Sociological Imagination
Is a term to describe a framework for understanding social reality that places personal experiences within a broader social and historical context.
Sociological Imagination
Is a term to describe a framework for understanding social reality that places personal experiences within a broader social and historical context.
There are three main perspectives that are common within Sociology:
Structural Functionalism
Symbolic Interactionism
Conflict Theory
Structural Functionalism
What is Structural Functionalism?
Structural functionalism is a theoretical approach in social sciences that views society as a complex system of interconnected institutions, relations, positions, and conventions, each with a specific purpose essential for the sustained functioning of society. Social change is seen as an adaptive response to difficulties within this system. According to Durkheim, social cohesion is brought about by the interrelationship between the various components of society, which has its own dynamic traits. Different institutions, structures, and processes have a particular purpose, including education, legal systems, government, families, and even criminals. However, critics argue that the approach is insufficient to explain social change and the existence of non-functional aspects of society that do not serve any purpose in society's necessities.
In Chico
The lack of structural support towards city infrastructure specifically biking infrastructure leads to a city with various problems for all people of the city. It starts with a "bike lane" that is too narrow, next to a busy road, which leaves the bikers with possibility of injury and the drivers with anxiety due to lack of allowance for movement in case of emergencies. In most small scale cities, such as Chico, a simple line is showed to be a barrier for cars and bikes. This is a structural problem because in the process of creating convenience for large number of cars, the city is inherently discouraging citizens to use sustainable methods of transportation such as bikes and scooters.
Symbolic Interactionism
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
From the vantage point of a symbolic interactionist perspective, the sociological analysis focuses on the meanings, attachments, and associations people place on language (verbal and body), symbolism, and materials. In other words, there is a prescribed significance to dynamics both interpersonal and societal.
In Chico
The “bike-friendly” term has morphed into an insignia-like state. It has become a marker with varying degrees of meaning and association. As a result, the bike-friendly insignia is used as a potential avenue for additional state and/or federal funding; it’s used as a selling point; and it’s used as a source of pride. The City of Chico claims to be a bike-friendly town which is utilized to prop up the city when in reality it is not as bike-friendly as the city purports it to be.
A great example of this is Chico's Bicycle Music Festival. It's an annual event that meshes local music with sustainable practices. This is indicative of the significance that is attached to biking however, the overall infrastructure of the City of Chico is not conducive to bikes.
Conflict Theory
What is the Conflict Theory?
Conflict Theory states that social conflicts which results from unequal distribution of power and social status is the driving force of change behind social change. It views power as the control over productive capacity, wealth, political and social institution. The theory was originated by Karl Marx, who focused on the class conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat in the capitalist societies. He believed that the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class would cause a revolution for social change. This has evolved to better fit today's version of the society which includes different socioeconomic classes with intersectional identities.
In Chico
Conflict theory shows up in the social structures of Chico due to the history of surrounding towns, such as the fire in Paradise that displaced many families, and due to the fact that Chico State brings thousands of students into the town of Chico yearly. These two demographics have complex circumstances that make them vulnerable to being exploited and leave their problems unheard due to their socioeconomic statuses. There is a visible wealth disparity that exists between the different neighborhoods within Chico and this can be seen by the state of the roads that exist in these parts of town. In the East side of town there are better roads, sidewalks and it contains most of the food sources but when we take a look at the area surrounding Chico State or "College town" it is essentially a food dessert with cracks along the streets, poor sidewalks and biking lanes.