Reflection

Zoe Halpert

I decided to be a sociology major after taking intro because I found that I actually wanted to participate in class discussions (which is rare for me), and I really looked forward to going to class. In intro, the section on gender was really interesting to me, so I took this class to expand on that. Now I can confidently say that I’ll never be able to look at gender the same way again. This class has forced me to really think about how we have been socialized to do gender. My friends have all gotten thoroughly annoyed with me because I won’t stop pointing out and analyzing everything they say about gender. Watching movies with me is impossible.

The blog posts were like a more dynamic and inclusive form of Moodle posts. I thought it was great how people would post not just on the readings, but also share articles, videos, and images that we found. It’s proof how relevant this class is when I found myself constantly wanting to share every Upworthy video I came across.

It was fun taking this class along with Family Analysis/Lifestyles this semester, because there was so much overlap between the two classes, particularly with the family section. I liked being able to integrate what I was learning in two different classes, and be able to exchange ideas from the different readings. Also, there were a few of us taking both classes, so I think that helped bring something extra to our experience.

Some people say that sociology is the study of the obvious. I get really mad at those people. It is evident from readings we did about things like hooking up and grinding that we are studying what is all around us, but looking at why they are the way they are. I feel like sociology is a way of looking at the world. I really noticed that when we read the burka and bikini article. I was always taught to think that is was a sign of oppression when women were covered. I never related that to how oppressive it is when women are expected to be uncovered. Though you cannot equate the two, it proves a point that you have to stop and think about your own social constructions before you tear apart someone else’s.