Martha brings up some good observations about gender. Although this is not my only area of interest and specialization within sociology, the first thing that struck me after reading the first several posts on this topic was that the almost 'competitive' tone of the various responses all were submitted by male sociologists.
...Interesting how those ingrained 'gender norms' are at work, even as we're examining and discussing the discipline of sociology. - Jan Buhrmann ========================== Jan Buhrmann, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Sociology Illinois College E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: 217-245-3877 "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions that differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." -- Albert Einstein -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of GIMENEZ MARTHA E Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 2:48 PM To: Brett Magill Cc: [email protected] Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: Values in Sociology On Fri, 20 Jan 2006, Brett Magill wrote: > > Though none will be satisfied with any definition of sociology > proposed, I will venture to say that it is a discipline that makes an > effort to understand things social. Structures, culture, > interactions, beliefs and values, and their mutual influences. Yes, but which "things social" and from what theoretical perspective? I remember when "order" models prevailed, women were defined as "lactating organisms" (thus legitimating the sexual division of labor), gender inequality at home and in the occupational structure was considered "functional" for marital integration and solidarity, "underdevelopment" was explained as an effect of lack of "achievement motivation," the nuclear family was a "functional prerequisite of all societies," and social inequality was simply "an unconsciously evolved mechanism" to make sure talented people were motivated to fulfill functionally important positions... and I could go on.... Do you think all those views were "scientific" and "value free"? Best, Martha E. Gimenez Department of Sociology Campus Box 327 University of Colorado at Boulder Boulder, Colorado 80309 Voice: 303-492-7080 Fax: 303-492-8878
