Ethnomethodology

Submitted By noemibarr
Words: 1073
Pages: 5
Open Document
Noemi Barradas
9 December 2014
Extra Credit Assignmnent Ethnomethodology assists in studying norms in social life. The word “ethno” means group of people. A method is a way of doing things and the “ology" is the study of. All together the word is the study of the way people do things. Ethnomethodology is used to uncover and expose deviance. Deviance is a behavior, belief, trait or characteristic that violates a norm and causes a negative reaction. Deviance is not set in stone for every culture, since every culture has different norms and different boundaries that are considered within those norms. What makes an act deviant? Not necessarily the qualities of the act, but the reaction from those who witness it. Norms are basic guidelines for behavior, that range from society to society. Just as the qualifications for what is considered deviant behavior varies, so does the punishment for it. Some cultures and societies punish heavily for deviant behavior, and some are just seen negatively and the person is shunned or shamed. To perform a deviant behavior that was not going to land me in jail, I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain on a busy Saturday morning. I was behaving according to norms the entire day out with my friends, so to test out how people would react to my deviant behavior I had to make sure I was going to get noticed by many people. I did it towards the end of my visit just in case my punishment was going to result in them removing me from the park or revoking me from getting on any of the rides. Around the park, there are people dressed up as characters such as Wonder Woman, Robin, Batman, Green Lantern, and Flash. I stood in line to take a picture with Flash and Wonder Woman. When it came to be my turn, I stood in between the two characters. About 15 people were in line behind me watching me waiting for their turn, as well as the people were walking around the par and happened to walk by. Just as the photographer was going to capture the moment, I pulled my shirt up and flashed the camera exposing my bra. I wanted to “flash” the camera standing next to actual Flash. When someone is about to have their photograph taken, it is a norm to smile, throw up a peace sign or thumbs up, or make a funny face, according to the nature of the picture. Six Flags is a fun place where making bunny ears at someone or sticking your tongue out in a picture would still be considered within the norms due to the laid back nature of the park. People are there to have fun, therefore what is acceptable in a picture besides just standing there and smiling is more lenient. By flashing the camera, I violated the norm that is implied since Six Flags is a family park where children of all ages can be roaming around and could have possibly seen what I did. Flashing a camera is racy enough, as it is sexual in nature which in our society is flexible in some instances, but still taboo in such a public place like Six Flags. The norm we have concerning what is acceptable in public as far as exposing certain parts of the body helps keep society a family friendly environment. It is seen as important because if that norm was not in place, we would be walking around with people’s private parts hanging out exposed all the time. I was expecting to be kicked out of the park as punishment for my deviant behavior, but all that I got was a few shameful looks and stares. People’s reaction went exactly how I thought it would. Immediate shock and surprise was the initial reaction I witnessed from bystanders. I saw a few people’s jaw drop, many people’s eyes widened like a deer’s in headlights. People walking by stopped in their step for a quick second to try to see what was going on. Their reaction was
Show More

Related Documents: Ethnomethodology

Essay about Sociology and People

Emily Gallizo June 5th, 2015 Assignment 8 Social Change Collective behavior is usually known as an activity with mass amounts of people that is not pre arranged, may often leads to chaotic behavior, but not always (Macionis, pg. 612). In high school I was on the dance team and was often involved and consumed by gossip. I myself became involved because after hearing certain things I like to find out the truth behind it. If something seems off or uncertain then I…

Words 1814 - Pages 8

Essay about Sociologists

Sociology is considered a science because it uses the scientific method. Using various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis, sociology is considered a social science. Sociology looks at a wide range of behavior than economist or political scientist. Political science studies the organization and functioning of system government. Sociology also studies political life but less as an isolated phenomenon and more in terms of general sociological principles. The focus of the economist…

Words 1340 - Pages 6

Sociology P. 2-27 Thoughts

Madison K. Wilson Dr. Szivos Sociology 103 30 January 2015 Sociology p.2-27 Thoughts As I read through pages 2-27 I learned a lot more about sociology as a whole than I ever thought I could have. There are so many different aspects that come along with sociology, such as, sociology as a science, sociological imagination and the generalization of sociology. First off, it starts off by defining what Sociology really is, and even though there is an exact definition of sociology, a lot of what I gathered…

Words 381 - Pages 2

Famous Sociologists Essay examples

Sociologists How Relevant is a Sociology Degree? Most of us, when we are considering a major, want to be sure that we can find a job, earn an adequate salary, and maybe even make our mark on the world. Students often wonder what they can do with a sociology degree, and parents may be reluctant to foot the bill for the study of sociology. After all, there are very few high profile sociologists, right? Actually, many famous people—both past and present—received sociology degrees. Sociologists who were…

Words 774 - Pages 4

What Is Sociology Essay

AS Sociology- Summer Preparatory Work What is Sociology? The term ‘Sociology’ was first used by a French man named Auguste Compete in the 1830’s when he first composed a synthetic science combining all knowledge about human activity. Sociology is the study of the functioning of human society, including the structures of society and groups within human society. How these interact and how they are influenced by their societal environment and how societal problems and issues can develop and affect…

Words 689 - Pages 3

Why Sociology Is Important to Nursing Essay

introduction, generally, sociology is mainly the study of society, communities and people whereas nursing is a profession which focused on assisting individuals, families, and communities in attaining, maintaining and recovering optimal health and functioning. In this assignment, I will describe the definition of Sociology, the definition of nursing and explain why sociology is very important and is relevant to nursing practice. I hope this assignment will show the relevance of sociology to nursing practice…

Words 969 - Pages 4

SOC 131 Careers Essay

Kenneth Campbell February 1st 2015 Dr. Beth Underwood SOC 131 Sociology Careers The field of Sociology has a wide range of people from all backgrounds doing pretty much every job on the planet. Sociology grants students with a healthy background that enable them to become successful professions in any role they take on. Sociologist can become Professors and teach at the college level and shape young minds. They can also take lead in management positions that require a good understanding of communication…

Words 291 - Pages 2

Bria Symbolic Interactionism Analysis

inequalities in healthcare, which are caused by assumptions that have been placed on Indigenous people for years. An assumption that is written about in this essay is alcoholism and homelessness and Indigenous people are neglected in healthcare facilities due to these assumptions. The theories of critical sociology can help with understanding the structural inequalities and power dynamics that affect Indigenous people, and symbolic interactionism helps us understand the interactions and meanings that will…

Words 1176 - Pages 5

Essay on Sociology and Common Sense

introverts, extraverts, and we all enjoy some alone time we also crave both physical and mental stimulation from others. In the book we are given an example about a boy who decided to sail alone around the world and stated that he learned a lot about people by doing so. He was able to take the time alone and reflect upon his relationships with others as well as feeling what being in solitude for long amounts of time do to someone. Proof that we are solitary creatures can also be seen in prisons. Prisons…

Words 1398 - Pages 6

Acct: Forces B. Sociology Essay

1: The Sociological View I. What is Sociology? SOCIOLOGY: A. Sociology offers a perspective or view of the world SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION: - Allows individuals to view their lives as they are shaped by historical/social forces B. Sociology is a science - positivism: C. Sociology and Common Sense D. Sociological Theory…

Words 603 - Pages 3