Assignment Task:
Choose a print media advertisement of your choice. Using what you have observed, I want you to analyze the advertisement to explain what affect this form of media has had in socializing you, making you part of the surrounding society. What was the message, the meaning, the norms, values, beliefs etc. that you observed and interpreted? You may have to look deep and use your sociological imagination. Second, what sociological insight can you interpret from your analysis of this observation. This section consists of two parts. I want you to interpret how a functionalist and a conflict theorist would view your analysis. What purpose does this advertisement provide for our society?
Requirements:
Section I: Observe. In 2-3 full paragraphs, fully describe the media advertisement you have observed. Such description might include details about the physical setting, the props, and the characters' behaviors. And all that will be relevant and useful to your analysis. Remember: more details provide greater opportunity for a richer analysis. Only the facts as you have observed them. Avoid any interpretations, added meaning, or sweeping generalizations in this section.
Sociology is an empirical science based on the use of observation techniques. In this exercise, you will make direct observations. Your familiarity with participant observation as a way of gathering information and achieving an understanding of behavior in social context figures importantly in this exercise.
Section II: Analyze. Next, in 2-3 paragraphs, using what you have observed, I want you to analyze your advertisement to explain what affect this form of media has had in socializing you and its audience; making you part of the surrounding society. Did this ad socialize its audience to look and act a certain way? Is it attempting to make you think or talk a certain way that is seen as being acceptable in society? What was the message, the meaning, the norms, values, beliefs etc that you observed and interpreted? For example, did this advertisement illustrate women as secondary characters, what work the characters were doing, what were the characters actions and behavior, etc? You may have to look deep and use your sociological imagination.
Section III: Probe for Insight. This section contains two parts. For each part in this section, you should have 2-3 full paragraphs, use your analysis and interpret it using a functionalist (section 1) and a conflict (section 2) perspective. What you described in your analysis does it serve a purpose for society beyond you? How would a functionalist interpret your analysis, or how would a conflict theorist interpret your analysis? To understand society, we have studied and discussed these two theories since week one. Using what you have learned please bring some insight to your analysis.