For This Assignment, You Will Have The Opportunity To 991860

For This Assignment You Will Have The Opportunity To Conduct An Experi

For this assignment, you will explore society’s reaction to a folkway violation by conducting an experiment or quasi-experiment. Deviance is defined as any behavior, belief, or condition that violates significant social norms in the society or group in which it occurs. Social norms are categorized as folkways, mores, and laws. This project focuses specifically on a folkway violation.

Begin by reviewing the sections on Research Ethics and Testing a Hypothesis in your textbook’s chapter one to understand sociological experimentation. Choose a folkway to violate—examples include wearing clothing of the opposite gender, speaking a foreign language to an English speaker, sitting with a stranger at a restaurant, or eating dinner with your hands. Consult your facilitator if unsure whether your chosen norm is appropriate for violation.

Perform the violation in at least one situation and document it with pictures, videos, or notes. Record your feelings during the violation and observe others’ reactions. If reactions are insufficient for analysis, consider repeating the violation in another context.

Write a two-page organized essay discussing the folkway violated, your emotional experience while being deviant, and the reactions you received. Analyze this experience using sociological theories of deviance presented in your text. Include an introduction with a thesis statement, and a conclusion summarizing your main points. Alternatively, you may write a reflection paper based on a past deviant experience, integrating course concepts and analysis.

Ensure your paper follows APA formatting, includes in-text citations, and is 2–5 pages long (maximum 12-point font). Submit your assignment by Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

Paper For Above instruction

Engaging in a sociological experiment by violating a social folkway offers a unique insight into the mechanisms of societal reactions to deviant behavior. In this paper, I explore a personal experience where I intentionally violated a folkway—specifically, eating dinner with my hands in a formal restaurant setting—and analyze the reactions of those around me, along with my own emotional response. This experiment aims to shed light on the social norms that govern everyday interactions and how deviance from these norms influences social perception and behavior.

Initially, I selected the act of eating with my hands in a restaurant as it is a clear violation of the folkway regarding table manners in many Western cultures, where using utensils is the norm. I performed this violation during a dinner outing with friends at a mid-range restaurant. Before the act, I reviewed the relevant sociological principles related to social norms, deviance, and the importance of folkways in maintaining social order (Kendall, 2013). I also considered ethical guidelines to ensure that my experiment did not cause undue offense or harm.

During the experiment, I consciously ate my meal with my hands, despite the presence of utensils and societal expectations to do otherwise. Throughout the act, I experienced a mixture of embarrassment, curiosity, and a sense of detachment from the usual social expectations. My initial feelings were quite uncomfortable, as I was aware of the potential judgment from others. This discomfort related to Goffman's (1959) concept of dramaturgy, where social interaction involves impression management and maintaining face. As I continued, I observed the reactions of my friends and server, noting a range of responses from surprise and curiosity to mild disapproval, such as subtle facial expressions or whispered comments.

Most reactions were mild, but some individuals showed visible signs of discomfort or surprise, aligning with the idea that folkways are reinforced through informal social sanctions (Merton, 1938). Despite the mild discomfort, no overt confrontation occurred, which supports the notion that folkway violations can be tolerated to some degree but also serve as a reminder of social norms' power. My own feelings evolved from initial embarrassment to a sense of novelty and reflection on the social function of this norm. I realized that folkways, while not legally enforced, are deeply ingrained and serve to facilitate smooth social interactions.

Analyzing this experience through sociological theories, I found symbolic interactionism particularly relevant. This perspective emphasizes the importance of shared meanings and social signals in everyday interactions (Blumer, 1969). The reactions to my violation reaffirmed the significance of symbols—such as utensils and proper table manners—in conveying social status and cultural identity. Additionally, strain theory (Merton, 1938) helps explain the mild reactions to deviance; individuals may experience tension between social expectations and personal behaviors, which can sometimes be expressed through mild sanctions or reactions.

Furthermore, the concept of normative social control illustrates how folkways maintain social order through informal sanctions (Hirschi, 1969). My experiment demonstrated that even minor deviant acts provoke reactions that aim to reinforce societal norms. The social responses ranged from acceptance to subtle disapproval, highlighting the diverse ways individuals police norm adherence in everyday life. This experiment also underscores the importance of context, as reactions might differ in more conservative or different cultural settings.

In conclusion, violating a folkway, such as eating with my hands in a formal restaurant, provided valuable insights into how society enforces norms and manages deviance. The experiment revealed that folkways are central to social cohesion, not through enforcement of laws but through informal social sanctions that regulate behavior subtly. The emotional and observational data supported the sociological theories of symbolic interactionism, strain, and social control, illustrating that even minor breaches of social norms have meaningful social repercussions. This experience enhanced my understanding of the delicate balance between individual behavior and societal expectations and highlighted the ongoing role of social norms in sustaining social order.

References

• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic interactionism: Perspective and method. University of California Press.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.
• Kendall, D. (2013). Sociology in our times (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.
• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672–682.