Sociological Autobiography - Essay Example

I now realize that what actually led me to vigorously pursue a possible career in Computing and Programming, was the sense of membership to a particular group that I previously lacked. Before I decided I wanted to achieve similar feats to those accomplished by Mark Zuckerberg and other like-minded individuals, I had not really fitted in any social group. Additionally, I have realized that what Computer Programming represents is not only passion, but a social group. I derive self-esteem and pride from knowing that I am part of a group of individuals in the world, who not only understand a complex subject, but are also capable of changing the world and how it functions.

There is a clear distinction between us (people who understand coding and computer programs) and them (those who do not have the skills of computing and coding). I have become increasingly invested in knowing every aspect of programming so that I can increase my social standing and hierarchy level in the group. This is something I could not explain before, but now I understand that the drive to be better in this field, is largely in order to improve my social status and identity in the social group.

According to Becker, the social context of any person dictates not only the decisions that they make, but also partly, the outcome of that decision. We are living in a digital age and the accumulation of all technological discoveries is bound to drive the world into a new era. In this age, basic computer skills are a necessity for every person and more so in a developed country where every sector of governance, education, social interactions and generally everyday life, is dictated by the use of computer systems.

I realize that my decision and desire to pursue Computer Science is dictated to a large extent by the times that we live in (Becker, 1953). According to Goffman, social context plays an