: Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 2:15 pm via email
ramatthews@edinboro.edu

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer 3 of the 5 questions.
2. Format: 1” margins -- Arial Font -- 11 pt
3. Create a header in the upper right corner header with your last name & first initial. Underneath it (one space down) place the page number. Underneath that, place your email address. The font size for the header should be 8 pt.
4. Place the question above each response.
5. Use in text citations & include your references at the end of each response.

GUIDELINES
* Answer three (3) of the five (5) questions.
* Use a theoretical perspective in each response.
* Use the readings, and reference, at least, one in each response.
* Please feel free to discuss these questions with each other. It is the best way to understand the subject matter. However, do not write your answers together, as this increases the likelihood that you will unintentionally plagiarize each others’ work.
* Type your responses! And place the questions above your responses.
* I will not accept hard copy exams. Turn it in, in, via email, by Friday, March 20th, at 2:15 pm.
* I will not answer questions regarding your responses once I have handed out the exam. You may, however, ask for clarification.
* Do not ask questions in your responses. Answer them. Remember, you are the expert here.
* Don’t bullshit me. I really hate it. If you don’t know the answer, move on to another one.

1. The sociological perspective allows us to view social interactions from a broader perspective than other social sciences generally allow. Choose a social interaction, such as dating, teen pregnancy, or societal responses to media, and using one of the major theoretical perspectives analyze it. Make sure to address socio-cultural factors inherent in the social interaction that you choose.

2. Stephen Hunt, in the chapter titled “Theoretical Accounts of the Life Course,” discusses three major approaches to the examining the life course; biological, psychological and social. Clausen, in the chapter titled, “Theories and Themes of the Life Course” addresses the same perspectives. Additionally, one of the models that informs these approaches is “timing of events.” Using an intersection of the approaches to studying the life course and the timing of events model, state, analyze and discuss the new social responses to dealing with children reaching puberty at much earlier ages than at any time during modern history.

3. Thoroughly discuss least one major theme/perspective of life cycles (and no more than two). In your response discuss at least one demonstration of the theme or perspective.

4. In U.S. society, when confronted with what is generally considered to be poor parenting, the following remark is often made “You have to get a license to drive, but any idiot can have a baby.” This statement references the ubiquitous presence of sex in our society as well as the expectation that people actually become parents & use their “parental instincts” and “common sense” to rear their children. In sociology it is understood that neither of these concepts actually exist in the real world. Given these social facts, thoroughly discuss the juxtaposition of ideal expectations of parenthood and the social realities that parenthood often brings. Be sure to include at least one theorist’s discussion of the impact of social interaction on the development of identity.

5. Given the role of popular culture in the construction of gender, as a primary role in an individual’s development, discuss the sociological impact that media has on the formation of gender roles. Be sure to include a discussion of stratification and the relative imbalances of power that are inherent in the formation of gender roles.