February 23 rd

1. February 23rd • Sign in • Lecture Two: American Culture • Hand in Response Paper #2 • Homework: • Ritzer, George The McDonaldization of Society • Copies of Signed Service Learning Plan & Gavilan Agreement Form

2. Social Change: American Culture and Civic Engagement Lecture Two

3. “American’s Level of Inequality is by Design” pg 14

4. Collective Sin… • According to Jonathan Kozol, many social problems in society emerge or persist because of collective sin (pg 24). • Define collective sin. • Do you think he is right? • What social problems today do you think we need to take collective responsibility for?

5. Why does this inequality persist? • How we think about society and the opportunities available to us shapes our actions and choices • What is the American Dream? • Is it really true? • Do we want it to be true? • What are American Values? • Are these good values? Do we want to support them? • Do these values support or disrupt civic engagement?

6. How do we change things? • “The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinem • Do we need to get pissed? • Why aren’t we pissed?

7. According to Eitzen and Baca Zinn… • They define their plan as “progressive” – what do they mean? • Society has “evolved,” but has followed a path based on the “choices” of those in society who are the most powerful • Collective action – human agency – can change society • Why is sociology and the sociological perspective seen as subversive? • View social arrangements critically • See social problems emerging from social structure, not bad people

8. We can change society in three ways • First we have to examine our ideas and beliefs and see if they can be a reality • Next, we have to create a structure of opportunity that is equal • And, we have to remember that WE create and recreate society and our individual actions & ideas are important • Collective action can be the most powerful solution

9. Civic Engagement • Civic Engagement: individuals and groups that come together through organization and networks to address community and social issues • Civic participation: actions and behavior of individuals and groups • Civic structure: organizations and groups that facilitate networks

10. Social Capital • Social capital: the social knowledge and connections that enable people to accomplish their goals and extend their influence • Social networks • Mutual obligation • Trustworthiness

11. Types of Social Capital • Bridging Social Capital – outward looking and inclusive • Unifies people across social boundaries • Ex: Interfaith religious groups • Bonding Social Capital – inward looking and exclusive • Reinforces identities among homogeneous groups • Ex: Fraternities and Sororities

12. Are we civically engaged? • Take the “Civic Engagement Quiz”. • Are you engaged? Why or why not? • How would you describe the culture of our local communities (Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and Hollister)? Do you think our local culture encourages or discourages civic engagement? Do you think we have a local “culture of fear”? Explain. • How do you think we can encourage a “culture of engagement” in our society and communities?