MONDAY AUGUST 13 T H , 2012

Sociology 103 Tutorial #4

TA contact info

My email – joshcurtis.utoronto@gmail.com

Office – Sociology building 725 Spadina (second floor)

Web site - http://joshcurtispolisoc.com/

Plan

1) Questions about the test2) Explain test structure3) Discuss the readings in sociology text (in

groups / article explanation).4) Weekly homework question

Readings

Test #3Starting points: Chapter on Politics and

Social Movements

Readings in Sociology all: 1,2,3,5,6,14,15,16.

All multiple choice.

Wednesday, August 15th, EX 200 7-10

Exam Breakdown

107 Reading Sociology (about 4-5 from each chapter)

33 questions from ‘Starting Points’

10 Lectures

Total 150

Hint for Readings in Sociology

The multiple choice questions will likely come from:1) The main arguments of the papers (is it

theoretical or empirical?)2) The key sociological figures (and their theories).3) Bolded terms.4) Sections are HEAVILY organized. The sub

headings will direct your focus.5) Often, the main argument will come in the first

2-3 paragraphs – this should also direct your focus.

Readings in Sociology

Answer the following questions:1) Identify the main argument of the chapter

(thesis).2) What is the purpose of the article (i.e.,

academically, why did the author write this paper – is it tied into a debate?). (Puzzle/contribution).

3) Identify and define all key terms and key figures.

Section on Politics

Readings in Sociology:On the exam there are about 20 questions in this section.

ALL chapters are likely to be tested.

Starting Points:Just this weeks chapters: politics and social movements

Chapter 57: Redistribution

Explore the relationship between social expenditures and public opinion

Main conclusion: People are affected by the political and economic conditions that they experience but not by level of social spending per se

Purpose: “This paper examines the relationship between economic and political conditions on welfare spending in Canada from 1980 to 2005”.

The Debate: How are attitudes shaped, and the relationship between public opinion and social spending.

Key Terms: Welfare State, redistribution, social democracy, public expenditures.

The Big Picture

Relationship between policy and public opinion Two explanations:

1. Elected officials maximize chance of re-election by responding to public preferences (Stimson 1995, Wlezien 2004, Brooks and Manza 2007)

2. Economic and political factors influence public preferences (Andersen and Fetner 2008, Kenworthy and McCall 2008)

Regardless of causal interpretation one prefers, growing inequality within nations (Fisher and Hout 2006, Firebaugh 2000, Banting 2006, Myles 2010), and a general rightward shift in government policy underscore the importance of studying these relationships

Potential influences on public opinion

1. Political regime—i.e., social democratic, liberal, conservative—influences attitudes (Svallfors 1997; Papadakis 1993)

2. Support for spending lowest during economic recession (Shivo and Uusitalo 1995, Svallfors 1991, 1995 )

3. Public responds to changes in public spending (Soroka and Wlezien 2004)

4. Class or income effects based on “economic-utilitarian” views (Kaltenthaler and Ceccoli 2008, Jaeger 2006)

5. Type of programs (i.e., targeted versus universal) also matters (Korpi and Palme 1998)

Important questions this article answers

Main conclusion: People are affected by the political and economic conditions that they experience but not by level of social spending per se

1) What is the strongest influence of public opinion on welfare state spending?

2) When is public support for welfare spending highest?

3) What factors do not have a strong influence on public opinion (think of the debate)?

4) People in which types of countries tend to be the strongest supporters of welfare state spending?

Chapter 56

“Canada’s Rights Revolution”

Purpose: To describe fundamental themes related to social movements, through different research and media narratives.

Focus: Canadian focus.

Important Ideas

1) What are social movement organizations?

2) Discussion of human rights: a) significant advances; b) mechanisms that advance/inhibit social progress.

3) What should be done in Canada?

Ch 55

Purpose: Describe how National Census Data in India were successfully collected in order to sample Caste systems.

They ask: By 1921 census collectors were equipped to sample the populations correctly. ‘How did this radical transformation occur? To answer this question we draw upon national archival research. We examine the correspondence of census officials as well as reports concerning caste data”.

Research goals: “To explain how the national census bureau was able to adapt to successfully sample these populations”.

Important terms

This chapter is about the problems that existed with early census gathering (so, methodological issues) and how they were over come.

So, things to know:1) What were the early problems? (local rather

than national)2) What was the solution? (caste enumeration

through which process?). Who is Risley? His attempt to discriminate between the Indian people reflects what?

Chapter 58

Purpose: The problem of declining universalism and it’s effects on European countries. In particular, rising neo-liberalism and conservatism in EU countries as a result of the ‘Social Europe Project’.

Key ideas:Since the 1980s, EU social policy decisions represent corporate and neo-liberal interests: they have no interest in pursuing decommodificaiton policies.

Social policies that decommodify labour are necessary.

States at the outset: “Capitalist economies cannot be maintained without social policy- a point that many neoliberal commentators neglect.”The functioning of the economy depends on functioning institutions, so it can never be maintained by pure market relationships of supply and demand.

Important concepts

Neo-liberalism: is an ideology based on the advocacy of economic liberalization and open markets, and deregulation. It promotes the private sectors role in society and the economy.

Decommodification: refers to the process by which social policy reduces individuals’ reliance on the market for their well being “. Health care, education, income supplements, childcare pensions, etc.

The social policies that the EU implements are targeted at ‘excluded’ populations, and are explicitly non-universal.SO…Critique of neo-liberalism, in favour of socially democratic governing and a rise in universalistic social policy.

Important Ideas

Key ideas:-Understand ‘neo-liberalism’ and its consequences for social policy development.-Decommodification (and recommodification)-Universal versus Targeted social policies, and what dominates the EU today.-All things considered, what are the implications for employment and labour conditions.

Starting Points: Ch 1

DefinitionsSociologyMacrosociology MicrosociologySociological imaginationRoleStatusSocial Structure

Discussion Questions

1) What is the difference between ‘Microsociology’ and ‘Macrosociology’? In groups, pick one general topic and discuss how a researcher might approach it from 1) a micro-level; and 2) a macro level.

2) The major theoretical perspectives are divisive in many ways. What are the central tenets of each? Explain specifically how they distinct - and in opposition to – one another.

Chapter 3: Social Structures

DefinitionsSocial scriptIdentityLooking Glass Self

Discussion Question

1) Think of an experience in which someone violated a social script. What do you conclude about the significance of social scripts in human interaction.

Chapter 4: Culture

DefinitionsCultureOrganizational cultureValuesNormsFolkways vs. MoresMaterial vs. non-material cultureEthnocentrismCounterculture

Group Question

Week 2 homework question

1) Do you think that a global culture is developing across nations? If so, what are the implications of the cultures and societies around the world? What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of this change? Who, if anyone, will benefit?

Questions

Week 1 homework question

The beginning of this chapter is about a rising global population, scarce resources, and inequality. You are presented with two perspectives: one functionalist argument, and the other a more ‘critical’ or ‘conflict’ approach. In a brief response ( 1-2 pages) outline one theoretical approach and apply it to the problem of overpopulation. Which do you believe is most relevant and why?