Introduction to Sociology

Income Distribution in the US

Growing Income Inequality

2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines – http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml

Recently, the NY Times ran an article on parents’ reliance on shouting (rather than spanking) to discipline their children. Interestingly, the evidence for shouting is not much better than the evidence on spanking and yet many parents seem to find this approach more palatable.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/fashion/22yell.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Also, here is a story about a food co-op that has started using shame to try to get members to comply with the work rules of the co-op.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/nyregion/25coop.html?emc=eta1

I thought this video represents an interesting effort at social control through positive sanctions.

Here’s an interesting article comparing discipline in schools and prisons…

http://www.truthout.org/10200910

Email sent regarding today’s class:

I’m sorry to say that I am still sick.  So, I’ve decided to conduct class online for tomorrow (10/21).  On Blackbaord (http://courses.ithaca.edu) I have posted a powerpoint presentation that will walk you through all of the material we would have covered in class. (I have also posted a PDF version of this material just in case you do not have the powerpoint program.)  This material is also covered in the textbook (Chapter 5).

For tomorrow’s online class, you will need to read through the entire powerpoint.  Then also be sure to read the two Contexts readings on deviance (Ch 49 & 22).  After reading and reviewing all of these materials, I have designed a quiz that you can take on Blackboard.  You will have 30 minutes to answer the 12 questions.

After you take the quiz, you will receive 3 bonus clicker points (regardless of your score on the quiz).  To receive these points, you must complete the quiz before the start of class on Friday, Oct 23.

Don’t forget that your assignment is due on Friday at the start of class!  If you have ANY questions about your assignment, please email me.

Best of luck on your norm-breaking activities!  I look forward to reading your assignments.

The instructions for todays class:

Download Here

Links for today’s class:

Medicating Kids - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/watch/ (watch parts 1-3)

Discussion Board – available on Blackboard – http://courses.ithaca.edu

The viewing guide is available under the Syllabus & Assignments link (on the right of this page). Please download, print and bring with you to class on Wednesday, 10/14.