Answer to Question #213836 in Sociology for NINI

Question

1]Briefly discuss what is meant by culture from a sociological perspective. Provide

ONE example of how cultural misunderstandings could be a challenge/problem in the

classroom. (4)

2 Discuss and provide ONE example of the following:

i) Social stratification (4)

ii) Ascribed characteristics (4)

iii) Achieved characteristics (4)

Answer 1

1 Culture from a sociological perspective refers to the influence it has on people's beliefs and behaviors in terms of the languages, customs, beliefs, rules, arts, knowledge, and collective identities and memories developed by members of all social groups that make their social environments meaningful. There were very few visible student misunderstandings during the course of general conversations. When collaborative effort is required, this multiplies tremendously. The pupils naturally separate themselves in general encounters. Students from similar ethnic origins prefer to sit together and engage with one another in their mother tongue when the teacher is absent from the classroom. During group work, however, the instructor divides the students into smaller groups and requires them to collaborate with people from various backgrounds. Even in these situations, when a five-person group includes two Chinese students, the students tend to gravitate toward one another. Over the course of the time period, an observational review of all group tasks reveals at least one or more misunderstandings that may be attributable to cultural differences. These misunderstandings are usually classified as verbal or nonverbal communication misunderstandings. There was a lot of frustration between peer groups in some circumstances.

2 Social stratification

This is the hierarchical social groups ranking grounded on unequal levels of social status, wealth or power. An example includes the political status of an individual.

Ascribed characteristic

This is assigned to an individual by society without relating to the characteristics or talents of an individual. This characteristic generally takes place at birth. An example includes age.

Achieved Characteristic

This is a social position that an individual acquires through direct effort, merit, or personal choice. An example includes education.