Social Structure Matrix and Class Participation

Part One-

Status:

I am an African American born in a socially average family. Humility is one of my defining characteristics since childhood. In the process of growing up, I have attained several statuses. Today, my society recognizes me as an outstanding social worker due to my charitable contributions in several communal works. My society equally acknowledges my incredible expertise in brokering peace especially in reuniting broken relationships. Personally, I am a single parent currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in human services.  

Master Status

I just love serving others regardless of their age, sex, or social position. To some extent, I believe this is an innate attribute in the sense that it dominates my feelings and beliefs. Still, many people highly rate my services whether done voluntarily or obligatorily.

Social Roles

I have a diverse cultural orientation. First, I am tolerant to people of diverse cultural beliefs, religion, profession, and other social divisions. Secondly, the fact that I am both humble and gentle infers that I should rarely complain. Put differently, I should be ready to bear all manner of hate, anger, misconduct, and prejudice silently. Thirdly, as a single parent, the society demands a lot from me, I am the family sole provider and moral guider. Finally, with regard to my education and the responsibilities at hand, handwork is key in my life. The society expect me to balance my job, my family, communal expectations, and education, irrespective of their challenges.

Role Conflict, Strain, and Exit

It was on Tuesday evening when I suddenly decided to visit one of my workmates. On that particular day, she had not reported to work and had likewise not communicated with the management. Being concerned, I resolved to understand why she was at home. Upon arriving at her place, I had to present my identification card that I had forgotten at home. Even after much explanation, the guards were expressly reluctant to listen to me. My humility was put to test when they began to mock me. To be honest, their speech was so abusive and gender based. Without noticing, I found myself in a sharp argument with them, something I rarely do. The argument was so severe to the extent that it attracted a crowd.

Groups

Just to mention, I belong to many groups, each of which plays a fundamental role in my life. Of these many groups, my church group is the best. One unique aspect about my church group is that it is so intimate, open, understanding, encouraging, and livelier. I came to realize that my church group plays a central role in my character. Second to this group is my college class. I love the fact that it is a diverse class made up of rational students.  I have my job group and family friends, which we interact with often.

Norms, Sanctions, and Values

Transparency is one of the norms of my church group. Every member has the obligation of ensuring that their actions and words conform to the teachings of the holy manuscript. My church group does not have restriction against freedom. It however cautions against using freedom to exploit others. One of the most cherished values in my church group is selflessness. Members of this group view socially deviant behaviors as lack of knowledge and wisdom.

My college is an important education group. Teamwork is one of the norms of my college class. There is a belief that collaboration generates better results than separateness. My college class strongly opposes efforts aimed at dividing people. In fact, members who attempt to do so are likely to lose their membership. Member of this group believe that socially deviant behaviors are not innate, and, as such, it is possible to do away with them.

Sociological Imaginations

My status has generally taught me to be perseverant and selfless. Having gone through several prejudices due to my status, I came to realize that peaceful coexistence comes through sacrifice. In accordance with my status, sacrifice implies despising mockeries, abuses, hate, and discrimination. Mass media has been instrumental in building the spirit of resilience in me. Many times, due to prejudices, it is easy to lose focus. I give credit to the mass media for developing the value of patience in me. The several documentaries I have watched have been a great inspiration to me. Finally, my groups especially my church group has played a tremendous role in shaping my whole being. In fact, my church group has essentially powered every good behavior in me. For instance, unlike in the past, I am very enduring, understanding, caring, and generous.

Part 2

Social interaction refers to the relationship between two or more individuals. Elements of social interaction include values, groups, norms, institutions, and roles. Social interactions are very helpful in understanding the genesis of behaviors. We expect people of a particular social structure to behave in a unique way as compared to others. Some of the functions of social institutions include personality development, preservation of culture, reproduction, and socialization. Social structures largely determine the destiny of its members. These can be class, age, or workgroups. One of the factors that influence human behavior is the environment. The media and technology has played a primarily role influences human behavior through the content they offer.

Social control is the act of regulating individual and/or group behavior through political or social mechanisms. Some of the ways of enforcing social control include coercion, punishment, imprisonment, and administering drugs to unmanageable patients. Theories that cover the various sociological perspectives on deviance include differential-association theory, anomie theory, control theory, and labeling theory.