Question

Choose a current event that, given the ideas you've learned in this class, you think might benefit from being looked at in sociological perspective. Prepare a report doing the following:

Apply at least one sociological theory to the event. In doing so, discuss how you think this theory would interpret the event. You can use any appropriate sociological theory of which you have knowledge, but you may want to choose from the broad theoretical perspectives you've encountered in this course:

Structural-functionalism

Symbolic interactionism

Conflict theory

Role theory

Structural-strain theory

Labeling theory

Social constructionism

Dramaturgical theory

Apply at least one of the sociological concepts you have learned in your weekly lessons to the event. In doing so, discuss how you see this concept appearing in the event. Please choose from the following list:

Social structure

Power and authority (counts as one)

Culture

Socialization

Deviance

Social identity

Presentation of self/interaction ritual

Social change/social movements

Devote most of your attention here to detailing, in your own words, why and how you think the theory and the concept you have chosen apply to your event. Make it clear what the connections are between these sociological ideas and your real-world topic.

Answer 1

The application of conflict theory and the concept of socialization can provide insights into the trend of veterans choosing college education

Step-by-step explanation:

Applying Sociological Theory to a Current Event

The Current Event: Returning Veterans and College Education

One current social trend that can be analyzed from a sociological perspective is the increasing number of veterans of the Armed Forces who are choosing to return to college instead of entering jobs as veterans. To explain and analyze this social issue, I would apply the conflict theory. According to conflict theory, society is characterized by social inequality and conflict between different groups. In relation to the event, conflict theory would interpret the choice of veterans to pursue college education as a response to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

Applying Sociological Concepts

A relevant sociological concept that can be applied to this event is socialization. Socialization refers to the process through which individuals acquire the beliefs, values, and behaviors of their society. In the case of veterans returning to college, socialization plays a role in shaping their decision to seek education as a means of adapting to civilian life and acquiring the necessary skills for new career paths.

By applying conflict theory and the concept of socialization to the event of veterans choosing college education, we can understand the event as a response to social inequality and as a result of the socialization process.