Kacey Marroquin
May 15, 2019
Dr. Tim Kubal
Final Research Paper
Introduction
The group I observed is a club organization in a university campus called Central Valley Justice Club. This group I observed promotes social justice, advocacy for social issues, and helps its community by fostering safe spaces and opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. I observed my group for 2 days to gain extensive knowledge of how their involvement within their club apply to sociological theories. My research includes 2 days of observation and participant observation. There are 4 club officials and one standby advisor and the club vice president and president present in my observations. During my observation, I found that although you would think the president had more responsibilities than the club officers, they still have a tremendous amount of input and duties to fulfill within their club. My analysis consists of word clouds, and 5 methods of symbolic interactionism: frontstage/backstage performance, status/ roles, and presentation of self. During my interviews, I felt that my interviewees were comfortable enough with me to share their experience as being an adviser for their club. I was able to get solid material that will provide me with enough insight on the concepts I applied in my questions. I felt the need to do research on The Social Justice Club because it is a new club at a university and the clubs' efforts to bring social change is very important to me. The main reason I wanted to interview office advisors of the club was because I wanted to know how much they have accomplished in their first year as a university club. The only way to obtain information about the success of club was to interview them about roles, performances, and the future of the club.
My group is going to continue their mission by bringing more awareness to benefit their community by helping them gain access to health care services, clothing, jobs, and more. While observing my group, I noticed in our department building, there were numerous posters throughout the hall with flyers and photos about them. My group has photos with members featured on the bulletin board to introduce the "Member of the Week." The message my group wants to get across to their audience is what they stand for and also to shed light on the many struggles people of color face. In researching through my groups' social media content, I was able to see how they have served the community and the university.
Literature Review
The core issues of this analysis are to associate the theories of symbolic interactionism and how the works of sociologists have come to identify them. This exploration of concepts will better explain how and why symbolic interactionism serves as one the most important theories of sociology. Once the language of these concepts is understood, it will help you identify the root causes within this theory and help to put these methods to practice.
Looking Glass Self
Sociologist Charles Horton Cooley first coined the term 'The Looking Glass Self" a concept in which one views themselves according to people's perception. The looking glass self is perpetuated through social interactions and is constantly demonstrated when we cast judgement. Cooley's concept came to fruition when he incorporated his image in a mirror to the idea in which others think of him. This concept can constantly be shown in our environment by the smallest interactions and becomes a reflection based on that interaction. In Cooley's concept he talks about the framing of three main components: the imagination of our appearance to the person; the imagination of his judgement of that appearance; and some sort of self-feeling, such as pride of mortification (Dunn 2010:276). Our expectations are public in how we view our exterior. If the elements Cooley believes are "mechanical reflections" of our insecurities, then we are ashamed. This is deemed as never ending because of ongoing interactions that pressure us to maintain ourselves (Dunn 2010:276). Thus, if we continue to maintain ourselves to please others, we will be affected by how view ourselves.
Definition of the Situation
The definition of the situation illustrates how important it is to understand the reality of the situation. In its introduction the chapter defines how certain events or action taking place affect our ability to behave different in those scenarios. When we have a difficult time understanding the situation, we tend to form our own opinions to accept the meaning of the action. The most crucial understanding is when it states how they point out that our social experiences¾are shaped by (1) the beliefs and categories (e.g., stereotypes) that we have acquired from the group to which we belong and (2) the rules and role performances that we draw on and enact in a given context (Sandstrom 2006:129). Goffman demands that you must guarantee a resounding performance to influence the definition of this situation. It matters when things are defined in a setting and situation, it leads to appropriate and convincing behavior to audiences (Dunn 2010:284). If we misidentify the situation, we will be conveying the wrong message to our audience. Every impression matters in our performances and can impact our life chances dramatically based on an error. Goffman explains we must learn from our consequences, if not we can miss out entirely based on our failures (Dunn 2010:285). Overall, its emphasis is to look at how we habitually group people into certain categories while also attempting to define their role in situations.
Presentation of Self
George Herbert Mead grandfathered the concept presentation of self within his theory of symbolic interactionism, his approach helps us question our own sense of self. Mead sheds light on how we are immediately fearful of interviews and being questioned as individuals and argues that the "self" will continue to work regardless in situations or all alone (Dillon 2014:275). When reading the first sections of the chapter¾his analyses of thy self, depend on social relationships and a process that is fluid and endless. If we look at our own self in which symbolic interactionists say is merely to communicate with others and is reflective in those bounds¾we must assume the concept of thy self is about how we view oneself by how we perceive, think, feel, and interact (Sandstrom 2006: 97). According to Mead it focuses of the self through social process, in his study he focuses on the dynamics of thy self and the importance of the 2 key factors, the "me" and "I" dimensions in order to further explain an understanding of ourselves. The "me" dimension focuses on social nature, origins, and contents; the "I" dimension focuses on perceiving, defining, and acting in the world (Sandstrom 2006: 98). Mead truly believes when looking at how language and symbols relates to thy self, communication is vital when discussing it in terms of the interaction process. Mead determines how factors such as our social structures interfere with our development. For example, he explains when we begin to develop an understanding of language in social interactions, we then begin to perceive others in such ways. This allows us to make assumptions about the perspective of others, we can say this comes from judgement and an obscurity of our own understandings. We also have to analyze self-attitudes and how they reflect in our self-expressions and social interactions. There are 4 modes of self-expression; the A mode, which reveals the physical self; the B mode, which reveals the social self; the C mode, which reveals the reflective self; the D mode, which reveals the oceanic self (Sandstrom 2006:103). The 4 modes all have to do in response to thy self and how we look at physical characteristics, self-identity, and self-esteem.
Front Stage and Back Stage
Erving Goffman's concept "front stage" and "back stage" are referred to as methods of our behavior through statuses and role performances. Goffman developed his concept by giving examples of theatre performance. In a front stage performance, there will be people watching you at your best; yet, when giving a back-stage performance there is a huge difference. In a backstage performance, you do not have to please anybody, and it allows individuals in back-stage to perform roles¾the two have audiences and expectations (Dillon 2014: 289). For example, front-stage performances are demonstrated by waitresses, baristas, and receptionists. There is a professional performance that is displayed due to a wider audience. An example of back-stage performance would be the workers in the back taking care of the patients, the chef prepping the food, and the teacher assistant grading papers. The performances made in front-stage and back-stage alter depending on who you are trying to impress. The performance continues on both regions¾there is only one that has less pressure.
Role Making
In role making the modification of role performance is vital. Innovation and adjustment are key in role making. Address the role performance as it helps us improve role making. As we are role playing in performances, we must fit a type of presentation to audiences and our self. This address while performing roles there are expectations led by other predispositions and our own goals. For example, when playing the role of a student there are obvious expectations. The expectations are scholarly tasks; for example, take notes, read, and participate in group discussions. Thus, we cannot assume this is how every student performs their role as a student. Think of a "role" as a guideline that instructs on how to perform that "role." We all perform roles differently and devise how we take action in role making. One important part of role making is engaging to resolve opposing role expectations (Sandstrom 2006:132). It deflects negative role expectations by displaying distasteful expectancies. A good example is the displaying of symbols, rituals, and gestures that imply a negative connotation that do not apply to everyone. Our performances in role making need to be in sync so we can grasp other perspectives.
Role Taking
According to the text, to take part in role taking, you must coordinate your actions that are in connection to us in network of roles. It begins with an imaginative process; thus, we must first assess our own self and actions. During the process we have to look it at from others perception and understand their standpoint. When practicing role taking¾it is quite often that we make attempts to establish what others are defining as an experience in a certain occurrence. This also leads us to critique every little meaning by speculating their intent and plans for that situation¾those implied meanings that they conduct about us can change and have an affect on our own role performance. It can improve the way we act on our own analyses of their intents. Through role taking, when role performances are occurring¾we alter them by directing the performances and reactions of our audiences (Sandstrom 2006:131). While our role taking strategies become more fluid and make easier to adjustment, it allows us to understand the roles and perspectives of others. This only makes our strategies better because our role taking is not always accurate and there are skills we can learn and acquire to make them stronger. Our skills that have been acquired through the role taking steps are finalized by the 3 factors: the extent of our social experiences; "the conventionality of the identities and performances involved;" all aspects that impact role taking skills is our degree of knowledge with other individuals (Sandstrom 2006:131).
The concepts explained are proper ways to fulfill role performances. The nature of these concepts plays a variety of roles in our life and when we involve ourselves in role performances, we must understand the trajectory. This is demonstrated in daily activities and will never cease to exist, and the importance of concepts will be embraced in this study. When we fully comprehend the meaning of symbolic interactionism¾we immerse in playing those specific roles. At the same time, as individuals we can identify the power of the situation, recognize the influences of role performances, and can appreciate the importance of understanding the sense of self.
3-page essay:
Ethnography
The purpose of ethnographic research is gaining access to settings based on human interaction, such as, talking and communicating (Karner 2015). It is based on access with factors affecting that access. Some of the factors include: time, geography, finances, and knowing what place you are at. The self-matters, such as a person's age, gender, ethnicity, and appearance contribute in picking a setting. It is a factor in which you will be able to get access or not. Although interaction and talking are a part of ethnography, ethnographic research is more than interacting and talking to others; for example, it is how you do it and what you say and what you do not say (Karner 2015). You cannot say whatever it is you feel like saying, you have to be able to refrain yourself when talking and interacting with others.
As a researcher you will see that you do not choose your setting, the setting is chosen for you. In some instances, as a researcher you will be part of a group in need of research¾therefore there is not a need to go looking for another setting. The setting should be a place where your research can be finished in a time frame, in this case the time frame would be a school semester. It is vital that in your research, choose a setting that is flexible and has numerous members and enough meetings for sufficient interaction (Karner 2015). In order to complete your research, you must know the key informant of the group and the gatekeepers to gain access to your setting.
As a researcher, it is important to dress nice in front of your group. It is also important to have and carry props when you are at the setting; for example, note taking tools: a note book and pen/pencil to jot notes down and phone chargers. This is critical to have when you are observing at your setting. It is also suggested that as a researcher you should dress like your group members are dressed¾it could help your research. In the case of casual setting, simple shirt and pants or jeans, if it is more serious wear a suit, and if your setting is athletic than dress accordingly. It is suggested to dress and act how they dress and act (Karner & Warren 2015). Also, researchers should be aware that emotions influence research and be mindful that courtesy and respect is required in any setting. Fieldnotes are essential in your ethnographic research and help identify things clearer. The fieldnotes you take become inscriptions in your ethnography that need to have thick description. It is critical that you describe your setting as detailed as possible so your thick description will help your interview transcripts (Karner 2015). If you have successful fieldnotes full of thick description with narrative instead of list-like sentences, it will better your ethnographic research. In being a successful qualitative researcher, many have utilized their fieldnotes, interview transcripts, photographs, and turned them into inscriptions which are a tool necessary to describe what anthropologists call "the other" (Karner & Warren 2015).
Interview
There are several different types of interviews involved in qualitative research, such as: face-to-face, telephone, or electronically interviews. Interviews are to familiarize yourself with people, but its purpose can be different. For a medical interview, there would need to be a diagnosis, or in a job where the employer wants to know if you qualify for the job. These types of interviews contribute to a body of knowledge and the outcome is to grasp information and know something. Other types of research include: couples, focus groups, and internet-based interviews.
In research interviews, conversations should begin where the questions should be about topics of interest to the research and have relevance to the interviewee. There are different types of interviews in qualitative research, for example, one type of interview is called oral history where interviewees discuss events that have been critical in their life. This technique is used by researchers to collect data that is not covered in groups and in organizations. All research questions should be general and open-ended ranging anywhere from 10 to 15 questions.
Interviews always involve technological equipment, researchers should have good quality equipment and should test them out before the interview. The researcher should also avoid noise in the background (Karner 2015). The researcher should also arrive early to the setting and set up because it can cause distraction during the interview. It is best to conduct the interview if you are sitting across from the interviewee and closely have the recorder in between you and your respondent.
Although you generally interview topics that are of your interest, some topics discussed might be interesting and others not so much. Otherwise interviews were a success when the interviewees confidence increased through the interview, there was better interaction and rapport. It also best to engage and be an active listener, this helps build rapport. It also helps to agree with the person you are interviewing. It is important to how we ask, what we ask, how many times we ask, in the way we probe for my information and clarification from respondents (Karner & Warren 2015).
Content Analysis
In content analysis you collect countless information that comprises of and is not restricted to photos, field notes, websites, blogs, and videos (Karner & Warren 2015). Media is the primary focus when analyzing data to study culture. You also have to decide how you want to sample your documents when using it for research. Once you identify what source you are going to use, then you need to choose which one benefits your research and has more thick description (Karner & Warren 2015). When using photography in your qualitative research, remember it can be open-ended and can be identified, explained, and a reflection in a number of different elements. Technological advances have revolutionized research and has given social science another purpose when being studied.
When viewing data, it is critical to go further into detail regarding why the research is important. The first step is considering how you are able to apply the data because it is vital, the second step¾having to categorize data is just as critical (Karner & Warren 2015). When sorting through your data know that being efficient and effective at organizing can save time and have your research become stronger.
When describing the data, it is critical to develop a theoretical understanding of the questions you chose to explain your data (Karner &Warren 2015). Once you have finished gathering documents, it is important to identify themes from the content collected. When a researcher reiterates the reviewing of the data a few times¾the patterns will begin to develop. When gathered all documents and completed making the connections, it will be clear why you used those themes in your research. The data does not speak for itself but rather the data you have chosen to use. The research has to make a point and be relevant in order for audience to understand (Karner 2015).
Methods
The data collected was by observation and participant observation. My data was collected in a building on a university campus in the Central Valley. The data is from observing for two days: On Tuesday March 19th, 2019 and on Tuesday April 2nd, 2019. On Tuesday, March 19th, 2019, I observed from 1:30 pm to 2:30 and on April 2nd, 2019 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The people who I observed the most were the club president and vice president, 4 club officers, and the department advisor. I was able to spend time with each club officer and department advisor individually to get a better look at how they act when they are alone.
My observations have a solid amount of thick description which means I was able to describe everything I saw in the meeting. The theories I focused on the most were frontstage, backstage performance, presentation of self, status and roles. To code these theories, I used a computer software named NVivo to further analyze the data obtained during my observations. I used Nvivo to create 5 nodes which helps categorize my theories, and also created 2-word clouds for the days that I observed. The words clouds show the most used words in my data that are in my observations.
Through my observations, I did not find it too challenging to obtain the data collected. The group I observed were welcoming and acknowledged my presence graciously. Through my second observation, I was well aware that the smallest details and interactions can lead up to a reaction within the club. Although, I got a clearer picture of how the club runs and noticed a lot of work goes into this club. The semester is coming to an end so most of the big event planning is very minimal. At that point, I knew there would have been more data obtained if my research would have begun months earlier. Overall, the observations were a great experience and is helping me begin the interview process.
I went to a university campus where the club officers are usually to be found. This was the most convenient place to interview them because of their busy work and school schedules. I interviewed my 3 interviewees during the course of one day in between classes and during breaks. I asked my 3 interviewees beforehand if the times I had in mind would work for them and luckily, they were able to participate in my interviews. The names of my interviewees were Jeff, Janet, and Bernice who were all club officers in the club. Before I started my interviews, I passed out the consent forms, got them signed and began the interview. I also let them know about the consent form and how it protects their anonymity. After the interviews, I told each interviewee how grateful I was that they took the time out of their busy work/school schedule to participate in my research. I handed them each a Starbucks gift card to show them my gratitude and appreciation.
My first interview was with Jeff at the university library, we found a quiet spot where no one was around to make noise. We went over the 15-minute benchmark and it ended up being 21 minutes and 25 seconds. Overall, the interview was great for it being my first. My second interview was with Bernice in one of the conference rooms in the student union building. Our interview went well and also went over the 15 minutes which ended up being 20 minutes and 44 seconds. After her interview, I noticed that although I asked most of the same interview questions as I asked Jeff, some of the in between questions were a little different because of their initial response. I was surprised at how well both interviews went and how comfortable my interviewees were with answering all my questions. My next interview was later that afternoon in a big conference in a department building. It was another club officer named Janet, the room was quiet and beforehand she let me know that she only had 20 minutes until her other class started. My interview with Janet went well and was exactly 15 minutes. I reassured her that it was plenty of time as I did not want her to be late to class. So, we immediately began the interview after we chatted for a few minutes.
During every interview, my interview guide kept me on track and well prepared me to ask questions pertaining to my 5 sociological concepts. Each of my participants answered every question in my interview guide and gave great examples that are applicable to my research. The first question I asked my interviewees were, "As a member of your group do you present yourself differently?" This was a great way to start our interview leading up to my final question, "What is your status of the group?" which ended the interview on a good note. Most of my questions talked about their performance as a club officer and what roles they possess as club officers. Most of my answers were full of detail because this club is being built from ground up and club officers are finding their own way of how to run this club.
After recording all my interviews, I went to a university computer lab and began transcribing my interviews into Temi. After they were transcribed, I was able to edit the interview for grammar mistakes and any others spelling errors. I edited the Speaker names to Speaker 1 and Speaker 2. After editing my transcriptions which took almost 2 days, I went to the lab to start coding them into Nvivo. The coding into Nvivo did not take too much time and was fairly quick.
Overall, I am happy with the results I got from my interviews. The people I interviewed did not give me any trouble and were easy to get a hold of to do the interviews. Temi did help a lot when transcribing my interviews, although it took a lot of time with editing everything which was done in 4 days. I feel that my interviews gave me enough information about The Social Justice Club.
In order to find enough sources on my club, I contacted several club members and asked them what the easiest way was to obtain sources. They had a stack of flyers with them from previous events, but they sent me the groups Instagram page which only had 26 posts with all the flyers, club meeting reminders, and volunteering info. I was unable to find them anywhere else other than Instagram mainly because they are a new club on campus so there was not a lot of content. Every flyer I obtained was from Instagram, the posts had a photo with the information, the caption which had extensive information, likes from those who follow their page, and comments from followers. I was able to collect 26 flyers that had enough information for the required amount. The flyers really helped the club to get more followers and keep followers up to date with events happening on and off campus. The club officer said they relied on Instagram to get the word across. The club also has a Snapchat account that only has 4 to 5 second recordings of the events but did not give me audio or words for my research so I used the Instagram account for all of my sources. Hopefully within the next few years, the club will have gained a lot more followers and members. After I typed all of the flyers, captions, and comments into a Word document, I then transcribed each of my sources into Nvivo for analysis. After, I organized my sources into 5 concepts. The only issues I came across had to deal with NCapture because it was not properly uploading my flyers into Nvivo. I did all my transcribing by typing it into a document.
In my research, my first findings from Nvivo were the word frequency analysis of my word usage that created a word cloud. I was able to access this information because of the transcriptions that I uploaded to Nvivo to create the frequency query. My word cloud easily illustrates my word usage and the most often words used in my content findings.
My word cloud shows the most frequent words use; for example, the word "club" and was in my sources a total of 33 times. After this, I categorized my concepts: agency, diagnosis, identity, motivation, and prognosis into nodes in Nvivo.
Analysis
Day 1 of observing: March 19th, 2019
In NVivo, I ran a word frequency query which showed in the summary the most frequent word used was "club." It was used in my observation 55 times.
Day 2 of observation: April 2nd, 2019
In NVivo, I ran a word frequency query which showed in the summary the most frequent word used was "club." It was used in my observation 57 times.
Thick Description
The quote below identifies the beginning process of every club meeting that is held with the president and club officers. This demonstrates a routine that happens every week.
"Everyone is sitting down; the president of the club gets up and hands out a sheet of paper to each member. Everyone glares at the paper and takes out their laptop and a pencil/pen. Everyone has a shocked look on their face because the paper has a lot of bullet points. This means that it means business and no goofing around. The paper reads the club name and the social media accounts they have: Google Community, Instagram, and Snapchat." Reference 3 - 4.88% Coverage
This thick description details something I saw repetitively in both observations. The facial expression when the advisor would talk about the latest updates on attending a conference, most faces on club officers were smiles. The impression they gave off was that they have been dying to attend a conference.
"Rachel the department advisor drops in unexpectedly and ask the group if they had decided on any conferences, they had in mind to attend. Jeff and Natalie had time conflicts with other members, so they didn't have a certain answer. Danielle, Candice, Angel, Bernice, and Liliana were happy with any conference. I am guessing by their facial expression this is something they have been waiting for because once Rachel left, everyone started talking loudly. This caused them to get off track and Natalie had to get everyone attention so they can finish off the meeting." Reference 7 - 6.29% Coverage
This description is describing group members, everyone was different and dressed different. Every club member has a distinct look and personality. I described their outfit, hair color, skin tone, and height.
"Club officer named Angel who is short and has curly colored blue hair with light brown skin, Candice who has a pale complexion/ blonde hair and is tall and thin, Bernice who is tall and has light complexion with very long brown hair, and Danielle who is short/thin with very dark black long hair and has a very light skin complexion. One male club officer named Jeff who is about average height, very thin in size, with light brown hair and blue eyes. The female advisor Rachel who dropped in several times during the meeting, she is very tall, olive skin, and average in weight." Reference 2 - 8.62% Coverage
Presentation of Self
This concept by Goffman illustrates how we engage in theatrical performance that applies to face-to-face interactions. It is when an individual comes in contact with others and attempts to control or guide impressions that others might make of them by changing his or her setting, appearance and manner.
This interaction reminded me of presentation of self because of the way Liliana and Angel were talking to other club members about attending this Career Development Workshop. Both of them changed their tone and mannerisms when they started to speak about this workshop professionally.
"Danielle enters the room and shuts the door pretty loudly. They all decided that they would discuss this in the next several weeks, and while then Bernice and Natalie would start looking at shirt designs. Liliana and Angel wanted to get some minor feedback on who is going to attend the Career Development Workshop. This workshop will help university students learn how to look for job and work on their resumes. Only 4 club officers were certain they were going to volunteer for the workshop." Reference 1 - 5.48% Coverage
In this participant observation, I was able to see from outside how club members were acting in front of others. They presented themselves different because they were in a performance for those who attended and the host of the workshop.
"For example, a few days after this meeting they had a workshop at the university library that would help students learn to create resumes and get ready for the job world. There were only a few club members that volunteered that day, not many showed up at all. This was a participant observation, I observed from outside the room, the members were well prepared." Reference 2 - 3.99% Coverage
Angel who a club officer came off assertive and aggressive when this was brought up. She wanted herself to come off a certain way so other in the group knew her stance on this manner. From one second to another, Angel presented herself in a more serious way.
"Angel brought up a professor in their own department who offered their club to donate to another club. This made Angel concerned about where the club's money was going to and that it should not be spent on other clubs regardless of other clubs need it for attending conferences." Reference 1 - 2.84% Coverage
Frontstage Performance/ Backstage Performance
This method explains a performance demonstrated by a person's actions seen by an audience. This type of performance is generally viewed in front of people. In the backstage you are still doing work and are preparing for something, but nobody is watching you; therefore, you do not have to impress anybody.
Jeff demonstrated both frontstage and backstage because he talked about how he was going to deliver his message to high school students while also performing it in front of his club.
"Bernice brought up "unfinished business" which directed to an event taking place soon at high schools which would bring awareness on their major and its importance. The vice president Liliana asked club officers what and how they were going to approach students asking about their department. Jeff explained he would talk about career opportunities and why his major is important in understanding our world. Jeff gave himself a pat on the back and everyone began laughing." Reference 1 - 5.23% Coverage
The officers were performing backstage performance because they did their own research on who they believed qualified for next semesters club officers. Even though they discussed among the club, they still went home and thought about the other members who were running. The final results were not made as a group.
"Now they begin talking about who they are voting for in the club election, since most officers are graduating this semester. All of the club officers have a white paper with small bulletins points typed on the paper. Since the new club officers will take on a huge responsibility for upcoming year, the president, vice president, and club officers want them to feel important and decided to announce it at the department get picnic." Reference 4 - 4.42% Coverage
Danielle made a great example of frontstage performance when she presented to the club officers, president, and club advisor around the issues of donating to another club on campus. She was performing actions she took against another club president in front of an audience (her own club).
"An event that does not involve the club gets mentioned by Bernice and Danielle when she receives an email from a president from another club. Danielle brings it everyone's attention that this so-called club president from a "culture club" wants them to donate money so they can attend an event/ conference." Reference 2 - 3.11% Coverage
Status
A person's status is their position in the club or with other people that have the same social ties. Each person in the club has their own status.
This was demonstrated by the president who was able to get everyone's attention on her immediately. This is because she holds a high status within the club.
"The president said "Call to Order" on the sheet that means there will be a new discussion and how she gets everyone's attention. Everyone drops the Ice Breaker conversation and has their focus on Natalie. It is silent in the conference room." Reference 1 - 2.66% Coverage
Danielle has the status of vice president within the club, therefore she thought it made sense for her to do the communicating between her and other "culture clubs" president.
"Since Danielle is vice president, she thinks it's only fair if she communicates with the president from club and let him no, they would not be donating to his club. They are saying this club needs the money for travel expenses. It does not sit well with the club. All club officers are frustrated and make it clear they want the club money to benefit their club and department and not someone else's." Reference 3 - 4.04% Coverage
This happened at the second meeting I attended which showed me that when they president arrived, everyone stopped goofing around and focused their attention on the president.
"The president of the group gets here, and all of the members greet her, and start the meeting once she has sat down. I notice before the president arrived the members were chatty laughing and not as serious about the meeting until she arrived. Once the president sat down, they got right to planning events that will happen before graduation." Reference 1 – 3.48%
Roles
A person's role is their behavior performed, it is expected to fulfill that status. Every club member has a role to accomplish within their club.
Bernice had a role in her status in the group which was gather everyone to plan ways for new members to feel welcomed and make new friends. The responsibility she had was to fulfil the planning in her role in the club.
"Bernice begins by talking about an Ice Breaker event that will help new club members feel welcomed. Bernice is adamant when telling other members, it will force new members to make friends. All officers received this information very well and seemed super happy that this event will be taking place." Reference 1 - 3.32% Coverage
Angel felt that in her role, she was comfortable enough to tell other club members that it wasn't their duty to have input or final saying in the shirt design (colors/logos). Angel reaffirmed to everyone that on the agenda it says Natalie and Bernice are in charge for that task.
"While Danielle is gone to the bathroom, Candice brings up the next subject on the agenda which is new club shirts. Everyone instantly starts chiming in on how it should look and what it should say. Angel interrupts and says that Natalie and Bernice are designing it and have the final say. I can tell this irritated Angel, so I am guessing she spoke up before other club members feel the need to give their opinion on the way it looks." Reference 2 - 4.83% Coverage
Rachel has a role in the club even though she is the department advisor. Her role is to prepare herself for all the information the club asks her to obtain and deliver. She has an important role to fulfill even outside of the club.
"Rachel the department advisor says in order for them to begin the process, they need to fill out an application and register for the conference, and also getting an approval on travel expenses. The advisor leaves and lets them know if they have any more questions she will be in the building until the evening." Reference 3 - 3.15% Coverage
My first findings in my analysis is from Nvivo. In Nvivo, I was able to analyze the frequency of my word usage, run all of my transcriptions into the word frequency query in Nvivo. After, I used Nvivo to make a word cloud to demonstrate word usage in my interview and also what a word frequency entail.
In my word cloud you can see that the most used word is in the center which is "like." All of the other words around it are also words that were said significantly in the interviews. Before I uploaded my interview into Nvivo, I knew that "like" would be the most common word used because it tends to be common when people are speaking to one another and are generally nervous. The word frequency for "like" was 410 times.
Presentation of Self
This concept by Goffman illustrates how we interact in theatrical performance that applies to face-to-face exchanges. It is when an individual comes in contact with others and try to control/guide impressions that others might make of them¾ by changing their appearance and behaviors. My first question in all my interviews that ties into Goffman's Presentation of Self was "As a member of your group, do you present yourself differently?"
In my first interview with Jeff, I immediately began to ask questions that pertains to this concept and how much it mattered to him. So, when asking him about how he presents himself and if it matters, Jeff answered:
"A little bit because there's only like one other male in the class and then in the club. So I try to be mindful of that and like treat them as individuals and the way they individually are but I can't, sometimes I feel that I just need to be mindful, you know, like, it's not like I'm walking on eggshells or anything. I just need to make sure that I'm not you know, overstepping my boundaries as a male in a kind of like a female dominated space." Reference 3 - 8.83% Coverage
Jeff made several points that he was surrounded in a club that was female dominated and that he felt the need to present himself in the best way possible. Jeff is certain that when in a female dominated club being the only male, he needs to be aware and careful about what he says sometimes because he does not want to offend his friends and club officers.
In my second interview with Bernice, I asked the exact same question but this time she had a different approach in her answer.
"I guess I would just say that I hold a position in this group that I want to ensure that I show leadership and also that I'm prepared during meetings and that, yeah, it's not super serious like during the meetings, but it's, you know, you have to show that you're prepared." Reference 2 - 6.08% Coverage
In Bernice's response, it did matter to her how she presents herself. This is just more than a club to her, she is passionate about the club and the work they do to help the community. I really enjoyed her answer because she started off being extremely passionate about her part in the club.
In my last interview, I asked Janet the same question but added if she did present herself differently did it matter to her. Janet said,
"Well, I haven't really gone to the meetings, but when I do go, I feel weird because they make us all sit together, like officers sit together. And I'm like why are we going to sit together? Like that makes it seem like we're more important. So I don't like that. It matters to me when I'm like wearing my shirt that represents the club. But other than that, not really." Reference 1 - 2.96% Coverage
Janet felt that it did not matter too much about how she presented herself in her club. Janet felt that the only time it was critical to perform a certain way is when she's representing her club at events when volunteering. Janet also added how she preferred for every member of the club to be all together in meetings and not divided because they are officers.
Frontstage Performance
This concept explains a performance demonstrated by a person's actions seen by an audience. This type of performance is generally viewed in front of people. This concept was important because clubs often perform in front of an audience at events or when volunteering for school activities. My first question for this concept was, "How do you perform for your group in front of an audience?" My first interviewee Jeff answered:
"I try to maintain a knowledgeable vocabulary and a respectful tone without getting a little too crazy. And I just kind of follow the flow that they've kind of created and I feel like I'm just more of a supportive presence. When we did Trio Day, it felt that I did better the first time and then I got worse the second time because even though I had prepared and I'd done it before, it was weird to have somebody like monitor me and feel the pressure of I did it once, I should do better this time." Reference 3 - 7.33% Coverage
Jeff proceeded to talk about it being tough to perform in front of an audience because he views himself as a support system because he is often shy around people. We also talked about it being beneficial to him because it has helped him open up to others and make friends in this club. After being in the club he has been better at speaking at events for his club and has gotten a little more comfortable around unfamiliar face.
In my second interview, I asked Bernice. "How she performs in front of an audience when attending events and volunteering for her club?" Bernice had a lot to say about how she prepares to perform for her club.
"I guess it just kind of goes back in depending what setting it is because I grew up being a performer, like an actual, like entertainment performer. So I could be, you know, in that role. So I'll be like really out there and trying to entertain my audience in that setting. So like dancing or performing like singing and things like that or an audience as in like doing a presentation in class where it is a little bit more professional. So, it really depends on the people. I guess, I don't want to make it sound like, you know, like it matters so much who the people are. But in a sense it does. I'm still being me but I'm also keeping in mind that, who I am presenting to."
Reference 2 - 6.31% Coverage
Bernice is familiar when performing frontstage because she's been entertaining for many years. This is something known in her family and friends so it isn't a surprise that she can put on a performance or act. Bernice does think it is different when going to perform at an event versus having to present in front of colleagues or professors which seems to be more difficult for her.
When asking Janet the same questions about frontstage performances, her answer was completely different.
"While I'm more like back stage because I'm president of like marketing. So I'm more on social media. I don't like being in front of people. That's why I chose to be like on social media because you know, you don't really have to deal with people. Well I'll be at events but I'll be like taking pictures and then you know doing all that stuff." Reference 1 - 2.20% Coverage
After I asked the remainder of questions about performing in front of an audience, it was clear to me that she did not like performing for others. It was also apparent that when she takes photos at events is when she is in her element. She continued to say that she attended most events but was doing less interaction with people besides Kids Day where she was loud and outspoken.
Backstage Performance
In Goffman's backstage performance you are still doing work and are preparing for something, but nobody is watching you; therefore, you do not have to impress anybody. For this concept, I began with the question, "How do you perform for your group when you are not in front of your group or an audience?" followed by a few in between questions that focused on whether they were able to manage getting work done. My first interviewee Jeff said,
"I haven't had too many opportunities to do that because outside of this, outside of school in this realm, I'm just in my room or I'm at work at GameStop and a lot of my world revolves around, a lot of my separate world from my college education is separated by video games and kind of like isolation and then outgoing and community oriented support. So there's these two dualities in my life of close intimate friendships that we just play video games together and we vent and we kind of just let everything loose and at work we have to perform there. But afterwards we can shit talk it and all that fun stuff. But so I don't really have to advocate too much for my major there. Reference 3 - 6.47% Coverage
It is very evident that Jeff is not very involved in the club when he is off campus. Most times students are busy with work, homework, and have their own family and friends away from school to focus on. I agree with what he said because being a part of a club does not necessarily mean it is your whole life and have to dedicate time out of school. Jeff does mention they are in constant communication with one another when they are not on campus.
My next interviewee Bernice has an entirely different response, but this can be because she is more involved in her group because she mentions how she sets up events. For example, Bernice said,
"I'm still doing work for them because I mean like for example, if we have our group chat and stuff, so things like that. Or like if we have to prepare for an event or you have to constantly be like communicating with one another being that we work a lot better like as a team because it's not like a one person show, one person show kind of thing. Right. So, I mean about the same time like you know, we just had like spring break. So like during that time it wasn't super like stressful or anything but we were still communicating but in a more relaxed manner like making plans with one another, just being like more chill." Reference 2 - 11.56% Coverage
Bernice's involvement is critical because she helps in coordinating events aside from her actual position in this club. And not only are the events her idea, but she also contacts professors to speak at events and for members to be involved in events like Root and Rebound and Hygiene Drive. She also mentions that most club officers are involved in completing tasks when they are not on campus, they are actively in contact with one another. Over spring break, she was able to relax and mentioned that it was not too stressful.
My last interviewee Janet mentioned how she performs backstage and how it works for her best, she has still been a great part of the club when performing backstage.
"Well, I'm more relaxed because it's like I don't have to deal with anything. Like I could just work from home and like they'll send me pictures of events. Like if I didn't, if I missed an event, they'll send me a picture of it and then I'll just post it from like home. There was an event that I didn't go to. I think they had like a social, they went bowling together and I didn't go. So they were sending me like a bunch of pictures and then they would send me their own captions. So I would, you know, just post the picture and then the caption, but I wouldn't be there." Reference 1 - 4.36% Coverage
Janet is aware that her presence in the club is more at home or off-campus when she is not with her group because she manages all of the clubs' social media accounts. Janet likes that she is in charge of media because she feels comfortable and is not as nervous. By her posting events on social media; for example, Instagram, more people donate and attend events. Although, it might seem as if her involvement in the group is not as important, it is. Janet gets a lot of followers and people to attend events.
Roles
A person's role is their behavior performed, it is expected to fulfill that status. Every club member has a role to accomplish within their club. My first question about this concept is, "What are some of the roles you possess as a member of this group?" followed by if the roles they possess have been beneficial to them. My first interviewee Jeff says,
"The roles I possess, I am president of fundraising, but I haven't done anything fundraising. Like, I got the role just by raising my hand because I was originally the VP and I thought I would help. I thought it would help a leader. Yeah but that person ended up dropping out and then I got the boosted position. And then there's really not been too much guidance because we've been building this club from the ground up. So there's not too much, I just like, I'm just too busy really to like put a lot of my heart into fundraising because I go to work, I come here and then I try to help out the club. I'm too, I'm too indecisive. That's probably another bad character trait for a leader." Reference 3 - 8.90% Coverage
After this question was answered, I could easily tell that Jeff was overwhelmed by all responsibilities from work to school then to club officer duties. His presence in the club has been great as a supporter; for example, Jeff has attended every event his club has put on. Although Jeff has not been the one to come up with all the ideas for events, he has been one to show up and engage with people.
During my second interview, I asked Bernice the same exact question about the roles she possessed in the group and if they were difficult to fulfill. Bernice talked about her official title and what her officer position entails.
"So my official title is secretary. So I guess my major responsibilities is like taking minutes throughout the meeting, ensuring that you know, people are showing up. Also keeping in contact with you know, like the other officers. I'll also sometimes help president with like the agendas or just even just passing things out. Even though like it is secretary, you know or if someone does have treasure or someone does have VP, like we all kind of do a little bit of everything and I'm not so much used to that format but now I am because like it's been this way for the last few months or whatever or like since we started our club because we are brand new. I've done clubs in the past where you know, each person does have like the stricter roles and it's a little bit more structured which I found to be a little bit more organized in a way." Reference 2 - 8.30% Coverage
In Bernice's response, I immediately knew where she was coming from because her response is something that has been said by the other club officers I interviewed. Helping each other within those roles was something new to them but also not looked at negatively because it is a new club. It is interesting to see club officers have certain roles in their club while also helping each other finish their tasks in the club.
My last interviewee Janet explained how she has several roles in her club when asked about what roles she possessed.
"I have two roles. I have, I'm president of marketing and then I'm treasurer. I've been more focused on president of marketing because for the treasurer it's been more like annoying. Like we can't get things. I feel like we can't get things done and I feel like I'm always busy so I feel like I shouldn't have signed up for that. The social media one is like the most beneficial because it's easier for me to just be anywhere instead of being with a group. Like it's easier to do things from home. Like if I'm not with them." Reference 1 - 5.53% Coverage
I noticed in Janet's response that she might have been frustrated in trying to fulfill her role as treasurer because she is trying to find her own way of getting things done in the club but there is not enough time because she is graduating soon. It is a lot easier to maintain her role in marketing because she has good presence on social media and getting people to attend events which helps with donations for her department.
Statuses
A person's status is their position in the club or with other people that have the same social ties. Each person in the club has their own status. My last question in my interview was, "What is your status of the group?" and "Do you have more than one status and if so, what is it?" My first interviewee Jeff said,
"I don't know, I think I'm like a super member basically and that's the position that I want. That's the, that's the position that I've always wanted is just that support position. Originally it was the only male. Roger is really cool. He's the other male but no. I mean my role is supposed to be officer of fundraising, but I haven't done any of that. Cause my goal, my position that I wanted or that I want it to be is that super member, but I was able to do that with like this weird artificial role title that kind of everybody needs to be a part of because I don't know how the process works and I could probably ask but my position is no longer going to be real and the next one because having somebody fully responsible for fundraising is kind of weird because the process requires like a lot of multiple area knowledge that I don't possess." Reference 3 - 5.45% Coverage
Jeff explained his status through different positions he has in the club. He referred to himself as a super member several times because that was his goal, to be known in the club and have access to an area of things within the club. It gave him status and friendships. It was important to him and he was able to fully indulge himself in those positions.
My second interviewee Bernice talked about how other officers are going to take on her status being that she is graduating this semester, it is a farewell to her since this club was important to her.
"Well as of right now, we've already talked about like upcoming officers who are going to take over our positions because a lot of us are moving on like from this position. So as of right now, like I think I only have a few more weeks with this position as secretary and then other people will fulfill it. I do think it's important because you have to be organized and you have to be on top of it. It really depends too, like how next year's officers are going to take into consideration holding the leadership role. Because if you're only specifically, you know, everyone does have like their responsibilities and their only specifically doing their own responsibilities, it could be a good thing. But then if not, everyone does their responsibilities, then you kind of have to shift around and like help everyone around you, too." Reference 2 - 2.19% Coverage
Bernice did not emphasize too much about her status because her status did not matter too much, her concern was on next year's officer and how they were going to fulfill their status in their position as club officers. Bernice added that helping other offices get their jobs done is what helps them get things accomplished for their group.
My last question for my last interviewee was the exact same for my first 2 interviews, simply asking what status she has in the club. According to Janet her status is,
"Well, I feel like the only status I have is being a senior. And like when we were voting on which stoles we wanted for the club, they were like, oh which one do the seniors think of these stoles? So, I felt like I had like a higher status than the people that weren't seniors because they didn't really get to vote. Well, like when we're at a social or something, it's more like we're just friends hanging out. It's not like Oh my God, she's president, she's vice president, and we're just like just hanging out as friends and eating and doing whatever."
Reference 1 - 13.07% Coverage
Janet described her status as being able to vote for things in her club that regular members of the club cannot vote for. Other than those type of status benefits, she said everyone in her group do not see themselves as having a higher status¾all officers and members are friends with one another despite what status they might have in the group.
Agency
Agency recognizes the success of your group, the empowerment, awards and accolades received or given by your group, and the position of your group. The first quote demonstrates the club meeting held to elect new officers for the next school year. They are planning to announce the new club officers at the department picnic and on the clubs official Instagram and Snapchat.
"Midterm Election Information Session
Come learn what is on the ballot and be prepared to VOTE on Tuesday, 11/6th. Date: Thursday, November 1st, 2018. Time: 7 Pm to 8 Pm. LOCATION: FFS 211
*non-partisan session *Refreshments Provided
Hosted by the Social Justice Club
The midterm election is almost here! The Social Justice club will be hosting an information session about what is on the ballot and to prepare you to vote on Tuesday November 6, 2018. This session will be from 7pm-8pm! In FFS 211. Hope to see you all there ✔️✔️✔️ #midtermelectionsmatter #midtermelections2018
hizziebabaa: This came by quick. 16 likes"
Reference 4 - 6.18% Coverage
The flyer above was posted to remind club officers and members that elections for new officers will be held at their meeting. This will let officers know who will be taking on new positions in the club when they graduate. It also will remind people who are only members who want to be elected into the position they are running for and what responsibilities they have to fulfill in their position. The flyer had 16 likes and 1 comment by their follower.
The second source is a flyer announcing the members who were elected club officers. The officers were officially announced at the department graduation picnic.
"Congratulations to our 2019-2020
President: Natalie Jones
V.P.: Roger Meza
Treasurer: Katie Burges
Secretary: Maria Payan
Social Media: May Carter
Club Alliance: Jeffrey Brown
A huge congrats to our new officers of The Social Justice Club for Fall 2019- Spring 2020! We can't wait for you all to takeover!
44 likes
hizziebabba: Im going!"
Reference 1 - 2.25% Coverage
The officers will be taking on a huge responsibility as they are now accountable for the success of the club. The post gained 44 likes from their followers and a comment from a follower. This relates to agency because they have been rewarded and are now elected as new club officers.
The last source is a flyer on their Instagram which is allowing any student in their department to attend a trip that will allow them to not only travel but also receive school credit in one of the courses.
"Social Justice Club 150T: Trip 2nd session!
Democracy and Inequality in a Global Context of Community and Care
A study trip to Helsinki, Finland
Summer Session: May 19th – May 30th, 2019
Program Cost: $4263 (Grants of $1000 available to matriculated University Campus students)
Include: 3 units of coursework, Roundtrip Airfare from SFO to Helsinki. All lodging & ground transportation. Program leaders: Dr. Kyle Sanders – Department Professor, Dr. Kevin Clarke – Department Professor. For more information contact professors!
fssocialclub: "Second information session for our 2019 Finland Study Abroad Trip, Wednesday, December 5 in Social Science Building Room 202.
Students will receive an orientation to Finnish social welfare history, policy, and practice before leaving for Finland. Field visits to day care centers, social benefit centers, and other agencies will be arranged along with walking tours of neighborhoods and meetings with immigrant groups."
hizziebabaa: Great opportunities. 22 likes."
Reference 4 - 6.18% Coverage
This trip is beneficial to all majors because not only are students furthering their education but will also learn different practices from another country. The coursework and trip are empowering scholars to advocate for social welfare and other fundamentals of the Finland lifestyle. Professors will also be with students to help complete their coursework.
Diagnosis
This concept addresses the injustices the group is fighting for, what is wrong with the society we live in while shedding light on why social change is important. The group is solving problems that will benefit not only the community we live in but by also teaching youth about their major and why is it important to learn about it. The first example is an event that took place on campus, it was a 3-day event to bring awareness on sexual violence.
"Volunteers Needed: Take Back the Night
Take a stand against sexual violence. This event will include a candlelight vigil, a march, and a survivor speak out.
Date: October 2nd 2018 Subject: Volunteer Orientation
Date: October 9th, 2018 Subject: Poster Making Session
Date: October 10th, 2018 Subject: Take Back the Night!
Must attend the Volunteer Orientation to volunteer at Take Back The Night. All volunteer events will take place in Thomas 110 A @ 5:30 PM. Food will be served. For more information contact us at womensalliances@gmail.com or the Cross Cultural and Gender Center.
fs_socialjustice: Great opportunity to get involved in standing against sexual violence! We have a few club members attending today's volunteer orientation! Hope to see you there!
f.ca.local: The best of the best💪
hizziebabaa: The best department majors
16 likes"
Reference 3 - 5.51% Coverage
The event had a great impact with student and non-students. This event not only shed light on sexual violence that still heavily persists in our society but also to get more people talking about it. The discussion about sexual assault is one many do not have but this event created a safe space for victims and for those who are standing up against sexual assault. The post on the Instagram received 16 likes and 2 comments from their followers.
The second example for agency was an event that screened a film that would show the occurring issues of the water crisis here in California.
"Water & Power : A California Heist
January 25th Film Showing and Discussion: Water and Power, A California Heist
Public Event – by National Lawyers Guild- Central Valley Chapter and The Revue.
Hello everyone. We just wanted to let you all know that there will be an event tomorrow, Thursday January 24 at 6:00pm. "Water and Power, A California Heist." The event will take place at The Revue, 620 E. Olive Ave, Central Valley, CA 93728. Hosted by National Lawyers Guild. "Reel Justice" film series! "Each month they will present a film that highlights the intersection of social justice and the law. Screenings are free and open to the public. January's film is "Water and Power: A California Heist." This movie explores the intersection of water, power, and social justice in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
21 likes"
Reference 2 - 4.97% Coverage
The club participated and volunteered at this event because they thought it was important that audiences see the injustices occurring here in their own community. My club figured it was a great film that would illustrate intersectionality in terms of water, power, and injustice. The post on Instagram had a photo of the flyer and received 21 likes.
My last source was a post from my clubs Instagram that rallied for a transgendered woman who was murdered solely because of her sexual identification. The group felt by more people protesting it would bring justice for the victim and her family, but also speaking out and demand her murderer face the time he deserves.
"Join Us In Action! Justice for Casey Rally and Protest.
Join us in solidarity as we protest that Richard Lopez, the man arrested for Casey's murder, was allowed to take a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter and could potentially be eligible for parole in 14 years. It's important we speak out and demand that hate crimes against our transgender community members be addressed the same way they would for any other Fresnian.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22nd, 2019
5:30 PM TO 7:30 PM
Northeast Corner of Blackstone and Nees
Hosted by Trans-E-Motion
transemotion@gmail.com 559-464-5806
hizziebabba: Great Protest!
15 likes"
Reference 1 - 3.96% Coverage
There were many protesters who came to support trans rights and Casey. The club also attended the rally and spoke up against hate crimes. This further proves that the club I chose is really making great efforts to bring about social change and advocate for equality. I feel like this tied into the concept very well because it shows how much my group cares about getting justice for those who cannot stand up for themselves and also trying to promote empathy instead of hate.
Identity
This concept allows us to understand our group in terms of who they are as a campus club. We get to learn the characteristics of the group, who the individuals are in the group, and what it exactly means to be a part of the club. In familiarizing myself with the group, I have learned who they are trying to win over. My first example is the on one of the first club meetings where they tried to get as many members as possible to join.
"Hello club members,
As mentioned at our last meeting we will be collaborating with Project Rebound for the Holidays. Join us tomorrow in the Social Science Building Room 106. Everyone is welcome to attend.
When: Tuesday Novemeber 13th, 2018
Time: 2pm – 3 Pm
Where: Social Building 106
fs_justiceclub: The Social Justice Club will be collaborating with Project Rebound for the holidays! 🎄☃️🎁 There will be a meeting tomorrow in the Social Science building room 106 from 2pm to 3pm. We hope to see you there! 🤗
Hizziebabaaabba: This was so much fun
19 likes"
Reference 6 - 2.53% Coverage
This was one of the first meetings the club had for members and new members to join. Only a few months in and the group was already volunteering at several events and even holding the events. For example, they grouped with Project Rebound that serve women in their community while breaking barriers and helping them overcome obstacles. Majority of the club officers attended this event. The post had 19 likes and one comment about the event being fun.
My second source is flyer to remind members and followers about a club meeting which regularly takes place on Tuesday afternoon. I remember over hearing officers of the group saying how important it was for members to attend these meetings so they can include everyone's input for graduation stoles and club shirts.
"Join us for our next meeting
The Social Justice Club
2/26/2019
1PM – 2:30 PM
USU Rm 308
Topics will include: Grad Stoles, Kids Day, and Club T Shirts
-Mandatory meeting for those interested in club stoles, volunteering for Kids Day and helping design t-shirts.
fs_socialjusticeclub: Our next Social Justice Club meeting will be on Tuesday, February 26 at 1:00pm in USU room 308. We will be discussing graduation stoles, Kid's day volunteers, and designing our new sociology club t-shirts!!! This meeting will be mandatory for those of you interested in receiving a graduation stole, and if you are interested in volunteering with us at Kid's day! 📰🗞👦🏼👧🏽 also if you would like to discuss a t-shirt design idea or create a t-shirt design, feel free to bring it to our next meeting!! 🐾 thank you all. #graduationstoles #kidsday2019 #fssocialjustice
hizziebabaaa: Awesome. See y'all there"
22 likes
Reference 4 - 5.80% Coverage
This meeting was critical because it helped them prepare for Kids Day while also accomplishing tasks that were needed to be submitted for grad stoles and shirts. A lot of members showed up because they wanted to volunteer for Kids Day, too. It was a good way for officers to let members know that their opinion mattered and also considered their ideas for shirt designs. Kids Days represents who the club is as a whole, they try raise money not only for children but also for adults that are in need of assistance.
My last source is a flyer announcement to get student to attend a Q&A session to help them prepare for jobs, writing resumes, and interviews. This was a good way for club officers learn how the workforce is because majority of club officers are graduating.
"Get to know your sessions Q&A
Do you want to know more about The major classes offered next semester?
Do you want more information about the professors and how their classes are structured?
Join us The Social Justice Club seniors are to assist you!
All are welcome to attend!
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
April 10th and April 11th 2019
PHS ROOM 129
The club is hosting an opportunity for students to meet their seniors and attain information about sociology classes and the major. We are also open to discuss what our major is in more detail. Students who attend this will have access to the booklet "Career Success Guide" and the informative flyers that lists jobs with our major-degree (these were obtained from Janet Burdum during our Career Workshop).
16 likes"
Reference 2 - 4.61% Coverage
This helped club officers and members talk about the workforce and prepare for interviews in their job field. It was also helpful for other professors to drop in and help them with questions the club had. A lot of students learned from club officers about their major and what is was like being a Sociology major. This ties into identity because it helped others learn the characteristics of the group and the individuals.
Motivation
The concept motivation helps understand why our group does what they do and why are they doing it for. The motivation also helps them gain members in joining their group. My first source was a flyer that announced a meeting held that would benefit Valley Children's Hospital.
"Valley Children's Kids Day: A Benefit for Valley Children's Hospital
We will be signing the Kids Day waiver form at our next meeting. If you would like to volunteer for Kids Day with the Social Justice Club please feel free to attend on Tuesday, February 26th. To sign in your name. USU ROOM 308. 1-2:30 PM
fs_socialjustice: The Social Justice Club will be volunteering for Kid's Day this year & we are so excited! Anyone still interested in helping us on Kid's Day please feel free to attend our next meeting on Tuesday!! 🗞📰 #volunteersneeded
richtercenter: We're excited to have you all on board! 🌟
Hizziebaba: Very excited about this event!"
Reference 1 - 4.19% Coverage
This meeting was held for Kids Day sign up, to talk about why volunteering for this event was critical, and what the main purpose was to help and take this day seriously. Club officers and members were up at 4:30 to make sure volunteers were ready. Even though the club was not benefiting from the profit of selling newspaper, they volunteered because they knew it benefited their community and the children. The post had 2 comments from their Instagram followers.
My second source is an Instagram post and flyer on campus to let student in the department know about this event taking place that would help women and their children.
"SAVE THE DATE! Come out to the Free Speech Area Tuesday, December 4th, 2018
Donate an item. Enter to win a prize!
December 4, 2018 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Help us collect Hygiene products for our neighborhoods in need. All donations will be delivered to Central Valley Root and Rebound & Central Valley Project Rebound will be put to good use immediately for men and women who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Feminine Products, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Makeup, and Razors.
fs_socialjustice: The Social Justice club will be collaborating with the campus for justice, root & rebound and Central Valley project rebound for the holidays! We will have a table out in the free speech area on Tuesday, December 4th, 2018 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Donating an item will enter you in a raffle to win a prize! ☺️ donate any of the items listed above, anything helps! Thank you all so much! 💄🦷🧽🧼🛁🧴
19 likes"
The club put on this event because they knew it was a solution for men and women who were getting out of jail. This helped them get access to hygiene products and a raffle that would give them an opportunity to win prizes for the recipients and those who donated. This event was a success and the club received a tremendous amount of donations for the cause.
My last source is an event taken place at a Central Valley university campus for students and parents. This will help parents and students learn about the different majors at universities and what their child can do with that specific degree.
"Student Parent Resource Fair!
March 5th 2019
1-5 PM
Satellite Student Union
CALLING ALL STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN
Come connect with programs and services that provide support and services to children and families!
Come connect with programs and services that provide support and services to children and families!
We will also be recognizing the first annual Student Parent Pride Day at the university campus!
Free undergarment giveaway for students with children! While supplies last!
Mini workshops about CalFresh, money management, pregnancy rights, and more!
The Student Parent Resource Fair will take place at the Satellite Student Union on Tuesday, March 5th from 1-5pm. Amazing opportunity for all students who have children! 👧🏽👦🏼👦🏻👧🏾🧒🏻
17 likes"
The club volunteered at this event because they think it is important for more students and parents to know about their major. My club believes if there were more students majoring in their field, it would solve a lot of issues and help allow people to have a positive outlook. This could also help our society because people would be more empathetic towards one another and understand why this major is essential in understanding. This flyer announcement had 17 likes from their Instagram followers.
Prognosis
Prognosis is understanding that your group can accomplish anything. The group has the solutions and the answers to the solutions, which helps them gain members because they can solve the issues they are fighting against. My first source is a flyer announcing a conference for all undergrad majors that are interested in learning about gender and intersectionality.
"GENDER RACE AND SEXUALITY CONFERENCE – UNDERGRADUATE CONFERENCE
APRIL 26TH 2019 WOMENS STUDIES @ University Campus
Call for submissions! Open to all students doing research, writing, or creative works on gender, race & sexuality.
fs_socialjustice: The deadline is approaching fast for applying to present at this conference. If you are currently in these major courses 125, 175, and 176 doing both qualitative and quantitative research projects. This is an amazing opportunity to present your research if it crosses the themes mentioned above. Deadline to apply is
You do not have to be a Women Studies Major to apply!
Direct all inquiries about the conference to Dr. Katie Frazier
hizziebabba: This is great news
19 likes"
Reference 3 - 4.56% Coverage
This conference held on campus was critical to my club because they were able to discuss topics that are uncomfortable for many students. The Social Justice Club was able to talk about intersectionality in terms of race, gender, and sexual orientation and how that can affect one's success. They talked about explanations and answers to those solutions, what we can do from here on out to change the rhetoric about these topics. The post received 17 likes and one comment from their Instagram followers.
My second source comes from an event taken place on campus with a well-known professor from another university to discuss indigenous populations. There was not a flyer in the department on this event, but they had the flyer on social media: Instagram and Snapchat.
"Dr. Yellow Bird: Join us for a discussion on: Neurodecolonization and Mindfulness in Native American Communities!
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 Table Mountain Reading Room from 11 AM – 1 PM
Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center @ 4867 E Kings Canyon Rd Central Valley, CA 93727.
Dr. Yellowbird is a professor and Director of the Tribal Indigenous Studies program at North State University.
fs_socialjustice: Native scholar Dr. Yellowbird, Professor and Director of the Tribal Indigenous Studies program at North State University, will speak on this topic on Tuesday, Nov. 27 (two lectures/discussions): 11 am to 1 pm in the Library (3rd Floor Reading Room). 4 pm to 6 pm at the HOLISTIC CULTURAL AND EDUCATION WELLNESS CENTER (4867 E Kings Canyon Rd Central Valley, CA 93727)
Traditional Native food will be served at this free event. Everyone is welcome.
Itzzkayy: Shoot. I miss this!
14 likes" Reference 2 - 5.85% Coverage
This event was not planned by my club but simply club members and officers attended to learn about indigenous colonies and what Dr. Yellowbird had to say about the study of indigenous people. In response students were able to grasp his perspectives and resolutions surrounding debates. The post received 14 likes and one comment from the clubs Instagram followers.
My last source is a club meeting to gather up club officers and members to put on an event on campus that will help students get to network and to help them find a job after they graduate.
"Join us for a: CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Hosted by The Social Justice Club
Thursday March 21st
1:00 – 3:00 PM
University Library RM 3126
Including Janet Burdum a career counselor who specialized in FOCUS Assessments helping students find their strength. Topics at the workshop will include but not limited to: Job Searching, Resume Building, and Interviewing skills.
fssocialjusticeclub: Save the date! The Social Justice club will be hosting a career development workshop on Thursday, March 21st from 1:00pm-3:00pm in the University Library room 3126! Feel free to bring in your résumé. #socialjusticeclub #hire
hizziebabaaabba_: Will you see you there
21 likes
This was discussed at the clubs meeting because they wanted more members to attend this event. They thought it would get more members to join their club and also for existing members to network with more students at the university. With that being said club officers believe their group can accomplish anything because of their success as a club in less than a year. This post on the clubs Instagram gained 21 likes and one comment from their followers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the group I observed is set on a university campus in the Central Valley, and they allowed me to analyze them by observations and participant observation. Through observing, I was able to collect data and analyze the data by looking at sociological theories. I was able to justify the patterns I saw during observations by 5 sociological theories. Before analyzing my observation through sociological theories, I used thick description to explain what I saw in detail. The sociological theories that were apparent in my observation were frontstage/backstage performance, status/roles, and presentation of self. The computer software NVivo helped me code each theory for my overall analysis and word clouds that showed word usage in my observations.
In my research, I felt that is was important to use sources to better understand my group and their accomplishments. The flyers, social media posts, and clips helped me better grasp how clubs on campus can really benefit our society. The Social Justice Club is able to reach a small audience on their campus but during events able to address many issues we face in our society as a whole. The posts on social media outlets have helped them gain volunteers for events and benefit their community in tremendous ways. My groups' purpose is to spread their message to the people in the Central Valley. I have learned through my research, with dedication and team work a lot can be done to help those in need. I am certain that the Social Justice Club will be bigger and do great things for the community in the years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment