Numerous studies have been conducted that try to explain factors that determine and shape the society to be how it is, and the impact that such interpretations have to people. Various scholars have come up with models and theories that explain different sociological developments and happenings in society, and forces behind such developments. As a result, it requires proper analysis for one to comprehend the different issues that happen in the society daily not only in the past, but to the present times, as well. However, my goal in this paper is to present a sociological analysis in real life situation that talks about socialization and social interaction concept in relation to my Uncle life called Jacob showing his status in society and factors that have influenced his current status and position using dramaturgical approach.
Socialization and social interaction has been shaped by various concepts and ideologies (Giddens 34). My uncle Jacob is a well known individual in the community that he lives in, and he has been nominated and appointed in many communal groups, which are focused in development of the community at large. He is in more than five community groups that are involved in various communal projects that range from the safety of the residence, businesses, and environmental projects among others welfare association of the community. Jacob as a senior citizen, that worked for both national and federal government until his retirement five years back has witnessed and experienced the drastic changes that have occurred in his community that he has lived there for many parts of his life, precisely 35 years. He is well educated holding a doctorate and many people have come for consultation and counseling from him many times. According to Barkan, he points out that Social status can result either from achieved or ascribed status (Barkan 22). He further argues that achieved status occurs when people have worked hard for something and attained that recognition and influence (Barkan 26). Irrespective of the facts that shape the socialization and interaction process as noted above the following section presents the different types of status.
Barkan further asserts in a different chapter of his book that depending on the status that one has in life, whether achieved or ascribed it comes with different roles and responsibilities that have shaped the people with whom one associates and socializes (Barkan 67). In this case, Jacobs’s credentials and past, as a dedicated citizen that has achieved a lot in life, both in the intellectual world and careers wise, has made him earn a lot of respect and bestow many roles in development of the community in which he lives. Jacobs’s life presents many occasions that suits dramaturgical case. According to Andersen, he notes that the self is made up of various parts that people play and the idea are to present them in a way that create and sustain impressions to audience (Andersen, Logio & Taylor 26). Jacob has had a good reputation in management of various community projects that he has been involved in mainly by encouraging accountability and transparency in those projects.
In conclusion, socialization and social interaction process is determined greatly by a person’s status, whether achieved or ascribed, it shapes the people that associates with an individual. To understand and analyze real sociological context in real life, it requires an in depth understanding of various models and theories.
Works Cited
Andersen, Logio, and Taylor.Understanding Society: An Introductory Reader. (4th ed.). Wadsworth, ISBN 978-1-111-18596-1, 2012. Internet Resource.
Barkan, Steven E. Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World, Chapter 3: Socialization and social Interaction. Brief Edition v1.2, FlatWorld Knowledge, 2011. Internet Resource.
Barkan, Steven E. Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World, Chapter 4: Groups and Organizations Brief Edition v1.2, FlatWorld Knowledge, 2011. Internet Resource.
Giddens, Anthony. Modernity and Self-Identity: Self and Society in the Late Modern Age. Stanford, Calif: Stanford University Press, 2011. Print.
Mann, Doug. Understanding Society: A Survey of Modern Social Theory. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print.
Wiseman, Dennis. The American Family: Understanding Its Changing Dynamics and Place in Society. Springfield, Ill: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher, 2008. Print.
