Sociology: Coach Carter
SOC 100
13 September 2013
Coach Carter and Sociology
What is the study of sociology and why is it important? Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. The study of sociology allows a person to become well informed citizens who are aware of the very complex nature of social life and differences in society (plashet.newham.sch.uk). In the study of sociology there are three different sociological perspectives that allow a person to look at society and culture in a variety of ways. These three perspectives are symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. Each one has their own specific meaning and importance in the research of society. The three perspectives, again, are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. Symbolic interactionism is the central idea that symbols are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate with one another (Henslin, 2012). Symbols can be as simple and green lights and red lights. Green means go and red means stop. Or another example is aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters. Without this symbol it’d be like everyone was without family. Functional analysis is the central idea that society is a whole unit made up of interrelated parts that work together (Henslin, 2012). When every part of society each fulfills their functions it becomes successful and is said to be in a “normal” state. Lastly, conflict theory refers to groups that are competing with one another for resources (Henslin, 2012). For this assignment I chose to watch the movie Coach Carter. In the movie Ken Carter accepts a job offer as a basketball coach at his old high school in Richmond, CA. He soon finds that what the team has to offer is poor attitudes a dull play performance. Carter’s goal is to change both. Right off the bat, Carter sets a strict system which he has made into written contracts. These contracts included expectations of respectful behavior, a dress
13 September 2013
Coach Carter and Sociology
What is the study of sociology and why is it important? Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. The study of sociology allows a person to become well informed citizens who are aware of the very complex nature of social life and differences in society (plashet.newham.sch.uk). In the study of sociology there are three different sociological perspectives that allow a person to look at society and culture in a variety of ways. These three perspectives are symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. Each one has their own specific meaning and importance in the research of society. The three perspectives, again, are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. Symbolic interactionism is the central idea that symbols are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate with one another (Henslin, 2012). Symbols can be as simple and green lights and red lights. Green means go and red means stop. Or another example is aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters. Without this symbol it’d be like everyone was without family. Functional analysis is the central idea that society is a whole unit made up of interrelated parts that work together (Henslin, 2012). When every part of society each fulfills their functions it becomes successful and is said to be in a “normal” state. Lastly, conflict theory refers to groups that are competing with one another for resources (Henslin, 2012). For this assignment I chose to watch the movie Coach Carter. In the movie Ken Carter accepts a job offer as a basketball coach at his old high school in Richmond, CA. He soon finds that what the team has to offer is poor attitudes a dull play performance. Carter’s goal is to change both. Right off the bat, Carter sets a strict system which he has made into written contracts. These contracts included expectations of respectful behavior, a dress