Newman Discusses The Building Blocks Of Society Analyze Ever

Newman Discusses The Building Blocks Of Society Analyze Everyday L

Newman discusses the "building blocks" of society. Analyze everyday life at Bellevue College in terms of the concepts Newman calls the five “building blocks” of social structure. Also, how does the social structure of BC as an organization affect the everyday life of students, and how do students create and recreate that social structure? (Be sure to address all three of the above points.) NOTE: Even if you are a fully online student, you can still complete the assignment as the building blocks at BC still apply to you too!

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of social structure is fundamental to understanding how societies are organized and how individuals navigate their daily lives within these frameworks. According to sociologist Peter L. Berger and others, social structures are built upon key "building blocks" that shape both institutional and individual behaviors. Applying Newman’s discussion of these building blocks to the context of Bellevue College (BC) provides insight into the mechanisms that guide student experiences and organizational functioning, even within a predominantly online environment.

Newman outlines five core building blocks of social structure: statuses, roles, groups, institutions, and social networks (Newman, 2002). These components form the foundation upon which societal interactions are built and sustain social order. Analyzing BC through this lens reveals how each building block influences students’ daily activities and perceptions.

Firstly, statuses at BC include student, instructor, administrative staff, and alumni. Each status carries certain expectations and privileges, shaping interactions within the college. For instance, students are expected to attend classes, complete assignments, and engage with peers and instructors, delineating their role within the academic setting. Even as online students, they occupy this status and interact with others within the college’s digital platforms, which mirror traditional statuses but in a virtual format.

Roles associated with these statuses specify behaviors expected of individuals. Students’ roles involve attending classes, studying, and participating in discussions, while instructors deliver lectures and assess performance. In an online setting, these roles are enacted through virtual classrooms, discussion boards, and video conferences. The clarity of these roles helps maintain order and predictability in daily interactions, yet also requires adaptability from students and faculty alike.

Groups at BC encompass study groups, clubs, and academic cohorts. These groups facilitate social support, peer learning, and community building, which are vital even for online students whose interactions are limited to digital platforms. Online students often form virtual study groups or participate in online forums, recreating the face-to-face group dynamics in a digital environment. These groups help individuals feel connected, fostering a sense of belonging, which is crucial for persistence and motivation.

Institutions at BC include the college itself, its academic departments, and administrative bodies. These institutions establish policies, curricula, and standards that structure the college’s functioning. They influence students’ daily lives by setting enrollment procedures, grading standards, and academic calendars. As an organization, BC’s institutional framework guides students’ schedules and expectations, affecting their routines and commitments.

Social networks at BC involve relationships among students, faculty, administrative personnel, and alumni. These networks facilitate resource sharing, mentorship, and career connections, contributing to the social fabric of the college. Even in an online environment, students can develop extensive networks through digital communications, enhancing their educational and professional opportunities.

The social structure of BC as an organization profoundly influences students’ everyday life by providing a framework that governs interactions, expectations, and opportunities. The college's policies and organizational culture shape students’ routines and experiences, from course schedules to behavioral norms. Simultaneously, students actively participate in creating and recreating this social structure by engaging in digital communities, adhering to institutional norms, and forming peer relationships. For example, students’ participation in online forums or collaborative projects reifies the existing organizational structure and can lead to modifications, such as new norms or emerging leadership roles.

In conclusion, Newman’s five building blocks of social structure—statuses, roles, groups, institutions, and social networks—offer a comprehensive framework to analyze the everyday life of Bellevue College students. These components not only shape individual experiences but are also constantly recreated through student participation, ensuring the dynamism necessary for a resilient social organization. For online students, these elements adapt to digital platforms, highlighting the flexibility of social structures in accommodating diverse modes of operation.

References

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