Week 1 Journal: Culture Reminders, Write 250 Words
Week 1 Journalweek 1 Journalculturereminders Write 250 Words And Inc
Reflect on a recent television show you have watched or watch one for this assignment. Using at least five terms or concepts from Chapter 3, Culture, in the Schaefer textbook, explain what happened in the show. For each term, include appropriate in-text citations and bold or underline the concepts. Additionally, ensure the paper is properly formatted following APA guidelines, including a title page, in-text citations, and references.
Paper For Above instruction
Television shows often serve as rich sources for understanding cultural concepts and social behaviors. In analyzing a recent episode of the show Breaking Bad, several sociological concepts from Chapter 3 of Schaefer’s textbook can be applied to understand the characters' actions and the societal norms depicted.
One of the primary concepts observable in the show is norms. Norms are accepted societal rules that guide behavior. For example, Walter White initially adheres to societal expectations by working as a high school chemistry teacher, conforming to folkways—the informal norms that dictate everyday behavior—such as honesty and professionalism. However, as his character evolves, he begins to break greater societal rules, transitioning from obeying laws to engaging in illegal activities, reflecting a shift in societal expectations and individual behavior (Schaefer, 2020).
Another relevant concept is values. Values are the cultural standards that influence behavior and serve as the foundation for norms. Walter’s desire to provide for his family demonstrates the value placed on family loyalty and financial success. These values justify his moral dilemmas and decisions, illustrating how deeply held values shape individual actions even when they conflict with legal norms.
The episode also highlights subcultures. The drug dealer community in the series represents a subculture with its own norms and values, distinct from mainstream society. Members of this subculture prioritize loyalty and secrecy, which are crucial for their survival and success. Their behaviors and language are different from normative societal expectations, emphasizing the divergence between subcultures and dominant culture (Schaefer, 2020).
Finally, the show exemplifies the concept of beliefs, particularly in regard to morality and legality. Walter’s belief that his actions are justified by his motive to support his family contrasts sharply with societal beliefs about right and wrong. This clash illustrates how personal beliefs can influence behavior and lead to moral rationalizations for violating norms and laws.
In conclusion, Breaking Bad vividly demonstrates key sociological concepts like norms, values, subcultures, and beliefs, showcasing how these elements interact to shape individual and group behavior. Analyzing media through these concepts not only enhances understanding of societal structures but also illustrates the complex ways in which culture influences human conduct.
Word Count (WC): 364
References
- Schaefer, R. (2020). Sociology: A brief introduction (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.