Sociology - The Comparative Method Essay Example for Free

Sociology The Comparative Method Essay Sociologists have embraced what is known as the comparative method as the most efficient way to expose taken-for-granted truths or laws that people have adopted. But what is this comparative method and how does it work? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to exposing these false truths. What forms or variations of the comparative method exist? In the pages to follow I will attempt to give you some insight and understanding of what the comparative method is, and how it works. The comparative method, simply put, is the process of comparing two things (in our case societies, or the people that make up society) and seeing if the result of the comparison shows a difference between the two. The comparative method attempts to dereify (the process of exposing misinterpreted norms. Norms that society consider natural and inevitable characteristics of human existence) reified (the human created norms or truths) beliefs. Obviously there are various ways in which a nomi (a labeled, sometime constructed, norm or truth) can be exposed. Which form of the comparative method should one use however? The answer, whichever one applies to the truth in question. For example, you certainly would not do a cross-gender form of comparison if you wished to expose whether or not homosexuality has always been feared and looked down upon by most people throughout history. No, rather you would perform a historical comparison of two or more different societies to see if these beliefs always existed, or, whether or not this is a newly constructed belief. Lets look at little more closely at the above mentioned historical comparison and see how the comparative method works with a specific example. There is no question that in todays western society there is a lot of fear and trepidation towards people who are labeled homosexual. The question we will attempt to answer however is whether or not it has always been like this and is this a universal truth. In ancient Greek societies people had a very different opinion of men that slept with men. For example, it was considered quite an honor for a family with a young boy under the age of 10, to be given the privilege on an older man of high society taking their son into his house. The young boy would go and live with this older man. The older man would have sex with the young boy on a regular basis until the boy developed facial hair. It was not until then that the boy was considered a man. Society thought that an older mans, of great reputation, semen would help the boy develop into a fine young man. Once the boy developed the facial hair, the sex between the two would stop. The older mans job was finished. Obviously this would be considered an atrocious and disgusting act these days. The older man in this case would certainly go to jail for the crimes that he had committed. However, in Ancient Greece this was not only considered perfectly normal, but as I already stated, it was an honor and a gift that not every boy was lucky enough to be given. Therefore, we can conclude from this comparison that homophobia, as we know it, is not a natural truth, nor is it a universal belief. Rather it is a socially constructed belief that many people have taken for granted as an inevitable part of human existence. It is important at this point to clarify something however. It is said that the role of the sociologist is a descriptive one as opposed to a prescriptive one. That is to say that the sociologist should describe the various practices, customs and structures that exist in various societies rather than suggest to people which one is actually the correct belief or the real truth. Cross-gender comparisons is another commonly used comparison used to reveal socially constructed truths. In Carol Gilligans book In a different voice we find a fine example of a cross-g ender comparison. She states that most people believe that the majority of people, both men and women, view morale issues in the same way. However, through empirical data collection, Carol Gilligan concludes that this is not most often the case. Rather, she states that men tend to approach moral issues quite differently than women. Where as men view morale issues with a dont interfere with my rights view, women focus more on the responsibility end of the morale involved. Thus we can conclude, thanks to the comparative method, that the constructed truth that all people view morale issues the same is not a correct one. Another quick example of a cross-gender comparison would be that of the house-wife. Still today most men view the role of the married woman as one that involves being a house-wife, in the traditional sense of the term. However, women today certainly would not view themselves in the same manner. The data collected from a comparison such as this could help to dereify this socially constructed truth. Cross-class comparisons is also a comparison commonly used when attempting to expose constructed truths between two classes. i.e. lower-class, upper-class, middle-class. For an example I refer to my lecture notes. Our professor gave us a fine example of a cross-class comparison involving his own life. He was from a middle-class family and attended a public school where he got involved with various kids from the middle and lower class. He grew up in this type of environment and accepted it as the his life as the way society was. To him, there was not another lifestyle. This was life. Several events occurred and because of these events our professor was moved, by his parents, to a private school. This private school and the new society that accompanied it resulted in a form of culture shock for him. All of a sudden he was placed in a new world, a world that he never even knew existed. As you can see, our professor socially constructed the view that society was like the one that he lived in when he went to his public school, hung around with middle and lower-class friends, and did what middle and lower-class kids did. When he was afforded the chance to compare that type of lifestyle to one of the upper-class he dereified his constructed view and his eyes opened to a new reality and a new view of the way society was. Another major comparative form is that of the cross-generational. This one is fairly straight forward. The name basically says it all. In fact, its much like the historical comparison method but on a much smaller scale. I believe that in order for it to be termed cross-generational, the generations that are being analyzed have to be living at the same time. Otherwise it becomes a historical comparison. Karen Anderson gives an example of a cross-generational comparison in her book Sociology : A Critical Introduction (1996, pg. 12). Canadians pride themselves on their tolerance and lack of prejudice. But we do not need to look very far into our history to find examples of taken-for-granted understandings that have led to discriminatory and prejudicial treatment. Some segments of the population have been classified as undesirable and thus as unwanted or undeserving outsiders Anderson is pointing out that the constructed view in Canada is that we pride ourselves on the fact that we have very little prejudice in Canada. She goes on to point out that this is not at all the case. She gives the example of Canadas history of immigration. She discusses the fact that a lot of Chinese people were allowed to immigrate to Canada, much to the dismay of current residents and already established European immigrants, during the time when the transcontinental railroad was being built. Sir John A. Macdonald was the Prime Minister at this time and defended his reputation by telling the people of Canada, who were very disturbed by his actions, that the Chinese immigrants would live in Western Canada just temporarily. To reassure the people further Macdonald said no fear of a permanent degradation of the country by a mongrel race. This would be considered horrific these days. Most Canadians would not even realize that their country was very closed to the idea of the immigra tion of certain types of people. The social idea that Canada is, and always have been, a very tolerant country is exposed as a false, constructed truth through this cross-generational comparison. Finally we come to the last major comparative form. That of the cross-cultural. Cross-cultural comparison consists of comparing two societies or cultures in an attempt to reveal and expose some socially constructed truths in order to prove that they are not universal but rather they are relative to each society. There are literally thousands of differences between almost every culture that people would be surely shocked to learn of. For the next example I will show how the cross-cultural comparative method dereifies some of the constructed so-called universal-truths that people in our society may have. India differs in its customs considerably from that of Canada or Northern America. For example, in Western Civilization families sit together when they attend church, in India this is not acceptable at all. Men and women must sit on opposite sides of the church. Men and women in India for the most part will not eat together, whereas in Western civilization it is a common practice and is actually looked upon as a good time for a little family bonding. In India it is considered rude to eat with both hands at the table. The right had is solely used for eating and the left for drinking. Obviously we have a completely different practice in Western society. Another shock that a Westerner might face if he/she were to travel to India would be the fact that it is still considered a major social impropriety for a man to even touch a woman in public. In North America public displays of affection can been seen everywhere. . (Stott, John. Down To Earth. 1980. Pg. 12-15) These are all prime examples of Western universal truths that are exposed when compared to another culture. One of the major benefits for exposing these truths through the comparative method is the fact that dereifying accepted truths leads to a decrease in ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is the act of interpreting all societies through ones own cultural lenses and believing that there idea of truths are the only correct ones. This could lead to the imposing of ones own beliefs onto other societies. In other words, comparing, exposing, and dereifying helps educate and eliminate ignorance when it comes to social truths. However, there is a danger to exposing social constructs. It could lead to one taking on the perceptive of a radical relativist (all truths are correct) or a nihilistic view (the belief that all truths are relative and therefore there are no truths). Obviously this is a very negative, and possibly a destructive, way of thinking. As you can see, the comparative method is an essential part of a sociologists practice. Without it there would be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding between people and societies. Hopefully I have shown by example the various forms of the comparative method and how each of them applies to society and how they attempt to expose falsities.

Historical Development of Law Enforcement Essay -- essays research pap

Since 27 B.C. law enforcement has been used by humans as a means to defend property and keep peace. Law enforcement has been changing ever since it was created. It will keep changing for the greater good of the community as long is there is a continual need for law enforcement. According to REAL POLICE. (N.D.) Para 5, the first organized police force was created by the great nephew of Julius Caesar, Gaius Octavius in 27 B.C. These men were called Vigiles. The Vigiles were armed with wooden clubs and small swords. They were formed to perform two duties, fight fires in the city and arrest law breakers. The prefect of the Vigiles became a powerful man. He had the ability to judge and sentence lawbreakers. In 1200 A.D., English law enforcement evolved into agents called bailiffs. These men were the original peace keepers. They stood night watches to spot thieves and fires. The bailiffs were not tasked with crime prevention, but merely to alert the sleeping public and create a posse to deal with any situation. They worked by staying in one place, a post, and listening for cries of distress from the public. If a cry was heard, the bailiff would bang on every door he could to gather up the townspeople. Once a posse was formed, it would search the city for the law violator. Once the violator was found, a fair trial was not offered. The posses would usually beat or kill the person it suspected committed the crime. This process of gathering the townspeople to punish a crime was called the hue and cry method (Schmalleger, 2005). In the 1600’s, American colonies used a law enforcement system like England’s. The colonies used the hue and cry method along with a night watch (bailiff). The mid 1600’s slight improvements ... ... Local law enforcement, known as municipal law, has the largest number of employees. Local law also has the largest amount of precincts. In 2000, 12,666 police departments employed 566,000 people. Local law enforcement is made up of police officers you see on a daily basis driving around town. Schmalleger (2005). Much has changed since Gaius Octavius created the Vigiles in 27 B.C. Law enforcement has come from posses beating criminals to specializing into three distinct jurisdictions. History has shown that law enforcement must change with the times. Refrences Schmalleger, F. (2005). Criminal Justice Today : An Introductory Text for the 21st Century (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, Pearson Prentice Hall. Unknown (2001). Real Police, History of Police. PG# 1-11 International Association of Women Police (N.D.).Past and Present, 1915-today. PG# 1-4

How does Jane Austen show her views on the marriage conventions of the nineteenth century Essay

First published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has consistently been Jane Austen’s most popular novel. It portrays life in the genteel rural society of the day. Jane Austen is considered by many the first real novelist, she had a very unique style of writing when she wrote all of her books, this is what I believe appealed to her readers, the style that she used was described as ‘comedy of manners’. The comedy of manners satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class, often represented by stock characters, such as Mr. Collins. It has been the blueprint for romantic fiction in the writing world. Marriage is a pivotal theme in Pride and Prejudice, the conventions were different in the nineteenth century they were expected to marry for their own financial security. They also had to be married to a higher ranked man but within the same range of class, for example in the book when Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins, they did not love each other but it suited them both to marry. Charlotte Lucas wanted a husband who could financially support her and Mr. Collins was on the hunt for a suitable young wife. He already had asked his cousin and main character in the book Elizabeth Bennet to marry him, she reluctantly disagreed but her mother was not concerned about her feelings, Mrs. Bennet wanted to see all her daughters married Austen uses a lot of different techniques through out the book, she uses a range of satire which is a form of humour where the writer or speaker tries to make the reader or listener have a negative opinion about someone, by laughing at them, making them seem ridiculous or foolish etc. Jane Austen also uses a lot of irony in this book it is a form of humour. When the speaker or writer says one thing but wants you to understand something different, they are being ironic, and example in the book would be where Mr. Bennet has a conversation with his wife about Bingley, he is a very satirical and ironic character because of his extreme politeness and playful innocence, which in result upset Mrs. Bennet. That provides humour for the reader as a result of her dramatic character. Mrs. Bennet’s character is not ironic in the least, but it is the blending of both characters that bring about the irony. Such foils points out to the readers the ridiculousness of human nature. One empathises with Mr. Bennet; his suffering and dissatisfaction is shown through his desire for privacy, his cynical view of mankind, irresponsibility towards his daughters and his indifference, resentment and sarcasm towards his wife. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that every man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. These lines can be read as a statement of fact, Austen is saying that this is just how her contemporaries think, and it is very likely that many of her readers have nodded their agreement to this wise recognition. There is also a sense, however, that such a widely-held view runs the risk of stupidity: some men in possession of a good fortune may see no reason at all for taking a wife, and in any case are not likely to enjoy being viewed as a prize by mothers of eligible daughters. In Pride and Prejudice this is indeed how Mrs Bennet will treat Mr Bingley, and her insensitive presumption begins the novels comedy. Mrs. Bennet has a certain attitude towards marriage; I think Austen wrote Mrs. Bennet in to the story as someone who she is the total opposite too. I think Jane Austen expresses herself through Elizabeth in this novel, she saw herself as a revolutionary woman. In the words of Mrs. Bennet â€Å"If I can see one of my daughters happily married at Netherfield†¦ I shall wish for nothing more,† in this quote she is implying that she does not care about her daughters happiness, mainly for hers. She disguises it very well though, it is made out that she wants what is best for her daughters but she wants her own fortune when she is older. Mr. Collins’ attitude is to get married to a presentable woman in his standard of class. He firstly asks his cousin Elizabeth to marry him, she says no, but he continues to insist, finally he gets the point and asks her best friend to marry him. Mrs. Bennet wanted her daughters married and tries to encourage Elizabeth. Charlotte Lucas (Elizabeth’s best friend) accepts his proposal. I think that Mr. Collins asked Charlotte because I think he may want to make Elizabeth envy them. The quote I choose to make my point with is from chapter 19 and reads â€Å"May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning? Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush of surprise, Mrs. Bennet answered instantly, â€Å"Oh dear! -Yes-certainly. I am sure Lizzy will be very happy-I am sure she can have no objection, Come, Kitty, I want you upstairs.† And, gathering her work together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth called out: â€Å"Dear madam, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr. Collins must excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. I am going away myself.† â€Å"No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you to stay where you are.† And upon Elizabeth’s seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added: â€Å"Lizzy, I INSIST upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.† Elizabeth would not oppose such and injunction-and a moment’s consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again and tried to conceal, by incessant employment the feelings which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins began.† Charlotte Lucas married Mr. Collins, I think her attitude is to be financially secure, I also think she is a little envious of her best friend Elizabeth. I think this quote portrays just that â€Å"The Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases and again during the chief of the day was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking her. â€Å"It keeps him in good humour,† said she, â€Å"and I am more obliged to you than I can express.† Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but Charlotte’s kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; its object was nothing else than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins’s addresses, by engaging them towards herself.† Elizabeth has a very strong personality she is independent, and very strong headed. There are many quotes that I could select for this, but my selected quote would be â€Å"You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner.† I chose this quote because this shows that she does not marry just for money, it is a very respectable deed. Darcy is a very arrogant and rich man; he seems to have a very odd relationship with Elizabeth. He is almost perfect in the eyes of a woman; he was rich, handsome, clever and witty. â€Å"And taking her hand, he would have given it to Mr. Darcy who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said with some discomposure to Sir William- â€Å"indeed, sir, I have not any intention of dancing. I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.† This quote shows how arrogant Darcy is. In conclusion I think that Austen’s final message regarding marriage is that one should not marry for money, but marry for love. She portrays herself in my opinion through Elizabeth and Darcy was a dream couple.

Wedding Speech by Brother of Bride Essay - 1161 Words

Good evening everyone. Hope you are all having a great time. I will try to keep this brief as I am eagerly anticipating that part of the night when the best man humiliates the groom. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Craig, Rebecca’s oldest brother. The middle child Trent, is seat over there. He is going to love me saying that When Rebecca first asked me some weeks ago if I would make a speech today my first thought was WHY? But then as I sat down to put pen to paper and goggled wedding speeches last night, I was overwhelmed by strange feelings of happiness and pride for my baby sister and her big day. I have been sternly warned not to delve into any of her past relationships, her difficult pre- and post-teen attitude and her†¦show more content†¦As some point we started to here the name Matt come into conversation but as I wasn’t living at home anymore, mum kicked me out at 25, it was some time until I had the pleasure of meeting this new young man. By the time I did it was too late. The cheeky bugger was already sitting at my seat at the dinner table. The bloody nerve of the guy! It appeared he had already won over Mum Dad but Trent and I where immune to his cheap tricks and transparent charm. You see, we had seen them all before, we had used them ourselves. Saying Matt has a good appetite would be an understatement. I am pretty good on the tooth myself, but I have never seen someone put away as much food (and BBQ sauce) as Matt. Monday night dinner at Mum and Dad’s would never again see the existence of leftovers. This helped no end in getting into Mum’s good books. If you eat and like mum’s food, your in. Dad on the other hand was harder to crack. You see with no leftovers, what was he going to take to work for lunch the next day. Matt had is work cut out, or so we thought. Dad enjoys a beer after work and has the typical beer fridge in the garage. So when Matt came over he would always ask if anyone wanted a beer. 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