Essentials of Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach - Essay Example

Posted speed limits are an example of a formal norm where there are a written rule and a prescribed punishment for violation. Sanctions are the punishments and rewards that are received for violating or obeying society's norms. Sanctions will vary according to the value society places on the norm. The sanction for speeding will be more severe than the sanction for wearing a hat indoors. Since it is a norm for students to get good grades, if I work hard I will be rewarded with a good grade. Folkways are informal norms that govern the everyday actions of the members of society.

They exist to promote a unified acceptance of right and wrong and serve to regulate the behavior of society. When a man opens a door for me it is a folkway that has been used to reinforce the traditional male dominance in society. Mores are the norms that society deems especially important. They encompass the most treasured values of a society. In America, children are highly valued, as is their welfare. The laws against child abuse are social mores. Ascribed status is the significance that society places on a person's social standing without respect to their accomplishments or talents.

The ascribed status may involve age, gender or race. In America, the white male has been given an ascribed status based on race and gender. Ascribed status is continually being challenged in society as illustrated by the feminist movement. AchievedAchieved StatusAchieved status is attained through one's own actions and efforts. The status may be positive such as mayor or negative such as convicted felon. Ascribed status can influence our possibility of achieved status. George Bush has an ascribed status of being white, male, and from a prominent family.

However, he did make the effort to become president and that is his achieved status.Master StatusThroughout a person's life, they may gain several different stations in life. A successful corporate CEO may find himself in prison or as an ex-convict. The way that society views his status is the master status. Martin Luther King has the ascribed status of being black. He also had the achieved status of minister, civil rights leader, and convict. His status as a civil rights leader outweighs his status as a convict and becomes his master status.

The master status may change with time and with the individual members of society.Role StrainRole strain arises when a social position demands conflicting requirements. A business manager may have the task of hiring the best people available, yet is given a limited budget to work with. His role is to fill the vacancies with qualified people and also as a budget watchdog. The President often comes under role strain while acting as Commander in Chief and as a representative of the people, each having conflicting desires.

Role ConflictRole conflict arises when a person holds two or more social positions that have conflicting roles. By fulfilling the role of one position they are required to violate the role of another. In the workplace, people who are promoted are often faced with managing people that used to be their peers. They are placed in the position of fulfilling the role of a supervisor or the role of a trusted friend, which may result in a conflict.